What you need to know about rooftop solar
Thinking about installing rooftop solar? Before you invest in a solar power system, it’s important to understand how solar works, what it costs, and whether it’s the right fit for your home or business. This guide brings together the essential information you need to know before installing solar panels, helping you make a confident and informed decision. Whether you're just starting your research or preparing to request a solar quote, this page will help you understand what to expect and how to get the most from your solar investment.
Is Solar Right for You?
What are the solar costs, fees, rebates and export values?
How to get the most from your solar system?
Rooftop solar isn’t a set-and-forget investment getting the most value from your system requires some ongoing attention and understanding. By keeping your panels well maintained, monitoring how and when you use electricity, and ensuring your system stays connected and operating efficiently, you can maximise both your self-consumption and the value of any energy you export to the grid. Taking an active role in how your system performs will help you get the best return from your solar investment over time.
Basic Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your solar panel system safe and efficient. Each year, you should:
Clean the panels by removing dirt and grime. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s guide beforehand, or hire a professional to do the work for you.
Follow the maintenance schedule from your installer to maximise efficiency of the panels.
Self Consumption vs Export
Using your solar power at home is the best way to save money on your electricity bill. While you get paid a little for sending extra energy to the grid, it’s less than what you pay for electricity when your system isn’t producing any.
To get the most out of your rooftop solar system, try shifting more of your electricity usage to peak solar production time (when the sun's out).
Consider investing in smart devices or a home energy management systems to automate usage to when your solar is producing energy during the day.
Tracking Your Electricity Usage
Did you know you can view and manage your electricity usage by creating an account in My Portal?
Check on your electricity consumption and compare it to other users in your suburb. Check your home's CO2 emissions and set targets to reduce them by managing your electricity use efficiently. Save money by comparing energy retailer offers on websites like Victorian Energy Compare.
Keep Your System Connected to the Internet
All new or upgraded solar system inverters must remain connected to the internet.
Ask your installer how to check the connection using your solar app and how to reconnect if your connection is lost. If your internet connection is not stable, ask for advice on arranging a wired internet connection.
What technologies are used in a typical solar system?
Solar systems use a combination of equipment to generate, convert, and manage electricity safely for your home and the network.
A solar system is made up of panels, an inverter, and supporting equipment that work together to generate and manage electricity safely either for your home, the grid, or both. Modern systems may also include monitoring tools and, in some cases, battery storage to help you track and optimise your energy use.
As part of the quoting process, accredited solar installers will assess your property and recommend the most suitable products, system size, and technologies for your home or business. Understanding the basic components and how they work together can help you feel more confident when comparing options and making decisions about your solar installation.
Solar panels (PV panels)
Inverter
Meter (smart meter)
Electrical wiring and protection equipment
Optional: Battery storage
Types of Solar Systems
Grid-connected solar (most common)
- Connected to the electricity network
- Powers your home first, with excess energy exported to the grid
- Requires approval before connection
Grid-connected with battery
- Includes a battery to store unused solar energy
- Helps reduce reliance on the grid
- Can provide backup power (depending on setup)
Off-grid solar
- Not connected to the electricity network
- Uses batteries to store all energy
- Typically used in remote areas without network access
How they work
AC vs DC Coupled Systems
Simple summary
- DC-coupled systems store solar energy more efficiently before conversion
- AC-coupled systems are easier to install with existing solar setups
- Both safely supply power to your home and the electricity network
What do AC and DC mean?
Solar panels generate electricity as direct Current (DC), while homes and the electricity network use Alternating Current (AC).
To make solar energy usable, your system converts DC electricity into AC so it can power your home and, where applicable, be exported to the grid.
Key difference (easy way to understand)
- DC-coupled = fewer conversions → more efficient
- AC-coupled = more flexible → easier to retrofit
Why this matters
From a network perspective, both DC- and AC-coupled systems must meet connection and inverter requirements before they can be installed.
AC-coupled systems may use separate inverters to manage solar generation and battery storage.
The way energy flows through each system can also influence export limits and overall system performance.
Other Technologies
Types of Embedded Generation include:
Inverter Energy Systems (IES)
Battery Storage (when exporting to the network)
Wind generators
Solar panels
Non-IES (rotating)
Synchronous machines like diesel generators or gas generators
Induction machine
All generation systems that require a connection to our electricity network must be reviewed and approved by Jemena prior to connection and operation. This is to ensure safety and compliance.
