Frequently Asked Questions
Our ever-growing knowledge base of questions we're frequently asked about solar.
EV Chargers
- Can you jump start using an EV? Yes But You *MUST* Do It Like This
- How can I stop my home battery charging my EV?
- Does my EV charger need a special curcuit breaker?
- Can Fronius equipment automatically co-ordinate EV charging and water heating?
- Does a hard-wired EV charger (EVSE) need an isolator for the supply wiring?
- Can I power my house from my vehicle with V2G or V2L?
Reviews
Good Solar Guide
Using the SolarQuotes® website
- Can I advertise on the SolarQuotes website?
- What kind of quotes can I get from SolarQuotes?
- What are your criteria to add products to your panel, inverter, battery or EV charger comparison tables?
- I'm suspicious that you say good things about certain products because Finn Peacock owns shares in the manufacturer. Can you disclose if Finn has any solar related investments?
- What does it mean if a company is a SolarQuotes® client?
- I just submitted a review to SolarQuotes - why isn't it published yet?
Energy Efficiency
Batteries
- Can I build my own house battery?
- Can I use my generator to fool the grid connected solar into working during a blackout?
- What inverter should I buy if I want to add batteries later?
- What are your thoughts on Nickel-Iron batteries?
- What constitutes a "cycle" with regards to lithium-ion or similar batteries?
- Is it a good idea to buy batteries for environmental reasons?
Buying Solar Power Systems
- Is it still worth getting solar panels Australia?
- How many solar panels do I need to run my house Australia?
- Why won't my installer give me a quote with itemised pricing?
- If I have a 13kW system, will a 5kW export limit overheat the inverter or damage panels?
- Can You Install Tilt Frames On Tiles?
- Retrofit consumption monitoring, does a "smart meter" really cost $750+
Feed-in Tariffs
Solar Panel Quality
- Are solar panels hail resistant?
- Where are most solar panels manufactured?
- What can I expect my solar system to produce, on average, per day?
- Are 25 year performance warranties for solar panels normal?
- How long will my solar panels last?
- What panel brands do you trust?
Solar Panel Technology
- How many panels are in a 6.6kW system?
- Is it safe to drink rainwater collected from solar panels?
- How can I compare different battery storage products?
- Are solar roof tiles, like Tesla's, worth it?
- What's the difference between a P-type and N-type solar cell?
- What is a PERC solar panel?
Solar Inverters
- Why is my solar system's power output less after replacing the old inverter?
- Does Enphase offer backup without a battery?
- Can you mount an inverter on an interior wall?
- What's better? SMA Inverter Monitoring or Solar Analytics?
- How loud is a Fronius inverter?
- How to access your local Solarbridge Power Portal
Upgrading existing solar systems
- Can I just replace my panels if my inverter is still good?
- Summary of Rules for Solar Additions, Alterations, Repairs & Upgrades
- If someone else other than the original installer touches my solar system, who is responsible for the warranty of the whole system?
- I want to upgrade my solar system in WA. What do I need to do to keep my Feed In Tariff (REBS)?
- We've got a 6kw solar system, installed 5 years ago, no problems with it. Howver, its been installed facing North, which is great. Can i just add more panels and another inverter or do i need permission from anyone?
- I really want to add a Tesla Powerwall to my solar system. Is it compatible with my existing solar system and inverter?
Using and maintaining an existing solar system
- What is an NMI ? (National Metering Identifier)
- Are isolators on the roof unreliable?
- Should I be worried about Solar Energy Curtailment?
- I have a 5kW inverter but my system has never produced more than 4.6kW ! Have I been sold a dud?
- How can I protect my solar power system from lightning strikes?
- How Do I Compare Solar Feed In Tariffs In My Area?
Getting quotes for solar
- How does SolarQuotes make money? Will I pay more for my system by using SolarQuotes?
- How many solar panels do you need to run a house?
- How does your website assign installers to quote requests? Why was I referred to one company and not another?
- Who is the best solar company in Australia?
- What is the best solar company?
- I have a flat roof - should I lay my panels flat?
Troubleshooting your solar power system
- Why does my inverter show two input voltages when there is only one solar string?
- My old inverter died, but why won't they give me a warranty on a new one?
- How do 3 phase meters work with single phase solar?
- I don't think my newly installed solar system is performing. Can you help?
- I read you are testing an Edge Electrons SolarIQ voltage regulation device. Any good?
- My 6.5kW system never produces more than 5kW!