Across Australia, more and more homeowners are turning to renewable energy solutions like solar panels, batteries, and inverters. Installing solar has become a practical response to rising energy costs and growing concerns about sustainability, especially for those who are new to the property market.
What was once seen as a nice “eco-friendly” option has now become the mainstream long-term investment offering increased revenue and low-impact living. Why, even local councils have decided to make the switch to solar!
But is solar the right solution for you and your property? There is a lot to know before one can make an informed decision.
Going green can be as simple as following these four steps! Here is everything you need to know about securing a complete solar solution for your home.
Step 1: Understand Solar Batteries and Energy Storage
It is important to understand what people mean by a complete solar solution, including knowing what solar panels and solar batteries are, as well as how they work together to maximise the value of your system. A solar solution is a solar system, generally comprising some rooftop solar panels and a solar battery inverter.
While solar panels generate electricity during sunny daylight hours, a battery system allows homeowners to store excess energy for use later in the day, particularly during evenings when electricity demand is higher, and grid power is more expensive. Battery technology has advanced rapidly, with lithium-ion batteries like Fronius Solar inverters being some of the most popular choices for residential solar systems.
It is important that homeowners choose a high-quality solar panel and battery system that provides minimal energy loss and maximum output. This ability to store and reuse energy significantly increases self-consumption and helps reduce overreliance on energy retailers and expensive fossil fuels, which is ultimately how people will save money over time.
Pro Tip!
To get more bang for your buck, be sure to find a reputable, local solar provider to help install and regularly service your brand-new Fronius solar batteries. They will provide expert advice, transparent installation, and speedy repairs and maintenance when needed most.
Step 2: Assess Your Home’s Solar Readiness
Now, before committing to new solar, assessing your home’s readiness is a crucial step in securing a complete and effective installation. Not every home is built the same, and factors such as roof orientation, size, and shading can all play a major role in solar system performance.
North-facing roofs generally produce the highest levels of solar output in most parts of Australia, but roofs facing East and West can also be effective when systems are designed to correctly accommodate the direction of the sun. Shading from nearby trees and neighbouring buildings should also be evaluated carefully to avoid reduced efficiency.
The structural condition of your roof is another important consideration to be aware of. Solar systems are designed to last for decades, so installing panels onto a roof that may need repairs or replacement in the near future will lead to unnecessary costs later on.
Ensuring your roof is in good condition before installation helps protect your immediate investment and simplifies future maintenance and repair work.
Pro tip!
You should also take into consideration your property’s current and future energy needs. The growing popularity of electric vehicles, home offices, pool pumps, and energy-intensive appliances means many households will require more power over time. Will you potentially be upgrading to any of these solutions as well?
Step 3: Explore Government Rebates and Incentives
Thanks to a plethora of state and federal government rebates and incentives, installing solar has never been easier or cheaper. When combined, schemes and feed-in tariffs can dramatically reduce the overall cost of installing a new solar system on a property.
At the federal level, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides financial support through Small-scale Technology Certificates, or STCs. These certificates reduce the upfront cost of installing solar systems and are typically applied as a discount at the time of purchase.
Additionally, many states and territories offer their own solar and battery rebates, like Victoria’s ongoing solar panel rebate. These incentives vary by location and eligibility criteria, but they can significantly reduce the cost of adding battery storage or upgrading system capacity.
Exploring and staying informed about current government programs will ensure homeowners don’t miss out on valuable savings and new opportunities to upgrade.
Step 4: Installation, Monitoring, and Ongoing Maintenance
Once the planning and approvals have been completed and you’ve booked in with a reputable solar installer, the installation process is usually pretty straightforward. Most residential solar installations are completed within one to two days, depending on the size and the complexity of the job.
On the day, installers will physically mount the panels to your roof, connect the inverter and battery system, and then integrate everything with the home’s electrical system. After installation, your installer will generally perform a system test to ensure everything is operating safely and efficiently.
Many solar systems provide alerts and performance reports through mobile apps or online dashboards. Monitoring software allows homeowners to track their energy production, battery storage levels, and electricity usage in real time, unlike other energy retail suppliers.
This transparency empowers households to better understand their energy habits and adjust usage to maximise solar benefits.
Pro tip!
While it is true that most solar systems usually require minimal maintenance, periodic servicing can help extend their lifespan. Keeping your rooftop panels clean and performing regular servicing of your inverters and batteries will help maintain peak efficiency for years to come.
Taking the Next Step Towards a Greener Home
Have you decided to go green and install a solar solution on your home? Then, congratulations! You have taken one big step towards a more sustainable and financially rewarding investment!
By going green and generating clean, renewable energy at home, you can reduce your property’s environmental footprint while maintaining your own comfort and convenience. Making informed decisions is essential when securing a complete solar installation for your residential property.
For the best results, we recommend you always refer to experienced solar professionals while exploring all your options. A customised approach will ensure your solar system is designed specifically for your property, lifestyle, and future energy goals, setting you on a confident path toward a greener, more energy-independent home.
