Solar FAQs

Through its Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, the West Australian Government offers eligible customers a ‘time of export’ payment for electricity they export to the grid from from rooftop solar PV systems, batteries and electric vehicles.

Find out more about the Scheme and rates.

Or reach out to the Connect Solar team.

The Australian Federal Government runs the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

This initiative provides incentives to households and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems like rooftop solar panels, solar water heaters and air sourced heat pumps.

For more information on Federal Government solar rebates, click here.

Or, to make it easier, feel free to get in touch with the knowledgeable Connect Solar team.

We can explain it all and keep it simple because we know you’re busy.

The solar industry, unfortunately, is not immune to scammers.

There are a few key things to lookout for in a reputable solar system company, such as how long they’ve been operating.

Connect Solar has been around since 2008, which means we have deep industry experience and knowledge.

To be safe, ensure you always deal with a Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer, such as Connect Solar.

Connect Solar is also a Clean Energy Council accredited installer.

We will also never doorknock on your home and only use Tier 1 brands, with solid warranties, to supply the products we install.

Here are some other tips for choosing a solar system installer.

An Approved Solar Retailer

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Solar Retailer program is a way for businesses that sell solar and storage to show their commitment to responsible sales and marketing activities, and industry best practice.

Approved Solar Retailers have committed to complying with the program’s Code of Conduct.

Connect Solar is a CEC Approved Retailer.

An Accredited Installer

Solar Accreditations Australia (SAA) accreditation is a must-have qualification for anyone in the business of installing solar and storage.

Accreditation with the SAA recognises individuals who’ve undertaken the necessary training to design and install solar, batteries and other renewable energy systems. SAA-accredited installers aim to work to industry best practice standards, producing systems that are safe, reliable and meet customer expectations.

Connect Solar is a SAA Accredited Retailer, and employs only the best SAA Accredited Installers megan@aimeefrancis.com.au.

Furthermore, we only use fully licensed in-house electricians for all installations (not subcontractors).

A Detailed Quote

Reputable solar companies will provide a written quote that includes:

• the system type, including the size (kW) of the solar system
• how long the quote is valid for
• the total cost
• full terms & conditions
• warranty details; &
• the proposed design / panel layout

SAA accredited installers are required to physically install the system themselves or attend the site at least three times – at the beginning, middle and end of the installation.

Connect Solar’s superior standards ensure we only use fully licensed in-house electricians for all installations, not subcontractors.

Solar system costs range, mainly due to differing installation costs and the components recommended for your home, based on the size of your house and how much electricity you use.

Typically, however, solar systems start from around $5,000.

At Connect Solar, we only use qualified and accredited electricians, all of whom are direct employees. We pride ourselves on the quality of install, after seeing far too many times the effects of shoddy installations.

Whilst many solar companies contract third party installers, not all of which are qualified electricians, when you choose Solar My Home WA you can rest assured only experienced installers will work on your home.

System costs vary based on the size of your home & requirements, however typically start from around $5000.

Yes. Connect Solar’s maintenance and repair services team covers all areas of Perth and WA, and can help you no matter who installed your solar system.

If you’re seeing a fault or don’t think your system is working quite right, get in touch and we can take a look.

Maintenance and servicing are also important to avoid issues, such as rooftop fires, which can void equipment warranties, and ensure optimal performance. For example, dirty panels can produce up to 25% less power.

Please note, a call out fee applies to fault find, diagnose and perform system checks to equipment not covered under warranty.

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.

Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity.

At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electricity grid.

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you can save money on your current electricity bills and protect yourself against future electricity rate rises.

How much you save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

Connect Solar employs all our own qualified electricians, so you can be assured your job will be completed by a licensed electrician who is also a Clean Energy Council accredited installer.

In short, yes.

How it can be done depends on the type of inverter you have.

If you installed your system recently with the intention of adding batteries in the future, it should be quite easy.

If you don’t have a storage ready system, then the most common way to add a battery to an existing system is either AC or DC coupled. It may be necessary to replace the inverter, however, many manufacturers sometimes offer deals to swap your inverter to a battery-ready system for little to no cost.

If you’re looking to add a battery to an existing system, get in touch to find out your options.

Yes, you can.

This will, though, depend on how many phases you have, how big your existing system is and whether it has the capacity to handle more panels.

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people being injured by panels sending power back to the grid.

There are, however, certain inverters that provide backup power in a blackout (when paired with or without a battery).

We also supply and install back-up generators to keep your electricity running in the event of a power failure.

Remote monitoring is handled by our inclusive Starlink Satellite systems. This can be removed if a customer has a good remote internet connection.

Yes, Government rebates apply, and our team happily handles this in-house, so you don’t have to deal with the paperwork.

Yes, green loans for financing clean energy technology are available.

Connect Solar off-grid systems are specifically designed to be expandable to meet your future energy needs. They’re also designed to embrace future technology changes and newer energy requirements ie. Electric Vehicles.

Connect Solar offers manufacturer warranties on the products used in our off-grid power systems and a 10-year installation warranty.

We guarantee a 48-hour turnaround for troubleshooting services, no matter how rural or remote your property is.

From consultation to design and installation, we can have your reliable off-grid solar PV system operational in 10 days.