Solar System for a House: A Beginner’s Guide

With rising electricity costs and a growing focus on sustainability, I see more homeowners are looking to switch to solar. However, navigating the world of panels, inverters, and installers can be overwhelming for a person starting to think about solar.

If you are considering a solar system for your home in Sydney or greater NSW and unsure where to start, we have put together this beginner’s guide. We’ll look at everything you need to begin installing a solar system for house energy consumption and cutting power bills.

What makes a Solar System?

A solar system is made of several key components that work together to bring you clean and affordable energy.

When looking at a solar system for your house you’ll begin with solar panels, these are what converts sunlight into energy. Next you need an solar inverter, which converts that DC power from the panels into AC power that you can use in your home. The panels need to be attached to your residence, whether that be on the roof or ground. You’ll need a mounting system for this. Usually, it’s a metal framework. This system keeps your panels secure and helps them get the most sunlight. You might also decide to get a solar battery, allowing you to store excess energy.

While the hardware is important, the installer is the most crucial part of your solar system. The technician you hire to install and connect your system is what will make or break your solar system. Quality solar installation will ensure that your system provides you with years of solar power. Unfortunately, we often see cheap, poorly installed systems that need to be replaced after just a few years. A quality installer and a reliable system will keep you generating energy for years.

What size solar system do I need for my house?

When picking a solar system for your home in Sydney or across NSW, your first question will be “What size do I need?”

The size of a solar system is calculated by multiplying the number of solar panels by their wattage.

Number of Panels × Panel Wattage ÷ 1000 = Solar System Size (kW)

For example, if you install 15 panels, each rated at 440 watts, your system size would be 15 × 440W = 6.6kW.

To estimate how much electricity your system will generate, the solar industry uses Clean Energy Council (CEC) zones. A solar system in NSW is in CEC Zone 3. This means that for every 1kW of solar power, you can expect an average daily production of 3.9kWh. A typical 6.6kW solar system in Sydney would produce about 25.74kWh each day. Over a year, that adds up to around 9,395kWh.

The right sized system depends on your household’s energy consumption and available roof space. At SolarBright, we analyse your electricity bills to see how you use energy all year, then, we suggest the right sized solar system for your house.

How much does a solar system cost?

At present a 6.6kW solar system in Sydney is around $3,400. This will get you a professionally installed system with premium panels.

Choosing the Best Solar System

When setting up a solar system for your house, you want each element, from the panels to inverter, to be the very best. Here we’ll look through what you should be considering for each part of your solar system.

Choosing Solar Panels

When choosing a solar system for your house, premium solar panels will ensure your system has a long life. Keeping in mind that the industry standard for panel size is now 440W, also look for the best panel technology.

Consider N-Type panels, which are made with negative silicon cells. N-Type panels are more efficient, work better in lower light, higher temperatures and harsher conditions, and have lower degradation rates than traditional P-Type panels.

You may also want to look at bifacial cells. They allow panels to capture sunlight from both the front and back, increasing energy output. Dual glass panels are also an advanced panel technology. They offer better protection against the elements and prevent panels from delamination.

Also consider the longevity and lifespan of your solar system. Panels should have a minimum 30-year product and performance warranty, guaranteeing long-term energy production.

At SolarBright, we recommend using Max Power Solar 440W Maximum panels as the basis for a solar system for your house. These premium panels have superior features, a 30-year warranty and a friendly price tag.

Choosing an Inverter

Most solar systems in NSW use string inverters. These inverters change the DC electricity from your panels into AC power that your home can use. To choose a good string inverter, look for trusted brands like Sungrow or SolaX. This way, you’ll get a reliable and efficient product. Additionally, picking a passively cooled inverter, which doesn’t use motorised fans, boosts durability. It’s a smarter choice for long-term performance.

As with panels, your inverter’s warranty is also crucial. A 10-year warranty is the standard. Some manufacturers offer a 5+5 warranty, meaning parts and labour are covered in the first five years, while only parts are covered in the last five years. Consider which is the right warranty for you.

Choosing a Solar Installation Company:

As we’ve said, choosing a solar installer is crucial for getting the best solar system for your house. Choosing the right installer is much more than choosing the most affordable. Choose an installation company with at least 12 years of experience. Look for one that has industry awards and accreditations. Aim for a company with over 500 online reviews and a rating above 4.5 stars. This way, you can steer clear of unreliable operators.

Check to see that your chosen solar installation company is an NETCC Approved Seller and ask them to come and do an on site inspection prior to the install. If they aren’t willing to check out your site, they aren’t worthy to install your solar system.

For more information on how to choose the best solar system for your house, read more here.

Do I need a Solar Battery for my house?

In Sydney, solar panels generate the most energy at midday. So, if your household uses power mainly during the day, a solar system without a battery should cover your electricity needs and bills. However, if you use more energy at night, you’ll rely on the grid instead of your solar panels. So, investing in a solar battery could be a smart choice for you.

Power companies have a “time-of-use” electricity tariff. This means you pay different rates at various times of the day; in other words you pay more for electricity during peak times. These are usually in the evenings when your panels aren’t generating power. Because of this the economics of battery storage have improved significantly. Many homeowners see payback periods as short as five years. Choosing a battery is a great option for maximising solar savings.

Investing in a solar system for your house in Sydney, or anywhere in NSW, is a smart way to reduce energy costs, increase energy independence, and contribute to a greener future. Now that you’ve got a grasp on system size, panel technology, inverters, and batteries, you can choose the right solar system for your home.

Ready to make the switch to solar? Contact SolarBright today for expert advice and a free consultation. Let us help you find the perfect solar system for your home.