What to think about before getting a solar system

How can I save money with solar?

Let the sun shine

Roof top solar only makes electricity during daylight hours. The amount of electricity can be less if the solar panels are shaded by heavy clouds, trees, or other buildings.

Shift your energy use

Using your solar electricity during the day will reduce the amount of electricity you may need to buy from the grid. You don’t pay anything for the electricity you use from your solar system. Your daytime use can be free if your solar system is making enough electricity.

Most households use more electricity in the evenings. To make the most of solar, you could try shifting your electricity use to during daylight hours. Timers or remote controls (including by mobile apps) could be used to run appliances during the day.

Don’t rely on the money from the grid

The extra electricity that you don’t use from your solar is sent to the electricity grid. Your electricity retailer may pay you a small amount for this via your electricity bill. This payment is usually called a feed-in tariff (FiT). It’s important to remember that you can make better savings by running most of your electrical appliances during the day using your solar instead of buying electricity from the grid. Buying electricity from the grid can cost 3-4 times more than what you gain through the FiT.

Switch to electric appliances

Solar systems can only power electric appliances and not gas appliances. Consider switching from gas to efficient electric appliances when the appliances are at their end-of-life, especially heating, cooling and hot water systems. They can account for the most energy use. Efficient electric appliances will cost less to run than gas and can be powered by energy from the sun.

What can I do to make solar work for me?

Seek multiple quotes

Each quote you receive should give an estimate on how much you will save and the expected payback period. Getting multiple quotes will encourage competition between suppliers and make sure you get the best value for money system.

Provide suppliers with information about energy use

Details about your household electricity use will help suppliers give a more accurate quote and ensure they recommend the most suitable system. This information can usually be found on your electricity bill, or from a smart meter (if you have one).

Attend a free ACT Government workshop on solar or contact the Sustainable Home Advice service

A workshop will provide lots of easy-to-understand information on solar, how it works and how to make sure you get the most out of it. You can also get free tailored information and advice by talking to a technical expert. Phone 1300 141 777 or email homeenergysupport@act.gov.au. Attendance at a workshop is a requirement to be eligible for a rebate.

Consider warranty period

Shop around and seek quotes that offer a 10-year warranty on both the solar panels and inverter. Aim for the highest installation warranty you can get from your supplier. If your inverter or solar panels break within 10 years and aren’t covered by warranty this can reduce the savings for solar due to the need to pay for replacement parts.

Get more information

You can find out more on making the most of your solar system and saving money with solar by reading our post-installation guide. This will give you some practical tips to help you reduce your electricity bills as much as possible.

Contact us

Phone: 1300 141 777

Email: homeenergysupport@act.gov.au