FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we get asked most.
Solar
Solar panels and systems
Sizing, brands, exports and what to expect.
How much will solar actually save me?
It depends on how much power you use, when you use it, your roof and your tariff. That’s why we start with your bills rather than a package. Send us a recent one and we’ll show you the numbers for your home.
What size system do I need?
The right size comes from your power bills, your roof, and what’s coming next, like an electric car, a battery or a heat pump hot water system. Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized system can cost more than it will ever pay back, so we size it to how you actually use power.
Which panels and inverters do you use?
We regularly install panels from Aiko and inverters and batteries from GoodWe, Sigenergy, Fronius, FoxESS, Tesla and BYD. We only recommend products we’d put on our own homes, and we’ll explain why we’ve chosen what’s in your quote.
Is my roof suitable for solar?
Most Adelaide roofs are. North-facing is ideal, but east and west roofs work well too, especially if you use a lot of power in the morning or late afternoon. Shade, roof condition and space matter more than direction. We check all of that before we quote.
Why can't I send all my solar back to the grid?
In South Australia, SA Power Networks sets how much solar each home can export. Most new systems can use Flexible Exports, which allows up to 10kW per phase when the local network has room, and drops back when it’s busy. We set this up for you and explain what it means for your system.
Will my solar work in a blackout?
Not on its own. Standard solar systems switch off during a blackout so they don’t send power into the lines while crews are working on them. If you want power during an outage, you need a battery set up for backup. Ask us and we’ll explain the options.
How long do solar panels last?
Quality panels usually come with a 25-year performance warranty and keep working well beyond that. Inverters typically carry 5 to 10 years of manufacturer warranty. On top of the product warranties, all our work comes with our 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Very little. Rain does most of the cleaning, and there are no moving parts. Your monitoring app shows how the system is performing, so if output drops unexpectedly, give us a call and we’ll take a look.
Batteries
Home batteries
Whether one suits you, sizing and blackouts.
Is a battery worth it for my home?
For households that use a lot of power in the evening, often yes. For others, not yet. We’ll look at your usage and tell you honestly which group you’re in.
What size battery do I need?
It depends on how much power you use after the sun goes down, and how much solar you have to charge it. The government discount is highest per kWh on the first 14kWh of capacity, so we size your battery to your usage rather than just going as big as possible.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar?
Usually, yes. Depending on your current inverter, we either connect the battery alongside it or replace the inverter with a hybrid one that runs both. We check your existing system before quoting, so there are no surprises.
Will a battery keep my power on in a blackout?
Only if it’s set up for backup, and not every battery installation includes it by default. Backup can cover essential circuits like lights, the fridge and internet, or more of the house depending on the system. If backup matters to you, tell us early and we’ll design around it.
What's a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), and should I join one?
A VPP is a program run by an energy retailer or battery company that uses a group of home batteries to support the grid at busy times. In return you get credits or a better rate. Some are a good deal and some aren’t, depending on how much of your battery they can use. We’ll help you read the fine print.
Rebates & Finance
Rebates and finance
Government discounts and paying over time.
Is there a rebate for solar?
Yes. Under the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, most home and small business solar systems earn certificates (STCs) that come straight off the price. The amount depends on system size and when it’s installed, and it reduces each year until the scheme ends in 2030. You need an SAA-accredited installer to claim it, and we are one.
Is there a rebate for batteries?
Yes. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program gives homeowners and small businesses a discount on the upfront cost of a battery. The battery must be connected to solar (new or existing), be able to join a VPP (you don’t have to join one), and be installed by an SAA-accredited installer. The discount reduces every six months until 2030, and larger batteries get less for each kWh over 14kWh. We take it off your quote upfront, so there’s nothing to claim yourself.
Do you offer finance?
Yes. Through Plenti we offer flexible terms, and it’s often possible to get your system installed with no upfront payment.
How do I know the rebate is included in my quote?
Your quote shows the government discount as its own line, so you can see the full price, the discount, and what you pay.
Installation & Support
Installation and support
How it works, who does it, and after-care.
How does the process work?
- Send us a recent power bill and tell us what you’re after.
- We visit your home or business for free, look at your usage, and design a system that suits.
- You get a clear quote showing the numbers.
- Our team installs it.
- We handle the paperwork with SA Power Networks and the rebate.
- We show you how to use and monitor it, and we’re a phone call away after that.
Is the site visit free?
Yes. There’s no charge for a site visit to scope your job and prepare your quote.
What happens if something goes wrong after install?
You call us. Our workmanship comes with a 10-year guarantee, and we’re a local team that’s been here since 2015, so there’s always someone to pick up the phone. For product faults, we deal with the manufacturer for you.
How long does installation take?
Most home solar systems are installed in a day, and batteries usually take a day as well. Larger or more complex jobs can take longer, and we’ll tell you upfront.
How soon can you install?
As quickly as our schedule allows. Wait times vary with the season and busy periods, so we’ll give you a realistic date when you go ahead.
Who does the installation? Do you use subcontractors?
Your system is installed by our own team of licensed electricians and apprentices, not subcontractors. You can meet every one of them on our About page, and every member of our install crew holds a current first aid certificate.
Are you licensed, accredited and insured?
Yes. We’re licensed electricians and hold SAA (Solar Accreditation Australia) accreditation to design and install grid-connected solar and battery systems. We’re also fully insured.
Do you handle the paperwork?
Yes, all of it: the connection application with SA Power Networks, the government rebate, and your electrical Certificate of Compliance. You don’t need to chase anything.
What areas do you cover?
We’re based in Lonsdale and work across metropolitan Adelaide, and we also take on jobs outside the metro area. Just ask.
Electrical, EV & More
Electrical, EV and more
Everything else we do around the home.
Do you do general electrical work?
Yes. Our licensed electricians handle fault finding, rewiring, switchboard upgrades, lighting, power points and home automation, for homes and businesses.
Will I need a switchboard upgrade?
Sometimes. Older switchboards with ceramic fuses, or without safety switches (RCDs), may need upgrading before solar or a battery can be connected safely. We check on our visit and include it in your quote if it’s needed, so it’s never a surprise on install day.
Can you install an EV charger?
Yes. We install home and business EV chargers. With the right charger, your car can charge from spare solar during the day instead of from the grid.
Do you install air conditioning?
Yes. We supply and install split system air conditioners. Paired with solar, it’s one of the cheapest ways to heat and cool your home.
Do you install heat pump hot water?
Yes. A heat pump uses far less power than an old electric hot water system, and it can be set to run during the day on your solar.
Business
For businesses
Commercial solar and electrical.
Do you work with businesses?
Yes. We design and install commercial solar for factories, warehouses, workshops and wineries, and handle ongoing electrical work such as test and tag.
How big a system can you install?
Can businesses get the battery discount?
Yes. Small businesses can use the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, under the same rules as homes. Ask us whether your site qualifies.
Is solar worth it for a business?
Often more than for a home. Businesses use most of their power during the day, when solar is producing, so more of it goes straight into running the business instead of being exported. We’ll model it from your bills and show you the payback.
Get started
Let's look at your power bills together.
Send us a recent bill and we’ll tell you honestly what makes sense for your home or business, even if that’s nothing yet.