However, jargon and techspeak make purchasing solar a daunting task. We’re here to clear some of that up.

Australia has the highest per capita uptake of solar in the world, according to a 2020 International Energy Agency (IEA) report.

An RAA Member Panel survey in 2020 found that 61% of respondents aged 30 or over have solar panels installed at home. Of those who hadn’t installed solar, 77% were considering having panels fitted and many were thinking about including a battery in their system.

The survey also revealed the main reasons for using solar were to save on power bills and to be more environmentally friendly.

With free energy from the sun becoming so popular, Dennis Taarnby from RAA Solar and Battery Storage has answered a few members’ questions.

How do I know my solar installer is reliable?

Check to see how long they’ve been in business – using fly-by-night operators can be risky.

Make sure the solar company and/or installer have the relevant building industry licences, plus accreditations from the Clean Energy Council (CEC), Smart Energy Council and the SA Home Battery Scheme.

How do I know I’m getting good quality equipment?

First up, be sure you’re dealing with a reputable retailer. Check the length of the warranties provided by both the manufacturer and installer – they should be at least five years.

Find out if the manufacturer has representation in Australia to ensure there’s a local contact if needed.

With the reduction of feed-in tariffs (FiT), is solar still value for money?

Absolutely. Every kilowatt of free power provided by the sun is one less kilowatt you’re buying from your retailer.

How long will it take to recoup the cost of my solar/battery installation?

This largely depends on how much power you use and what size system you purchase. On average, families can save between $1500 and $2000 a year on electricity bills.

If you install solar panels only, it will take about three to four years to recover the cost of purchase and installation, and about five to eight years for solar and battery.

RAA installed more than 9000 solar panels in 2021 – enough to cover Adelaide Oval seven times.

Should solar panels be cleaned professionally?

Over time, dust, grime and bird droppings can build up on solar panels, which could affect their efficiency.

For your safety, and to ensure the cleaning solutions used don’t damage the panels, it’s best to have them cleaned by a professional.

Does my solar system need to be regularly checked and maintained?

Solar systems should be inspected every three to five years to ensure they’re still working properly, and to check if the panels need cleaning.

How do I know whether my equipment is working efficiently?

Make sure your system includes energy monitoring. This will show your solar production, exports to the grid and your energy usage profile, so you’ll know the best time of day to use the bulk of your power.

If an issue with your system is detected, your provider will be able to assess the situation and help sort out any problems.

How will the remote disconnection of my solar to the grid affect me?

In most cases, this will have little impact – a remote disconnection might only last for 30 to 60 minutes.

This only affects exports, and you’ll still be able to draw power from the grid if needed.

What’s the cost of installing a battery to a new/existing system?

You can expect the best return on investment if you install solar and battery together. If you plan to add a battery to an existing system, consult a reputable retailer to determine if you’re producing enough excess energy to fill it.

Adding a battery can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 depending on the brand and battery size.

Does installing a battery affect my FiT?

If you’re on an older government FiT plan, any modifications to your system – including adding a battery – will see that tariff removed and replaced with a standard FiT.

If you’re already on a standard FiT, adding a battery may not affect it, but it’s important to check with your electricity retailer before making any changes to your system.

Keep in mind that battery storage will make you even more energy self-sufficient, reducing the benefit of exporting power to the grid.