Clear Answers

Frequently Asked
Questions

Find direct, honest answers to the most common questions about solar power, systems, and making the switch to clean energy in Australia.

FAQ

Your Questions Answered

Understanding solar energy shouldn't be complicated. Here is how solar power works and why it remains a smart investment for Australian properties.

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to help — no pressure, just honest answers.

Talk to our team

General

1. How does a solar power system work?
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. An inverter transforms that energy for home use, with excess stored in a battery or exported to the grid.
2. Is solar power worth it in Australia? +
Yes. Australia has some of the highest solar irradiance in the world, making solar one of the most cost-effective energy investments available to homeowners and businesses today.
3. How much can I save with solar panels? +
Savings vary based on system size, energy usage, and tariffs. Most Australian households save between $1,000 and $2,500 annually after switching to a quality solar panel system.
4. How long do solar panels last? +
Quality Tier-1 solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years. Most manufacturers provide a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing panels maintain a minimum output level throughout their operational lifespan.
5. What size solar system do I need? +
System size depends on your daily energy consumption, roof space, and budget. Voltaris Energy assesses your usage and recommends the most suitable system size for your property.
6. Can I add more solar panels later? +
Yes, in most cases. Your inverter capacity and roof space determine how much can be added. Voltaris Energy assesses your existing setup before recommending any expansion or upgrade.
7. Do solar panels work on cloudy days? +
Yes. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, though output is reduced. Australia's climate means strong average generation year-round, even in regions with variable weather conditions.
8. What happens during a power outage? +
Standard grid-connected solar systems shut down during outages for safety reasons. Adding a battery storage system allows your home to remain powered independently when the grid goes down.

Residential Solar

1. What is the best residential solar system for my home? +
The best system depends on your roof, energy usage, and goals. Voltaris Energy designs a tailored residential solar solution that matches your household needs and maximising long-term savings.
2. How much does residential solar installation cost? +
Residential solar costs vary depending on system size and components selected. After rebates and incentives, most Australian homeowners find solar a highly cost-effective long-term energy investment for their property.
3. How long does it take to install a residential solar system? +
Most residential solar installations are completed within one to two days. Your Voltaris Energy installer will confirm the timeframe based on your system size and roof complexity beforehand.
4. Can I install solar panels on any roof? +
Most roof types including tile, metal, and colorbond are suitable for solar. Our team assesses your roof structure, orientation, and shading before recommending the most effective panel placement.
5. Do I need council approval for residential solar? +
In most cases residential solar installations do not require council approval in Australia. Voltaris Energy handles all necessary grid connection approvals and compliance documentation on your behalf throughout the process.
6. Can I install solar if I already have an existing system? +
Yes. We assess your current system and recommend the best upgrade path, adding panels, replacing the inverter, or integrating battery storage to improve overall performance and energy savings.

Commercial Solar

1. What are the benefits of commercial solar systems? +
Commercial solar reduces operating costs, improves sustainability credentials, delivers strong ROI, and protects businesses against rising electricity prices, making it one of the smartest long-term investments available today.
2. How much can businesses save with commercial solar? +
Savings depend on system size and energy consumption. Most businesses see significant reductions in monthly electricity costs from day one, with full payback typically achieved within three to seven years.
3. What size commercial solar system do I need? +
Commercial system sizing depends on your daytime energy consumption, available roof or ground space, and business goals. Voltaris Energy conducts a full site assessment before recommending the right configuration.
4. Will solar affect my business operations during installation? +
Minimal disruption is expected. Our in-house installation team works efficiently and schedules around your operations where possible, ensuring your business continues running smoothly throughout the entire installation process.
5. Are commercial solar systems tax deductible? +
Yes. Eligible businesses may access the instant asset write-off provisions under Australian tax law, improving the financial case for commercial solar significantly. We recommend consulting your accountant for specific advice.
6. Can commercial solar be combined with battery storage? +
Absolutely. Pairing commercial solar panels with battery storage maximises self-consumption, provides backup power, and delivers greater energy independence, making it the most comprehensive commercial energy solution available today.

Battery Storage

1. What is a solar battery? +
A solar battery stores excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day for use at night, during peak tariff periods, or when the grid goes down unexpectedly.
2. Is battery storage worth it? +
Yes for most households and businesses. Battery storage maximises solar self-consumption, reduces grid reliance, provides blackout protection, and delivers stronger long-term savings when combined with a quality solar system.
3. How long do solar batteries last? +
Most quality solar batteries last between 10 and 15 years depending on usage cycles and brand. Voltaris Energy only installs Tier-1 battery brands with strong manufacturer warranty coverage included.
4. What size battery do I need? +
Battery size depends on your daily energy usage and how much grid independence you want. Voltaris Energy designs every battery system around your specific household or business energy profile.
5. Can I add a battery to my existing solar system? +
Yes. We assess your existing solar panel setup and inverter compatibility before recommending the most suitable battery storage solution to integrate with your current system for maximum performance.
6. Which battery brands do you install? +
Voltaris Energy installs leading Tier-1 battery brands including Tesla, Sungrow, Sigenergy, BYD, Alpha ESS, and GoodWe, all selected for performance, reliability, and long-term Australian operating conditions.
7. How much does battery storage cost? +
Battery storage costs vary depending on capacity and brand. Voltaris Energy combo packages start from $22,990 fully installed, with government rebates available to reduce the upfront cost significantly.
8. Will a battery power my whole home during a blackout? +
This depends on your battery capacity and household consumption. Larger systems can power essential appliances for extended periods. Voltaris Energy sizes your battery to match your backup power requirements.

Installation

1. How long does solar installation take? +
Most residential solar installations are completed within one to two days. Commercial installations may take two to five days depending on system size, roof complexity, and grid connection requirements.
2. What happens during the installation process? +
Our CEC accredited team conducts a site inspection, installs panels and inverter, connects to your switchboard, tests the system fully, and manages all grid connection paperwork on your behalf.
3. Will my power be disconnected during installation? +
A brief disconnection is required during switchboard connection. Our installers minimise downtime and will advise you of the expected duration before work begins to reduce any inconvenience caused.
4. Do you handle grid connection approvals? +
Yes. Voltaris Energy manages all grid connection applications and compliance documentation required by your local network operator, ensuring your system is approved and connected correctly without any hassle.
5. Are your installers CEC accredited? +
Yes. All Voltaris Energy installers hold current CEC accreditation, ensuring every solar and battery installation meets Australian standards for safety, compliance, and long-term system performance and reliability.

Solar Finance

1. Do you offer solar finance? +
Yes. Voltaris Energy offers flexible solar finance options including $0 deposit and interest-free plans, making premium solar panels and battery storage accessible for more Australian homeowners and businesses today.
2. Can I finance my solar battery? +
Yes. Battery storage can be financed alongside your solar panel system or as a standalone addition, with flexible repayment options available for both residential and commercial customers across Victoria.
3. Are interest-free finance options available? +
Yes, interest-free finance plans are available on selected solar packages. Terms and eligibility are subject to credit assessment. Our team will outline the best available option for your situation.
4. How long are the repayment terms? +
Repayment terms vary depending on the finance product and loan amount selected. Voltaris Energy works with you to find a structure that suits your cash flow and budget requirements.
5. Is there a $0 deposit finance option? +
Yes. Eligible residential and commercial customers can access $0 deposit finance options, allowing you to have your solar system installed and generating savings before making any upfront payment.

Solar Rebates and Incentives

1. What solar rebates are available in Australia? +
Australian homeowners can access federal STCs reducing upfront solar costs. Victorian residents may also access additional state rebates and interest-free loan options under the Solar Victoria program currently available. Read our Victoria rebate guide.
2. Am I eligible for a solar rebate? +
Most Australian homeowners installing a new solar system are eligible for federal STCs. Eligibility depends on system size, location, and installer accreditation. Voltaris Energy confirms your eligibility before installation begins.
3. Can I claim rebates for battery storage? +
Yes. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers eligible homeowners up to approximately $5,200 off battery storage systems. Victorian owner-occupiers may also access an additional $1,400 bonus rebate currently.
4. How do I apply for solar rebates? +
You do not need to apply directly. Voltaris Energy manages the entire rebate process on your behalf and applies all eligible rebates at point of sale, reducing your upfront cost automatically.
5. Do you assist with rebate applications? +
Yes. Voltaris Energy handles all rebate paperwork and applications for you. Federal and state rebates are applied directly at point of sale so you only ever pay the net price.

Maintenance and Warranty

1. Do solar panels require maintenance? +
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning and an annual system check by a qualified technician are generally sufficient to keep your system performing efficiently throughout its operational lifespan.
2. How often should my solar system be serviced? +
An annual inspection by a qualified technician is recommended to check panel output, inverter performance, and wiring condition, ensuring your system continues operating safely and efficiently year after year.
3. What warranty do solar panels include? +
Tier-1 solar panels typically include a 25-year performance warranty and a 10 to 12-year product warranty. Voltaris Energy only supplies panels from manufacturers with strong warranty and after-sales support.
4. What warranty do solar batteries include? +
Most battery brands installed by Voltaris Energy include a 10-year manufacturer warranty covering performance and product defects. Specific warranty terms vary by brand and are confirmed before installation begins.
5. What happens if my inverter fails? +
Inverters are covered by manufacturer warranty, typically five to ten years depending on the brand. Voltaris Energy assists with warranty claims and arranges replacement or repair with minimal disruption to you.