Thirty things people actually ask

Yes, though at reduced output. Panels respond to daylight rather than direct sun alone, so they still generate on overcast days — just less than under clear skies. Output also varies with the season and the time of day.

In the southern hemisphere the sun tracks across the northern sky, so a north-facing roof captures the most sunlight across the day. East and west orientations still work and can suit certain usage patterns, but north is generally the strongest single direction.

A kilowatt (kW) measures power — the rate at which energy is produced or used at a moment in time. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) measures energy over time. A system's size is given in kW; your bill counts energy in kWh.

Not on its own. A grid-connected system without storage still draws power at night and when generation is low. True independence requires storage and careful design, and even then most homes stay connected for reliability.

Panels are long-lived and typically carry performance warranties spanning decades, with output tapering very gradually over time. Other components — the inverter in particular — may need attention sooner than the panels themselves.

Key factors include orientation, pitch, available unshaded area, and the condition and material of the roof. A roof needing replacement soon is worth addressing first, since removing and refitting panels later is costly.

It can matter more than people expect. Shade falling across panels during peak generation hours — from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings — can reduce output noticeably. System design can mitigate some shading, but not all.

Most common roof types can accommodate solar, but the mounting approach and complexity differ between tile, metal and other materials. An accredited installer assesses what's appropriate for your specific roof.

East-west systems are common and can work well, particularly for households that use energy in the morning and evening rather than midday. The output profile is flatter than a north-facing system rather than peaking sharply at noon.

Yes, though usually modestly. There's an optimal tilt for any location, but most typical roof pitches perform within a reasonable range of it. Orientation and shading generally matter more than small differences in pitch.

Rarely entirely. A fixed daily supply charge applies regardless of usage, and most homes still draw some grid power at night or during peak periods. Solar reduces a bill rather than guaranteeing it reaches zero.

It's the credit you receive for surplus solar energy exported to the grid. Rates vary by retailer and plan and have generally declined as daytime solar has become plentiful. Using your own generation directly is often more valuable than exporting it.

Because both generation and usage shift with the seasons. Summer typically brings stronger production and different usage than winter. Some seasonal variation in your bills is entirely normal.

For most households, using your own solar directly tends to be more valuable, because the rate you pay to import energy is usually higher than the feed-in credit you earn for exporting. Shifting some usage into sunlight hours can help.

No. We're an independent education platform. We don't sell systems, generate quotes, pass on your details or promise specific savings. We explain how things work so you can have better-informed conversations elsewhere.

Not necessarily. Many households benefit from solar without storage, especially if they use energy during the day. A battery suits some situations and not others — it's a question of fit, not a default add-on.

Self-consumption means using more of your own solar across a normal day. Backup means keeping power flowing during a grid outage. They're different goals, and not every battery setup provides backup.

Batteries degrade gradually with use and age, which is why warranties are framed around both years and retained capacity. It's sensible to think across the battery's whole expected life rather than its first months.

Modern batteries are built to recognised standards, but they're significant electrical equipment. Safe installation by accredited professionals, correct placement and clear isolation points all matter. Always treat unusual heat or smell as a reason to call a professional.

Often yes, and many households start with solar and consider storage afterwards. How straightforward it is depends on your existing system and setup, so it's worth raising the possibility early if you think you'll want one.

Useful questions cover accreditation, workmanship and product warranties, the specific components proposed, what happens after installation, and the assumptions behind any performance or savings figures. Our guides cover this in detail.

Look past the headline figure to the assumptions underneath — the components, the warranties, the usage and generation estimates, and what's included versus extra. Two proposals are only comparable once you understand what each is really offering.

Look for current, recognised industry accreditation appropriate to the work, and confirm it independently rather than taking it on trust. Accreditation requirements can change, so check the current standard.

Generally very little. Rain handles most cleaning, and the main owner task is occasional monitoring to confirm output looks sensible. Anything involving the roof, wiring or inverter should be left to a professional.

Keep installation and compliance paperwork, component warranties, your installer's contact details, servicing history, and monitoring login details. Good records make warranty and servicing conversations far easier later.

Because incentives change frequently and vary by state, a figure here would quickly become misleading. We explain how schemes work and point you to official, current sources for the numbers that apply to you.

Support comes from a mix of federal mechanisms and state or territory programs, and the latter reflect local policy, budgets and energy priorities. That's why what applies in one state may not apply in another.

Yes — they're designed to taper and adjust as technology becomes cheaper and uptake grows. Timing and current detail matter, and information that was accurate last year may be out of date now.

Official government and regulator sources are the most dependable, and it's wise to verify anything an installer tells you against them. Treat advertised figures as something to confirm rather than rely on.

Treat strong claims with healthy scepticism, particularly where someone benefits from a sale. Cross-check against independent and official sources, and favour explanations that acknowledge nuance over those promising a single simple answer.