Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Solar Savers is a local government intiative making electrification easy for homeowners, renters, landlords, and business owners in participating Council areas. Find out more about Solar Savers here.
Quality installation is a key priority of the Solar Savers program. This is why we conduct a rigorous public tender process to select an installer. We assess the safety, reliability and quality of each installer and the components they use.
In 2023, Solar Savers underwent an installer tender process and review. In September 2023, our new trusted installer was selected – Specialized Solar and Electrical.
The Solar Savers program offers industry-leading products for an all-electric future, including:
- Solar panels and inverters
- Battery storage
- Heat pump hot water systems
- Split system heating & cooling
Solar PV systems
Solar PV systems are made up of two key parts – panels and an inverter. Solar panels generate power from the sun. The inverter converts solar energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) , which enables it to be fed into the grid and used to power your home. The panels are placed on your roof and the inverter is mounted outside on a wall, or in a garage, in the shade. It is placed as close to your electricity meter as possible and is about the size of a small suitcase.
There are two ways solar power saves you money on your electricity bills. Firstly, during the daytime when the sun is out, you use free power from your solar panels so you don’t need to purchase as much electricity. This is the main way solar panels save you money. Secondly, your electricity company will pay you a small amount (feed-in tariff) for any extra power from your solar panels that you don’t use yourself. This saves you a little bit more. On average, you can expect savings of 40 – 60% on your electricity bill after you have installed solar.
Our installers will be able to determine if the trees or buildings cast any shading over your roof and in turn affect the efficiency of solar panels. They use an aerial imagery program, Nearmaps, and view your property during all times of the day across the year to help work out where to place the panels. If there is some shading, there are options available which can improve the efficiency of your PV system, such as optimisers or micro inverters. Our installer will discuss these options with you.
When you enquire with Solar Savers, our expert installers will recommend a solar system size that matches your roof space and household electricity consumption. For example, a household with a daily usage of 10 kWh would need approximately 10 panels, which makes a 3.3 kilowatt system. You can find out your average daily usage by reading your most recent electricity bill.
The first consultation with the installer is usually over the phone and is necessary to design a solar system proposal. The key purpose is to assess your electricity bills, discuss your home energy needs, check your electricity switchboard and meter and answer any questions you may have. Satellite imaging, or when required, a certified electrician will be used for roof assessments.
Solar, batteries and your energy bill
In energy, a tariff refers to how you are charged for electricity or gas usage (the variable part of your bill).
The feed-in tariff is the amount your electricity retailer pays you for any excess power your solar panels generate.
Adding a battery to your solar PV system allows you to store excess electricity generated by solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining. If your current electricity bill is over $500 per quarter and you use a lot of energy during the night, you may want to consider adding a battery to your system. You can ask our trusted installers whether batteries are right for you.
Your solar panels produce free and clean energy during the day, especially in the sunnier months of the year. Try and use appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and pool heating during the day to make the most of the energy you are producing.
Please also note, after you have your system installed, your electricity retailer may change your electricity charges (how much you pay for electricity). Once your system has been installed and connected to the grid, we suggest that you shop around the best energy deal for your usage.
You may have your electricity bill updated as a result of the installation. Installing solar might impact your controlled load or off-peak tariffs so it’s a good idea to understand how your bill works and how it will be affected. We recommend you check with your electricity retailer about the possible change to your tariff structure to ensure you have the most accurate information for your household.
CLICK HERE for the answers to some more commonly asked questions about the minimum feed-in tariff.
To find out if you’re on the best deal after installing solar power, compare energy offers by visiting the Victorian Government’s Victorian Energy Compare and find the cheapest energy offers for your home. It’s free, independent, and easy-to-use. Note, we strongly recommend you wait approximately three months after your solar installation before changing electricity retailers.
Heat pump hot water systems
A heat pump hot water system is a type of heat pump specifically designed to heat water. It works by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the water, raising its temperature. This works even on cold days. A heat pump hot water system works on the same principles as a refrigerator, only in reverse. Because heat pumps are not creating heat like a traditional gas or resistance electric hot water system, but rather moving heat, they are much more efficient and cheaper to run.
When you enquire with Solar Savers, our expert installers will recommend a tank size that matches your home’s size and your household’s needs. Solar Savers are currently offering a range of heat pump hot water systems with storage tanks sized from 250L to 400L.
Yes you can! All heat pumps available through Solar Savers have in-built timers to allow you to run your system at specific times. This will allow you to maximise the use of your solar PV system or have it running during off peak tariff periods. Check with your electricity provider for information about your time of use tariffs.
All heat pump hot water systems available through Solar Savers are designed for Australian conditions. The heat pump units are able to operate in a wide range of temperatures. These systems are designed to efficiently manage hot water supply, even in colder conditions, with models rated to run at temperatures as low as -10°C.
A hot water heat pump will heat your water to the required storage temperature of 60°C as quickly as a traditional gas system while using much less energy doing so. Gas hot water systems can heat water far above these temperatures, however, this is not recommended for energy efficiency and safety reasons.
The Reclaim heat pump hot water systems available through Solar Savers are rated to deliver hot water between 63-67°C. While the Apricus All-In-One system is set to 60°C, with the option of boosting to up to 70°C using the dual heating electric element.
There are a number of government incentives running to reduce the cost of installing a heat pump:
- Solar Victoria hot water rebate, currently valued at up to $1,000 for eligible households.
- Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) provided as part of the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
- Small Technology Certificates (STCs) provided by the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulator.
Visit our rebates page for more information.
Reverse cycle split systems
A reverse cycle split system refers to a type of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It comprises of two components; an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout the home, whereas the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser coil, which are responsible for heating and cooling the air. Split Systems can provide both heating and cooling, making them suitable for comfort all year round.
Adjusting the temperature settings to the most energy efficient settings can help to reduce energy consumption. In Summer, aim for temperatures around 25°C degrees or higher for cooling, and in winter 20°C or lower for heating.
Ensuring your home is well insulated and that any gaps around doors or windows are sealed will go a long way in minimising heat transfer. Closing curtains and blinds can also help keep temperatures steady and prevent further leakage.
Visit Sustainability Victoria for more information on draught proofing your home.
Yes – All split systems available through Solar Savers have in-built timers to allow you to automatically heat and cool your home when you choose. If you have solar, set it to run during the day to make the most of your free solar energy. By using 24-Hour On/Off Timers and Weekly Timers, you can make it easy to adjust the temperature based on your daily and weekly routines.
The State Government’s Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers discounts in the form of Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs).
Visit our rebates page for more information.
Maintenance and upgrades
Solar panels are designed to be durable and generally require very little maintenance. Installing panels on an angle enables the rain and wind to clear away dirt, leaves and debris. During the dry season – or if you have panels installed flat – you can periodically hose down panels to ensure dirt isn’t obstructing the sun’s rays. Solar Savers installers provide quality, long-term product and performance warranties to maintain your system’s efficiency over their twenty-five-year life.
Yes, enquire through the registration form and our solar installers will assess your property and advise if and how they can upgrade your system. Note, homeowners with an existing system installed in the last ten years will not be eligible for the Solar Victoria rebate.
In the rare instance that solar panels need replacing, it’s always best to call the solar company who installed the system. If panels are losing efficiency and still under a performance/power output warranty, your solar installer will send someone to assess the situation and either fix the problem or replace the panels. If your panels sustain physical damage, that’s often covered under a separate equipment warranty, or under your homeowners’ insurance.
Yes. Our installer can remove and environmentally dispose of an existing solar system. Materials recovered in the recycling process such as glass, copper, plastic, aluminium and silver can be reused in local manufacturing, supporting industries, promoting circular economies and decreasing our reliance on new materials.
The most common reason your inverter will be offline is due to a change in your Wi-Fi settings or internet service provider (ISP). You may need to update your inverter settings and reconnect it to your network if you have: changed your Wi-Fi password, changed ISP, or replaced your modem/router.
Refer to your inverter user manual for details or contact us for further assistance.
Like any other heating appliance, heat pump hot water systems require maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Some typical maintenance you may perform include cleaning filters, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels and visually inspecting for any damage.
Solar Savers installers provide quality, product and performance warranties to maintain your heat pump’s efficiency. Manufacturer specific maintenance and warranty information will be provided with your quote.
Like any other appliance, split systems require maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Some typical maintenance you may perform include cleaning filters, clearing the outdoor unit for any debris which may obstruct airflow, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels and visually inspecting for any damage. Solar Savers installers provide quality, product and performance warranties to maintain your split system’s efficiency. Manufacturer specific maintenance and warranty information will be provided with your quote.
