Do you have questions about solar panel installation Darwin? Our FAQs are designed to give you an overview of solar: solar technology, solar installation, solar battery and solar maintenance. Don’t see the question you want to get answered for? Contact Oneroof Solar today!
Solar Technology
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels are made up of many photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are composed of silicon, a semiconductor material. When sunlight hits these cells, the energy from the photons excites the electrons. This converts light from the sun into electricity. This electricity is used to power homes and businesses in Darwin. Also, this electricity can be exported to the grid when produced in excess.
If I Install Solar Panels, What Happens At Night?
Solar panels Darwin produces electricity only while the sun is shining. It does not generate any energy at night. However, solar panels still function during cloudy weather.
Since solar panels don’t produce power after sunset, grid-connected solar systems draw energy from the grid. This keeps your home running smoothly.
If you have a battery storage, you can use it to store the extra energy produced during the day. You can use that stored energy to power your home at night instead of depending on the grid.
Important Read: Top 7 Benefits of Installing Solar Panel in Darwin Homes
Can I Install A Solar Panel Now And Add A Battery Storage Later?
Absolutely yes! Many home and business owners get solar panel installation Darwin today to leverage the competitiveness of solar power. Later, they add battery storage to their solar setup for homes.
Many solar panels Darwin come battery-ready. This gives you the flexibility to upgrade easily in the future. This approach helps spread out electricity costs and lets you evaluate energy needs over time.
Ensure your solar inverter is compatible with batteries. Or you can choose a hybrid inverter for easier integration. Consulting with certified solar installers ensures a smooth transition when you’re ready to add storage.
How Do You Recognize Quality Solar Panels?
Not all solar panel manufacturers are created equal. Some manufacturers use premium solar materials and cutting-edge equipment. Others skimp on both.
Some solar manufacturers pour resources into R&D. This helps such companies predict the long-term performance of the materials while others simply ignore it. Solar manufacturers with decades of experience in solar bring hard-won know-how, whereas recent entrants still face a learning curve.
About the quality, you can tell the difference by looking at the solar panels. The glass and the frame are mere packaging. The true quality—exemplified by a REC module—lies in the internal stack of chemically treated glass, silicon cells, plastics, protective films, aluminium, sealants and fine wiring, all engineered to work in unison.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
If properly installed and maintained, solar panels will provide you with clean energy for the upcoming 25 years. Many rooftop solar installation companies back their quality product with extended warranties.
So, think of your Solar system as a 25-year investment. PPanels will keep producing electricity after 25 years, though their output will gradually decline.
How Do I Get Credit For My Solar Production?
You can earn credit for the solar electricity generated through a process called metering. Metering allows you to offset your utility usage with the solar electricity your system produces.
When the solar system generates electricity, it powers your home and building first. After you get solar panel installation Darwin any excess energy your system produces flows into the local grid and is used by your neighbours.
Net metering gives you full credit for the surplus electricity you supply to the grid. This helps you reduce your overall energy costs.
What Size Solar Panels Do I Need?
A 6.6kW solar panel system meets the energy needs of most households in Darwin. These residential solar panels include around 16 to 18 panels. This size suits the average energy use of a household and takes advantage of Darwin’s high sunlight hours. For larger homes or those using more energy, a 10kW solar system will be more suitable.
Basically, your exact solar needs depend on your daily electricity usage, roof space, and whether you plan to add battery storage.
It’s best to consult a certified solar installer and get a tailored assessment. This helps you choose the right system size for your property.
What Are The Financial Benefits of Solar Panel Installation Darwin?
Solar panel installation Darwin offers strong financial benefits. Here are some of them:
- Slash off your electricity bills by generating your own power.
- Earn credits for excess energy sent to the grid through net metering.
- Access government rebates and incentives that lower upfront costs.
- Increase your property value over time
- Provide long-term savings that pay for themselves within a few years.
Darwin’s high solar exposure gives you a higher ROI on solar investment. So, solar is a smart and cost-effective choice for homeowners.
Important Read: Solar Battery Installation Darwin: How Much does It Cost to Install a Solar Battery in Darwin?
Installing Solar in Darwin
Is My Roof Suitable To Install Solar Panels?
There are four important factors to consider whether your roof is good for rooftop solar installation:
Orientation
Once you have an idea of how big your solar system needs to be, you need to decide its placement and how to position it to receive the maximum sunlight. This is not always an easy decision – here are a few guidelines:
North-facing solar panels deliver the highest energy output.
West-facing solar panels produce about 15% less energy but peak in the afternoon. This is great for hot summer days.
East-facing solar panels generate around 17% less than north-facing ones. It produces more in the morning and captures the winter sun.
South-facing panels generate about 28% less solar electricity. But if angled below 20 degrees, they still perform well year-round. Sometimes even better than shaded north-facing roofs.
Shading
Once you’ve decided which orientation is the right one for your roof. The very next step is to ensure that your roof is not shaded. Make sure the solar panel installation area gets sunlight most of the day. Installers can assess shading using tools like a solar pathfinder.
Surface Area
Residential solar panels work best on large, clear roof sections. Skylights, vents, chimneys, and other obstructions can limit available space for panel installation.
Roof Durability
If your roof is older than 15 years, it’s best to replace it before getting solar panel installation Darwin. Choose durable roofing materials that can last at least 25 years to match the lifespan of your solar system.
How Long Does It Take to Install A Solar System?
Different solar systems require different time frames based on the size and complexity of installation.
- 1.5kW system – around 3 to 4 hours
- 3kW system – approximately 1 full day
- 5kW system – usually takes 1 to 2 days
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
Each roof is unique. To know how many solar panels Darwin needs for your property. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How much electricity do you use?
- How much sunlight does your roof get?
Also, you can talk to certified professionals who provide solar panel installation NT, and ask them to assess your roof and determine the number of panels your home requires.
What About Solar Warranties?
Solar system comes with different warranties. Here are the main different types of solar system warranties:
- Panel Performance Warranty: Most solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty. This protects you if they degrade faster than expected.
- Panel Product Warranty: Covers defects in the panels themselves, usually lasting 10–15 years. Top-tier solar panels offer up to 25 years.
- Inverter Warranty: Inverters typically have a 5-year warranty, though some also offer longer coverage depending on the brand.
- Installation Warranty: CEC-accredited installers provide a 5-year workmanship warranty. This ensures your system meets industry standards.
What If My Solar System Has Problems?
If you feel that your solar system is experiencing problems, it’s better to consult certified solar installers directly. Most solar systems come with an online monitoring program. This program tracks your solar system’s energy production. You can use this data to check whether your system is still performing at its usual rate or not.
Keep in mind that energy output naturally varies daily, monthly, and yearly. This is because of weather and other environmental factors. Still, your system should show a generally consistent energy production pattern over time.
If you suspect an issue, contact your installer and share your monitoring data. Some solar installers will be able to access your data directly, while others may need you to grant them access. They’ll assess the issue quickly and recommend a solution. If a technician needs to visit, confirm whether the labour is covered under your warranty.
Do I Need A New Meter?
In short, the answer is “yes”. Under current government regulations, every home that installs a new solar PV system must also have a digital bi-directional meter installed in the meter box. Even if you already have a smart meter, your electricity retailer will still need to replace or reprogram it to support solar energy monitoring.
That’s because your existing meter likely isn’t designed to read the energy your solar panels generate. To fix this, your retailer either reprograms your current meter or installs a new one that tracks electricity consumption, solar energy production, and the power you send back to the grid.
After your solar panel system is installed and commissioned, your electricity retailer will arrange to install the solar net meter—usually within 27 days and at no cost to you.
Solar Maintenance
Wil Solar System Work At Night?
Your solar system automatically shuts down at night due to the lack of sunlight needed for operation. Each morning, once solar radiation rises, the inverter powers back on and runs a self-test before it starts feeding electricity to the grid. It’s perfectly normal for inverters to switch off when no power is being generated—like during nighttime hours.
What Is The $7,000 Solar Rebate NSW?
The NSW government launched the $7,000 Solar Rebate in 2019 to accelerate rooftop solar adoption and cut household carbon emissions. Under this program, eligible homeowners could claim up to $7,000 toward the cost of installing a new solar PV system by tapping into the federal Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) framework, where the rebate equaled the number of STCs generated multiplied by their market value.
To qualify, applicants needed to own and occupy a primary residence in NSW, average at least 3,000 kWh of annual electricity use, and install a system no larger than 5 kW through a Clean Energy Council–accredited installer using CEC-approved panels and inverters.
The rebate was paid directly to system owners at point of sale, reducing upfront costs. Budgeted at $15 million—and later topped up by $40 million in January 2024—it proved immensely popular and closed to new applications in June 2024 once its funds were fully allocated.
What Precautions Should Be Taken During Solar Panel Installation?
When getting solar panel installation Darwin, you must take several key precautions to ensure safety, compliance, and long-term performance.
First, always hire a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer—they follow updated 2025 standards and ensure grid compliance.
Second, conduct a structural assessment of your roof to verify it can support panel weight and wind loads. This is especially helpful in cyclone-prone areas like Darwin.
Third, turn off all electrical sources before installation. Use proper safety gear such as harnesses, gloves, and insulated tools.
Fourth, position panels for optimal sunlight—typically north-facing in Australia—and avoid shaded areas.
Fifth, verify proper grounding and surge protection to prevent electrical fires or shock. Install isolators, and use certified cables and connectors per the 2025 AS/NZS 5033 standard updates.
Lastly, ensure waterproof sealing around roof penetrations to prevent leaks. Post-installation, conduct a full compliance check and test the inverter and monitoring system before activation.
Should I Clean My Solar Panels?
If your solar panels are dry, start by brushing off any loose debris before using water—this makes the cleaning process quicker and more effective. Thanks to the durable glass on high-quality panels, you can remove even tough grime with clean water and a bit of scrubbing using a soft brush or a coarse cloth-covered sponge.
Also Read: Solar Battery Installation Darwin: How Much does It Cost to Install a Solar Battery in Darwin?
