Question 1

What is solar power and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity that can be used throughout your home or business. During the day, your system can power your property directly, with excess energy either exported to the grid or stored in a battery if one is installed.

Question 2

How much could I save with solar?

Accepted Answer

Your savings depend on factors such as your electricity usage, system size, electricity rates and how much solar energy you use during the day. AZ Solar can review your energy usage and recommend a system designed to help reduce your reliance on grid electricity.

Question 3

How do I know what size solar system I need?

Accepted Answer

There is no single system size that suits every property. We consider your electricity usage, roof space, budget, future plans and whether you are considering battery storage before recommending a system.

Question 4

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Most Australian homes can accommodate solar, but the best layout depends on your available roof space, orientation, pitch and shading. North-facing roofs can perform very well, while east and west-facing panels can also provide excellent generation throughout the day.

Question 5

What happens to excess solar energy?

Accepted Answer

Any solar energy your home does not use can generally be exported to the electricity grid. If you have a compatible battery system, excess solar can instead be stored for use later in the day or at night.

Question 6

What happens to my solar system during a blackout?

Accepted Answer

Most standard grid-connected solar systems automatically shut down during a blackout for electrical safety. A compatible battery system with correctly configured backup functionality may continue supplying selected circuits or your home, depending on the system design.

Question 7

How long does a solar installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most standard residential solar installations can usually be completed within a day, although larger or more complex properties may require additional time. We will explain the expected installation process before work begins.

Question 8

Can I add more solar panels later?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Expansion depends on your inverter capacity, available roof space, existing equipment and electricity network requirements. If future expansion is important to you, let our team know when your system is being designed.

Question 9

What does a solar battery do?

Accepted Answer

A solar battery stores excess electricity generated by your solar system instead of immediately exporting it to the grid. That stored energy can then be used later, such as during the evening when your panels are no longer producing electricity.

Question 10

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many existing solar systems can be upgraded with battery storage. The best approach depends on your current inverter, solar capacity, switchboard and the battery you choose. AZ Solar can assess your existing setup and recommend compatible options.

Question 11

What size battery should I choose?

Accepted Answer

The right battery capacity depends on how much electricity you use, when you use it, how much excess solar your system produces and what you want the battery to achieve. We can assess your electricity usage and recommend a suitable size rather than simply installing the largest battery available.

Question 12

How long does a solar battery last?

Accepted Answer

Battery lifespan varies between manufacturers, models, usage patterns and operating conditions. Many modern home batteries are designed for years of daily cycling and commonly include long-term manufacturer warranties. Always refer to the specific product warranty for exact coverage.

Question 13

Can a battery power my home during a blackout?

Accepted Answer

Some batteries can provide backup electricity during a blackout, but this functionality needs to be supported by the equipment and included in the system design. Not every battery installation automatically provides blackout backup.

Question 14

Are home batteries safe?

Accepted Answer

Modern battery systems incorporate safety controls such as battery management systems that monitor operating conditions. Safe installation is also critical, which is why battery equipment and installation must meet relevant Australian standards and program requirements where applicable.

Question 15

Is a solar battery worth it?

Accepted Answer

For many households, battery storage can significantly increase the amount of solar energy used within the home. Whether it makes financial sense for you depends on your electricity usage, solar generation, tariffs, battery size and available incentives.

Question 16

Can I install a battery without replacing my existing solar system?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Batteries can frequently be retrofitted to existing solar installations. Depending on your equipment, the solution may involve an AC-coupled battery, compatible hybrid inverter or other system changes.

Question 17

What is the Cheaper Home Batteries Program?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides eligible households, businesses and community organisations with support towards the upfront cost of qualifying battery installations. Under the current program, eligible small-scale battery systems can receive a discount of around 30%, with the actual amount depending on factors including battery capacity and the applicable Small-scale Technology Certificates at the time of installation.

Question 18

Who can qualify for the federal battery discount?

Accepted Answer

The program supports eligible battery installations connected to new or existing solar PV (generally under 100 kW). Batteries usually need a nominal capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh, must be CEC-approved and VPP-capable, and must be installed by an SAA-accredited installer with battery endorsement. STC support applies to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity, and from 1 May 2026 the certificate factor tapers for larger batteries. Final eligibility is determined under the program rules.

Question 19

What are Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)?

Accepted Answer

STCs are part of the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Eligible solar and battery installations can create STCs, which are commonly assigned to a registered agent in exchange for an upfront reduction in the purchase price.

Question 20

Do I need to claim the STCs myself?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Most customers assign their eligible STCs to a registered agent so the value can be reflected as an upfront discount rather than having to create and trade the certificates themselves.

Question 21

Are rebates guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. Government incentives are subject to eligibility requirements, program rules and availability at the time of installation. AZ Solar can help explain which incentives may apply to your proposed system, but final eligibility is determined under the relevant government program.

Question 22

Are payment or finance options available?

Accepted Answer

Payment and finance options may be available depending on your system and circumstances. Speak with the AZ Solar team and we can explain the current options available before you proceed.

Question 23

Why choose AZ Solar?

Accepted Answer

We focus on making solar straightforward from the beginning. Our team considers your property, electricity usage, budget and future energy needs before recommending a solution. From system design and product selection through to installation and after-sales support, our goal is to provide a solar solution you can feel confident about.

Question 24

Does AZ Solar install both solar panels and batteries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. AZ Solar provides residential and commercial solar solutions as well as battery storage. We can design a complete new solar and battery system or assess options for upgrading an existing installation.

Question 25

Does AZ Solar use approved solar equipment?

Accepted Answer

We select solar panels, inverters and batteries suitable for Australian conditions and applicable installation requirements. Systems seeking eligibility under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme must use eligible components and appropriately accredited designers and installers.

Question 26

Will AZ Solar help me choose the right system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rather than recommending the same package to every customer, we look at your electricity usage, roof, available space, budget and future plans to help determine an appropriate solar or battery solution.

Question 27

What warranties come with my system?

Accepted Answer

Warranty coverage varies depending on the panels, inverter, battery and other equipment selected for your installation. Your quote and product documentation will clearly outline the applicable manufacturer and workmanship warranty information before you proceed.

Question 28

What support do I receive after installation?

Accepted Answer

Our relationship does not end once the system is installed. If you have questions about your system, monitoring, equipment or operation after installation, our team is available to help point you in the right direction.

Question 29

Do solar panels require much maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels generally require relatively little ongoing maintenance. However, panels should remain reasonably clean and the system should occasionally be inspected to ensure equipment, cabling and components remain in good condition.

Question 30

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Rain can remove some surface dust and dirt, but panels may still collect grime, leaves, bird droppings or other debris over time. Cleaning requirements will depend on your property, roof angle and local environment.

Question 31

Can I monitor how much solar my system is producing?

Accepted Answer

Most modern solar inverters and battery systems provide monitoring through an app or online portal. Depending on the equipment installed, you may be able to see solar generation, household consumption, battery charge levels and grid usage.

Question 32

Are solar panels designed for Australian weather?

Accepted Answer

Quality solar panels are designed and tested to meet applicable standards and operate outdoors for long periods. Eligible systems under Australia's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme must meet relevant product, installation and Australian/New Zealand standards.

Question 33

What should I do if my solar system stops working?

Accepted Answer

First check your monitoring app or inverter for any alerts or error messages. If you are unsure what the issue means, contact the AZ Solar team and we can help determine the appropriate next step.

Question 34

How do I get started with AZ Solar?

Accepted Answer

Simply request a free quote or speak with our team. We can discuss your electricity usage, property and goals before recommending suitable solar or battery options.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Solar Questions

Solar Batteries & Energy Storage

Rebates & Solar Incentives

Choosing AZ Solar

Installation, Monitoring & Maintenance

Still have questions?