Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using special cells called photovoltaic cells. When sunlight hits these cells, they generate electricity.

An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, such as that generated by solar panels, into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is the standard form of electricity used in homes and businesses.

The grid refers to the interconnected system of power lines, substations, and infrastructure that facilitates the transmission and distribution of electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and other end consumers.

This is a question that’s asked a lot!

There are several factors to think about:

1. Energy Usage: A larger household with higher energy needs usually notices a greater reduction in savings than a smaller household.

2. Energy Efficiency:  The energy efficiency of each household varies greatly. Is your home well insulated? Are you using energy-efficient whiteware appliances, hot water heating and central heating? Efficient systems reduce power usage, enhancing solar savings.

3. Change in User Behaviour: If you plan to keep your house warmer than before, account for the increased energy usage. Balancing comfort with energy savings is essential.

Remember, each households situation is unique and we can cover it further in our consultation process.

Yes you will.

Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate electricity, so they still work on cloudy days. However, their efficiency decreases compared to full sunshine. This reduction depends on the extent and density of the clouds.

• Cost Savings: Solar power can significantly reduce electricity bills over time by generating free, renewable energy from sunlight.

• Environmental Impact: Solar power produces clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions, thus mitigating environmental impact

• Energy Independence: Solar panels empower homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid.

• Long-Term Investment: Installing solar panels can add value to homes and offers long-term savings, making it a financially savvy investment for the future.

All houses are suitable for solar but several factors determine the optimum generation for solar power.

• Roof orientation and tilt angle

• Shading from obstructions like trees & buildings.

• Roof condition and space for panels.

Smart Solar is able to come out to your house and complete a free assessment.

Click here to fill out the form and we will be in touch shortly.

Most of the electricity retailers pay you a “feed-in tariff” for any solar generated electricity you send back to the grid.

Each retailer has a different rate so it pays to shop around.

You can check out the current rates here and here.

You don’t need a battery for solar power, but it can be useful.

When a solar power solution has a battery, it stores excess generated energy in the battery first. Once the battery is topped up, the excess energy is then exported to the mains grid to provide solar buy backs.

The main reasons people invest in batteries is:

Rural Power Outages: In remote areas, where grid access is limited or unreliable, solar batteries play a crucial role. The stored excess energy ensures a stable power supply even when the grid fails.

Critical Equipment: Solar batteries provide energy security for critical home-based equipment such as medical equipment and agricultural ventilation etc. During power outages, these batteries can keep these devices operational.

Peak Power Reduction: During peak demand hours (usually Monday to Friday: 7.00am-11.00am; 5.00pm-9.00pm), solar batteries enable homeowners to use stored energy instead of relying solely on the grid. By charging during sunlight hours for the evening peak period, and overnight during the lower night rate for the morning peak period, batteries help reduce peak electricity costs.

Currently a 5.0kWh battery is around the $6.8k, the cost of the battery depends on the size of the battery, anywhere between $6.8k to $30k.

Yes, Smart Solar can design your solar solution with a 10A Emergency Power Socket.

This socket only activates when the mains grid stops. That means all current solar generated energy is redirected to this one socket to keep necessary appliances working during the day.

Note: This emergency power is subject to available UV light and weather conditions and does not work at dusk or night.

The cost of solar panels depends on the system size, panel efficiency, and installation complexity.

On average, residential solar panel systems cost between $8000-$15000 for systems without batteries.

Yes, you are installing an asset so your property value will increase to reflect this.