Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about solar? We’ve got the answers.
Whether you’re a homeowner exploring solar for the first time or a business planning to switch to renewable energy, our FAQs cover everything you need to know.
From understanding how solar panels work to learning about inverters, batteries, and installation – find quick answers to your most common questions below.
Residential Solar
Most homes in Victoria are suitable for solar. During our site assessment, we’ll review your roof angle, shading, and energy use to confirm the best system for your property.
Yes. Unlike many providers, we focus strongly on after-sales support. If you ever face an issue, our team is here to help.
Solar panels still generate some electricity on cloudy days. At night, you’ll use power from the grid or your battery if you have one.
Yes. We only use CEC-approved, Tier-1 solar panels, inverters, and batteries tested for Australian conditions.
System size depends on your household’s electricity consumption and roof space. Our team provides a customised design to match your needs.
Most residential installations take 1-2 days, depending on the system size and property layout.
No, batteries are optional. A grid-tied solar system without a battery already offers great savings. Adding a battery increases energy independence and provides backup power during outages.
Yes. The Victorian Government offers rebates for both solar panels and solar batteries. These rebates can significantly reduce upfront costs.
On average, homeowners recover their investment within 3 to 5 years, depending on system size, rebates, and energy usage patterns.
Savings depend on your system size, household energy use, and electricity tariffs. Most Victorian households can reduce their bills by 40–70% with the right system.
Commercial Solar
Yes, we offer battery integration options for businesses that want to store excess energy or achieve greater energy independence.
Our support team provides quick assistance and on-site service if required. We also help with warranty claims and inverter replacements.
Absolutely. All our commercial systems include real-time monitoring through mobile or web dashboards, allowing you to track generation and savings.
Yes. Businesses can access rebates through Solar Victoria and other government programs. Our team helps you with eligibility checks and paperwork.
Solar panels need minimal maintenance – usually periodic cleaning and performance checks. We offer ongoing support and scheduled maintenance for all our commercial clients.
Typically between 3-5 years, depending on energy use, tariff rates, and available rebates or finance options.
Most systems are installed within 2-4 weeks after approval, depending on the system size and grid connection process.
No. Our team plans installations around your milking times and ensures all work is done safely without disturbing livestock or daily routines.
Yes. Dairy farms typically operate during daylight hours, which makes them ideal for solar. We’ve installed hundreds of systems for farms that now cover a major share of their electricity needs.
We assess your energy usage, site layout, and operating hours to recommend the right system size. Most businesses fall between 20kW – 100kW, depending on their power demand.
Dairy Farm
We work with Smart Ease, Grenke, and Humm to provide affordable finance for commercial and residential systems.
Absolutely. You’ll have a mobile app or dashboard to track daily generation and savings.
Yes. We offer scheduled maintenance and panel cleaning services to keep your system performing at its best.
Most farms see a payback in 3–5 years, depending on usage and energy prices.
Between 2 and 6 weeks depending on system size and weather conditions.
Yes. We can design your system so battery storage can be added when you’re ready.
Yes. Dairy farms qualify for Solar Victoria rebates and VEU Program incentives that can significantly reduce upfront costs.
No. Our team plans the work around your schedule so milking and cooling continue as usual.
It depends on your farm size and consumption. Most dairy farms install between 30kW and 200kW systems. We can analyse your bills and recommend the right capacity.
A typical medium farm consumes between 80,000 and 150,000 kWh per year. Milking, pumping, and cooling are the largest contributors to power use.
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Yes. We provide guidance, performance checks, and assistance whenever you need help with your system.
Yes. Solar panels, batteries, and backup options can be increased if your energy needs grow in the future.
Most modern lithium batteries last 8–12 years depending on usage and environmental conditions.
They can be, because they require larger batteries and a special inverter. However, the long-term savings and independence from the grid balance the cost.
Very little. Cleaning panels, checking battery health, and basic system checks are usually enough. We also provide support if you need help.
The system uses battery storage first. If required, a backup generator can be added to ensure continuous power during extended low-sunlight periods.
Yes, but the system must be properly sized. We calculate your load, daily usage, and peak demand before designing the setup.
Yes. Batteries are essential because they store the energy you need at night or during cloudy weather.
It is ideal for rural homes, farms, sheds, cabins, and remote properties where grid access is limited, costly, or unavailable.
An off-grid solar system works independently without any connection to the electricity grid. It uses solar panels and batteries to supply power day and night.
Solar Heat Pump Systems
Yes. We provide help with system settings, performance checks, and any support you may need post-installation.
Yes. Heat pumps can replace most existing systems with the correct plumbing and electrical setup.
No. Modern units are designed to run quietly, similar to an outdoor air-conditioning unit.
Most systems last between 8-12 years with standard maintenance.
Most homes can reduce hot water energy costs by 65–75%, depending on usage and system size.
Yes. A heat pump works very well with solar, allowing you to heat water using excess daytime energy.
Yes. Modern heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even in low temperatures.
It absorbs heat from the surrounding air and uses it to warm your water, reducing electricity usage.
EV Charging Solutions
Yes. We assist with charger settings, app setup (if applicable), and any support you need after installation.
Yes, with permission from the property owner. We can provide all details needed for approval.
Level 1 uses a standard power socket and charges slowly. Level 2 chargers are wall-mounted units that charge much faster and more safely.
Not unless you have battery backup. A solar + battery setup can keep essential charging running during outages.
It depends on the charger size and charging time. We guide you on how to manage charging costs effectively.
Yes. We can install multiple units with proper load balancing for offices, commercial buildings, farms, and workshops.
Yes. Modern chargers are designed for outdoor use and can handle rain and harsh weather conditions when installed correctly.
Yes. With solar panels or a battery system, you can charge your EV using your own energy during the day.
Not always. Many homes use single-phase power. We’ll check your wiring and recommend the right charger for your setup.
Charging time depends on the charger capacity and vehicle battery size. Home chargers are much faster than standard power sockets.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
No. This page explains Solar Power Purchase Agreements in general terms. A PPA is a legal and commercial contract, and you should always review the details with your own legal and financial advisers before signing anything.
Some providers offer PPAs that include battery storage, while others focus on solar only. Battery options, if available, will be defined in the proposal and contract.
PPAs are usually designed so that the solar energy rate is competitive against the current grid tariff, but actual savings depend on your usage, the agreed rate, future grid prices, and contract terms. It’s important to compare offers carefully.
Yes, in most PPA structures the provider is responsible for monitoring, maintenance, and repairs for the life of the agreement, because they own the system and are paid based on its performance.
In many cases, PPAs can be transferred to a new owner or tenant with their agreement, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis and depends on the contract. Always check these clauses and discuss them with the provider and your adviser.
PPAs are usually sized based on your current and expected daytime usage. If your usage changes significantly, it may affect how much solar energy you use under the PPA. Some providers offer flexibility, but this depends on the contract and should be discussed upfront.
You usually continue to have a grid supply agreement with your retailer. The solar PPA sits alongside it: part of your usage comes from the on-site solar system, and the rest comes from the grid as normal.
In many PPA models, the system is funded, installed, and maintained by the provider with no upfront system cost to your business. You pay only for the solar electricity you use under the agreement.
Most commercial solar PPAs run somewhere between 10 and 25 years, although some providers may offer shorter or more flexible terms. The exact length is defined in the contract.
Under a typical PPA, the solar provider or their funding partner owns the system. Your business buys the energy the system produces but does not own the equipment.
Solar Energy Solutions
We offer installation checks, system monitoring support, maintenance help, warranty guidance, and quick service responses. Reliable after-sales service is one of the main reasons customers choose Solution with Sam.
Yes. Off-grid solar systems are ideal for remote homes, sheds, dairy farms, and rural properties without access to the grid. We design systems that include solar panels, batteries, and backup options to keep power running reliably.
Yes. We guide businesses through eligible upgrades under the VEU Program and help them understand how much they can save through certified improvements.
A PPA allows your business to use solar power without buying the solar system upfront. A third party owns the system and sells the electricity to you at an agreed rate, while we handle planning and installation.
Yes. We offer EV charging solutions for businesses, car parks, farms, offices, and high-traffic locations. These stations help support staff, customers, and fleet vehicles while improving your property’s value.
A home EV charger lets you charge faster, safely, and at a lower cost compared to public charging stations. You can also use your solar power to charge your vehicle, which keeps running costs low.
Yes. Heat pumps use heat from the air instead of electricity to warm your water, which makes them much more efficient than traditional electric water heaters. When paired with solar, the savings are even higher.
A battery isn’t compulsory, but it helps store extra power, reduces grid usage at night, and improves energy independence. Batteries are especially useful for homes, dairy farms, and businesses with high evening or early-morning consumption.
Residential solar focuses on household energy needs, while commercial systems are designed for higher loads, longer operating hours, and larger rooftops or ground-mounted structures. Commercial systems also involve detailed planning for demand charges and business energy patterns.
We start with a quick assessment of your roof, energy usage, and daily power pattern. Based on this, we recommend the right system size, battery option, or EV charger so you get the best value from your investment.
Still have questions?
Our experts are here to help. Contact us today and get personalised advice for your solar needs.