Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

While solar panels themselves are built to withstand harsh conditions, the vast majority of risks are associated with improper or non-compliant electrical installation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For most standard residential solar installations in Victoria, a formal Building Permit or Planning Permit from your local council is NOT required.

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.

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:

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).