Solar made simple

From costs and benefits to reasons why you need it, this is a how-to guide for solar and home batteries.

Benefits of going solar

Save money

  • Up to 60% off your electricity bill

  • Pays for itself in 3 to 7 years

  • Annual ROI of more than 15%

    Savings continue for life of system

Make a difference

  • Reduce your emissions

  • Provide renewable energy to the grid

  • Powerful community signal

  • Accelerate our clean energy transition

How does solar work?

1. Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity

2. Inverter converts DC electricity to 230V alternating current (AC) for the house and grid

3. Smart meter records how much power is imported and exported

4. Battery increases self-sufficiency and can offer back-up during power outage

5. EVs will increase demand and be a key part of your home energy system

House with solar roof panels

Solar roof panels © Unsplash

Solar costs

Price depends on:

  • The nature of your roof and panel layout

  • The type of panel and inverter (string, micro-inverters, optimisers)

  • Whether the consumption monitor is included or not

  • The connection details

  • The installer

Price range: $900 to $1,800 per kW

House with solar roof panels

Solar roof panels © Unsplash

Why get a battery?

  • So you can use more of your solar output for yourself

  • Savings: Store your solar power to use throughout the day and after dark

  • Environmental Benefits: Most of your electricity comes from solar and you contribute to the stability of the grid

  • Back-up: You still have power during a blackout

  • Earn Money: You can earn extra money by joining a Virtual Power Plant

Battery costs

Price depends on:

  • kWh storage

  • Back-up function

  • Warranty

  • Software upgradable

Price range: $1,000 to $1,500 per kWh of storage

Tradesperson checking a solar battery

Solar battery © Unsplash

5 common ways to finance a solar installation: 

  1. Pay up-front.

  2. Green loan (a low-interest loan from your bank or mortgage provider) OR $0 upfront loan through your solar installer.

  3. Add the cost to your mortgage.

  4. Power Purchase Agreement: have the system installed for no upfront cost, then pay the solar company for the electricity the system generates.

  5. Personal loan: this may have a higher interest rate than other options.

This article was produced using resources and information from the Zero Emissions Sydney North website.