Support
Frequently Asked Questions
At TCK Solar, we believe that solar power and all-electric energy solutions can transform your lifestyle. This is done by harnessing the energy from the sun to power all of your appliances & devices with free power from the sun, which will directly lower your electricity bills. In our opinion, the greatest benefit of generating your own power is the contribution you will make to creating a cleaner environment. And the sooner you make the transition to generating your own power, the sooner you’ll be helping to contribute to reducing our collective carbon footprint and pay off your investment with lower electricity bills.
Victorian Government
The Victorian Government offers various rebates and incentives for solar and heat pumps for hot water through programs like the Victorian Solar Homes Program delivered by Solar Victoria (SV) and the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) through the creation of Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC’s).
Federal Government
The Australian Federal Government offers solar and battery rebates delivered through the creation of Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s).
Local Victorian Councils
Some local Victorian Councils are also offering solar rebates for lower income households, so it’s worth checking in with your local Council on their website or giving them a call to enquire if they offer any support or incentives.
VEEC’s and the VEU Program
- Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC’s) are tradable certificates created when an accredited provider installs an energy-efficient upgrade in Victoria that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Each certificate represents ~1 tonne of emissions saved (source Essential Services Commission website, 8 January 2026)
- Accredited providers, such as TCK Solar, handle the paperwork and pass on a reduced quote, and final invoice, as an upfront discount on your system purchase and installation.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC) for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems (Heat Pump Rebates)
Typical Rebate / Value
- Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC’s) rebates for heat pumps for hot water can vary widely, and are typically hundreds to a few thousand dollars, depending on the system replaced and the efficiency of the new system being installed
- When combined with other rebates (e.g. the Federal Government Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) and Solar Victoria’s rebate), the total savings can be significant such as several thousand dollars.
Eligibility Criteria
- Installed in Victoria by a Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) accredited installer e.g. TCK Solar
- Replacing an existing hot water system (electric or gas) with a VEU-approved heat pump model e.g. Sanden or Reclaim hot water heat pump, recommended as the best-in-market by TCK Solar
- The product you’re purchasing is listed on the VEU Register of Products for heat pump water heaters (so it qualifies for VEEC creation).
Technical & Process Notes
- Installation and associated plumbing / electrical work must meet regulatory safety and warranty standards (e.g., minimum 5-year warranty)
- VEECs are created after installation and accreditation paperwork is completed by the provider.
Separate rebates (e.g. Solar Victoria heat pump hot water rebate or Federal Government Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s)) have their own criteria (e.g. income cap, owner-occupier status, property value) that sit outside the core VEU / VEEC rebate program and are applied for separately.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC) for Split-System (Reverse-Cycle) Air Conditioner (Split System Rebates)
Typical Rebate / Value
- Rebates vary by system size, number of indoor units and what’s being replaced:
- Replacing older ducted gas heating systems results in the largest rebates (e.g. up to several thousand dollars with installing multi-head split systems)
- Replacing older electric air conditioning systems results in more modest rebates (typically many hundreds of dollars and sometimes nearing a thousand dollars)
- Accredited providers apply the VEEC value as a point-of-sale discount, so you pay the reduced price up front.
Eligibility Criteria
Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) eligibility generally requires:
- You’re in Victoria and use a VEU-accredited installer for the reverse-cycle system e.g. TCK Solar for installing larger split system air conditioners
- The system being replaced is at least 2 years old and is being replaced, not newly installed in new construction
- The new system is reverse-cycle (i.e. heating + cooling) on the VEU product list and meets energy efficiency standards.
Common Eligibility Rules (Both Heat Pumps & Split Systems)
- You must use a VEU-accredited installer who can create the VEECs
- The upgrade must be a replacement of an existing system, not a brand-new installation on new builds
- The product must be approved on the VEU Register and meet minimum performance criteria
- Landlords and renters can be eligible for VEEC rebates when the property is in Victoria (installation requirements apply)
Key Steps to Access Rebates
- Confirm eligibility with a VEU accredited provider.
- Choose an approved system (listed on the VEU Register)
- Installer completes installation and handles VEEC paperwork
- Receive the rebate/discount at point of sale (applied by installer from VEEC value).
If you want to know exact rebate values currently offered for specific systems by applying VEECs to a heat pump hot water system or split system air conditioner , one of TCK Solar’s Design Engineers can discuss your needs with you and provide you with a quote
The cost of a solar panel system in Melbourne varies widely based on how many panels are installed, the size and quality of the panels and inverter/s, and your property’s specific installation requirements such as the cable length between your switchboard and the roof. However, the price you pay is partially reduced by government incentives.
The final price you pay is typically after the Federal Governments rebate of Small-scale Technology Certificates and Solar Victoria’s Solar Panel Rebate (if eligible).
The solar feed-in tariff (FiT) is the credit you receive for any excess electricity your solar system send back to the electricity grid. It a small credit you’ll receive on your bill, and it is no longer the primary way to save money with solar as the FiT is now typically only single digit cents, in the order of 1-3 cents. The biggest saving comes from self-consuming the electricity you generate within your property (using it yourself) to avoid purchasing power from your electricity retailer.
In the past electricity retailers were required to offer customers a rate that is generally at or above the minimum rate set by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), however minimum rate was removed on 1 July 2025, allowing all electricity retailers to set their own minimum FiT.
FiT rates vary widely with some retailers offering a higher maximum FiT (up to 10-15 c/kWh), however this is often capped or with limitations, meaning the high rate only applies to the first few kilowatt-hours (kWh) exported each day. After the cap is hit, the rate drops to the low minimum rate.
It’s essential for you to do your own research to find the best electricity plan and rates that suit your homes usage patterns, as there are loads of options out there to choose from. A great place to help your compare is a site called Victorian Energy Compare https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/
At TCK Solar, we carefully select and recommend brands known for their quality, efficiency, and proven performance in Australian conditions, and choosing the right brand is crucial for maximising your solar investment.
TCK Solar’s team recommends and 100% stands by the following premium choices:
SunPower Solar Panels:
Know as the benchmark for reliability and widely known as the best-you-can-buy, Sunpower was established in 1984 and is highly regarded for their superior efficiency and being backed with the industry’s longest warranties. These qualities make Sunpower solar panels a significant step above any other top-tier panels. Plus Sunpower’s panels are also backed by incredible warranties with the longest-lasting performance and durability (this means the panels degrade a whole lot slower than their competitors) of any solar panel in the market.
At TCK Solar, one of the things we value the highest is companies that back their products with outstanding warranties on both the materials (the solar panel itself in case it fails), but also the performance of the material (in the case of underperformance of a panel). After working with Sunpower for more than 10 years we can confidently share that they 100% back their warranties, which in our opinion gives you peace of mind for your investment well into the future. By selecting the best-in-the-world solar panels, you’ll ensure that your solar system is built on a foundation of quality, efficiency, and long-lasting performance.
Solar panel efficiency is simply the percentage of sunlight (solar energy) that a panel can convert into usable electricity under controlled testing conditions.
The higher the efficiency percentage, the more power a solar panel can generate from the exact same amount of roof space. At TCK Solar, we focus on highest-efficiency panels that maximise energy production, especially for properties in Melbourne with limited roof area.
Here are the typical maximum efficiencies for the high-performance panels we offer:
- SunPower Maxeon: The current industry leaders, with efficiencies reaching up to 24.0%. Their premium technology provides the highest energy density.
Choosing a high-efficiency panel means you can potentially achieve your energy goals with fewer panels, resulting in a cleaner look and better performance when roof space is at a premium.
The physical lifespan of a high-quality solar panel is typically 30 to 40 years, or even more. However, the industry defines a panel’s “useful life” based on its warranty period.
Solar panels do not stop working after the warranty period; however they won’t be replaced by the manufacturer if they fail or begin to under-perform outside of the expected warranted efficiency.
The key to understanding lifespan is knowing the two main manufacturer guarantees:
- Product Warranty (e.g. 30 to 40 years): Covers defects in the physical panel (frame, glass, wiring) due to manufacturing issues.
- Performance Warranty (e.g. 30 to 40 years): Guarantees that the panel will still produce a minimum percentage of its original rated power (usually 88% on a 40-year warranty panel and 92% on a 30-year warranty) at the end of the warranty period.
Panel warranties at TCK Solar
By choosing a top-tier brand from TCK Solar, you are guaranteed exceptional longevity:
- SunPower Maxeon: Provides the industry-leading warranty with a 40-year comprehensive warranty (covering product, performance, and often service), giving you maximum peace of mind.
In short, a high-quality system from TCK Solar is a 30-year investment, and can be regarded as a 30-40 year asset that will continue generating clean electricity for your home, both now and well into the future. We like to call our solar panel installs, Solar for Life which means it’d for your lifetime and that of the next occupiers of your property as well.
By choosing a top-tier brand from TCK Solar, you are guaranteed exceptional longevity:
- SunPower Maxeon: Provides the industry-leading warranty with a 40-year comprehensive warranty (covering product, performance, and often service), giving you maximum peace of mind.
In short, a high-quality system from TCK Solar is a 30-year investment, and can be regarded as a 30-40 year asset that will continue generating clean electricity for your home, both now and well into the future. We like to call our solar panel installs, Solar for Life which means it’d for your lifetime and that of the next occupiers of your property as well.
Yes. Victorians can benefit from two tiers of government support: a national upfront discount Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) and the Victorian State rebates and loans from Solar Victoria. These combined incentives significantly reduce your installation costs, making solar more affordable.
Federal Rebate (Small-scale Technology Certificates – STCs)
This is the largest initial discount and is available to all eligible homes nationwide. It is automatically deducted from your TCK Solar quote. STC’s apply for both solar panels and batteries.
Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program (State Incentives)
The Victorian Government offers additional support for eligible owner-occupiers (and rental properties):
a. Solar Panel (PV) Rebate
- Cash: A rebate of $1,400 for the installation of a solar panel system
- Interest-Free Loan: You may also be eligible for an interest-free loan of $1,400 to match the rebate amount.
- Eligibility Check: Owner-occupiers must have a combined household taxable income of less than $210,000 per year and your home must be worth less than $3M on your council rates notice
b. Battery Storage Rebate (Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program)
The Victorian battery loan program has closed. Financial support for installing batteries is now delivered through an expansion of the Federal Governments STC scheme and called the Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
- Upfront Discount: Eligible systems receive a discount per usable kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery capacity (the amount is adjusted annually and varies with the STC price)
- Capacity Limit: The federal discount applies on a sliding scale depending on the size of the battery system you install
- System Size Eligibility: The battery system must have a nominal usage battery storage capacity between 5 kWh and 100 kWh and be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) capable.
Application Process – Solar Victoria rebate
- Contact TCK Solar: We are an authorised, registered and highly trusted installer for all programs
- Obtain a Quote: TCK will provide you with a quote showing all applicable discounts applied, and not assume you are eligible for an means tested rebates
- Application process: As the person seeking the rebate, you must verify your eligibility by applying for the Victorian Solar Panel Rebate and / or loan via the Solar Victoria portal: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/
- TCK Solar’s Role: We upload the application for you by submitting to Solar Victoria the required documents and information needed for your application. This then triggers an email that you’ll receive asking you to complete and submit the application. If approved, this is the only step you need to do.
- QR Code: Once approved, Solar Victoria issues you with a QR code for TCK to scan on the day of your install, so obtaining this QR code prior to the day of install assists our team with a smooth and seamless process
- Installation day: After receiving the QR code, TCK Solar undertakes the installation
- Rebate payment: After the installation is complete, the rebate amount is claimed by TCK Solar and applied as an upfront discount on your final invoice. In simple terms this means the rebate is paid directly to TCK Solar and your final invoice for payment is less the rebate amount
Application Process – STC solar and / or battery rebate
- Contact TCK Solar: We are an authorised, registered and highly trusted installer for all programs
- Obtain a Quote: TCK will provide you with a quote showing all applicable discounts applied
- Installation day: TCK Solar undertakes the installation
- Rebate payment: After the installation is complete, the rebate amount of STC’s is claimed by TCK Solar and applied as an upfront discount on your final invoice. In simple terms this means the rebate is paid directly to TCK Solar and your final invoice for payment is less the rebate amount.
Choosing a trusted, responsible and honest installer is overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the options and work with you to answer your questions, design the ‘right’ solution for your circumstances and take our time to get it right. TCK Solar doesn’t employ sales people as we focus on getting you the right technical solution rather than just selling you an off-the-shelf package When choosing a company for your install it’s important to look for accredited professionals with positive reviews and long-standing experience in the industry who are known for their dedication, trust and reliability. And importantly, a company you can call at any stage to answer your questions, handle any warranty claims on your behalf in the future, or help you with the next step of going all-electric at your property.
TCK Solar stands out as one of the best choices in the market for several reasons; driven by our commitment to quality, long-term performance, and honest relationships.
Why You Should Consider TCK Solar
- Accredited Professionals: Our team consists of fully qualified and accredited installers, including CEC (Clean Energy Council) Accredited Installers. As a Solar Victoria Authorised Retailer, we are committed to delivering high-quality work that adheres to the strictest Australian standards and ensures your eligibility for all rebates
- Experience and Expertise: In business since 2009, TCK Solar is one of the oldest solar installers in Victoria. Our deep understanding of local regulations, the best custom-designed solutions and community needs ensures a smooth installation process
- Commitment & Values: We pride ourselves on honest and trustworthy service, focusing on old-fashioned service & relationships with a drive for leaving a healthier planet for our children. We prioritise long-term relationships with all our suppliers, customers, and team.
What Sets TCK Solar Apart
- Best-in-Market Quality Products: We only use best-in-the-market brands from financially strong companies, such as SunPower, Enphase, Tesla & Sanden, providing you with solutions that deliver higher, long-term savings
- In-House Installation Team: We use our own in-house install team (no subcontractors), which ensures superior quality control and customer experience from start to finish
- Proven Customer Satisfaction: Our commitment to quality is backed by a 4.9-Star Google rating and the fact that 60%+ of our business comes from referrals
- Comprehensive Monitoring: We offer remote monitoring of your system for any faults or failures, giving you peace of mind that your system is always performing at its best.
By choosing TCK Solar, you can trust that you are working with a highly reputable company dedicated to providing you with the best solar solution for your home. We’re here to help you start your solar journey with confidence.
If you’d like to know more about TCK Solar, please watch this brief 2-minute video from our Founder and Director, Timo Karnath: Why Choose us? TCK Solar – Melbourne’s Premier All-Electric Solutions
While it’s tempting to go the DIY route, we strongly advise against it and highly recommend hiring a licensed professional for your solar installation. In Australia, a solar installation must be completed by a CEC-Accredited Installer and a licensed electrician to ensure your system is:
- Safe and compliant with all electrical standards
- Eligible for the mandatory Federal STC rebate (upfront discount)
- Installed correctly to maximise energy production and longevity
At TCK Solar, we make the process as smooth and premium as possible:
- Initial Consultation: We start with an initial quote tailored to your specific needs
- Personal site visit: This is a free, in-depth site visit from either our Director, General Manager, or one of our Electricians. During this visit we personally assess your property and discuss your requirements, ensuring we understand your unique lifestyle and energy needs
- Final Design & Quote: We finalise the quote based on discussion with you after the site visit. Once we reach an agreement on what you want to purchase, we move forward with the professional installation by our in-house team.
TCK Solar’s Ongoing Support:
- Rebate Guidance: We guide you through the requirements for government rebates and incentives and provide all necessary documentation. However, please note that the final application and eligibility check for Solar Vicroria’s Solar Homes Program must be personally completed and submitted by you as the customer
- Active Monitoring: TCK Solar provides 24/7 remote monitoring of your solar system to ensure it operates at peak performance, identifying any issues that may arise in real time
- Maintenance Services: TCK Solar provides maintenance servicing to check and clean your solar panel system to ensure it remains in optimal condition, allowing you to enjoy reliable energy generation for years to come.
With TCK Solar, you’re not just getting a professional installation; you become one of our TCK family who we look after into the long-term; giving you lifelong confidence in your investment and ongoing support each step of the way.
Yes, and the higher quality solar panels you buy the better they’ll perform in low light conditions and / or without direct sunlight. Solar panels generate electricity based on light, not heat, which means they are operational year-round. They capture two types of sunlight:
- Direct Sunlight: Unobstructed light from the sun (high production)
- Diffuse Sunlight: Scattered light that passes through clouds and atmosphere (lower production).
How clouds impact solar panel output:
Solar panels convert light into electricity whenever daylight is present. However, energy production is reduced based on the density of the cloud cover:
- Light overcast conditions: On a lightly overcast day, your output might see a 10% to 30% reduction from peak
- Heavy overcast/storm conditions: On a heavily overcast or stormy day, production drops significantly, typically generating 30% to 60% of the output you would see on a clear, sunny day.
Important Note: If production drops below your home’s immediate power use (e.g. during a very dark storm), your home will automatically and seamlessly switch to drawing power from the electricity grid to meet the remainder of your needs. This means your lights stay on and your appliances keep running, however you are purchasing the topped up ‘extra’ power that’s required from your electricity retailer.
Performance in cold and winter:
Solar panels can be highly effective in cold weather. The key reasons are:
- Increased Efficiency: Panels actually work more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Excessive heat reduces the panel’s voltage, whereas Melbourne’s milder temperatures allow the cells to perform closer to their optimal tested conditions (25C)
- Seasonal Variation: Reduced winter output is primarily due to shorter daylight hours and the sun being lower in the sky (lower angle), not the cold temperature itself.
By choosing high-quality panels with a good temperature coefficient and ensuring proper installation on your roof in a location which will produce the most electricity, you can maximise energy production throughout the year, regardless of Melbourne’s variable weather.
The size of your solar system should be based on your household’s energy consumption. The key is to match your system’s output to your specific needs and energy use patterns. The most common system sizes for Melbourne family homes range from 5kW and up to 15kW. Many households are sold a package size of 6.6kW which covers most homes average needs (the average Australian household uses approx. 18-20kW per day).
At TCK Solar, our design team is ready to assist you in this process of determining the exact number of panels you need, and therefore what system size is most suitable for you. We will consider your power bill, personally discuss with you your energy requirements and customise a solar system design that aligns with your consumption patterns, motivations and future needs. An ideal starting point for this assessment is your power bill. By reviewing your monthly or quarterly electricity usage, one of our system design engineers can help assess how much energy you consume and identify the size of the system that will effectively cover your needs and / or future aspirations.
This tailored and personalised approach ensures that you invest in a solar system that meets your household’s demands, maximises your energy savings, considers your future needs, and reduces your reliance on buying power from the electricity grid.
This personalised approach ensures that you invest in a solar system that meets your household’s demands, maximises your energy savings, and reduces your reliance on grid power.
Keeping your solar panels in top shape so they can perform at their best is simpler than you might think. Regular cleaning and professional inspections are recommended to ensure they operate efficiently and produce optimal energy.
1. Cleaning
- When to Clean: Dust, leaves, and debris can accumulate on your panels, reducing output. While rain often provides natural cleaning in Melbourne, we recommend visually inspecting your panels regularly. Clean them as needed, particularly if you notice a significant layer of grime or a sudden drop in production. For homes near busy roads or in areas where there are lots of birds, cleaning once a year may be necessary. Otherwise, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) recommends cleaning your solar panels once every 2-3 years.
- How to clean your solar panels: For safety, never climb onto your roof. We recommend using a professional cleaning service such as the team at TCK Solar or, if safe from the ground, hosing the panels down early in the morning or late in the afternoon and using an extension cleaning brush with water only to clean the surface of the panels.
2. Professional Inspections and TCK Solar Support
Most manufacturers recommend annual maintenance to inspect your solar system’s components, check for wiring issues, assess shading, and verify performance metrics.
- TCK Solar’s free initial maintenance: Part of the exceptional service that TCK Solar offers is a free maintenance offered between approx. 12 months and 24 months after installation. During the service, TCK Solar’s team cleans your panels and conduct’s a routine check-up to ensure that your 24/7 monitoring is connected and functioning correctly to enable our team to catch any issues if they arise.
- Long-Term paid maintenance: After the initial free maintenance, TCK Solar offers comprehensive, paid maintenance services. This ensures you’re protecting your investment by receiving a regular clean, technical inspection, warranty check, and detailed performance assessment.
By following these maintenance guidelines and taking advantage of TCK Solar’s ongoing support, you will be able to enjoy the long-term benefits of your solar investment, ensuring your system continues to operate at peak performance for many, many, many years to come.
Yes and no. Battery storage is a valuable addition if you want to significantly boost your energy independence and maximise your solar investment. The decision to invest is often driven by two key factors:
1. Economic Value (maximising self-consumption)
Batteries allow you to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night, when the sun is not shining enough to meet your power needs or during expensive peak demand times. Since solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) have dropped in recent years to be generally very low now in Victoria, self-consuming your power is the fastest way to save money, and a battery enables you to store excess solar you’ve produced. Adding a battery to your system enables you to boost your energy savings by NOT buying power from the electricity grid, but rather powering your property with electricity you stored earlier when the sun was shining.
- Financial reality: While the total solar system return on investment is excellent, the payback period for the battery component alone is often longer than for solar panels (this explains part of the NO part re: is investing in battery storage worth it). For many, investing in a battery, or batteries, is primarily about personal energy security and reducing reliance on the electricity grid, as well as achieving savings. However it depends on how much power you use, and at what time of the day, to determine how beneficial adding a battery is to your home; the financial return on a battery is best gained if you use all, or most, of the stored power in your battery each and every day. Consider it like this: your stored battery power has been generated for free and so when your draw that power back out of your own battery it’s not costing you anything additional. However, if you buy power from the electricity grid, rather than from your own stored battery, then your electricity company is charging you a price for each kilowatt (kW) you’re buying from them. The same as for solar panels, the primary financial benefit is about the power you’re NOT having to buy from the electricity grid to power your home.
2. Resilience and Blackout Protection
This is a significant advantage. With a top-quality battery system in place such as the Tesla Powerwall, your home has the best chance of maintaining power when the electricity grid goes down (a blackout is an unexpected power outage, while a brownout is a planned power outage designed to help manage the electricity grid).
Adding a battery as part of your energy management system means you are most likely to have stored power available (n.b. this depends on how you use power and whether you have a back-up reserve of power stored in your battery at the time of a power outage) for your homes appliances and devices to operate.
- Crucial note on blackout protection: Not all battery installations provide whole-home backup in the event of a power outage. For most batteries to function during a blackout, a specific backup gateway or changeover switch must be installed. This usually allows you to power essential circuits (e.g. lights, fridge, Wi-Fi) until the electricity grid returns. TCK Solar specialises in designing systems to ensure you have the right amount of battery storage for your needs and that on the day of battery installation, our electricians connect up which circuits in your home you’ve requested to be backed up in the event of a power outage.
By integrating a high-quality battery, you can turn your solar system into a complete energy solution.
TCK Solar’s Premium Battery Options
At TCK Solar, we offer several high-quality, high-performance battery options to suit your specific energy needs and budget:
| Battery Model | Usable Capacity | Round-Trip Efficiency | Warranty (Years) | Key Features |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh (Stackable) | 97.5% | 10 | All-in-one unit with integrated solar inverter for maximum efficiency and high power output. Provides seamless backup during outages. Can be stacked, and in our opinion is the best battery choice |
| Enphase IQ 5P | 5.0 kWh (Modular) | 90% (AC) | 15 | AC-coupled and modular (stackable in 5kWh blocks). Highly reliable due to internal microinverters. Ideal for small-to-large capacity needs. |
| SolarEdge Home Battery | 9.7 kWh (Stackable) | 94.5% (DC) | 10 | DC-coupled design for superior overall system efficiency. Designed to work seamlessly with compatible SolarEdge inverters (Home Hub) |
Note on Enphase: Backup functionality for Enphase batteries requires the installation of an IQ System Controller (Enphase switch/gateway) to power the home during an electricity outage. Systems installed without this component supply power to the home ONLY when the electricity grid is connected, and not during a power outage.
Government Incentives
The Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program (delivered via a Small scale technology Certificate discount) is currently available and has enabled thousands of people across Greater Melbourne and within Victoria to install a battery, or several batteries. TCK Solar is able to assist you with claiming this rebate by providing you with all of the necessary guidance enabling you to fully understand how it works so you can easily secure this battery rebate.
If you’re considering battery storage, TCK Solar is an ideal partner to guide you in assessing your energy needs and helping you to select the best battery solution to complement your solar system.
By switching to solar energy, you actively contribute to a healthier planet through the generation of your own electricity. Solar power is a way of generating electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, thereby helping to combat climate change and improve air quality. It conserves precious water resources, as solar production requires minimal water compared to traditional energy sources. Additionally, by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, solar energy diminishes air pollution, leading to better health outcomes for cities and communities. As an abundant and renewable energy source, solar not only provides a sustainable power solution but also supports a healthier future for generations to come.
Estimating your potential savings with solar panels is a crucial step in understanding the financial benefits of solar energy. The calculation is based on four key factors:
- Your energy usage: This is the most important factor. You need to know your average daily, monthly, and annual electricity consumption, which can be found on your power bills
- Your current electricity rates: Understanding your current charge, in cents per kilowatt of electricity (c/kWh), will help determine how much money you save by avoiding purchasing power from your electricity retailer
- The size and quality of your solar system: Larger, higher-efficiency solar systems generate more electricity, leading to greater savings
- The solar feed-in tariff (FiT): This is the rate your electricity retailer pays you for any excess power you generate that feeds back into the to the electricity grid. While savings from the FiT are much lower than savings from self-consumption (using your own free solar power or stored battery power), it may still a consideration of the overall financial benefit depending on the plan you’re on with your electricity retailer.
At TCK Solar, we will provide you with an individualised and tailored quote that reflects your unique situation and potential savings. To facilitate this process, we pair you with one of our experienced system design engineers to chat with you about your specific needs and requirements. They will discuss your energy needs, assess your current usage, understand your future needs and help you understand the financial benefits of installing solar panels, enabling you to make a well-informed decision about your solar investment and how to maximise your savings.
After your solar system is installed, TCK Solar will guide you through the process of connecting to the electricity grid. This involves working with both your Electricity Distributor (who owns the local network) and your Electricity Retailer (who sends your bill).
Key Steps for Grid Connection
- Grid pre-approval (managed by TCK Solar): Before installation, TCK Solar submits a technical application to your distributor (e.g. Jemena, Citypower / Powercor, AusNet) detailing the system size and technology. This ensures the planned system complies with local electricity grid regulations and requirements, and secures an export limit (the maximum instantaneous power you can send back to the electricity grid)
- Installation & compliance: Once pre-approval is granted, TCK Solar installs and commissions your system, followed by an electrical safety inspection conducted by a third-party electrical inspector who issues a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES)
- Final electricity grid connection request: TCK Solar submits the final paperwork (your installed system details together with the CES) to your electricity distributor, which triggers a request to your retailer (e.g. AGL, Origin) to reconfigure your meter for bi-directional import and export
- Meter upgrade / reprogramming: Your retailer may arrange for a smart meter technician to visit your home to replace, but more likely will remotely reprogram your existing meter to accurately measure both the electricity you import (use) and export (feed into the electricity grid).
Expected Delays & Limits
- Metering upgrade: After installation, it typically takes around 10 to 28 business days for the final approval and meter upgrade to occur. During this period, your solar system is producing energy, however any excess energy exported to the grid may not be accurately credited until your smart meter is installed and / or fully reprogrammed
- Export Limits: It’s important to understand that most homes in Melbourne, and Victoria, have an export limit (e.g. 5kW or 10kW) set by the electricity distributor to prevent grid instability and help manage the network. This limit determines how much excess electricity your system is permitted to send back to the grid at any one time
At TCK Solar, we manage all aspects of the electricity grid approval applications to make your connection process as seamless as possible.
At TCK Solar, we offer back-to-base monitoring solutions included as part of the solar and battery products we provide. Depending on the system you choose, you may have access to monitoring features integrated into your solar inverter, such as the Tesla Powerwall or the Enphase IQ system. These tools include user-friendly mobile apps and online portals that allow you to track your energy production and consumption in real time, giving you insights into how much energy your system is generating, how much power you’re using, and the amount of power being sent back to the electricity grid.
TCK Solar’s monitoring support and customer service continues even after your system is installed. Our team actively monitors your solar system by investigating alerts we receive, to ensure your system is operating at its peak performance. Our team regularly reviews the data from your monitoring system, ready to address any irregularities if they arise. This proactive approach ensures that your solar investment remains optimised for maximum energy production and therefore savings, including enabling TCK Solar to claim any warranties on your behalf in the event of underperformance or failure of an installed product.
When you choose to partner with TCK Solar, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your solar and / or battery system is continuously being monitored, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your top-quality system without any worries.
Yes, installing solar on apartment buildings and multi-unit developments is more accessible than ever, thanks to government incentives and innovative technology.
Solar Victoria’s Solar for Apartments Program
Solar Victoria offers a program specifically designed for multi-unit dwellings (apartment buildings, strata townhouses, and units under an Owners Corporation). This program helps apartment residents to access solar by offering a significant financial incentive:
- Rebate Value: The program offers rebates of up to $2,800 per participating apartment, with a maximum funding cap of $140,000 per building. Please check if this program is still current as it may have now closed
- Applicant: The application must be submitted by the Owners Corporation (Body Corporate)
- System Options: The rebate covers both Direct Connected Systems (individual solar for lots) and Solar Sharing Systems (a single, shared array).
Initial Assessment & Next Steps
Due to the complexity of multi-unit apartment buildings, TCK Solar requires an initial, detailed assessment to determine the technical feasibility and ensure we can deliver a high-quality, long-term solution that meets our standards.
If you are an apartment resident, a strata manager, or an Owners Corporation member considering solar, please read through the following:
To start your initial assessment, please answer these questions:
Solar for Apartment Questionnaire
TCK Solar is an Authorised Solar Victoria Retailer experienced in complex apartment installations. After submitting your details in the assessment form, we will review your building and guide you through the steps to help you select the best solution.
If a blackout occurs, your solar system will automatically shut down to protect your home. This safety feature is essential, as it prevents any back-feeding into your electrical system, maintaining the integrity of your solar setup. Unfortunately, during a blackout, you will not have electricity in your home, even if your solar panels are generating energy. To maintain power during outages, investing in a backup battery solution is highly recommended. A battery backup stores excess energy produced by your solar system, allowing you to use this stored power during an outage, which ensures that essential appliances like lights, refrigerators, and medical devices can keep operating. Furthermore, this solution increases your energy independence, reduces reliance on the electricity grid, and maximises the use of your own stored power by enabling access to stored energy during peak demand times.
Ultimately, a battery backup system enhances your home’s resilience to power outages, providing peace of mind that you will have access to electricity when you need it most. At TCK Solar, we assess your specific requirements of usage and best install location, and explore the best battery options to ensure your solar system operates with uninterrupted power and at the greatest level of energy security for your lifestyle.
Yes, installing solar panels is widely confirmed to be a smart financial investment that boosts your home’s appeal and market value in the Australian real estate market.
Key Drivers of Increased Home Value
Homes with solar energy systems often see increased property values for several compelling reasons:
- Significant long-term savings (financial): Potential buyers recognise the immediate benefit of lower electricity bills for years to come. This future cost avoidance is strongly valued by many buyers
- Sustainability and appeal (demand): The ever growing emphasis on sustainability means many buyers actively seek homes with renewable energy. A solar system reduces a property’s carbon footprint and aligns with eco-friendly living, making the property more desirable
- Competitive edge (market speed): Properties with solar systems installed often attract greater interest and can sell faster than comparable homes without solar
The Financial Uplift in Melbourne
Various studies have indicated a clear price premium for homes with solar systems installed, confirming that the investment often adds value above and beyond the cost of the system itself:
- Percentage Premium: Homes with solar panels can sell for a premium compared with properties without solar
- Monetary value (Melbourne data): One analysis found that for homes in Melbourne, the value uplift from having a solar system averages thousands of dollars more in capital value of the property
- Value per kilowatt: Some research suggests that each incremental kilowatt (kW) of solar installed has the potential to increase a home’s value
In summary, installing solar panels with TCK Solar is not just an investment in energy efficiency; it is a smart decision that boosts your home’s market value, ensuring a strong return for both the value of your property and a win for the environment.
While there are three major types of solar technology (Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film), the Monocrystalline panel is the dominant choice for high-quality residential installations in the current market.
At TCK Solar, our focus is on the best-in-the-market technologies, which is currently the high-efficiency Monocrystalline solar panels.
1. Monocrystalline (mono) panels
- Efficiency & technology: These are the most efficient panels available, typically ranging from 22% to over 24%. They are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, allowing electrons to move more freely, resulting in higher power output from a smaller area
- Aesthetics: Monocrystalline panels (such as the premium brand SunPower) often have a sleek, uniform black appearance that has a great aesthetic look
- Performance: Monocrystalline panels offer superior performance in various conditions, including low-light environments.
2. Polycrystalline (poly) panels
- Market Status: Poly panels are older technology and are now rarely used in high-quality residential installations due to their lower efficiency (typically 15% to 20%) and competitive pricing of modern monocrystalline panels
- Appearance: They are generally blue-toned and have a speckled, non-uniform appearance.
3. Thin-Film Panels
- Application: These are lightweight and flexible, making them suitable only for highly specific, non-traditional applications (like building-integrated photovoltaics or large commercial roofs with strict weight limits)
- Efficiency: They typically have the lowest efficiency (about 10% to 15%) and require significantly more roof space to achieve the same power output as monocrystalline panels
By understanding the different types of solar panels, you can make the most informed decision. At TCK Solar, we assist you by recommending, and installing, only monocrystalline panels.
Determining whether your roof is suitable for solar panels involves several key factors, including orientation, shading, and structural integrity.
1. Orientation (the direction)
In the Southern Hemisphere (Melbourne), a north-facing roof generally offers the best solar exposure and maximum overall energy production. However, west-facing (better for evening production) and east-facing (better for morning production) roofs are also highly effective, depending on when you use the most electricity. South-facing is the least ideal but can still work and will still generate solar power all year (however with a lower output during winter and for some of late Autumn and early Spring).
2. Shading
Minimal shading is ideal. Obstacles like trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings that cast shadows on your panels can significantly reduce the system’s output. Optimiser (like SolarEdge) and microinverter technology (like Enphase) can help mitigate shading issues, however in general minimising shade is best for achieving the greatest solar production.
3. Structural integrity & space
Your roof must be structurally sound to support the weight of the solar array (which in our experience 99.9% of roofs are structurally sound), and most importantly your roof requires usable space to accommodate the placement of solar panels.
TCK Solar’s assessment:
To provide a comprehensive assessment, and following our team providing you with an intial ballpark quote, our team can undertake a free site visit to inspect your roof, discuss your energy needs and answer as many questions as you can come up with. During this visit, we will:
- Confirm your ideal roof direction and available space
- Assess any potential obstacles and shading patterns
- Check the structural integrity to ensure your roof can safely support the installation
- Discuss your energy needs both now, and into the future
- Answer questions and give our expert advice to help guide you on what you end up choosing
We’re here to help you figure out the best solar solution for your home, ensuring that you make the most informed decision about your investment.
The physical installation process for solar panels typically takes one to two days, however this timeframe can be longer depending on the complexity of your specific installation and site conditions.
- Standard residential system: The majority of standard solar panel installations can be completed by our in-house team within one to two days.
- Complex systems: Projects involving multiple roof faces, complex wiring, two-story homes, specialised mounting, or the addition of battery storage may require two days or more days to ensure all components are installed to our high-quality and safety standards.
Installation Timeline Stages
The installation process generally involves several stages that ensure compliance and quality:
1. Initial assessment and site visit (pre-design): Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your property to determine the best system design and confirm roofing conditions. This step can take many days to schedule and complete
2. Preparation and paperwork (post-quote acceptance): Once you’ve approved the system design and quote (with a 50% deposit), our team secures materials and finalises the grid pre-approval application with your electricity distributor. This preparation period typically spans several days, subject to external approvals and material lead times
3. Installation day (physical work): Our skilled in-house team of electricians and apprentice electricians will install the solar panels, inverter, and any additional materials such as a battery, EV charger, heat pump for hot water or induction cooktop. This physical process typically takes between one and two days.
4. Inspection, certification, and grid connection (post-installation): This final stage involves mandatory compliance and activation:
- Electrical safety inspection: Your system will need to be inspected by an independent, third-party licensed contractor for the mandatory Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES). The timing of this inspection depends on the availability of the inspector, who will contact you directly to arrange the visit to your property.
- Grid Connection: After installation, TCK Solar notifies your energy retailer, who arranges for your meter to be updated to record your solar exports. This metering update is the final step before you can fully use your new system and in our experience can be the longest wait time of any step (often 10 to 14 business days, and sometimes more depending on the season).
At TCK Solar, we always do our best to keep you informed throughout the process, including providing you upfront with a document outlining the steps along the way, so you can feel confident in knowing what to expect throughout your journey.
For most standard residential solar installations in Victoria, a formal Building Permit or Planning Permit from your local council is NOT required.
However, a Planning Permit may be required if:
- Your property is within a Heritage Overlay area, and
- Your solar panels will be visible from a street (not a lane) or a public park.
Mandatory Approvals & TCK Solar’s Role
Every solar and / or battery system requires a series of approvals, which TCK Solar manages or assists with:
- Grid connection pre-approval (managed by TCK Solar): Our team completes the application process with your electricity distributor (e.g., Powercor, Jemena, Citipower, AusNet) to ensure your system can safely connect to the electricity grid
- Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) (arranged by TCK Solar): After installation, your system is inspected by a third-party, independent contractor who issues this mandatory safety certificate which certifies your installation has been completed in line with the mandatory regulations.
If a Council planning permit (e.g. for a heritage overlay) is required:
- Homeowner’s Responsibility: Each homeowner is responsible for submitting any planning permit applications to your local Council and managing the requirements of the approvals process
- TCK Solar’s Support: Our team will support you by assessing any potential heritage overlay requirements during the design stage and provide you with all the necessary solar design plans, specifications, and elevation drawings required for your submission to Council.
TCK Solar ensures that all technical and safety approvals are met, and we are available to support you through the Council application process as required, giving you peace of mind that you’ll have all of the necessary documentation at hand, and that your system design will be compliant with Council’s requirements.
The number of solar panels required for your system depends on your household’s energy usage and the capacity and quality of each individual panel. Generally, a 5kW solar system may need approximately 10 to 12 panels. However, determining the optimal number and configuration of panels is important in ensuring you get the most benefit from your new system.
At TCK Solar, part of ensuring that the design is tailored to your specific needs includes providing a comprehensive site visit. During this visit, our team assesses your property and evaluates critical factors such as roof orientation, shading from trees or nearby structures, where we’ll run cables, and the availability of roof space. We will also review your current energy consumption patterns by analysing your electricity bills, which is one of the most important parts of helping our design engineers to tailor a system that best meets your specific energy needs.
Based on this information, our design engineers will customise your solar panel quote to ensure it meets your current, and proposed future, energy demands. By tailoring the design to your usage and preferences, we are optimising your solar system’s performance and efficiency, helping you maximise savings and thus minimising your reliance on power from the electricity grid. Our goal is to ensure that you receive a solar and / or all-electric solution, that is perfectly aligned with your lifestyle and energy needs.
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar system owners to receive credits for the surplus electricity their systems generate and send back to the grid.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home consumes, that excess energy is automatically fed back into the grid. Depending on your electricity plan, you may then receive financial credit from your electricity retailer for that exported energy, which marginally helps offset the cost of electricity you draw from the grid at night or on cloudy days.
Victorian Context (Feed-in Tariff)
In Victoria, the rate you are paid for exporting electricity to the electricity grid is called the feed-in tariff (FiT). This tarif can support you via the following:
- Self-Consumption: The greatest savings come from using your own solar power instead of buying expensive grid power
- Export Credits: The FiT credits you receive for exported power are applied to your bill, which can marginally reduce your overall electricity costs.
Finding the best Feed in Tarif (FiT)
To find the best rates and understand the current rates in the electricity market, you can use the Victorian Government’s free and independent comparison tool:
- Compare current feed-in tariffs: Visit Victorian Energy Compare at compare.energy.vic.gov.au/ to understand different offers and ensure your household is receiving the best energy plan and FiT available
- General solar tariff information: For more details on current regulations and solar information, you can visit the Energy Victoria website.
Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity during the winter months in Greater Melbourne and Victoria. While production may be lower due to shorter daylight hours, the highest quality panels are designed to perform efficiently even in low light conditions and cool temperatures. In fact, cold weather can enhance the efficiency of solar panels compared with hot conditions.
While snow is not a common occurrence in most Victorian regions, it can occasionally happen in higher elevations, such as the Dandenong Ranges and the Victorian Alps. For most homeowners in Greater Melbourne, including coastal areas, the main consideration in winter is the reduced sunlight available. The highest quality panels will produce solar power even on cloudy and overcast days, which means your solar panels can still convert diffuse sunlight into energy, ensuring that you continue to benefit from electricity produced from your solar system throughout the winter months.
In the rare event that snow does accumulate on your panels, it typically slides off easily due to the smooth surface. However, it’s important to keep them clear of any obstructions to maximise overall energy production in all conditions.
At TCK Solar, our team is here to support you with information on how your solar system will perform in Victoria’s seasonal conditions. We are experts in providing insights and strategies to ensure you maximise energy production throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
Yes, solar power is highly reliable as a long-term energy source, however its reliability during a blackout or brownout, depends entirely on your setup.
Reliability Against Grid Failure
- Solar system WITH NO battery storage: A standard grid-connected solar system will automatically shut down when the electricity grid goes down (due to mandatory safety regulations). Unfortunately, without a backup supply of stored electricity, you will not have power during a blackout, even if the sun is shining
- Solar system WITH battery storage: When incorporating grid-connected battery storage together with your solar panels, your system provides true reliability. The battery, with its separate gateway, isolates your home from the grid, allowing you to use stored energy (or newly generated solar energy) to keep essential appliances running in the event of a blackout or brownout (unplanned versus planned electricity outages), giving you confidence and true peace of mind.
Long-Term System Reliability
For reliable energy production throughout the year, TCK Solar recommends:
- Durability: The best quality solar panels are built to withstand severe weather and have decades-long warranties, with extremely low degradation year-on-year, ensuring a consistent energy source for 30-40 years
- Seasonal performance: Solar panels generate electricity even in cooler temperatures; in fact, cooler weather often enhances their efficiency
- Maintenance: To maintain optimal long-term performance, our install team can undertake routine checks of your system (wiring and inverters) and cleaning of your solar panels
- Monitoring: TCK Solar provides 24/7 remote monitoring of your solar system with active alerts received by our team for major issues such as faults and failures, ensuring your system operates at peak performance and you’re able to claim warranties on any materials that have faults or failures.
Finding the right solar setup for each household or business involves assessing your unique energy needs and budget. There are several programs available in Victoria that aim to make solar energy more accessible and affordable. For example, Solar Victoria’s Solar Homes Program offers rebates for solar panel installations and solar battery systems, helping reduce the upfront costs of installing solar or heat pump hot water systems.
Another program from Solar Victoria is the Solar for Apartments Program, which assists apartment residents to access solar energy for apartment buildings. Additionally, some local councils offer their own solar funding programs for low income households and / or partnerships with selected solar providers to facilitate the uptake of solar power.
TCK Solar is here to help you explore your options and identify the program that best aligns with your goals. Our team will evaluate your specific situation, explain the details of available programs, and guide you through every step to help you make an informed decision, thereby maximising the benefits of your solar investment.
While solar panels themselves are built to withstand harsh conditions, the vast majority of risks are associated with improper or non-compliant electrical installation.
The main safety risks linked to poor installation include:
- Electrical faults: Incorrect wiring can lead to dangerous faults, potentially causing electrocution or fire (in our experience this is rare)
- Roof damage: Improperly installed mounting systems can lead to roof leaks or structural issues (in our experience this is rare)
- Warranty voidance: Non-accredited work can void product warranties and compliance certificates.
Mitigating risks: The TCK Solar difference
It is critical to work with licensed, experienced, and accredited installers to ensure every component is done correctly, safely, and in compliance with Australian standards.
When you choose TCK Solar, you eliminate these risks due to the way we operate:
- In-house team of professionals: All of our system designers who create quotes for you are university qualified engineers, and all of our installers are in-house electricians or apprentice electricians. Every member of our team ishighly trained, ensuring our entire team is committed to delivering the best and safest results in all aspects of what we do
- Highest quality products: We ONLY use the highest quality products from financially strong companies, ensuring system longevity and the best safety features
- Commitment to service: Since our founding in 2009 by our Director, Timo Karnath (who is a German engineer by training – we think this says it all), we have built long-term relationships with our suppliers, customers, and team, reflecting our commitment to honest, trustworthy and old-fashioned service
- Proactive monitoring: We offer the advantage of remote monitoring your system for any faults or failures, providing you with peace of mind that your solar investment is operating efficiently and safely.
By partnering with TCK Solar, you can be confident that you’re in reliable, experienced and safe hands.
Hybrid solar systems involve both a solar system and a battery, and use a built-in inverter which is incorporated into the battery itself. This approach allows you to maximise your solar investment through a cost-effective solution that also provides you with backup power when needed. Essentially, a hybrid system is a battery with a built-in-inverter which connects to your solar panels, which overall is a solution that is cost-effective and ensures that you have a reliable power supply at all times.
A popular example of battery storage in hybrid systems is the Tesla Powerwall 3, which TCK Solar regards as the best battery solution in the market as it has absolutely everything built-in, plus Tesla continues to be at the forefront of innovating the best battery technology in the market. This advanced battery storage solution not only stores energy generated by your solar panels but also includes a built-in inverter, simplifying installation and operation. The Powerwall 3 allows you to utilise your own stored energy at times such during peak demand times or when the grid is down, enhancing your energy independence.
The benefits of hybrid solar systems are significant:
Increased energy independence: You will rely less on the electricity grid and have your own backup power when the sun is not shining or during power outages
Energy storage: By storing excess solar energy generated during the day, or filling your battery from the grid at times when electricity retailers are offering free or off-peak power, you will be using your own stored power supply such as at nighttime or during peak demand periods (typically 3-8pm) when electricity tariffs are typically higher
Flexible energy management: Hybrid systems allow you to optimise your energy usage, choosing the best source of power — solar, battery, or electricity grid — depending on your needs and conditions
Cost savings: Over time, the combination of solar energy generation and battery storage can lead to reduced electricity bills, increasing the return on your overall investment.
Financing options available for solar systems, include loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). At TCK Solar, we work with trusted financing partners like Handypay (https://handyfinance.com.au/handypay) and Parker Lane (https://www.parkerlane.com.au/green-loan ) to guide you towards some trusted partners we’ve worked with to help you find a solution that fits your financial situation and needs.
Handypay offers flexible financing options that allow you to spread the cost of your solar system over time, making it easier to manage your budget. Their straightforward application process ensures quick approvals, enabling you to start your solar journey without delay.
Parker Lane provides additional financing solutions tailored to your circumstances, whether you’re looking for low-interest loans or payment plans that fit comfortably within your budget. Their team will guide you through the process, ensuring you understand each option and select the most beneficial one.
Solar panels require very little maintenance, which is one of the many benefits of owning a solar system. To ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently, regular cleaning (every 2-3 years as recommended by the CEC, Clean Energy Council) and periodic inspections are suggested. You will achieve greater efficiency and energy output by keeping the panels free from debris, dust, and leaves.
At TCK Solar, we offer a comprehensive maintenance program to help you keep your solar system in excellent condition. As part of our service, we provide a free maintenance after approximately 18-24 months post solar installation. This includes a routine inspection to check for any potential issues, ensuring that your system is operating at its best performance.
For ongoing peace of mind, we also offer paid maintenance packages that include regular cleaning and thorough inspections beyond the initial free maintenance period. These packages are designed to provide you with continued support as your solar system matures, helping to identify any problems before they become significant issues.
In addition to physical maintenance, TCK Solar provides remote monitoring of your solar system. This allows our team to track your system’s performance continuously, identifying any faults or failures and investigate them. Should any irregularities be detected, our team will reach out to address these concerns promptly, ensuring that your system operates efficiently and effectively.
Solar batteries store electricity when paired with as solar system such that they store the excess energy generated by your solar panels. During the day, when your solar system produces more energy than you are consuming in your home or business, the surplus energy gets stored in the battery. This stored energy can then be used once the sun goes down at night or during periods of low sunlight conditions, allowing you to maximise your energy independence and get the most out of your investment.
The benefits of solar batteries:
Energy Independence: With a solar battery, you can rely less on buying power from the electricity grid and avoid high electricity prices during peak demand times (such as 3-8pm). This leads to greater self-sufficiency over a 24 hour period and has the added benefit of protecting you against rising energy costs
Backup Power: In the event of a power outage, a solar battery can provide crucial backup power for essential appliances and systems in your home or business, ensuring that you remain with power even if the electricity grid is down
Optimised Energy Use: By storing excess energy, (either from solar production, or charging your battery directly from the electricity grid at times of cheap, or no cost, power available within the electricity network) you can use your own electricity instead of buying power is at its highest price, thus effectively reducing your monthly energy bills and maximising your savings.
At TCK Solar, we offer several high-quality battery options to suit your needs:
Tesla Powerwall 13.5kW: This market leading battery storage solution features a large capacity and includes the best built-in energy management capabilities of any battery on the market. The Powerwall allows you to store energy generated by your solar panels, or to grid charge (charge the battery directly from the electricity grid at times of cheap, or no cost, power) and seamlessly integrates with your home, your solar system and the electricity grid to use that stored power when required, giving you energy independence. The Tesla Powerwall has 13.5kW of usable storage, a 10-year warranty on the product and performance of the battery and built-in inverter.
Enphase IQ 5P Flexphase 5kW (with backup): The Enphase battery integrates well with any solar system, providing reliable backup power during outages while also storing energy for later use. The battery’s modular 5kW design is great for smaller needs and comes with a market leading 15-year warranty, plus can backup 3-phase appliances in the event of a power outage.
Enphase IQ 5P 5kW (without backup): The Enphase battery can be added to any solar system to store excess energy generated by your solar panels. However without the backup module included, the battery works only when the electricity grid is connected to your home and will not provide backup power in the event of a power outage. The battery’s modular 5kW design is great for smaller needs and comes with a market leading 15-year warranty.
SolarEdge 10kW battery: Designed to work with compatible SolarEdge HomeHub inverters, this 10kW battery offers reliable storage capacity and energy management, allowing homeowners to make the most of their solar energy.
Installing solar panels can affect your home insurance, however this change is generally straightforward and necessary to fully protect your investment.
1. Update Your Policy
When you add solar panels and / or a battery to your property, it is suggested to notify your insurance provider immediately.
- Sum insured: Solar panels and a backup battery are considered permanent fixtures and are covered under your existing building insurance. It is recommended to update your policy’s sum insured (the total amount it would cost to rebuild your home) to include the full replacement value of the solar system
- Consequence of not notifying: Failing to update your sum insured means you risk being underinsured. If the solar panels and / or battery are damaged by fire, hail, or storm, your insurer may not cover the full replacement cost.
2. Premium
Your insurance provider will assess your policy, and your premium may see a slight increase. This increase reflects the added cost of replacement, as the total value of your home has increased.
However, the increase is typically modest when compared to the significant long-term savings and the value that a solar and battery system adds to your home.
3. Coverage and Value
- Check Your Policy: Always review your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to confirm what events your solar and battery system is covered for (e.g. hail, fire, theft) and what is excluded (e.g. wear and tear)
- Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with energy-efficient or sustainable upgrades, which may help to offset any premium increase.
It’s advisable to shop around for insurance quotes and ask specifically about their coverage for solar panels and batteries.
36. What happens if my solar panels start to malfunction?
If you notice any issues with your solar panels, such as a drop in energy production or significant increase in your power bills from your electricity retailer, the best thing to do is reach out to TCK Solar. Our team understands how important your solar system is to your home and your energy independence and we are committed to supporting all of our customers with any issues as we want you to be making the most of the top-quality system we’ve installed for you.
Proactive support and action
At TCK Solar, our process is purposely designed to catch issues early:
- Remote Monitoring: Our team receive critical important or alerts 24/7 of your system which allow us to investigate faults or significant drops in production. In many cases, our team is able to detect and notify you of an issue before you even notice it on your power bill
- Contacting TCK Solar: If you think there are irregularities with your system, please contact our team immediately so we can analyse it for you and investigate how we can help.
Warranties and resolution
Most top quality solar systems come with multiple warranties (product, performance, and installer) that cover any repairs or replacements. Our team of design engineers will guide you through the diagnosis process, which may include confirming the warranty status, and arranging for one of our in-house electricians, or apprentice electricians, to address the issue promptly and effectively.
It’s important to us at TCK Solar, that you feel way more than a sales transaction. For our entire team you become part of our TCK family of people that are part of our ongoing support network and are generating clean, green energy for the planet. Our team is committed to supporting you throughout your installation journey, ensuring your entire system continues to operate at its best for years to come. And when it comes to the next step of your journey, that you don’t hesitate to contact our team to assist and guide you with that next step.
Yes, installing solar panels can provide a significant degree of protection against rising electricity prices. By generating your own electricity, you will reduce your dependence on buying power from the electricity grid, which becomes even more beneficial in time as utility prices continue to rise. The result of generating your own power is that you take charge of your energy costs and enjoy lower ongoing expenses.
When you produce your own electricity from solar panels, you’re effectively lowering the amount of electricity you need to purchase from your electricity retailer. This results in a decrease in your overall electricity bills. Even if the per kilowatt prices increase, you’re heavily insulated from these hikes because you’re generating a portion of your energy needs from your own solar panels.
Particularly during peak demand hours (typically 3-8pm), when electricity rates are often at their highest, your solar system can supply you with free energy, allowing you to avoid purchasing power from the electricity grid at peak prices. And if you combine your solar panels with a battery storage system, you can store any surplus energy generated during the day for use when the sun is not shining, or at times when electricity prices spike.
Additionally, various incentive programs and rebates may be available to further offset your initial investment in solar panels, making them an even more cost-effective solution over time.
Overall, by investing your own solar system, you are taking a proactive step toward sustainability and going a long way towards protecting yourself from future electricity cost increases.
A solar inverter is an essential part of your solar energy system which converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by your solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity which is used in your home. This conversion is essential because AC electricity is what powers the appliances and devices in your home. Without an inverter, your solar system wouldn’t be able to provide usable energy for everyday functions.
There are different types of solar inverters, each with their own advantages:
Enphase Microinverters: These inverters are installed directly under each solar panel, allowing each inverter, and therefore each panel to operate individually. This means that if one panel is shaded or underperforming for any reason (dirty, poorly manufactured, different angle), it won’t affect the performance of the other solar panels in your system. At TCK Solar, we offer panels with microinverters as an option for you to consider and in our opinion, microinverters form part of the best solar system you can buy due to highest safety, best production per panel and enabling real-time monitoring for each panel.
SolarEdge Inverters: This type of system utilises a single inverter, typically mounted onto an outside wall of our home, or inside your garage, and is best combined with power optimisers attached to each panel. Individual optimisers ensure that each panel functions at its maximum potential, enhancing overall system efficiency. SolarEdge inverters work well with the best panels on the market such as Sunpower to provide the highest effective energy conversion rates and detailed panel-level monitoring capabilities.
Tesla Powerwall built-in inverter: The built-in inverter creates an all-in-one solar and battery system, reducing the need for separate hardware and simplifying design and installation. By integrating the inverter within the battery, the system enables faster and often lower-cost installations, plus improves efficiency by minimising energy conversion losses. This design also allows for a sleek looking solar inverter (effectively hidden) and seamless monitoring and control through the Tesla app.
Choosing the most suitable inverter is essential for optimising the performance of your solar system. By selecting high-quality options like Enphase, SolarEdge or Tesla, you’re investing in a foundation of efficiency and reliability. At TCK Solar, we can help you understand the various inverter options and select the best solution to meet your individual circumstances, ensuring you gain the greatest return from your system.
Yes, in Victoria, there are critical regulations and standards governing solar installations that must be followed to ensure the proper functioning, safety, and compliance of your system.
1. Mandatory Technical Compliance (managed by TCK Solar)
TCK Solar manages the applications and ensures compliance with these non-negotiable requirements:
- Australian Standards & Electrical Safety: Compliance with all Australian Standards for electrical safety and wiring is mandatory, and is enforced by Energy Safe Victoria (ESV). This guarantees the electrical work is performed safely and correctly by licensed workers and checked by an independent third-party electrical inspector, who upon assessing the full compliance of the installation, will issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES)
- Grid Connection: TCK Solar must obtain the required technical pre-approval from your local electricity distributor to ensure your system can safely connect to the electricity grid.
2. Local Approvals (property owner responsibility)
You are responsible for checking and obtaining approvals in these specific areas:
- Local Council Planning Permits: Councils may have their own regulations regarding the placement, aesthetics, and height of solar systems, particularly in areas with Heritage Overlays or specific zoning laws. If a Planning Permit is required, TCK Solar provides the technical drawings for you to use, however it’s the property owners responsibility for submitting the application to Council
- Owners Corporation (OC) Approval: If you live in a townhouse or unit governed by an Owners Corporation, you must seek and obtain approval from the OC before proceeding, as the roof is typically considered common property.
TCK Solar will guide you through the process, as it’s important to check these local requirements to ensure a smooth installation.
