Installing and connecting solar panels and battery systems

Do your research

The following pages provide information on what to look out for when installing solar PV and battery systems.

Solar and battery costs

Installing a solar PV or battery system may require an upfront investment. The larger systems usually cost more. The Commonwealth Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme can help reduce these upfront costs for solar PV.

Some commercial businesses also allow customers to lease solar PV and battery systems or to purchase them on finance.

Generally, purchasing the system outright will be more cost effective, so do some research to find out the best way to pay for your solar PV.

Here are some resources to get you started:

Shop around for an accredited installer

Get a range of quotes from different solar and battery installers. You’ll find a list of accredited installers on the Clean Energy Council's website.

Ask for a written quotation and contract before signing up. Understand the following:

the total price of the system and installation
proposed start and completion dates
specifications of the size and output of the system as well as the inverter specifications
estimates of the average output of the system, including an estimate of output during the best and worst months of the year
warranties and guarantees.

If you have any problems with your solar installer you can contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

In most circumstances, your solar installer will manage your connection to the grid.

You can also get more information about connecting your solar PV system to the electricity network from your electricity distributor, which will be Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy or Essential Energy. Take a look at your most recent bill to check the name of your distributor.

Ausgrid: 13 13 65 or visit the Ausgrid solar web page
Endeavour Energy: 13 37 18 or visit the Endeavour Energy solar web page
Essential Energy: 13 23 91 or visit the Essential Energy solar web page

Understand your role and responsibilities for installing and maintaining solar systems

Are you thinking about installing solar panels or a solar battery system at home? Watch these videos to learn about your role and responsibilities for installing and maintaining your home solar and battery system. This includes:

what installers need to do to ensure everyone is safe while they’re working at your home
what information your installer should provide you with to operate your system safely, and
helpful tips on maintaining your solar or battery system, so you can get the most benefits.

Installer documents and licences

This video can help you understand what you can to do to ensure your installer is appropriately licensed and insured to install your system.

Before your installation work starts

Your installer needs to ensure that you, your property and the installer are safe before and during your installation. Find out how.

After your installation work is completed

Learn what information your installer needs to give you when they have completed your installation. This includes how to use your system properly and what to do in case of an emergency.

Maintaining your solar or battery system

Solar and battery systems are easy to use and only require a small amount of maintenance. This video can help you make sure your system is working properly for years to come.

Getting the most from your solar or battery system

Here are some simple tips to get the most from your new solar and battery system. This includes setting timers for appliances to run during the day and using smart switches for hot water systems and pool filters so they turn off automatically.

Find more information and tips on how you can save energy and money.

The NSW Government also offers solar and solar battery system incentives for eligible households. Find out more about:

Solar for low income households

Need more help?

Disputes and complaints

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) provides a free dispute resolution service for complaints about energy and gas suppliers. Call EWON on 1800 246 545 or email omb@ewon.com.au

Distributors

Electricity distributors can give you information on connecting your solar PV system to the grid. The distributor you use will depend on where you live in NSW.

Contact your distributor.

Ausgrid: 13 13 65 or visit the Ausgrid solar web page
Endeavour Energy: 13 37 18 or visit the Endeavour Energy solar web page
Essential Energy: 13 23 91 or visit the Essential Energy solar web page

NSW Fair Trading

To find out more about consumer protections or to make enquiries or complaints about workmanship, phone NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and select ‘home building enquiries’.

Service NSW

For more information about the former Solar Bonus Scheme or any other service or program offered by the NSW Government, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Frequently asked questions

How can solar generation reduce my electricity bills?

Instead of purchasing all your electricity from your retailer, you can use the energy you generate from your own solar system and only purchase extra electricity if you need it.

How much can I expect to save on my electricity bill with a solar PV system?

That depends on a range of factors, including the size, quality and site of your system, how you use electricity, the weather and any feed-in tariff paid by your retailer.

Your installer can advise you on the expected output of a particular model and size of system. If you have a typical electricity account on hand and you know the time of day you typically use your electricity it will help your installer match the system to your needs.

How much does a solar PV system cost?

There are a range of prices for different PV systems. You should seek independent advice on the actual costs of a system.