Solar Installation FAQs

We proudly provide Solar Power and Battery Systems for South East Queensland, the entire Gold Coast region, and Northern NSW, including:

  • Gold Coast Suburbs: Arundel, Ashmore, Benowa, Bilinga, Bonogin, Broadbeach Waters, Bundall, Burleigh Heads, Carrara, Coolangatta, Coombabah, Currumbin, Elanora, Helensvale, Labrador, Main Beach, Mermaid Beach, Merrimac, Miami, Molendinar, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, Oxenford, Pacific Pines, Palm Beach, Parkwood, Pimpama, Reedy Creek, Robina, Runaway Bay, Southport, Tallebudgera, Tugun, Upper Coomera, and Varsity Lakes.

  • Northern NSW Suburbs: Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Kingscliff, and Terranora.

Additionally, we cover the south side of Brisbane, as far west as Beaudesert, and as far south as Byron Bay.

  1. No Obligation Phone Call
    Our solar advisor will evaluate your home’s potential for solar. They’ll use advanced imagery and discuss your electricity. This will all be over in less than 10 minutes.
  2. Custom Solar System Design
    After the call, our solar advisor will work to deliver you a tailor-made system. They will ensure you get the best possible return on your investment. While most assessments can be completed using our advanced solar design software, a site visit may be necessary if specific details need further inspection.
  3. Expert Solution and Design
    Our solar consultant will then review the design and put together a proposal that highlights the costing, energy production and system specifications
  4. Final Design Selection
    You will receive a proposal from a leading residential solar installer (that’s us). Customer satisfaction is our NUMBER ONE priority. If you require any tweaks or changes to our proposed design, say no more!
  5. Solar System Installation
    Once the system and proposal designs are finalized, we organize a time that works for you to install your system.
  6. Lifetime of Support and System Care
    We provide you a lifetime of ongoing care and support. We will work tirelessly to ensure your system is always working to maximum capacity.

A standard installation comprises;

  • Roof pitch between 20 and 30 degrees
  • Single-storey residence
  • Clear unobstructed, preferably North facing roof area, free of shade, hazards, and large enough to accommodate the solar array
  • Continuous solar array installed in multiples of 6 or 9 panels on a single roof
  • Wiring distance from PV panels to inverter to switchboard-meter is less than 20m
  • Meter-box and wiring conforms to Australian Standards and requires no modifications.
  • Travel (delivery and installation) within Gold Coast
  • Client assists with installation documentation under direction of accredited installer

To provide you with an accurate and customized solar proposal, we will need the following:

  1. Photo of Your Electricity Bill: This helps us understand your current energy usage and costs, enabling us to design a system that meets your needs and maximizes your savings. If you are a new homeowner and do not have an electricity bill yet, an estimated power bill based on previous usage or a rough guess will suffice.

  2. Photo of Your Switchboard: This allows us to assess your electrical setup. It also helps in planning the installation process.

  3. Site-Specific Details: Information about any shading, obstructions, or other factors that might affect the performance of your solar panels. This can include trees, nearby buildings, or any other potential blockages.

By providing these details, we can create a proposal that optimizes your investment in solar energy. If needed, our team might also conduct a site visit to gather additional information, though most assessments can be completed using our advanced solar software.

Omega Solar+Batteries only employs CEC accredited installation personnel in line with Australian Government Solar Credits approval conditions and regulations. We ensure our installers are well-presented and treat your home with care during installation. The installers we use are all fully qualified and experienced in the solar industry. All installations are finalised by our senior electrical engineers to ensure everything is correct, neat and tidy.

At Omega Solar and Batteries, we provide comprehensive warranties to ensure your peace of mind and protect your investment. Here are the details of our warranty coverage, which may vary depending on the product chosen:

  • 10 Year Inverter Warranty
    Our inverters come with a 10-year warranty. Please note that a Wi-Fi connection is required to maintain this extended warranty.

  • 10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on Battery System
    Our battery systems are backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring reliable performance and protection against defects. A Wi-Fi connection is also required to keep this extended warranty valid.

  • 25 Year Product Warranty and 30 Year Performance Warranty on Trina Solar Panels
    Trina Solar panels come with a 25-year product warranty, covering any material or manufacturing defects. Additionally, they have a 30-year performance warranty, ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability. The expected lifetime of photovoltaic panels generally ranges from 30 to 40 years, providing you with decades of clean, renewable energy.

  • 10 Year Omega Solar + Batteries Workmanship Warranty
    We stand by the quality of our installation work with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We align ourselves with the Clean Energy Council as an Approved CEC Solar Retailer and provide installation protection for our customers.

In most cases, no. If you have a traditional accumulation meter (with a spinning disk), this mayneed to be replaced with an interval or smart meter. This is because an accumulation meter does not record the energy you export to the grid or the electricity you import from the grid. An interval meter or a smart meter provide half hourly readings of the electricity you consume and the surplus electricity you generate (Source: Clean Energy Council).

This will depend upon the State in which you live, the area you live in and which electricity distributor/retailer covers that area. Typically, the charges for a new meter, its installation or a callout for reprogramming will cost between $100 and $300. This charge and service is outside of the scope of Gold Coast Energy quotation and scope of works.

To obtain the feed-in tariff for your solar system, follow these steps:

  1. Contact Your Electricity Retailer
    Reach out to your current electricity retailer to inquire about their feed-in tariff rates and application process. They will guide you through the necessary steps to start receiving payments for the excess energy your solar system generates and feeds back into the grid.

  2. Compare Options on Wattever.com.au
    We recommend using Wattever.com.au to compare different feed-in tariff options available from various retailers. This website provides comprehensive information on the best rates and plans, helping you choose the most beneficial option for your needs.

By following these steps, you can maximize the financial benefits of your solar energy system. If you need further assistance, our team is here to help you navigate the process.

Yes, they would be covered by your home insurance policy, but you may need to inform your insurance company about your solar PV installation. The value, for insurance purposes, should be the total on the quote prior to the rebate being applied.

Solar System Information

Omega Solar + Batteries

Solar Photovoltaic panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, not from heat. They capture the sun’s energy to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. Light energy is converted directly into electricity by transferring sunlight photon energy into electrical energy. This conversion takes place within cells of specially fabricated semiconductor crystals. While it might be true that solar cannot generate electricity all the time, it does generate electricity when it is needed most. This is during the day and on hot sunny days when electricity demand is at its peak driven by air-conditioners. Importantly, electricity is generated at the point of demand. It’s where people live and work which means there is no need to transfer the energy at long distances across expensive infrastructure.

There has never been a more affordable time to install a solar electricity system on your home. The Solar Credits Scheme provides significant discounts at the time of purchase. A solar energy system has a typical lifespan of greater than 25 years and represents an excellent investment to save on your future electricity bills and improve the value of your home.

 

There are several reasons warranting the installation of a Solar Energy System:

  • Solar Photovoltaic Energy or Solar Electricity is a renewable energy technology capable of providing your household with emissions free electricity. This also assists in climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability efforts as well as alleviates today’s and the future’s high cost of electricity.
  • Solar Credits is a mechanism within the RET scheme that boosts support to households, businesses and community groups that install small-scale solar PV by providing a capital subsidy at the time of purchase. Depending on the value of the solar electricity system, the REC’s and the location in Australia, this discount could be as high as 70% for a 1.5kWp system. The level of discount diminishes as system sizes increase.
  • A feed-in tariff (FiT) is a premium rate paid for electricity fed back into the electricity grid from a designated renewable electricity generation source. In Australia, FiTs have been introduced or are under consideration in all States and Territories and come in two forms; a gross FiT or a net FiT. Although the FiT schemes differ from State to State they all have the capacity to greatly offset the cost of electricity usage during the evening when peak tariffs apply. This provides incentive for additional energy efficiency measures in the household.

Omega Solar+Batteries provides high quality solar energy systems at competitive prices, installed by CEC Accredited Installers and backed up by high quality technical support. We offer a range of systems that can be customized to meet your needs.

Why choose Omega Solar+Batteries? We are a family operated, well-established solar energy company with over 15 years of experience in designing and installing solar energy and battery storage systems. We have helped over 6000+ families slash their energy bills. Our experience and knowledge also apply to our commercial solar projects. We have over 200+ commercial solar clients and have been involved in many major commercial projects. Where we separate from our competitors is our commitment to maintaining your system for its lifetime. We offer a comprehensive service program to all customers, which ensures your system is always performing at its peak.

Generally, by far, the biggest reduction in output is created by full or partial shading of the PV panels. Systems that are in the shade for more than 2-3 hours between 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset should not be installed. Solutions are available for customers if shading is an issue, at around a 20% additional cost to the system.

All you need is a pitched roof with a predominantly northerly aspect, an inclination between 20° and 30°, a useable rectangular area of at least 12m2 that is ideally free of any obstructions and is free of shade throughout the day. If you are unsure, please ask our friendly staff to help you assess the suitability of your roof. Generally, this can be determined from a simple telephone interview and using our advanced solar software to view your roof. Depending on the complexity of house’s design, a site inspection maybe necessary and this will be organized to suit your availability.

The panels are rectangular; which must be kept in mind when estimating the usable area of your roof. It is not permissible to have panels overhanging the roof. For tiled roofs, the edges of the array must be at least 150-200mm from the closest ridge tile. 

Your roof does not need to be facing due north to be suitable for a solar energy system. At 45 degrees off north, the loss is a very reasonable 7%. Even at 90 degrees, i.e. an east-west roof, the loss is only approximately 12-16%.

For those roofs with a flat or very-low-pitched roof (below 10 degrees), it is recommended to have a frame installed to elevate the panels to approximately 30 degrees pitch. The extra expense is offset by the improved performance of the system inclined to the optimal tilt angle.

It is important to understand the legislation requirements around single and three-phase power before choosing a system size. Houses on single-phase power are limited to solar energy systems no larger than 10kW. Houses that use three-phase power have no restrictions on the size of system they can get.

The size of the system chosen depends on a range of key factors including:

  • Roof area available for system installation
  • Budget and individual energy needs
  • Whether to offset all or a percentage of the current electricity usage
  • System capacity limits imposed by the respective State and retailer feed-in tariff schemes

Omega Solar+Batteries will calculate your potential savings across an appropriate range of solar system sizes. We consider all relevant factors when providing a system estimate to our customers.

All inverters supplied by Omega Solar+Batteries are weatherproof IP65 rated. They can hang on any external wall that is preferably sheltered from rain and direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures effect the internal operating components and may shorten their operating life. The inverters may be installed internally provided there is adequate air ventilation.

We only provide our customers with CEC Approved Tier 1 solar panels. We offer a range of panels depending on budget. Contact us to see a full list of products we can source for your solar system.

Yes, it is possible to upgrade/expand your solar system at any stage by adding more PV panels and a larger capacity inverter. Should you do this from the outset? Generally, yes. Future expansions will incur an additional installation charge.

Omega Solar+Batteries can aid in determining whether an upgrade or expansion is possible. We also recommend that before proceeding, you should inquire with the previous supplier/installer whether contracting another system provider for the upgrade would void the warranty on the existing installation.

Solar is a long-term investment. Like a car, in order to get the best return from your investment, it needs to be maintained. This ensures you are getting the optimum output from your system. Regular cleaning of the panels is essential in ensuring this happens. As part of the deal with the Australian Government, solar panels must produce a minimum level of 80% for the first 10 years after installation or you are entitled to have them replaced under warranty at no cost to you.

Generally, solar panels will not provide electricity during a blackout unless paired with a specific type of battery storage system, such as a hybrid or off-grid inverter system. These systems can store excess energy and supply power during outages. Without them, solar inverters shut down to prevent electricity from feeding into the grid, ensuring the safety of repair crews. If maintaining power during blackouts is important, consider investing in a compatible battery storage system. Our team can help you find the right option for your needs.

Financial Information

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) is an Australian Government scheme designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the generation of electricity from renewable sources. It aims to deliver 33,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable electricity each year from 2020 to 2030. The RET is divided into two parts:

  1. Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET): Incentivizes investment in large-scale renewable energy projects like wind farms and solar power stations.
  2. Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES): Provides financial incentives for households and businesses to install small-scale renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar panels.

For more information, visit the Clean Energy Regulator’s page on the RET.

The Solar Credits program, part of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, uses Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to incentivize the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems like solar panels. These certificates provide a form of financial incentive by reducing the upfront cost of solar systems.

However, the number of STCs allocated to new installations is set to decrease each year until the scheme concludes in 2030. This reduction happens because the “deeming period,” which is the number of years STCs are allocated for, shortens each year. As a result, while the overall scheme will not abruptly end before 2030, the financial benefits provided by STCs will gradually decrease over time.

For example, a 10kW solar system installed in 2024 will generate fewer STCs than the same system installed in previous years. This gradual phase-out means that while solar credits are still available, the financial incentive they provide will diminish each year leading up to 2030​ (Energy Matters)​​ (Energy Matters)​.

To maximize savings, it is advisable for those considering installing solar systems to act sooner rather than later. For detailed and up-to-date information, you can visit the Clean Energy Regulator’s website or the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment.

To be eligible for the Solar Credits Scheme under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), your solar PV system must meet the following criteria:

  1. System Size: No more than 100 kW.
  2. Annual Output: Not more than 250 MWh.
  3. Installation Date: Installed after June 9, 2009.
  4. Installer: Must be installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer.
  5. Components: Must use approved solar panels and inverters.

For more detailed information and to check your eligibility for the Solar Credits Scheme, please visit the Clean Energy Regulator’s Eligibility Criteria for Solar Credits.

Yes. The Solar Credits scheme is scheduled to be phased out by 2030. The multiplier which determines how many extra STCs are received will gradually reduce during this period.

Yes. Omega Solar+Batteries delivers a final quotation that is inclusive of the supply, delivery and installation of the system. It does NOT include the meter installation charges, nor the application for the Premium Feed-in Tariff.

“Non-Standard Installations” typically incur additional costs due to the need to make provisions for specific safety considerations, additional labour, additional components and possible freight of the system to regions outside of metropolitan areas.

Property evaluations are used to understand the specific circumstances of each resident’s house, switchboard and meter-box. This will also help us determine whether there will be a variation to our advertised pricing as well as whether electrical upgrade work is required prior to installation.

The quoted price includes the Solar Credits discount and represents what you pay to Omega Solar+Batteries. Once the system is fully installed and works approved by the electrical safety inspector, the solar credits is claimed by Omega Solar+Batteries (on your behalf) and paid directly from the government to us. This payment schedule is designed to minimize your financial exposure and limit payments to the out-of-pocket expense.

The quoted price by Omega Solar + Batteries does not include meter upgrades. This may be charged by your retailer on your next quarterly bill if a new meter is required. A bi-directional meter is required to ensure you are credited for any excess energy you produce and send back to the electricity grid. Please contact your energy retailer for more details.

Payment of a 10% deposit is required upon order confirmation. The balance of the invoice is to be paid on the day of installation. Payment can be made by credit card, direct deposit or bank cheque.

The ability of your solar energy system to cover all your household electricity consumption depends on several factors. Here’s an example based on a typical household in the Gold Coast with a 10kW solar system:

  1. System Size and Production: A 10kW solar system can produce approximately 40 kWh of electricity per day, which equates to about 14,600 kWh per year​ (Canstar Blue)​​. The exact production depends on factors like panel efficiency, orientation, and local weather conditions.

  2. Household Electricity Usage: The average household in the Gold Coast uses between 18 and 33 kWh of electricity per day​​. With a 10kW system generating 40 kWh per day, it can cover most or all of the energy needs for an average household, especially during sunny periods.

  3. Rooftop Space: To install a 10kW system, you need sufficient rooftop space. Typically, this would require about 50-65 square meters of unshaded, north-facing roof area.

  4. Sunlight Exposure: The amount of electricity generated by your solar system depends on the amount of sunlight your location receives. The Gold Coast typically has high solar irradiation, making it ideal for solar power generation.

  5. Energy Consumption Patterns: If you have high energy consumption due to appliances like air conditioners, pool pumps, or electric vehicles, a 10kW system might still cover a significant portion of your needs. However, usage patterns and energy efficiency measures can affect the overall coverage.

  6. Battery Storage: Adding a battery storage system can help store excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods, further increasing the coverage of your household electricity needs.

  7. Daily Usage Tariff: Energy retailers typically charge a daily usage tariff, which your solar system will not cover. However, the feed-in tariff you receive for exporting excess energy back to the grid can help compensate for these daily charges.

In summary, a 10kW solar system in the Gold Coast is likely to cover most or all of the electricity needs for an average household, with the potential to generate surplus power during peak sunlight hours​ (Canstar Blue)​​​. For more tailored advice, it’s best to consult with our team who can assess your specific situation and needs.

Still Have Questions?

Call Now +1300 663 422