Getting a return on your solar investment

Man looking at solar panels on a roof

Installing a solar system at home can be a significant and long-term investment. For most households and small businesses, solar is worth the upfront cost.

Maximise your solar energy use

Here's a few good habits to get into:

  • Use the energy you generate first before sending excess to the grid.
  • Run appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and pool pumps during the day - when the sun's out, they may run for free!
  • If you're not home during the day, set timers to power your appliances when you're out.
  • Consider adding a solar storage battery to save and use solar power anytime.

Finding the right solar plan for you

Choosing the best solar plan for you depends on how much solar energy you feed-in (export) vs. what you use from the grid.

A graphical representation of a house with solar panels on the roof and a large arrow pointing upwards symbolising energy export
Export Solar

Export more than you use from the grid?

A plan with a higher feed-in tariff (FiT) is more important for your home or business.

Graphical representation of a washing machine at night with a basket full of laundry next to it and an arrow pointing downwards symbolising energy use
Use Solar

Use more from the grid than you export?

A higher feed-in tariff may not be as important for your home or business.

Check out our solar plans today

"How much is solar saving me?"

A solar energy bill can’t show you what you’ve saved. The only way is to compare previous non-solar bills from similar periods. Be careful not to judge the benefit of solar by the size of your feed-in credit, which usually only represents a small part of any saving. 

Sometimes a feed-in credit doesn’t appear on a first bill. This may because your smart meter hasn’t been configured for solar use. Alinta Energy can help arrange this.

Graphical representation of a person sitting inside a home with a roof covered with solar panels and the sun shining outside
Solar House

Your guide to a solar powered home

  1. Solar panels on your roof capture sunlight and turn it into energy (known as Solar PV).
  2. A solar inverter converts this energy into usable electricity for your home electricity.
  3. The electricity gets used to power your home.
  4. Any extra electricity feeds into the grid, earning you feed-in credits.
  5. If you prefer, you can store the excess electricity you've generated by installing a solar battery, though this will increase your set up costs.

Three things to consider before going solar

Planning to stay?

Solar power systems can be a long-term investment, so think twice if you're planning on moving home in the next few years. That said, a solar power system can certainly add value to your property.

Maximise your savings

Get the most from solar by using power during the day. Feed-in credits help but can't match the savings you get by using your solar energy directly.

Is your home ready?

Check your roof's sun exposure and try and avoid any shade from trees or buildings. Consult experts and explore government rebates or subsidies to make solar more affordable.

Once your system is installed

Once your solar panels are installed, your electricity distributor (the company managing the poles and wires) must approve your system. This process varies by location - contact your installer for further information.

We'll arrange to update or reconfigure your meter, so it accurately tracks the energy you send back to the grid.

Need help? Just reach out to us!

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That's better™.