Month: March 2025

Best Solar Companies – 6 Tips on How to Find One

Posted on by Thomas Yako

This is a quick guide to what do you need to know to choose one of the best solar companies. Over the years I have been in the solar industry I have seen many solar companies come and go. It pains me to see families who have systems only a few years old that no longer work due to shoddy installations. Hopefully this article will help you choose one of the best solar providers to achieve a great solar panel and solar battery installation.

In my experience to pick the best solar installer the criteria shown by the best rated solar power companies include: 1) More than 12 years in business. 2) Hundreds of reviews across several review sites ranking above 4.5 out of 5 stars. 3) They own the facility they operate from and have a showroom. 4) They will not design your system and issue a quote without doing an onsite visit before installation. 5) They have industry recognized accreditations and a history of industry awards. 6) They are never the cheapest in the market.

Let’s look at these in a bit more detail.

1. The Best Rated Solar Companies have over 12 Years Experience in Solar Panel Installations

Since 2011 over 700 solar and panel companies have come and gone from the Australian market. This reflects the competitive nature of the market. Choose a solar installation company with a proven record of thousands of installations over at least 12 years. This record demonstrates they are doing the right thing by their customers and provide high quality components and installation services. It ensures your peace of mind in the event of any technical or warranty issues.

If you buy a cheap system from a cheap installer this carries a major risk. They may install hundreds or thousands of these cheap systems. Once the warranty and poor workmanship issues arise after several years, the installer will close their doors, voiding all warranty obligations to the consumer. You will be left as a solar orphan. We have had to replace many of these systems over the years.

2. The Best Solar Providers have Hundreds of Good Reviews

If a solar company has a successful record as described above, they will also have many good reviews against their name. The best rated solar companies have rankings of at least 4.5 out of five stars. They will show many hundreds of reviews on different rating platforms including Google reviews and productreview.com.au.

Yes, reviews can be manipulated. However, if you want to choose the best solar installer take time to read their customer reviews. Each customer writes about their experience in their own voice, and that comes through.

3.  A Good Solar Company will Own Their Facility and Have a Showroom.

Not only do the top ranked solar companies demonstrate a long history of success, but this success will also have enabled them to own their showroom, office and warehouse facility. This shows they have solid financial foundations and will be there to support you if needed in the future.

The best solar companies will also have a showroom you can visit to look at and get advice on different solar panels, batteries and products. They will design a system for you that exactly suits your needs rather then give you a cookie cutter one size fits all solar and battery solution.

This is a critical point. Why? Appearances can be deceptive. Some of the large “national” solar companies in Australian run out of low-cost call centres, including some based overseas. They have leased serviced office addresses in state capital cities showing on their web sites. However, they only person you will ever see is a man in a white van who may appear on the day of installation.

If you have any doubts, ask if you can visit their facility and meet their staff. If you can’t, cross them off the list of best solar companies.

4. The Best Solar Panel Installers Will do an On-Site Visit Prior to Install

If a solar company will only quote via email or phone without doing an on-site visit this is an immediate red flag. The best solar installation companies will inspect the site, your roof and meter box, and provide a detailed proposal that lists all work required for the solar and battery installation. This means you will have no nasty “extra” charges on installation day.

Low-cost installers that do not visit prior to install will often spring last minute extra charges on the day they turn up. The installer states they must do extra work not quoted for the install. They may even say you can lose your deposit if you do not accept them, which is totally incorrect and against regulations. I have heard these stories first-hand from customers.

5. Top Ranked Solar Companies Have Industry Accreditations and Awards

A common characteristic of best solar companies is they have the appropriate industry accreditations with a history of receiving industry awards. Accreditations to look for include the NETCC Approved Seller badge. Check they have industry accreditations from leading solar venders such as Sungrow and Tesla.

Every solar installer will say they are a CEC Accredited Solar Installer. Well of course, you must be one to install solar and batteries.

6. The Best Solar Installer is Never the Cheapest.

One of the most expensive parts in a standard 6.6kW solar system installation is the technician on the roof. Safe solar and battery installations with workmanship meeting industry standards will never be the cheapest.

Solar panels and components are now much more regulated by the CEC eliminating the grey import market that once thrived importing 2nd and 3rd rate panels. These days the cheap installers reach a cheap price by cutting corners on the installation. Some even reverse auction each install to a fleet of installers and select the one who bids the lowest install price.

Want the Best Solar Installer?

If you want to choose a best solar installer in NSW, consider SolarBright. SolarBright match these essential criteria to rank as one of the best solar companies.

Over 12 years in business. 17 years in 2025 with over 17,000 installs – longevity for peace of mind.
Hundreds of Reviews above 4.5/5. Over 600 on Google and 500 on productreview.com.au
Owned facility & showroom. Company owned facilities with showrooms in Sydney and Port Macquarie.
On-Site Visit before install. Obligation free in-home consultations for each customer.
Industry accreditations & awards. NETCC Approved Seller, Sungrow Authorised Partner, Powerwall Accredited Installer, EUPD Top PV Brand Installer 2024 & 2023, Top 5 NSW Installer 2024 & 2023, Top Choice Solar Installer 2022.
The best solar installers are never the cheapest. SolarBright offers leading solar & battery technology and quality installation services at fair & accessible pricing for customers across NSW. This allows longevity to support customers long term.

 

Renovating Your House? Why Skylights Should Be Part of Your Home Renovations

Posted on by James Marcialis

In my experience a lot of customers naturally concentrate on bigger ticket items and overlook  why skylights should be part of the home renovation. However, it can be easy to miss what can be one of most transformative upgrades – letting more natural light into the home

Skylights do more than just brighten a space; they transform it to create an open, airy feel while cutting energy costs. Whether you’re revamping a single room or giving your entire home a facelift, here’s why skylights should be a key part of your renovation plans.

Benefits of Skylights in Home Renovations

Fix Dark, Uninviting Spaces

Some areas of your home can remain dim no matter how many lights you add. Hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, and laundry rooms often lack windows, making them feel enclosed and uninviting. A well-lit space not only enhances functionality but also creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Instead of relying on artificial lighting during the day, skylights provide a smarter solution—maximising natural light while reducing energy costs. MaxLight tubular skylights, for example, efficiently capture and distribute sunlight, minimising the need for electricity and making indoor spaces feel brighter and more comfortable.

Choosing the Right Skylight for Each Room

Skylights come in various sizes and styles to suit different areas of your home. Whether you’re looking to brighten a compact hallway or flood a living area with natural light, selecting the right skylight ensures optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal. Here’s how to match the right skylight to each space:

Kitchen

A bright kitchen makes food prep easier and creates a welcoming space. The MaxLight Skylights ML400 model suits large, open kitchens, while the ML250 is ideal for smaller areas. Installing a skylight here ensures consistent daylight throughout the day and reduces the need for artificial lighting.

Bathroom

Skylights provide natural daylight without sacrificing privacy, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms—especially those without windows.

Bedroom

Soft, natural light creates a calming atmosphere, and with a dimmer, you can adjust brightness to suit your preference. Additionally, exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep cycles by aligning with your body’s internal clock, making skylights a great addition to bedrooms.

Hallways & Stairwells

Often neglected in renovations, these spaces benefit from additional light for safety and aesthetics. A skylight in hallways and stairwells makes movement easier, particularly in homes with multiple floors.

Home Office

Proper lighting reduces eye strain and improves focus. Many studies show that the natural light from skylights can boost productivity and create a more comfortable work environment.

Laundry Room

Typically small and enclosed, a skylight makes laundries feel brighter and more functional. Good lighting also makes it easier to sort and fold clothes.

Quick and Hassle-Free Installation

Traditional skylights require structural modifications, multiple trades, and a lengthy installation process. MaxLight tubular skylights, on the other hand, are a straightforward installation that can be installed in a matter of hours. The convenience of tubular skylight installation for home upgrades makes these skylights a great option, even for small-scale renovations.

If you’re within 30km of SolarBright Prestons (Sydney) or Port Macquarie, claim your free skylight installation today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Skylights in Renovations

Will a skylight make my home too hot in summer or too cold in winter?

This is a common concern, but modern skylight designs prevent extreme temperature fluctuations. MaxLight skylights feature a triple-lens diffuser, which helps regulate indoor temperatures year-round while still allowing natural light to brighten your home.

Will skylights cause sun damage to my furniture and flooring?

No, MaxLight skylights are designed with UV filters that allow sunlight in while blocking harmful rays. This means you can enjoy natural light without worrying about furniture, flooring, or artwork fading.

Where should I install skylights for the best effect?

To get the most from your skylights, strategic placement is key. A poorly placed skylight might not give you the full benefits of daylighting, while a well-positioned one can transform a dim space into a sunlit haven. Placing skylights in dark hallways, windowless bathrooms, or work areas like kitchen countertops ensures optimal light distribution and energy efficiency.

Do skylights increase home value?

Yes! A well-lit home feels more spacious and inviting, which can make it more attractive to buyers. Whether you plan to stay long-term or sell in the future, skylights are a smart investment that enhances both comfort and property value.

Make Skylights a Key Part of Your Renovation

Updating your home should improve the way your living space works, looks, and feels. If you are still wondering why to add skylights to your renovations, here are the three main improvements skylights contribute to:

  • bringing in natural light
  • reducing energy costs
  • enhancing the atmosphere of the home.

Contact SolarBright today to find the best skylights for home remodeling and light up your space.

What rebates and incentives are available for solar and batteries in NSW?

Posted on by Thomas Yako

NSW consumers have access to several rebates and subsidies available for solar panels and solar batteries. Customers I help always want to understand what is available for them, and they want to know how SolarBright will apply these rebates for them.

These rebates and subsidies can come from federal and state governments, as well as your local council.  Before our customers decide to buy a battery or solar system, we make sure the incentives are explained to them. At SolarBright apply them to the pricing we prepare so our customer knows the price they will pay.

Federal Solar Incentives

First up are the STCs, or Small Technology Certificates, and issued through the Federal government via the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).  These are Australia’s solar rebates for all residential and small businesses looking to add solar to their home or office. These apply for all solar panel systems under 100kW in size. STCs function as a tradable currency and can be sold on the market for a determined price.

At SolarBright we have the STCs signed over to us by the customer and will claim their value from the government after the installation of the solar system. We have already passed the discount on to the customer by deducting it from the quoted price of the system. In this way, STCs give our customers an upfront discount on their installation.

The number of STCs received from your installation depends on how large your system is, which climate zone you live in and the number of years remaining in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This last point is important.

Each year I see the total value of the STC’s per system coming down by 7% and the scheme will be phased out by December 31st, 2030. At present (Feb 2025) the market value of an STC offered to our customers is $41.50 and a 6.6kW solar system is eligible for 54, so the rebate comes to $2,241for the system.

Every year the number of STC’s issued per kW of system size will decrease until the end of the scheme in 2030. You can check the STC calculator to find out how many STCs can be created for your solar system.

New South Wales State Battery Rebate

With the hoopla I have seen in the solar industry you would have to be under a rock not to know about the NSW government battery rebate. It was announced back in April 2024 and launched on Nov 1, 2024.

The good news is NSW customers who install a solar system and battery are eligible not only for the federal STCs on the solar but also the NSW Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) on the battery issued by the state government.

The PRC scheme is designed to reduce the demand on the electrical grid during peak hour, making the grid more reliable and stable. Solar batteries are a keyway of doing this. To quote the government website: “The discount on the installation cost of your battery is only offered by (solar) installers working with an accredited supplier, not directly through the NSW Government.”

How it works for our customers is for each battery proposal done in our system calculates the PRC’s eligible for that size battery. This is then offered as an upfront discount to our customers. It is then up to SolarBright to install the battery in line with the installation guidelines, submit all the claim paperwork and get the PRC’s processed and paid.

This makes it easy for our customers.

The price of a PRC fluctuates based on market dynamics. In March 2025 a 12.8kWh Sungrow battery for our customer generates $1,959 in PRC’s.

 Solar Incentives for Apartments in NSW

Another scheme from the NSW government is designed to assist apartment residents with putting solar on their apartment building (if it is eligible).

Under this scheme they can apply for the NSW to cover 50% of the cost of the work.

This is a limited scheme with a $25 million pool of grants and applications close 1 Dec 2025. However, it can cover up to $150,000 per project.

Local Council Incentives

I always advise my customers to check in with their local council too. Some councils offer rebates, grants or low-interest loans for renewable energy installations.

For example, Randwick Council in NSW has a “Sustainability Rebates” initiative where households, businesses and schools can receive rebates for several different renewable energy projects. For rooftop solar, households can receive a 10% rebate of up to $500 while businesses are eligible for 10% up to $1,000. Solar batteries on both households and businesses are both eligible for a 10% rebate up to $1,000.

For every customer that comes to SolarBright for solar or solar and battery pricing, we detail in the proposal all the eligible STC’S and PRC’s that apply.

If you would like to find out how much in solar incentives you may be eligible for, organise an obligation free in-home discussion with one of solar and battery experts.

Skylight Flashing Guide 101

Posted on by James Marcialis

What I have noticed is many customers are unaware of the importance of the roof flashings so I will look at the topic in this basic skylight flashing guide 101. The basic job of the skylight flashing  is to seal the skylight creating a watertight barrier to prevent leaks. I believe the more educated our customers are on this topic the better decisions they make.

Over the years as a skylight specialist probably the most common question my customers ask me during a skylight consultation is “will the skylight leak?” As we specialise in tubular skylights, my answer to them is our custom-made flashings for MaxLight skylights and MaxBreeze solar roof ventilation do not leak. SolarBright produces custom made single piece flashings of several types that are designed specifically for Australian roofs.

Skylight flashings are the key to waterproofing your skylight install. As there are two main sky technologies, tubular skylights and traditional roof window style skylights, let’s take look how both types of skylights are waterproofed.

Traditional Skylight Flashing

These types of skylights involve cutting a large hole in your ceiling and roof. Depending on brand you might even have a multiple piece flashing. With these multiple piece flashings water can work its way under the seam and leak into your roof.

These types of skylights also need regular maintenance, due to the large edge at the highest point of the skylight they need to be checked regularly for leaves and other debris. A build up of debris can cause the unit to leak as organic particles will break down causing the flashing metal to rust over time. This allow water to enter.

For metal roof applications the best practice is to use a back flashing or over flashing to prevent leakage in these types of skylights. This creates a reliable water seal for the skylight. The negative implication of this type of installation is the cost. The back flashing needs to be run from the location of the skylight all the way to the highest point of the roof. These bespoke flashing need to ne fabricated individually can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of the skylight.

MaxLight Tubular Skylight Flashing

Our Australian made MaxLight Skylights utilize our exclusive Australian made and designed flashings. Our seamless flashings are designed to suit and fit most Australian roof types. They are made from one piece so there are no joins that water can work their way through.  They are included in the cost of the skylight so you do not have to pay extra for a waterproof seal on the skylight.

By their nature a tubular skylight creates a smaller penetration in your roof meaning there is less area for water to work it’s way in and due to the part of the flashing that sits above the roof line is round there is less need for maintenance as debris will wash away.

They are made from a durable injection moulded plastic so no worries about corrosion.

Avoid Budget Skylights and Flashings

Some budget brands still use the old zinc alum flashings that are one size fits all roof types. Their flashings are not specifically designed to suit Australian roofing profiles thus causing leaks. They are the skylight flashings that gave tubular skylights a bad name for leaks.

The MaxLight skylight uses our exclusive Australian designed and made injection moulded flashing. It perfectly fits your roof type whether tile or metal. For example, our concrete tile flashing for a 250mm ML250 skylight is the exact size of one tile. So the installer simply replaces 1 tile with the flashing and it works exactly like a new tile. The only difference is a raised opening in the middle for the skylight dome dome to fit over and seal the unit.

With thousands of installed thousands flashings in the field we are proud to state they are leak proof. They do not leak when fitted by competent installer.

In summary, choose a MaxLight tubular skylight to take advantage of a skylight technology with a proven, leak proof flashing system. You will enjoy free natural light in your home with no worries about leaks in the future.

Don’t hesitate to call SolarBright today and chat to one of our skylight experts to discuss a skylight solution to brighten any dark areas or rooms in your home.

Introducing SolarBright’s Latest AC Coupled Battery

Posted on by Mark Dixon

I am always excited when SolarBright adds a new battery to the range and today I want to talk about our latest AC coupled battery, the sonnenBattery Evo 10kWh. This German designed and engineered battery is a smart and economical choice for us to help meet the growing energy needs of Australian households.

As more Australians look for ways to reduce electricity bills and become more energy independent, the need for efficient energy storage solutions is growing. This battery combines advanced technology with good performance, offering a reliable and long-lasting option to get more out of your solar panels.

Why a new battery has been added to the range

Why is this AC coupled battery an important addition to the range? When I look back to 3 or 4 years ago, most of our customers only bought solar panel systems. Maybe one in 12 or 15 customers would buy a battery as well. Why was that? Well at the time power was still relatively cheap so pay pack time on batteries took 7 or 8 years. With power prices now almost doubling sine then, they come back to us seeking a battery to add to the solar system. Being an AC coupled battery means the battery suited for easily connecting to these existing solar systems.

The Evo 10kWh battery is part of SolarBright’s commitment to providing future-proof, sustainable energy solutions that suit Australian homes. It’s a smart solution for those looking to maximise their solar system’s potential and gain energy security while reducing environmental impact and lowering their power costs.

Battery capacity for Australian homes with existing solar

The SonnenBattery Evo boasts an impressive 10kWh storage capacity, making it an ideal choice for Australian households. Many homes with solar generate more solar energy than they use during daylight hours. Without solar battery storage, this excess energy often goes back to the grid for minimal return. The Evo battery solves this by storing this excess solar power, allowing you to use it when it’s needed most: at night when you are being flogged by the power company at peak rates – often up to 48c per k/Wh.

If you are thinking about adding a sonnen Evo AC coupled battery to an existing solar panel system, I ask you to check your power bills from the previous 12 months. You need to determine how much excess power you are exporting everyday and this info is on the bill. You will need to be exporting about 10kWh of power a day to fill the battery each day for use at night.

With a 10kWh capacity, the Evo provides enough stored energy to power average sized homes overnight, reducing reliance on the grid. For larger households or homes with higher energy needs, the Evo is scalable, allowing multiple batteries to be linked to increase storage capacity. However, this means you can only add storage capacity in 10kWh chunks.

By ensuring no solar energy goes unused, this solar panel battery makes an excellent investment for homeowners looking to reduce reliance on traditional energy providers.

Built tough for the local climate

Australian weather can be unpredictable, with extreme heat in summer and storms possible throughout the year. The SonnenBattery Evo is engineered for outside use to withstand these conditions, making it an ideal choice for Australian homes. The battery has an ambient temperature range of -5⁰C to 45⁰C with IP56 degree of protection.

The Evo’s durable construction and weatherproof casing ensure optimal performance in all conditions. This versatility means it can be installed either indoors or outdoors, depending on your home’s layout. For households needing a solar system battery that can handle Australia’s diverse climate, the German made SonnenBattery Evo is a strong and sturdy option.

Even more financial savings

As well as the technological benefits I have discussed for the SonnenBattery Evo, it can deliver plenty of financial benefits, too. Every existing solar customer I chat with, wants to cut their power bills and reduce dependence on the energy companies.

Without a battery, their excess solar energy generated during the day is sent back to the grid for a small credit on their bill. This is the feed-in tariff, and three or four years ago you could get 10 to 15 cents per kWh for it. That’s not bad when you are only paying max 28c a kWh for peak power.

Now I see the economics are tougher for our solar customers without a battery – you will only get 3 or 4 cents a kWh feed in. It’s nice to get a little back, but it’s even better not to pay for electricity in the first place.

With the Evo, you can store that energy and use it during peak times when electricity from the grid is most expensive, leading to greater savings on your electricity bills. Over time, these savings can help offset the battery’s initial price, making it a smart long-term investment.

Lower your environmental impact

In addition to the financial benefits, installing a lithium solar battery like the SonnenBattery Evo is an excellent way to reduce your environmental footprint. By making the most of the clean energy generated by your solar panels, you decrease reliance on grid electricity, which often comes from non-renewable sources.

As Australia moves towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, solar power combined with efficient energy storage is vital. You can be part of the green revolution, doing your bit for the environment while also enjoying the financial savings and convenience of reliable, clean solar energy.

Want to know more about the latest solar battery solutions?

The SonnenBattery Evo 10kWh from SolarBright is the perfect solution for households looking to make the most from their installed solar power system, lower electricity bills, and reduce their environmental impact. Whether you’re after financial savings or long-term energy independence, the Evo delivers everything you need.

For more information or to book a consultation, contact us today and discover how SolarBright’s latest solar battery can provide long-term energy security for your home.