Question 1

Are the installers employed by you or are they subcontracted?

Accepted Answer

All of our solar installers and electricians are our direct employees, not sub-contractors. Having our own in-house team means we deliver consistent quality you can trust. Our employees share our company values, receive thorough training, and strive to build lasting relationships with customers. Unlike sub-contractors who juggle multiple companies, our team is fully dedicated to your satisfaction and upholding our reputation.

Question 2

Do you offer finance for solar systems?

Accepted Answer

We can put you in touch with financiers BUT we don’t provide interest-free finance options. 
Some of our customers have used Plenti and Parker Lane for finance – both of which have (at the time of writing) specific loans for solar and battery installations. Our customers report that both Plenti and Parker Lane are easy to get along with and make the process simple. Some of the major banks are now offering specific green loans for solar as well.
Electrical Sensations is not a licensed financier and can’t give advice on which financial products to use.  We prefer to leave arranging finance to the finance experts and we stick to what we do best – installing quality solar, battery and electrical systems.

Question 3

How many systems have you installed?

Accepted Answer

We've installed more than 1,800 new solar power systems on homes and businesses throughout Toowoomba & the Darlings Downs region. We've also upgraded or repaired many more.

Question 4

Will solar panels stand up to hail?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes, unless the hail is very big - all solar panels are designed to withstand tough weather, including hail. 
Quality panels are built with tempered glass, which is strong enough to endure average hailstorms. 
All solar panels that are on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved products that can be installed in Australia, are tested to withstand hailstones of around 25 mm.  
While no system is completely indestructible, the chances of hail damaging your solar panels are low in the Toowoomba area.  
We always advise customers to add their solar power and battery system onto their home and contents insurance, just in case.

Question 5

What size solar system should I install?

Accepted Answer

Short answer - it depends!  
The size of your solar PV system will depend on:
The physical unshaded roof area available for the installation of your panels.
How much your current electricity bills are.
Your future plans for electricity consumption e.g: EVs, extra air con, pool, spa.
How much you are prepared to spend.
What portion of your electricity consumption you wish to generate.
What size Ergon/Energex will allow you to install.

To work out what size solar PV system you require, you need to understand your household’s daily electricity consumption. As a rough indication, on average, a typical Australian household uses around 20-30 kWh of electricity per day. Around 6kW of solar panels is a good fit for that amount of usage. That 6kW system will produce an average of around 20-22 kWh of electricity per day, which can cover a large portion of your electricity needs.

Using your current average daily electricity consumption, as well as your expected FUTURE consumption, we can size a system to suit you. Sizing a solar power system should definitely not be a ‘one size fits all’ process. Our team of Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited solar designers can help work out what size system will suit you best.

Question 6

How much do your solar systems cost?

Accepted Answer

Our standard 6.6kW solar systems for a home in Toowoomba, tin roof, single storey, single phase, start at around $8,500 depending on the brand of inverter and panels. 
Three phase premises, tile roof installations, switchboard upgrades, main cabling upgrades and tilt frame installations are potential extra costs that might apply.

Question 7

What is the lead time for a solar installation?

Accepted Answer

For residential systems, the lead time is generally 2-6 weeks depending on:
a) Ergon/Energex application turn around time.  Smaller residential systems are generally approved quickly, while larger commercial systems take much longer to progress through the electricity authority.
b) The availability of components - panels and inverters etc..
c) Weather.  Rain, strong winds and blistering heat waves make solar installations unsafe and just not possible. 
d) Time of year - October till December is the busiest time of year for most solar installers

The expected start date and duration for the installation will be clearly stated on the agreement that forms part of the pre-installation documentation.

Question 8

How long do solar systems last?

Accepted Answer

It depends!  
The solar panels and power optimisers that we use are warranted by the manufacturer for 25 years. So, technically they will last 25 years – because if something was to go wrong before then, it would be replaced under warranty. Inverters on the other hand have a warranty period of 5-12 years (depending on the brand). We have seen systems that have lasted and been producing power for 22 years and cheap, poor-quality installs that haven’t even lasted 1 year.

Question 9

Can I add batteries to my pre-existing solar system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can!  There are a lot of factors to consider though...
Firstly need to have enough panels to produce the extra power needed to charge the batteries, or enough space on the roof to add additional panels.  You also need permission from Ergon/Energex and a suitable location for the batteries to be installed. 
There are ‘all-in-one’ solutions available, such as SonnenBatterie, Tesla PowerWall, Sigenergy and Redback that have the battery/batteries as well as the battery inverter in one enclosure/stack. 
There are a lot of details to get right when designing hybrid solar power systems. It isn’t as easy as grabbing any cheap batteries off eBay and hooking them up. If you're considering batteries, give us a call. We'll be more than happy to go through the options for batteries with you.

Question 10

How much is the solar 'rebate' (STC Financial Incentive)?

Accepted Answer

It depends! 
The amount of the 'rebate' depends on the size of the solar system, date of installation and postcode of the installation address.
The bigger the system, the more the rebate. 
At the moment, the ‘rebate’ works out to be roughly around $350 - $400per kW installed. This means the total rebate you receive off the cost of a solar system is approximately $2,100 - $2,300 for a 6.6 kW system.  Under current legislation, the amount of the 'rebate' reduces on 1 January every year.

Question 11

Do you do off-grid solar systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Nigel is qualified to install both on and off-grid solar and battery systems (Solar Accreditation Australia Lic no. S2079911). 
There is a LOT to designing an off-grid solar power system to suit your specific requirements. The systems and products that we install are designed for whole home power, not 'micro' systems that will run a light and a power point (for example) only.

Question 12

What warranties do your solar systems come with?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels
REC Alpha Pure & TwinPeak 4: 25 years product and performance warranty
SolarEdge Smart Panels: 25 years product and performance warranty

Inverters
SMA: 10 years parts & labour
Fronius: 5 years labour/10 years parts
SolarEdge Optimisers: 25 years product warranty
SolarEdge Inverters: 12 products years
Enphase Microinverters: 10 years product warranty
Selectronic (for off-grid systems): 10 years product warranty

Workmanship Guarantee
If any defect in our workmanship becomes apparent within 5 years for solar and battery installations, and 1 year for other electrical work, we will remedy it.

Question 13

Can I still put panels on if I don't have a north facing roof?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In fact, in some cases, east/west facing panels match the owner’s electricity usage better than a north-facing system. If you have the typical morning and afternoon spikes in usage, east/west systems can be preferable to a fully north-facing system.
​

Question 14

If I install solar, will I still get an electricity bill?

Accepted Answer

There is no denying that getting solar can save you big bucks on your electricity bills, but will it completely wipe it out? The truth is probably not. While it’s possible, very few solar system owners completely eliminate their electricity bills anymore (unless they have batteries/off-grid). Here’s why:

Solar only works when the sun is shining. All of the electricity you use at night, you have to buy from Ergon/Energex (unless you have batteries). 
Over time, electricity prices have risen and the feed-in tariff has reduced. With the current Ergon feed-in tariffs, you pay around 3 times more for the power you buy from Ergon than what they pay you for any surplus that is sold back. 
Ergon/Energex also charge a daily connection fee which is quite substantial.

Question 15

How often should I clean my panels?

Accepted Answer

Over time dirt, debris and dust can build up on your solar panels, creating a barrier that prevents the sun from reaching the solar panels. How often your panels need a clean depends on where you live and how dirty they get. 
If you are in town and your panels are on the pitch (not flat) then a clean every 6-12 months is usually enough.
If you live on a dirt road, near paddocks or a construction site, have lots of trees or birds or bats, they will need more regular cleaning. Some may need a clean every couple of months, while others can get away with cleaning every 3-6 months or so. These times are only a guide – it really does just depend on how dirty your panels are.

Question 16

What does grid connected mean?

Accepted Answer

Grid-connected means that the solar power system is connected to the electricity grid (the Ergon/Energex network) that currently supplies you with power. At night time and in periods of inclement weather, you will be buying power from your electricity supplier if your solar power system is not producing enough power to meet your consumption.

Question 17

Will my solar system work if there's a blackout?

Accepted Answer

No. Unless you have batteries, your standard grid-tied solar power system will not operate during a blackout or power outage situation for safety reasons. The systems are designed to shut down the instant there is a power outage or blackout, to prevent back-feeding electricity into the grid, which could endanger Ergon/Energex workers.

If you have a battery storage system integrated with your solar panels, your setup can continue to provide power to your home during a blackout. The battery storage will take over, supplying you with electricity from the stored solar energy.  We can install battery backup solutions that keep your lights on even when the grid is down, providing you with reliable power and peace of mind.

Reach out if you'd like more information or to discuss the best backup options for you.

Question 18

How do I maintain my solar system? Does it need to be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining your solar system is important to ensure its long-term efficiency and performance and your savings. We recommend a few key steps for maintaining your solar system:

1. **Regular Inspections:** Periodically inspect your solar panels for any dirt, debris, or obstructions like leaves and bird droppings. Cleaning the panels with water and a soft brush typically fixes those issues. Avoid using a pressure washer (such as a Gernie), abrasive materials (such as steel cool or scourers) or harsh chemicals that could damage the panels.

2. **Monitor Performance:** Keep an eye on your system's performance through your inverter screen or the monitoring software portal or app. Look for any significant drops in energy production, and faults or errors which could indicate a need for maintenance.

3. **Shade Management:** Ensure that no new shadows or obstructions, like growing trees or newly erected structures, are affecting your panels' exposure to sunlight.

4. **Professional Servicing:** While solar systems are generally low-maintenance, it is advisable to have a professional service your system every year or so. Our team can check for potential issues such as loose connections, degradation, or wear and tear, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency.

Regular maintenance and professional servicing not only extend the lifespan of your solar system but also maximize your return on investment. Contact Electrical Sensations to schedule an inspection or service and keep your solar system running smoothly.

Question 19

Should I put in a solar hot water system as well as solar power system?

Accepted Answer

While we totally support the installation of solar power systems, we believe the high up front cost of dedicated solar hot water systems is just too high for many home owners. A high-quality solar hot water system can easily cost more than $5,000, while an electric hot water system has a significantly lower upfront cost - typically around $2,000 - $3,000. By installing a timer for an electric hot water system and connecting it to the same tariff as your solar power system, you can achieve almost the same savings as with a dedicated solar hot water system—not quite, but almost!  The cost saving from choosing an electric hot water system and a timer compared to a dedicated solar hot water system is huge.

Question 20

Can I wipe my electricity bill out if I install solar?

Accepted Answer

Installing a solar power system will significantly reduce your electricity bills, but is not likely to completely eliminate them.  
Factors influencing the resultant savings from the installation of  a solar power system include the size of the system, quality of components and and critically your household's energy consumption - in terms of both total usage and time of usage.  
For example, if you use most of your power through the night time, a solar power system won't save you much money off your power bills.  
However, if you can and WILL use as much of your power as possible through the day time, you'll save a whole lot more money off your power bills.  If you have the choice of using an appliance through the day time of the night time, do it through the day time, while the sun is shining and the solar is producing.  
Similarly, we advise you to stagger your electricity usage if you can.  A solar power system can only produce so much power at any one time, so if you use a lot of high-draw appliances at the same time (such as oven, dishwasher, microwave, iron, cooktop) the solar won't be producing you enough power and you'll be buying a large portion of your usage. 
Though some customers do achieve a zero electricity bill, they are absolutely the exception rather than the rule. 
Our team provides thorough assessments and tailored advice to help you understand the benefits and realistic outcomes of solar installation.

Question 21

What does export-limiting mean for my solar system in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Export-limiting is when the electricity provider (Ergon or Energex in Queensland) impose limits on the amount of electricity your solar system is allowed to send back to the grid.  In Queensland, this is particularly relevant due to grid capacity limitations, aging infrastructure and the high saturation of grid-connected solar power systems. 
Even if your solar system produces a large amount of electricity, the amount that can be exported back to the grid might be capped at a specific level, such as 5 kW, to maintain grid stability.  
Export limiting (or dynamic control of export) is necessary for solar power systems with inverters greater than 5kW on single phase premises and greater than 15kW on three phase premises.  In some areas though, it's possible that the export level stipulated by Ergon/Energex may be even lower than 5kW per phase.  
It's important to understand that when you have a grid-connected solar power system installed, you USE the solar production FIRST. If you need more it just comes seamlessly from the grid. If you're producing more than what you're using, it goes back to the grid, up to whatever level Ergon/Energex will allow. 
At Electrical Sensations, we ensure that your solar system complies with all Ergon/Energex regulations.  By understanding and playing by the rules, we help you maximize the benefits from your solar investment while keeping Ergon happy.

Question 22

Why do you recommend more panels than the inverter size?  Won't that damage the inverter?

Accepted Answer

Solar inverter have a specific "AC rated capacity" e.g: 5kW but can handle more panels without issues, up to their design limits. Having more panels than the inverter size is known as "oversizing" or "over-clocking" the system,
Most inverters installed in Australia are designed to take panels that are up to 133% of the inverter capacity. For example a 10kW inverter can handle up to 13.33kW of panels and a 5kW inverter can handle up to 6.67kW of panels.  
The Clean Energy Council and electricity supplier (Ergon/Energex) rules allow panels of up to 133% of the inverter capacity for standard grid-connected solar power systems.  If you have batteries, some inverters can handle up to 200% panel capacity and that configuration is also approved by the CEC and the electricity suppliers. 
Why do it?  
In reality, solar panels will rarely producing their maximum power because conditions are rarely ideal. During early-mid mornings, mid-late afternoons, cloudy days and certain seasons, the energy production from the panels may be lower than the inverter’s maximum capacity. Installing a larger array (more panels) allows you to generate more power during the non-ideal times.
Oversizing is a cost-effective strategy to ensure you get the most out of your solar investment.  Inverters are designed to take more panel input than the inverter capacity and there is no additional wear and tear on the inverter.  Oversizing does not shorten the life of a the solar system and in fact, the vast majority of solar systems installed have more panels installed than the inverter capacity. It is acceptable, approved and very much "the norm".

Question 23

All solar panels made in China are the same aren't they?

Accepted Answer

No! Not all solar panels are the same - there can be a world of difference between them.

A common myth (or story shared by some solar salespeople) is that "all Chinese solar panels are the same," but this simply isn't true!

While it's true that China is a major producer of solar panels, there's a huge range of quality across different brands and manufacturers.

Just like with any product, the quality of solar panels varies greatly based on the quality of the component materials, the manufacturing process, the technology behind them and the specs they are manufactured to.

Many reputable Chinese manufacturers (and there are HUNDREDS of them) use the latest advancements in solar technology, ensuring high efficiency, durability, and long lifespans. On the other hand, some cheaper, lower-quality panels seem to have corners cut which leads to poor performance and a shorter lifespan.

Top Chinese brands, like Sumec Phono and Aiko, SunPower are known for producing reliable, high-performance panels that are widely used around the world. These brands invest heavily in research and development to create panels that deliver strong energy output, even in the harsh Australian environment. They also offer warranties typically around 25-30 years to back up their products.

When choosing solar panels, it's important to focus on the brand's reputation, the technology used, and the warranty offered, rather than assuming all panels from a specific country are the same.

Take a look at our blog in the NEWS tab of the website for more information.

Frequently Asked Solar Questions.