FAQs

• Will it improve the value of my property?

Solar panels may make your property more attractive to potential buyers. For example, buyers may value the opportunity to reduce future electricity costs. However, an increase in property value is not guaranteed.

• Will I have a zero bill?

Solar can significantly reduce your electricity bills. However, achieving a zero bill depends on your system size, electricity usage and tariff rates.

Adding battery storage and managing your energy use can further reduce grid electricity purchases. Even so, daily supply charges and other costs may still apply.

• Why do we oversize the system (put on a higher kW of panels than the rating of the inverter)?

Solar panels rarely operate at their maximum rated output throughout the day. Therefore, installing more panel capacity than the inverter rating can improve energy production during mornings, afternoons and cloudy conditions.

However, the appropriate amount of oversizing depends on the inverter specifications and system design.

• Why can’t I get a ‘ballpark’ figure?

Every property has different solar requirements. For example, roof type, shading, system size and existing electrical infrastructure can affect installation costs.

Therefore, we assess your property and energy needs before providing a quote. This helps us give you accurate pricing rather than a potentially misleading estimate.

• How soon can I get a system installed?

We aim to complete installations within 4–6 weeks of your acceptance. However, timing depends on equipment availability, system requirements and scheduling.

Contact our team to discuss current installation availability.

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• Is there a fire danger?

Like any electrical installation, solar systems carry some risk if equipment fails or installers complete work incorrectly.

However, professional installation, suitable equipment and ongoing maintenance help reduce these risks. Our installers follow applicable electrical safety standards and installation requirements.

• What is Tariff 93?

Tariff 93 is a residential time-of-use electricity tariff offered by Aurora Energy.

Unlike a flat-rate tariff, electricity prices vary depending on when you use power. For example, peak periods generally cost more than off-peak periods.

As a result, households may reduce electricity costs by shifting suitable activities to cheaper periods.

For current rates and time periods, visit Aurora Energy’s residential peak and off-peak information.

• What affects a quote?

Several factors influence your solar installation quote. These include system size, roof type, shading and existing electrical infrastructure.

Additionally, equipment selection and installation complexity can affect the final cost.

Our team assesses these requirements before preparing a quote tailored to your property.

• How do you size the system I need?

We consider your electricity consumption, roof space, orientation, shading and budget when sizing a solar system.

For example, households with higher daytime electricity use may benefit from greater solar generation.

We also consider your future energy needs, including battery storage or EV charging. This helps us recommend a suitable system rather than relying on a general sizing estimate.

• Who installs my system?

Our in-house solar installers complete your installation. They have the relevant qualifications and experience to work safely and professionally.

Additionally, our team follows applicable industry standards and installation requirements. This helps us maintain consistent workmanship and quality.

• Why is engineering required on bigger systems?

Larger solar installations may require additional engineering assessments, planning approvals or building permits.

For example, roof structure, panel weight, wind loading and installation design can affect engineering requirements.

In Tasmania, approval requirements also depend on the property’s location and the proposed installation.

Planning and permits

Depending on the project, your local council or relevant authority may require planning or building approval. Heritage restrictions and other site conditions can also affect the process.

Engineering assessment

An engineer may need to confirm that the roof or supporting structure can safely accommodate the solar installation.

As a result, larger or more complex systems may involve additional design work and approval costs.

Our team can help identify the requirements for your proposed installation.

For further guidance, refer to Tasmania’s Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) and your local council.

CBOS Resources:

The Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) website provides valuable resources, guidelines, and contact information related to planning and permit requirements for solar installations in Tasmania.

Applicants can refer to CBOS resources for detailed information and assistance throughout the application process.

By understanding and complying with planning and permit requirements, individuals and businesses can ensure that their solar installations are legally compliant, safe, and environmentally responsible. For specific guidance and assistance, applicants are encouraged to consult with local planning authorities and seek professional advice as needed.

• Why do we recommend 8kW, or 13kW for larger systems?

Choosing the right solar system size involves more than comparing panel capacity.

For example, a larger system may generate more electricity and provide additional capacity for future energy needs.

However, larger installations can also involve extra engineering, network connection or approval requirements.

Installation costs

System size, roof conditions and electrical infrastructure all affect installation costs. Therefore, increasing system capacity may not always provide the best financial return.

Future energy needs

A larger system may suit households planning to install battery storage, electric vehicle charging or additional electrical appliances.

System design

We assess your roof, electricity consumption and network connection requirements before recommending a suitable system.

As a result, an 8kW or 13kW system may be appropriate for some properties, but neither size is automatically the best choice.

Contact Expert Energy Tasmania to discuss the most suitable solar installation for your needs.

• Why would you go off-grid?

Off-grid solar systems can be a practical option for properties with limited or unreliable access to the electricity network.

Instead of relying on grid electricity, these systems generate and store energy on-site.

Energy independence

Off-grid systems allow households to manage their own electricity generation and storage. As a result, they can reduce dependence on external electricity infrastructure.

Remote locations

Connecting a remote property to the grid can be expensive or impractical. Therefore, a properly designed off-grid system may offer an alternative.

Renewable energy

Off-grid systems often combine solar panels with battery storage. This allows households to use renewable electricity outside daylight hours.

Costs and reliability

Although off-grid systems can avoid ongoing grid electricity charges, they require sufficient generation and storage capacity.

Additionally, some installations need backup generation to maintain reliable power during extended periods of poor solar production.

Flexible system design

We design off-grid systems around the property’s electricity needs, location and expected usage.

With suitable equipment and careful planning, off-grid solar can provide a reliable energy solution for remote Tasmanian properties.