Solar FAQs

Why solar power?

With a solar power system you can:

  • save money on your energy bills
  • generate your own electricity
  • get paid for any excess power you export back to the grid (if eligible
  • add value to your home
  • reduce your greenhouse gas emissions

Why choose EnergyAustralia for solar power?

Experts in energy, our specialist solar power team offers:

To purchase a solar power system from EnergyAustralia, do I have to be a customer?

No, our solar power systems are available to all eligible electricity customers within Vic, SA, Qld and NSW.

How does solar power work?

Solar panels on your roof. You can use this electricity in your home to power appliances and to heat and cool your home.

If eligible you can also be paid for any excess power you export back to the grid, earning you credits on your electricity bill. Solar power is also clean: it emits no fumes, pollution or carbon dioxide. The roof it will be installed on cannot be shaded, must have enough space to fit the system and needs to be north or west facing.

What size system do I need?

This will vary depending on your energy usage, needs and roof space you have available. One of our solar power consultants can talk you through the options and find the right solution for you and your home.

To benefit from Victoria’s Transitional Feed-in Tariff and the solar bonus schemes in Qld and SA, you need a system no larger than 5kW. For new NSW customers, systems over 5kW that were connected after 1 July 2012 may be ineligible for tariff payments. Eligibility for tariff payments change from time to time so contact us for the up-to-date information.

How much does a solar system cost?

This can vary depending on the size of system you decide to install and the rebates available to you.

Contact our solar consultants now to help you find the right solution for you or send us your solar power enquiry and you will be contacted by one of our consultants.

What happens at night or when it's cloudy?

When your solar system is not receiving direct sunlight it will typically not generate enough power to supply your household needs. At these times your power supply will automatically come directly from the electricity grid.

How much could I save?

Savings will vary depending on your energy usage. The Clean Energy Council’s Consumer Guide to Solar PV  contains detailed information about the potential savings that can be made from solar.

What happens to the power I don't use?

The power you generate but don't use feeds directly back into the grid. You can, if eligible, get paid for any excess power you export back to the grid, earning you credits on your electricity bill when you have a bi-directional meter installed. This is called a 'feed-in tariff', and they vary by state. Ask us for more information.

What are feed-in tariffs?

If you have a bi-directional meter installed, then if you are eligible, you may be rewarded for choosing to generate solar electricity through a solar feed-in tariff.

Solar feed-in tariffs credit you for the power your solar panels generate that is fed back into the electricity grid. When an eligible solar power system generates electricity, it can earn you extra credits on your electricity bill. Most state governments have specific feed-in tariff schemes, which determine the rate you are paid.

Depending on the size of your system and the state you live in, EnergyAustralia may even pay you an additional amount on top of the government feed-in tariff. You may be able to maximise your solar bonus by improving the energy efficiency of your home to export more electricity to the grid. More details are available on our solar feed-in tariffs page.

What rebates are available?

There are two types of rebates.

Upfront rebates

You’ll receive upfront rebates at the time of purchase. These are known as Small-Scale Technology Certificates or STCs.

Ongoing returns

You may be able to receive ongoing returns under your state government’s feed-in tariff scheme.

Find out more about upfront rebates, solar credits and solar energy payback.

How do I get solar power installed?

Contact us to talk to an EnergyAustralia solar consultant or send us your solar enquiry and we’ll contact you at a convenient time.

We will give you a quick, free assessment and no-obligation quote over the phone, book your installation, complete the required paperwork for government rebates and assist you with organising installation of your bi-directional meter.

Will I require a new meter?

To access a feed-in-tariff, you may need a new bi-directional meter installed. This meter measures your property’s incoming and outgoing electricity. Alternatively, you might just need your existing meter reconfigured.

The new meter or the reconfiguration of your existing meter can only be done by a licensed installer and may carry additional costs. In New South Wales the customer has the choice to arrange an electrician to change or reconfigure the meter.

What is the additional cost for a bi-directional meter?

There may be a charge from your distribution company for your new bi-directional meter and for the meter exchange. If you’re an EnergyAustralia customer in Victoria this will appear on the next EnergyAustralia electricity bill once the meter is exchanged.  In NSW our licensed accredited installer will provide you with an estimate or you can organise your own estimate for your new meter.

Costs for the bi-directional meter and exchange will vary depending on your distribution company, the state you live in plus other changes over time.

For more information, contact an EnergyAustralia solar consultant or complete the callback form and we’ll contact you at a convenient time.

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