Everything you need to know about installing solar panels in Sydney

If you're considering solar panels for your Sydney home, you're in great company! Loads of homes across New South Wales are already enjoying the benefits, and the greater Sydney area is no exception. NSW homeowners can also benefit from the nationwide STC rebate, and sometimes specific state programs for batteries, making solar an increasingly smart investment here.

But with so many options, you might be wondering: "What's the best way to go solar, and can I really get rid of my electricity bills?" At Reposit, we believe you can. Our unique "No Bill" program is designed to take the guesswork and risk out of your solar journey, guaranteeing you no electricity bills when you install a Reposit solar and battery package.

What Equipment Do I Actually Need to Go Solar in Sydney?

A complete solar power system for your home usually involves up to four main parts, each playing a crucial role:

1. Solar Panels: These are the iconic parts you see on roofs. Also called PV panels, they catch sunlight and turn it into electricity. There are different types, but a good installer will help you pick the best ones for your home, especially considering things like shade. The most important thing is to choose a company with a strong reputation that uses reputable, "Tier 1" solar panel brands. These panels are key to getting the sun's energy into your system and are the bare minimum for any solar setup.

   • How Many Solar Panels Will I Need? This depends on how much energy your home uses, the size of the panels, and how much sunlight your roof gets. Your roof's size and shape also play a role.
   • Can All Roof Types Get Solar Panels? Yes! Most common roof types in Sydney – like asphalt shingles, tiles, or steel – can have solar panels installed. The roof type might just affect the specific mounting hardware and installation process.

2. Solar Batteries: This is where the magic of storing power for later happens! Without a battery, you'll start paying for electricity from the grid as soon as the sun sets. Batteries allow you to use the surplus solar power you generate during the day, preventing it from being "wasted" if you can't use it immediately. As solar feed-in tariffs (what you get paid for sending power back to the grid) keep going down, batteries are becoming essential for truly cutting ties with high electricity bills.

3. Solar Inverters: This is one of the most vital parts of your solar system. The inverter takes the direct current (DC) electricity from your solar panels and converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity – the kind your home appliances and the electricity grid use. You'll typically have either one larger "string inverter" for your whole system or smaller "microinverters" attached to each solar panel. Inverters work hard every day, and your entire system relies on them to function.

4. Smart Controllers: These are the "brains" of a modern solar and battery system. While not all solar installers use them, smart controllers like Reposit's automate the whole energy management process. They monitor your solar production, your home's energy use, and even electricity market prices. This allows them to decide when to store energy, when to use it, and when to sell it back to the grid for the best return – without you having to lift a finger. We're proud to have been the first company in Australia to develop a smart controller, as we knew it was key to making solar simpler and more effective for everyone.

How Much Electricity Can My Solar Panels Actually Generate in Sydney?

Australia is one of the sunniest places on Earth, and Sydney definitely gets its share of sunshine! This is a big reason why Australia is a world leader in solar adoption.

The amount of power your home can produce will vary based on your specific setup. While Sydney experiences its share of varying weather conditions throughout the year, a good solar system (especially with battery storage) can still capture a lot of energy, helping you spread your power generation evenly.

On average, a typical Sydney home gets about 4.5 to 4.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of sunshine per square metre each day ([Source: Bureau of Meteorology solar exposure data or PVWatts calculator for Sydney]). Your solar system won't capture 100% of this, as some energy is lost in the conversion process.

However, with the right system – including the right number of solar panels and batteries for your property – you should be able to produce enough power to cover your typical household energy consumption.

Here are some average daily output estimates for homes in areas like Sydney:

• 10kWh for a 3kW system
• 17kWh for a 5kW system
• 24kWh for a 7kW system
• 35kWh for a 10kW system

These are averages, and your actual output might be a bit higher or lower depending on your exact setup. If you'd like a professional opinion from a solar engineer to see how Reposit's system can offset your household's electricity usage, just reach out. We offer free virtual site inspections for eligible homes interested in our "No Bill" product, with no obligation.

What Government Rebates and Incentives Can I Get for Solar in New South Wales?

Great news for NSW homeowners, including those in Sydney! There are government programs designed to help you save money on your solar system:

• Nationwide STC Rebate: This is the most common rebate. You might qualify for the federal Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate. This helps reduce the upfront cost of your solar system. The exact value of this federal rebate depends on the specifics of your solar system and where your home is located.
• NSW Empowering Homes Program (for Batteries): NSW has offered programs specifically for batteries. For example, the Empowering Homes Program previously offered interest-free loans for solar battery systems to eligible homeowners. Important: Rebate and loan programs are not permanent. They can change or rotate out without much warning, so if you're interested, it's always best to check the latest details and act sooner rather than later ([Source: NSW Government websites, e.g., Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water or NSW Planning Portal]).

Who is Eligible for these Programs? Eligibility criteria can vary, but generally, you might be eligible if:

• You own an existing property or a home that's being built in NSW.
• There are household income requirements (e.g., less than $180,000 per year combined taxable income for Empowering Homes).
• Your property meets certain value limits (e.g., less than $3 million for Empowering Homes).
• You meet specific criteria regarding existing solar systems or previous rebates received at the address.

Always check the latest government websites for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements.

How Do I Choose the Best Solar Installer in Sydney? What Should I Look For?

With so many solar installation companies, it can be tough to know who to trust. At the end of the day, it's crucial to do your own research. Talk to a few companies, compare what they offer, and most importantly, understand the security and reliability of their deal. Here are a few key things to consider when comparing solar installation companies:

1. Credibility:

   • Check if the company is listed as a Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Solar Retailer. This is an industry-backed program that sets high standards for customer service and quality.
   • Look beyond what the company says about itself. What are independent sources saying? Reading reviews on platforms like Google can give you a good sense of their reputation.

2. Confidence in Their Product (and Workmanship):

   • Always ask about their workmanship warranty. This is how long they guarantee to fix any issues with the installation itself, not just the individual parts. For example, at Reposit, our solar panels come with a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer, but our workmanship warranty is a strong 10 years. This means for a decade, you can call us, and we'll come fix your solar system if there's an installation problem. A great product warranty doesn't help much if you're stuck paying high labour and call-out costs for a faulty installation!

3. Time in Business:

   • Make sure the company has been around for a long time under the same business name. Unfortunately, some solar companies pop up for a few years to take advantage of rebates, then close down, leaving customers without support. Choosing a company with a long history shows stability.

4. Tailored Solutions:

   • A good solar company should show a real interest in your specific home and how much energy your household uses. They shouldn't just try to sell you a standard package; they should ask lots of questions to figure out the best fit for you. Getting setup properly is complicated, and a tailored approach is essential.

5. The Right Team Behind Them:

   • Ensure there's an expert like an engineer involved in designing your system, not just a salesperson.
   • It's vitally important that the solar company you choose provides customer service right here in Australia. If you have an issue, you want to talk to someone who understands the local context and can help quickly.

When in doubt, choose a safe investment over a quick-fix. If you have friends or family with solar panels, ask them what they wish they'd known when they first got started!

Why Do Solar Quotes Vary So Much? What's the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Solar?

If you've started getting quotes for solar installation in Sydney, you might be surprised by how different the prices can be. How can the same request lead to such a wide range of costs?

The reason is simple: a solar installation company can cut costs in a few key areas, and those savings usually get passed on to you in the final price. However, these "savings" can often lead to bigger costs down the line. These areas include:

• Quality of Technology: This covers the solar panels, inverters, and batteries. Lower-grade equipment might be cheaper upfront but could fail sooner, perform less efficiently, or have shorter warranties.
• Quality of Installation Team: Cheaper quotes might mean less experienced or less qualified installers. Poor installation can lead to problems with performance, safety, and even damage to your roof.
• Parts Configuration: Some companies might leave out crucial components, like a solar battery, to offer a lower price. While this reduces the initial cost, it limits your savings and energy independence significantly.
• Workmanship Warranty vs. Parts Warranty: As we discussed, a good workmanship warranty (for the installation itself) is critical. Cheaper quotes might only offer a short workmanship warranty, leaving you to pay for labour if something goes wrong.
• Aftercare and Maintenance: Some companies offer little to no ongoing support or maintenance after installation. Quality providers ensure you have a reliable Australian support team to help if equipment is faulty or other problems arise.
• "Smart" Components: Systems without smart controllers or advanced optimization features might be cheaper, but they won't maximize your savings or allow you to participate in profitable energy markets.

All these areas are important, especially if you're new to solar. Mistakes can be expensive, and this concern can put many people off. We believe it's essential to engage with solar companies you trust and who have a good reputation. When in doubt, choose a safe, quality investment over a quick-fix "bargain" that could cost you more in the long run.

Is Investing in Solar Panels and Batteries Truly Worth It in Sydney?

You're wondering if solar panels and batteries are a good idea financially for your Sydney home. The simple answer is: almost always, yes! In fact, saving money is the number one reason Australians get solar for their homes ([Source: CSIRO Energise Insight, 2019]). Here's why it usually makes financial sense:

• From Renting to Owning Your Electricity: Think of it like this: when you pay an electricity company every month, you're essentially renting electricity. That money is gone forever, with no return. When you invest in a solar system, even if you use a financing solution, you're redirecting that money into your own asset – your solar panels and batteries. In the end, you own something valuable, much like paying off a house instead of renting.
• Adds Value to Your Property: Solar panels and batteries actually increase the value of your home. It's much easier to sell a house for a premium when it comes with little to no ongoing electricity bills. Realestate.com.au found that the vast majority of Australians see solar panels as increasing property values.
• Years of Free Electricity: Once you've paid off your solar panels and batteries (which can happen in just a few years), your electricity is essentially free! This is where you really start seeing the amazing return on your investment. No more "dead money" going into buying electricity off the grid.
  
  

Beyond Your Bills: How Does Your Solar System Help the Planet and Australia?

While the huge financial benefits of solar power are often the main driver, it's important to remember that you'll also be making a massive difference to the environment and even to Australia's energy independence.

• Helping the Environment: When you install solar panels, you're drastically reducing your carbon footprint. Instead of powering your home with electricity generated from fossil fuels (like coal, gas, and oil – which are also running out), you're using clean, renewable energy from the sun. Burning fossil fuels is the biggest cause of greenhouse gases, which speed up climate change. Going solar means you're actively doing your part to combat global warming, and that impact grows bigger every year!
• Helping Australia's Energy Future: By relying less on fossil fuels, you're directly helping Australia reduce its dependence on coal, gas, and oil to produce energy. This also means we rely less on international markets for these energy sources, which can be unstable. Instead, you're helping to redirect those savings and investments back into the Australian economy and towards building a more sustainable, independent energy future for our country.

How Does Reposit's "No Bill" Program Actually Work?

Solar power is exciting, but we know it can seem complicated from the outside. Our "No Bill" program is designed for people who want to switch to clean, free energy without the usual headaches. Here's what "No Bill" customers enjoy:

• A Guarantee of No Electricity Bills: Yes, really! We guarantee your electricity bills will be $0. We work closely with you to set your energy "quota" to 120% of what you currently use, so you can enjoy guilt-free clean energy without worrying about going over.
• We Handle the Energy Trading for You: Imagine actively buying and selling energy on the electricity market to make money. Sounds complicated, right? That's what Reposit does for you! We combine the power from all our "No Bill" members' batteries to enter bigger, more profitable energy markets that individual homes can't reach. Our experts handle all the trading, and we use the money we earn to pay your energy bills and cover our running costs. Simple!
• No System Maintenance for You: Your time is valuable. That's why Reposit manages all the maintenance for your solar and battery system, covering both the hardware and any labour costs. You just enjoy the savings and the clean energy.
• Future-Proof Smart Technology: At the heart of our "No Bill" program is the patented Reposit smart controller. This intelligent "brain" constantly receives updates, adapting to new technologies. This means your system is always working at its best, so you never get left behind as the energy world changes.