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Frequently asked questions



Solar panels and inverters


  • How do solar panels work?

    A solar Photovoltaic (PV) system uses solar panels to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted by an inverter to alternating current (AC) electricity, for use in the home. The power produced by the system will always be used by your home first, before any excess is sold to your retailer.

    Click on the numbers to see how the sun is converted into energy.

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  • What is a solar inverter and how does it work?

    A solar inverter converts the energy created by your solar panels into a useable form of energy for your household or workplace.

    Your solar panels produce direct current (DC). An inverter transforms DC into alternating current (AC). Your home appliances run on AC, not DC, so the solar inverter ensures your power is in a usable form.

  • Will solar panels work on cloudy days?

    Yes, solar panels can still produce electricity on cloudy days. The solar panels we use are designed to perform well in low light conditions.  

    If there’s not enough sunlight to produce energy for your whole home, you’ll use some grid power. If you have a solar battery installed, you can use stored solar energy to power your home.

  • Will solar panels produce electricity at night?

    Solar panels won't draw power at night time, so you'll be using grid power during the night unless you have battery storage. A battery will store the excess power generated throughout the day, making it available for use at night.

  • What is a Tier 1 panel?

    A Tier 1 panel is a quality panel made by a reputable, accredited manufacturer who owns their own manufacturing facility, and has been in business for more than 5 years.

Solar batteries


  • How do solar batteries work?

    A solar battery stores your excess solar power for use at night, in cloudy weather or during a blackout.

    Your solar energy powers the appliances in your home, then directs any excess energy to the battery inverter. The battery inverter converts energy into a storable form and stores it in the solar battery for use at night or when there’s limited sunlight.

    When there’s not enough sunlight to power your home, your household switches to stored battery energy. The battery sends energy to the battery inverter, converting it into a usable form before sending it to your appliances.

    If your battery’s energy store runs out, grid power will kick in to provide energy to your home.

  • Can I add a battery to an existing system?

    Yes, but this depends on a number of factors, including the age of your current system and the version of the electrical standards it was installed to. A site inspection will be needed to determine the complexity and cost.

  • Will the battery provide backup power in case of a blackout?

    Yes, if your battery has power stored.

    We install our batteries with blackout protection, meaning that if your battery has stored energy available, it will automatically provide backup power in a blackout. However, the number of appliances you can run depends on the battery. If your battery isn't able to provide backup power to the entire house, we’ll work with you during installation to prioritise your critical circuits, so that emergency power is directed to these first.


General


  • What size solar system will I need?

    Your recommended solar system size will depend on many factors. This includes your energy habits, roof space, and your budget. Our solar experts will help find a system size that works best for your needs. We'll also ask about your future plans so we can take these into account when discussing your solar needs.

  • How much can solar save me on my energy bill?

    While this will vary for each home, it’s clear that solar delivers substantial savings on energy bills. To get an estimate on how much you can save, request a quote from our energy experts.

    Based on our sums, a home using an average of 15kWh of electricity per day with a 6.6kW solar system installed, will spend about $1700 less on energy bills per year.

    In this case, a solar system will pay for itself in 3 to 3.5 years.

  • What happens to the power I don't use?

    If you have battery storage, your power will be stored for use at night, or when there's limited sunlight, and in case of a blackout.

    If you don't have a home battery, your power will be sent back to the electricity grid. You may receive a payment called a solar feed-in tariff for your unused energy sent to the grid. This will appear as a credit on your power bill.

  • What is a solar feed-in tariff?

    A feed-in tariff is a payment you may receive for any unused energy generated by your solar panels.

    When your solar panels create more power than you'll use in your home, the leftover energy is sent back into the electricity grid. You'll receive a payment at a set rate per kilowatt hour (p/kWh), based on how much energy is sent back to the grid.

    Your solar feed-in tariff will appear as a credit on your electricity bill and will be paid to you by your electricity provider.

  • How does energy monitoring work?

    We'll help you track your energy with a real-time online monitoring system that compares your energy production from your new solar system with your energy usage. You’ll be able to monitor your energy usage and real-time spend rate, helping to eliminate bill shock.


Installation


  • How long does solar installation take?

    Solar installation is usually scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after you’ve accepted your quote and paid a deposit, on a convenient day for you. 

  • What are the steps to getting a solar system installed?

    1. Consultation

    Complete our online form or call 8202 8078 to set up a 30-minute, no-obligation consultation. We’ll provide you with a tailored quote and give you an expected return on investment.

    2. Payment

    Choose how you’ll pay for your system – either upfront or via an interest free payment plan for 12 or 24 months. Payment plan financing is provided by Plenti.*

    3. Site inspection

    One of our expert technicians will visit your home to complete an inspection. Following the inspection, we’ll advise you of any variations to the original quote. If the quote changes, you can choose to cancel your purchase and we’ll refund your deposit.

    4. Installation

    We can install your system around 4-6 weeks after the site inspection. We’ll also speak to your energy retailer to arrange installation of a smart meter.

    5. Switch on your system

    Start enjoying the benefits of the sun’s energy.

     

    ²Consumer customers only. All applications for credit are subject to Plenti's approval. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Credit provided by Plenti Finance Pty Limited ACN 636 759 861 (supported by its servicer, Plenti RE Limited ACN 166 646 635 Australian credit licence 449176). Both Plenti RE and Plenti Finance are members of the Australian Complaints Authority (AFCA).  

    See full RAA solar terms and conditions (PDF, 242KB).

  • Do I need to replace my meter?

    If you've got a basic meter, you'll need to switch to a smart meter when your solar system is installed. If you've got an existing smart meter, you'll need it configured ready for solar.

    Once we install your solar system, we'll contact your retailer to let them know if you need a meter installed or configured. Your retailer will organise the next steps.


Maintenance


  • What kind of maintenance is required?

    If the system is installed by a qualified professional using quality components, it should meet all relevant industry standards and requirements. With the energy monitoring unit – included in all packages – the energy monitoring provider will be able to remotely identify any changes in your solar system’s performance. We recommend a solar health check by qualified professionals every 12-24 months. RAA Trade Assist can help you with professional, reliable tradies.

  • Will my panels need to be cleaned?

    Like most products exposed to the elements, your panels should be checked every 12-24 months. We highly recommend that only trained professionals undertake this type of work. RAA Trade Assist can help you with solar panel cleaning.

Smarter Home Regulations


  • Does the SA Government have the power to switch off my solar, under the Smarter Homes Regulations?

    The take-up of solar in SA has been remarkable, leading to our state having one of the highest levels of home solar in the world. In fact, on very rare occasions, the volume of surplus solar power being fed back into the electricity network has risked causing its instability, which could lead to blackouts. To prevent this, all new solar systems must have the capability to be controlled remotely, so that the export of power back to the network can be regulated during these times. Again, this will only happen on very rare occasions, and solar power to your home won’t be interrupted.

    If this situation occurs, the only people permitted to control the export of your solar power back to the network are Relevant Agents, registered with the government’s Office of the Technical Regulator. When installing your solar, we’ll help you connect with Relevant Agents best suited to handle your system.

  • Does the Smarter Homes Regulations affect my existing system?

    The regulations only apply to new installations, but if your existing system needs to be repaired or modified, any replacement parts must comply with the new standards. Parts replaced under warranty are exempt. The feed-in tariff (cents per kilowatt hour) offered by your energy retailer will not be affected by these regulations.

  • Will the Smarter Homes Regulations cost me more?

    The regulations should not affect the cost of solar system installation. If the export of your surplus solar power back to the network is temporarily disconnected, this will briefly affect the amount of feed-in tariff you receive. There are too many factors involved to say exactly how often this will happen or the precise dollar amount of any credit reduction.

    South Australian Power Networks (SAPN) is working to improve the capacity of the network to handle the increasing popularity of solar. SAPN is also planning to increase the number of kilowatts that home solar power systems can export back to the network during normal times.

    Even if your system is temporarily unable to export power back to the network, you can still use the solar power you’re producing and any electricity stored in your battery. You’ll also be able to receive power from the grid, if needed.

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