SMART GUIDE

Welcome to Smart Energy Market’s learning hub. This page gives any first time buyer everything needed to start with confidence. It is written in plain language and shaped for Australian homes. Read it top to bottom or jump to the part you need.
 

Solar 101 – 2025 beginner’s guide

Solar power turns sunlight into electricity you can use at home. A grid connected system has four main parts: panels that make direct current, an inverter that turns it into usable alternating current, racking that secures panels to the roof, and monitoring so you can see what is produced and used. Good gear matters, but a careful design and neat installation matter even more.
 

A quick note on energy units. A kilowatt is power at a point in time. A kilowatt hour is energy over time. A typical Australian home uses about sixteen to twenty five kilowatt hours a day.
 

What solar does for bills. During the day your home uses its own solar first. Any extra goes to the grid for a credit called a feed in tariff. Self used solar is always worth more than exported energy, so shifting appliances to daylight hours is one of the best savings habits you can build from day one.
 

How solar and batteries work

Panels generate electricity whenever there is daylight. Cloudy weather reduces output but does not stop it. The inverter manages the flow and switches to grid power when solar cannot meet demand. A battery stores excess solar so you can use it later in the evening or during an outage if the system is designed with backup. Battery capacity is measured in usable kilowatt hours. Most homes start with eight to thirteen usable kilowatt hours and expand later if needed.
 

A battery does three things. It increases self consumption, softens the impact of time of use pricing by supplying power in peak periods, and can keep essential circuits running when the grid is down. Not every battery provides backup. If backup matters in your home, tell the designer early so the switchboard and battery are configured for it.
 

Solar design and system sizing

Start with a clear picture of how your home uses energy. Look at twelve months of bills, note daily use and the tariff structure, and list big loads such as reverse cycle air conditioning, pool pump, hot water and EV charging. Then decide your goals: lower bills only, backup during outages, or near independence.
 

Panel direction and tilt. North delivers the most total energy over a year. East favours morning loads and west favours late afternoon loads. East and west usually produce about fifteen percent less each than north across the year, yet can improve bill savings if your usage peaks at those times. Tilt is usually set to the roof pitch. Flat roofs should use a modest tilt so panels self clean and stay efficient.
 

How big should you go. If roof space allows, choose the largest practical system that fits the property and your budget. Larger arrays deliver better value per kilowatt, support EV charging and future battery upgrades, and shorten payback. In 2025 many suburban homes install between six and a half and ten kilowatts of panels. Households planning for an EV or a battery often choose ten to fifteen kilowatts if space and network rules allow.
 

Inverter choice. A single string inverter suits many roofs. Microinverters or power optimisers are helpful where there are small roof faces, mixed orientations or partial shade. Spend a little more on a reputable inverter brand. It is the hardest working component.
 

Monitoring. Add a consumption sensor in the switchboard. Seeing both production and usage in the app makes it easy to move loads into the sun and maximise savings.
 

Understanding rebates and tariffs

The national small scale renewable energy scheme reduces the upfront price of approved systems. The value depends on your location and the panel capacity and is applied by the installer as a point of sale discount. It steps down a little each January until it ends at the start of 2031. Some states and territories run additional programs for panels or batteries from time to time. We keep a current summary on our Rebates page.
 

Feed in tariffs are credits for exported solar. They vary by retailer and plan and are usually lower than the price you pay for grid power. Because of this, self using solar is the main driver of savings. If you add a battery, time of use plans can improve return by letting the battery cover peak rates.
 

Choosing a trusted installer

A system is only as good as its design and installation. Look for companies that are accredited, insured and experienced in your area. Read recent reviews across several platforms and pay attention to how a company responds when something goes wrong. Ask for a design that shows panel layout, inverter model, expected annual production, shade analysis, cable runs and isolator locations. Confirm who handles grid approval, meter changes, warranty service and post install support. Request a clear handover pack with serial numbers, manuals and compliance documents.
 

Smart Energy Market connects you with vetted providers who meet strict quality and service criteria. We are independent. Our role is to help you make a clear decision and to introduce you to trusted companies who will quote and complete the work.
 

Frequently asked questions

Will solar work on a cloudy day
Yes. Output is lower but panels still produce energy whenever there is daylight.
 

Do I need a battery to make solar worthwhile
No. Panels alone can deliver strong savings. A battery adds resilience and can reduce peak charges. Many homes add a battery later.
 

How long is the payback
It depends on system size, tariff and how much solar you self use. A well designed system commonly pays back in about five to seven years for many households.
 

What maintenance is required
Panels are mostly self cleaning on a tilted roof. Keep trees trimmed, rinse with water if a buildup appears, and schedule a safety check every few years. Your monitoring app will help spot issues early.
 

What happens in a blackout
Standard grid connected systems shut down for safety. If backup is important, specify a battery with backup and a protected load circuit during design.
 

Can I expand later
Often yes. It may involve a second inverter or a battery addition. If you plan to expand, tell your designer so the system is set up with future capacity in mind.
 

What brands should I choose
Select panels and inverters with local support, strong warranties and proven performance in Australia. Your installer should be able to explain why a specific brand suits your roof and goals.