If you’ve ever wondered whether solar power is worth it, this guide is for you.
With more sun than almost any country on Earth, Australia is uniquely positioned to tap into clean, renewable energy. And for families aiming to live more sustainably or gain energy independence, solar is no longer just an eco-friendly upgrade; it’s a smart, long-term investment.
But with all the jargon, options, and costs floating around, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s why we’ve broken it all down in this simple guide, from how solar power works to how much you’ll need and what it can mean for your home.
How Solar Power Works (In Simple Terms)
Solar power might sound technical, but the core idea is simple: sunlight in, electricity out.
Most home systems today use something called photovoltaic (PV) solar, which means they generate electricity from sunlight.
To do that, a system needs just a couple of key parts:
- Solar panels, usually on your roof, which turn sunlight into electricity
- An inverter, which makes the electricity safe to use in your home
Turning Sunlight Into Power You Can Use
Here’s how it works:
When the sun shines on your solar panels, they produce something called direct current (DC) electricity. But homes in Australia run on alternating current (AC)—so that’s where the inverter comes in. It converts the solar power into a form that your appliances can use.
Once that conversion happens, the electricity flows into your home and powers whatever’s running—lights, fridge, washing machine, etc.
What Happens to Extra Solar Power?
If your system makes more electricity than you’re using at the time, that energy doesn’t go to waste. It can do one of two things:
- Go back into the grid, and you may earn a credit on your bill (this is called a feed-in tariff)
- Get stored in a battery – if you have one installed, so you can use it later when the sun’s gone
What Affects How Much You Can Generate?
Your system’s performance depends on a few things:
- System size – bigger systems can make more power
- Sunlight – the more sun your roof gets, the better
- Shading – trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can block light
- Roof direction and angle – north-facing roofs in Australia tend to give the best results
How Much Solar Power Do You Need?
One of the first things most people want to know is: How much solar do I need to run my home?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but it’s not too hard to figure out once you understand the basics. It mostly comes down to how much electricity your household uses and how much sunlight your roof gets.
Start with Your Power Usage
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). That’s just a way of tracking how much energy you’re using. You’ll find this on your power bill—it shows how many kWh your home uses per day, month, or quarter.
Here’s the average household electricity consumption:
- Most Australian homes use around 16 to 20 kWh of electricity per day, with variations depending on household size and climate.
- A 3-person household typically uses about 18 to 19 kWh, while bigger households can consume 21 to 25 kWh per day.
- Around 40% of this consumption goes to heating and cooling, with the rest mostly used for hot water, cooking, laundry, and everyday appliances.
Then Match It to System Size
Once you know your daily usage, you can match it to a solar system size. Here’s a general guide:
Keep in mind, you don’t need to cover 100% of your usage straight away. Many households start with a system that offsets a portion of their bill, then scale up over time, or add a battery later when the budget allows.
Sunlight Makes a Difference
Even with the same system size, how much energy your solar panels produce depends on how much sunlight they get. That’s affected by:
- Where you live – sunnier locations like Queensland and central NSW produce more
- Roof direction – north-facing is ideal in Australia, but east/west can still work well
- Shade – trees, chimneys, or taller buildings can reduce output
Installers will take these factors into account when designing your system.
Thinking Ahead? Plan for the Future
If you’re planning to grow your family, add a home office, or buy an electric car, it’s worth considering a slightly larger system now. That way, you’re covered as your energy needs grow, without needing a major upgrade later on.
How Much Does Solar Power Cost in Australia?
One of the first (and most important) questions people ask is: What’s the real cost of going solar in Australia? But there’s no single price tag, because the cost depends on a few key things.
- System size – Bigger systems cost more upfront, but can save more long term
- Solar Panel and inverter quality – Premium brands cost more but often last longer and perform better
- Roof type and layout – Steep, multi-level, or tiled roofs may require extra labour
- Location – Regional installs or homes far from distributor networks can add cost
- Solar Installer – A reputable, experienced installer may charge more, but it’s often worth it for peace of mind
Rebates and incentives are also available in many areas, which can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make solar more accessible for households. Check with your installer, local government, or the Australian Government energy website to see what support you might be eligible for.
What About Batteries for Energy Storage?
Not too long ago, solar power mostly worked like this: you’d use your solar energy during the day, and then switch back to the grid at night. But now, more and more households are choosing to add a battery, and for good reason.
What Does a Solar Battery Do?
A battery stores the excess solar energy your system generates during the day. Instead of sending that extra power back to the grid, it’s saved for when you need it, like in the evening when the sun’s down and everyone’s home using lights, heating, cooking, or charging devices.
That means you’re using more of your solar power and relying less on the grid (especially during expensive peak times).
Why More Families Are Adding Batteries?
There are a few key reasons batteries are becoming more popular:
- More energy independence – Store your power and use it when you need it
- Protection during outages – Some battery setups can keep essentials running if the power goes out
- Smaller bills – Using more of your solar power helps reduce your electricity bill
- Less waste – Instead of feeding excess power back to the grid for a small credit, you get to keep and use it yourself
How Much Does a Battery Cost?
Battery prices can vary based on factors like size, brand, and system configuration. Fortunately, rebates and government incentives can help reduce the upfront cost significantly.
For the most accurate and current pricing, it's best to request a detailed quote from your installer or supplier, tailored to your home and energy usage.
When you consider the long-term benefits, including lower electricity bills, blackout protection, and greater energy independence, it's easy to see why more and more households are choosing to invest in battery storage.
Do You Need a Battery Now?
Not necessarily. If it doesn’t fit your budget straight away, you can start with just panels and choose a system that’s “battery ready.” That way, you’re set up to add storage later without needing major upgrades.
Questions to Ask Before You Install
1. Is my roof suitable for solar?
Not every roof is perfect, but most are workable. It’s worth checking:
- How much sun does your roof get during the day
- Whether there are any large trees or chimneys creating shade
- If the roof angle and direction are ideal (north-facing is best, but others can still work)
- A good installer should assess your roof and suggest the best layout for your solar panels.
2. What size system do I really need?
Your energy use, future plans, and available roof space will all influence this. Be wary of installers pushing systems that are either too small (which won’t save much) or way too big (which may not be cost-effective unless you plan to expand your usage, like charging an EV or adding aircon).
3. Can I add a battery later if I don’t get one now?
If you’re not ready to add a battery straight away, that’s completely fine. Just make sure your system is battery-ready, so you can add one later without needing a full upgrade.
4. Who’s doing the installation, and are they accredited?
Only Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited professionals should install your system. Ask for names and check that the work isn’t being subcontracted to someone else you haven’t met or spoken with.
5. What warranty is included?
Look for:
- Solar Panel and inverter warranties (often 10+ years)
- Battery warranties, usually based on cycles or years
- Installation/workmanship warranties for peace of mind
6. How much will this reduce my energy bill?
Any installer should be able to give you a realistic estimate based on your energy use, not just the “best case” scenario.
Conclusion
Solar power isn’t just about lowering your electricity bill—it’s a smart step toward a cleaner, more independent home. For many families, it’s the start of living more sustainably, without making life more complicated. Adding a battery gives you even more control, letting you use your energy when it matters most.
We hope this guide has made things clearer and helped you feel more confident about making the switch. At Eco Off Grid, we’re here to make going solar simple, practical, and something you can feel good about for years to come.
Ready to explore solar for your home? Visit our website or talk to our team for tailored advice.
