Frequently Asked Questions.

When choosing a solar panel installation in Australia, prioritise high-quality solar panels, a reliable solar inverter, and CEC-accredited installers. Look for a company with strong customer reviews, proven system performance, and clear warranties on both products and workmanship. A tailored system design for your roof and energy usage will ensure maximum return on investment.

Solar energy is ideal if you own your home, have a roof in good condition with minimal shading, and use a significant portion of your electricity during the day. Queensland and much of Australia enjoy abundant sunshine, making solar an excellent way to lower electricity bills and carbon emissions.

Yes. Most home and contents insurance policies in Australia allow you to add your solar system for coverage against storm damage, fire, theft, and other risks. Contact your insurer after installation to update your policy.

You can pay upfront, take advantage of low-interest green loans, or use flexible solar finance options that spread payments over time. Many OTI Power customers find that their electricity bill savings offset much — or all — of their repayments.

Yes, many solar systems can be expanded by adding more panels or installing a battery. If your inverter has spare capacity, upgrades are straightforward. Our team can design a future-proof solar system with expansion in mind.

The number of panels depends on your household’s daily energy usage, roof space, and solar panel efficiency. For example, a 6.6 kW solar system — common in Australian homes — might use around 16–24 panels. OTI Power provides a customised solar assessment to determine the right size for you.

Yes, roof orientation affects solar panel efficiency. In Australia, north-facing panels typically produce the most energy overall, while east/west configurations can extend energy production into the morning and evening. Even with non-ideal orientations, modern panel technology can still deliver strong results.

A standard 6.6 kW solar system usually needs about 30–40 m² of unshaded roof space. Panel efficiency and layout will affect the exact space required, which OTI Power assesses during your free solar consultation.

Solar panels generally weigh 18–25 kg each, adding roughly 10–15 kg per square metre to your roof. This is well within the limits of most Australian residential roofs.

Most Australian households qualify for the Federal Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which provides an upfront discount via Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Additional state-based or council solar rebates may be available in Queensland and other regions.

STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) are part of Australia’s solar incentive program. They represent the amount of renewable energy your solar system will generate over its lifetime and can be traded for a financial discount on your installation.

Adding battery storage lets you store excess solar energy for night-time use, during blackouts, or when grid electricity prices are high. This increases energy independence, reduces power bills further, and offers backup power during outages.

Yes. Modern lithium-ion solar batteries are designed with advanced safety features and meet strict Australian standards. When installed by OTI Power’s CEC-accredited electricians, battery systems are a safe and reliable way to store your energy.

Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity using photovoltaic cells. An inverter then converts DC into alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Any excess electricity can be stored in a battery or exported to the grid.

A typical solar system includes solar panels, an inverter (or microinverters), mounting hardware, wiring, and monitoring equipment. Optional components include battery storage and smart energy management systems.

Prices vary based on size, brand, and installation complexity. As of 2025, a quality 6.6 kW solar system in Australia typically costs between $4,500 and $8,000 after government rebates.

Most solar installations pay for themselves in 3–6 years, depending on your energy usage, electricity rates, and available feed-in tariffs.

The ideal size depends on your daily energy consumption, roof space, and budget. A 6.6 kW system is common for Australian households, but larger systems are becoming popular to future-proof for batteries and EVs.

This depends on the system size and panel wattage. For example, a 6.6 kW system using 415 W panels would need around 16 panels.

Output depends on system size, location, and roof orientation. In Brisbane, a 6.6 kW system can produce roughly 25–28 kWh per day on average.

Yes, but at reduced efficiency. Even in cloudy weather, panels can generate 10–30% of their normal output.

Standard grid-connected solar systems shut down during a blackout for safety. To have power during outages, you’ll need battery storage or a hybrid/off-grid system.

Quality solar panels last 25–30 years, with performance warranties typically guaranteeing at least 80% output after 25 years.

Tier 1 panels are made by financially stable manufacturers with proven track records in quality and performance. Tier 2 panels may be less established, with shorter histories in the market.

String inverters convert power from multiple panels at once, while microinverters convert power at the panel level. Microinverters can improve performance in shaded conditions but are generally more expensive.

A hybrid system combines solar panels with battery storage and a hybrid inverter, allowing you to store excess energy for later use.

In most cases, standard residential installations do not require council approval, but heritage-listed or strata properties may have special requirements.

North-facing roofs in Australia produce the most energy, but east/west orientations can still perform very well and spread generation throughout the day.

A typical 6.6 kW system requires around 30–40 m² of unshaded roof space.

Most modern roofs can easily support solar panels, but we always check structural integrity during the site inspection.

Solar panels have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance. Occasional cleaning and an annual performance check are recommended.

In most cases, rain will keep panels clean. However, in dusty or coastal areas, periodic cleaning can help maintain maximum efficiency.

Most modern inverters and batteries include monitoring apps that track energy production, consumption, and savings in real time.

Yes, many systems can be expanded with more panels or by adding battery storage. It’s best to design with future upgrades in mind.

Look for at least a 25-year performance warranty on panels, 10–15 years on inverters, and 5–10 years on installation workmanship.

Solar systems are fixed installations and usually stay with the property, adding to its value.

Yes. Most panels are made from recyclable materials like glass, aluminum, and silicon. Recycling programs in Australia are expanding.

Most installers, including OTI Power, apply the rebate as an upfront discount, so you don’t need to claim it yourself.

Queensland previously offered interest-free loans and grants for batteries, but most programs are now closed. Always check for new initiatives.

A feed-in tariff is the rate your electricity retailer pays for solar power you export to the grid.

Rates vary by retailer and state, typically ranging from 5c to 15c per kWh.

Yes — a well-designed solar system can reduce your bill by 50–80% or more.

Yes. The solar rebate applies to panels, and you can add a battery later without losing eligibility.

A solar battery stores excess energy from your panels for use at night, during blackouts, or when grid prices are high.

Most modern lithium-ion batteries last 10–15 years, depending on usage and environment.

A typical Australian household uses 10–20 kWh per day, so many choose batteries between 10–13 kWh for partial to full evening coverage.

It depends on your usage. A 10 kWh battery might run essential appliances for 8–12 hours.

Yes. Many systems can be retrofitted with a battery using a hybrid inverter or battery-ready setup.

Yes. Quality batteries comply with strict Australian standards and include multiple safety protections.

They require minimal maintenance. Monitoring via apps ensures they’re operating correctly.

Yes, but it requires a larger system and careful energy management. It’s more expensive than grid-connected setups.

Batteries are compact, often wall-mounted, and take up less than 1 m² of floor space.

Most batteries come with apps that show charge level, usage, and performance history.

Yes — buyers increasingly see solar and battery systems as valuable, energy-saving home features.