Key Highlights: Solar FAQs Australia
This page clearly explains the warranty policies for your Opera Solar Energy installed solar and/or battery system. It breaks down our 5-year installation workmanship guarantee, our roof safety guidelines, and the manufacturer’s warranties for your solar panels.
We have also covered various general questions related to solar and batteries, installation and savings.
Read below to understand exactly what is covered, what is excluded, and how the claim process works.
Frequently Asked Questions: General Solar, Installation & Savings
How much will a solar system save me on my electricity bill?
Savings depend on your roof size and how much power you use during the day. A standard 6.6kW system can save a typical Sydney home between $1,000 and $2,000 a year. The best way to maximise your savings is to run heavy appliances, like your washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, EV charger, or pool pump—while the sun is shining.
How does the Australian Government Solar Rebate (STC) work?
The government offers an upfront discount through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). This is commonly known as the “solar rebate.” It lowers the total price you pay out of your pocket. In 2026, the rebate covers a 5-year period. Because starting January 2026, this period drops every six-months until 2030, installing sooner gets you a bigger discount. We handle all the paperwork and apply the discount directly to your quote, giving you the best possible STC market value on the day of the installation.
What is a Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and how does it work?
A Feed-in Tariff is a small credit you get from your electricity retailer. When your panels make more power than your house is using, the extra energy is sent back to the street grid. Energy retailers like AGL, Origin Energy, Alinta Energy, etc., pay a few cents for every kilowatt-hour your solar system exports. This credit simply appears on your next power bill to help lower your total costs.
What happens to the excess solar power my home doesn't use?
If you do not have a battery, any extra power that your solar system generates goes straight out to the electricity grid, and you earn a Feed-in Tariff credit. However, if you do have a battery, the extra power generated by your solar system fills up your battery first so you can use it at night. Once your solar battery is fully charged to 100%, any leftover power goes to the grid.
In-house Installers vs. Subcontractors: Which is better?
The truth is, the most experienced solar electricians in Australia usually run their own independent businesses. Instead of relying on a small in-house crew, Opera Solar Energy partners with a select group of elite, CEC-accredited installation teams. We do not use random contractors who rush the job. We work with dedicated local experts who must meet our strict quality standards.
This model means you get the absolute best electrical specialists working on your roof, while we manage the entire project from start to finish. Because we tightly oversee all the work, your installation is fully protected by our 5-year workmanship guarantee.
How do I know what size solar system I need for my home?
It depends entirely on your daily energy use and your future plans. A 6.6kW system suits a standard home with average daytime use. If you have a pool, ducted air conditioning, or plan to buy an electric car or battery, you will likely need a larger 13.3kW to 20kW solar system. Our team will look at your recent power bills and your future power needs to recommend the exact size for your overall needs.
Which roof direction is best for solar panels in Australia?
North-facing roofs catch the most sun throughout the middle of the day. However, East and West roofs are also excellent. East gets the morning sun, and West gets the late afternoon sun. Splitting panels across different directions is often the best way to cover your power needs from sunrise to sunset. (South-facing roofs produce the least power and are generally avoided).
Do solar panels still generate power on cloudy or rainy days?
Yes, they do. Solar panels run in daylight, not just direct heat or bright sunshine. On a cloudy or rainy day, your system will still make electricity, but the power output will be lower than on a bright and shiny summer day.
Will my solar power still work if there is a grid blackout?
No. For safety reasons, standard grid-connected solar systems automatically shut down during a blackout. This stops your panels from sending live electricity into the street while repair crews are working on the power lines. If you want backup power during blackouts, you need to install a solar battery with a blackout protection feature. With Opera Solar, you can get a blackout protection feature with your solar battery at a very reasonable cost.
Do I need a solar battery now, or can I add one later?
You do not need a battery right away. The premium inverters we install are “battery-ready.” This means you can install solar panels now to cut your daytime bills, and simply add a compatible battery later when it suits your budget. However, given the massive federal rebate on solar batteries, it is always recommended to make use of it to get the high quality branded solar batteries without affecting your pocket.
How long does the actual solar installation take?
Most standard residential installations are finished in a single day. Larger systems, like a 13.3kW setup or a complex battery installation, might take our team two days. We will always give you a clear timeline before we start the job.
Do I need council approval or strata permission to install solar panels?
Most free-standing suburban homes in NSW do not need council approval for solar panels. However, if you live in a heritage-listed home, a strata complex, or an apartment building, you will need to get written permission from your local council or body corporate before we can install.
Do I need to clean or maintain my solar panels to keep them working?
Solar panels are very low maintenance. In most cases, normal rain will wash away dust and dirt. However, if you live near heavy traffic, a construction site, or lots of trees with birds, getting a professional clean every one to two years will help keep your panels running at top efficiency.
How do solar panels work to power my home?
It is quite simple. Solar panels absorb sunlight and turn it into Direct Current (DC) electricity. That DC electricity travels down to your solar inverter. The inverter changes it into Alternating Current (AC) electricity, which is what your home appliances use. This power flows directly into your switchboard to run your house for free.
Is my home suitable for solar installation?
Most Australian homes are perfect for solar. To be suitable, you generally need a roof made of tin or tile, enough unshaded space to fit the panels, and a modern electrical switchboard. If your roof is heavily shaded by large trees or neighbouring buildings, we will let you know during our initial assessment.
Why do you need my utility bills for a quote?
We ask for your electricity bill so we don’t guess. Your bill shows us exactly how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power you use every day, and what times of day you use it most. We use this exact data to recommend a system size that will actually wipe out your bill, rather than selling you a system that is too small or unnecessarily large.
Will I notice any change in my appliances after going solar?
No, you will not notice any difference at all. Your fridge, TV, and air conditioner will run exactly as they always have. The only difference is that the power running them is coming from your roof instead of the street grid, thereby saving you hundreds of dollars every month.
Frequently Asked Questions: Workmanship Warranty & Roof Safety
What does the Opera Solar workmanship warranty cover?
It covers the physical installation of your solar system. This includes the wiring, panel mounting, and roof seals. We guarantee a CEC-accredited installer completed the work to Australian Standards.
How long is the workmanship warranty?
We provide a 5-year workmanship warranty. This starts on your exact installation date.
What is NOT covered under the workmanship warranty?
It covers our installation labour only. It strictly does not cover:
- Broken system parts (these fall under the manufacturer’s warranty).
- Damage from extreme weather, storms, lightning, or power surges.
- Damage caused by pests, mice, or vermin.
- System tampering by anyone other than us, or continuing to use the system after knowing it is damaged.
- Existing structural roof problem.
- Normal wear and tear, or minor cosmetic scratches.
- Systems with an unpaid invoice.
What if my system stops working?
Just give us a call. We will ask a few questions to see if it is an installation fault or a broken part. We will then book an “Initial Inspection Screening.” If it is an installation fault, we fix it for free. If a product has failed, we will refer the claim to the manufacturer for you.
How do I make a warranty claim?
You need to lodge it in writing. Email our support team with your name, address, system details, and a quick description of the fault. Photos are also very helpful.
What happens after I lodge a claim?
Our support team reviews your email and books an inspection. If a part has failed, we send the claim to the manufacturer. If it is an installation issue, we repair it.
Note: If we attend and find no fault (like the system was just switched off), we will charge a standard call-out fee.
How long does it take to fix the issue?
We schedule workmanship repairs quickly. If we need to replace a part under a manufacturer warranty, the timeline depends on their stock levels (usually 1 to 4 weeks).
Please note: Manufacturer warranties cover the cost of the part, but they may not cover the labour or travel costs for our technicians to physically swap it. If the manufacturer does not cover labour, this cost will be passed on to you.
Is there any cost to make a claim?
There is no cost for genuine workmanship faults. However, you will be charged a standard “Call-Out Fee” if we inspect the system and find no fault, or if the damage was caused by something outside our warranty (like a third-party electrician, pests, or Wi-Fi issues).
Who do I contact for support?
You contact Opera Solar directly. We are your main point of contact and handle the big manufacturers for you.
What if there is a roof leak after installation?
If a leak happens because of our mounting or roof work, it is fully covered under our 5-year workmanship warranty. We will come out and fix the seal.
Can I get someone else to repair the system?
No. If an unauthorised person or unapproved electrician works on your system without our written consent, it voids your Opera Solar workmanship warranty.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
No. The workmanship warranty does not transfer to a new owner unless we agree to it in writing before the house is sold.
What if my monitoring stops working?
Usually, this happens because your home internet changed—such as installing a new router, changing your Wi-Fi name, or updating your password. We can happily provide step-by-step PDF instructions or videos to help you reconnect it remotely.
Please note: Lost internet connection is not an installation fault. If you request a technician to visit your home simply to reconnect your Wi-Fi, a standard call-out fee will strictly apply.
Will solar installation damage my roof tiles?
Our installers take great care on your roof. However, walking on tiles always carries a small risk of breakage. This is especially true if the roof is old or weathered. Minor scratches can also happen on tin roofs.
Will you walk on my roof during installation?
Yes. Our technicians must walk on your roof to safely mount the rails and install the solar panels. Our team is highly trained to distribute their weight carefully and step on the strongest parts of the tiles to reduce the risk of breakages.
What types of roof tiles are more likely to break?
Terracotta, French Terracotta, and Decramastic roofs are very fragile and lightweight. Also, any old, loose, or brittle concrete tiles are much more likely to crack under foot traffic.
What happens if tiles break during installation?
As a goodwill gesture, our team will replace any broken tiles on the day, provided you have spare tiles ready on site.
Is roof tile damage covered under the workmanship warranty?
No. We cannot control the age or condition of your existing roof. Because of this, broken fragile tiles and minor tin roof scratches are excluded from our workmanship warranty.
Do I need to provide spare roof tiles?
Yes. We strongly advise having a stack of spare tiles ready on installation day. This lets our team quickly and safely swap out any tiles that crack.
What if I don’t have spare tiles?
If a tile breaks and there are no spares, we will temporarily waterproof the crack using heavy-duty roofing silicone. You will then be responsible for sourcing a proper replacement tile.
Should I get my roof checked before installing solar?
Yes. If your roof is old or you are unsure about its condition, you should get an independent inspection. A licensed roofer can confirm if your roof is safe for solar.
What’s your commitment regarding my roof?
At Opera Solar, your roof’s safety is our priority. We promise to communicate honestly, use the proper safety gear, and install your system with extreme care to minimise any roof disturbance. If our mounting work causes a leak, we will return and fix it under our 5-year workmanship warranty.
How soon after installation do I get my solar incentives?
You get the government STC rebate immediately. We handle all the complex government paperwork and apply the discount directly to your upfront quote, so you never have to wait for a cheque in the mail.
Your Feed-in Tariff (the money you get for sending extra power to the grid) will start appearing on your very next electricity bill after your smart meter is configured by your energy provider.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Panel Manufacturer Warranty
What is the difference between a Panel "Product Warranty" and a "Performance Warranty"?
Solar panels have two different warranties.
- The Product Warranty covers physical hardware faults. This includes bad wiring inside the panel, water leaking in, or factory glass flaws.
- The Performance Warranty guarantees the panel’s power output. It ensures the panel will not lose its ability to make power faster than a set rate over 25 to 30 years.
How long are the warranties for brands like AIKO, Jinko, Trina, and LONGi?
We only use premium Tier 1 panels, so the warranties are very strong.
Product warranties range from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand.
Performance warranties are generally 25 to 30 years across all our panel brands.
What exactly does the panel product warranty cover?
It covers factory defects that stop the panel from generating power. If the panel breaks down internally, peels apart, or has a short circuit from the factory, the manufacturer covers it.
What does the panel performance warranty guarantee?
It guarantees your panels will still produce a minimum amount of power as they age over the years. For example, many of our panels guarantee they will only lose about 0.4% of their power capacity each year.
Is labour and shipping covered if a panel needs replacing?
Usually, the manufacturer warranty only pays for the new panel itself. It often does not cover the labour cost for a technician to swap the panel, nor the freight cost to ship it. You will need to pay these costs unless the manufacturer offers a specific service rebate.
Does the manufacturer warranty cover damage from hail or storms?
No. Manufacturer warranties only cover factory faults. Damage from extreme weather, hail, lightning, or falling branches is not covered. You must claim this through your home insurance.
What happens if a solar panel manufacturer goes out of business?
If a manufacturer closes down, their warranty disappears. This is why Opera Solar only uses Tier 1 brands. These are massive, financially stable companies with local offices in Australia.
If one panel fails, will it stop my whole system from working?
On a standard string inverter setup, panels are wired together in a chain. If one panel completely fails, it can drag down the power of that whole chain until the broken panel is replaced.
How long do solar panels actually last?
High-quality Tier 1 solar panels are built to last decades rather than 3-5 years only. The premium panels we install (like Jinko, AIKO, and Trina) come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty. Even after 25 years, they are guaranteed to still be producing over 80% of their original power.
Can I add more panels to my system in the future?
This depends on your inverter. If you start with a small number of panels but have a large inverter, you can usually add a few more panels later. However, if your inverter is already maxed out, you cannot just plug more panels in. If you plan to expand later, tell us upfront so we can install a larger “expansion-ready” inverter today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Battery Manufacturer Warranty
What is a battery manufacturer warranty?
It is a promise from the brand that built your battery (like Sigenergy or GoodWe). It guarantees the battery will be free from internal faults and will hold a set amount of energy over its lifespan.
How long is the warranty for brands like Sigenergy, GoodWe, Sungrow, and FoxESS?
We only supply premium Tier 1 brands. Because of this, all these battery systems come with a standard 10-year warranty.
What exactly is covered under the battery manufacturer warranty?
It covers internal breakdowns, chemical faults, and “capacity retention.” For most premium brands, this means they guarantee your battery will still hold at least 70% of its original usable energy after 10 years (as long as you stay under their set energy usage limits).
What is NOT covered under the battery warranty?
Warranties do not cover damage from outside forces. This includes any natural calamities, such as, but not limited to, floods, lightning strikes, earthquake, severe power grid surges, physical abuse, or pests like ants getting inside.
How do I make a battery warranty claim?
Just contact Opera Solar. We will find out what is wrong and handle the whole claim process with the manufacturer for you.
Who do I contact for a battery fault – the installer or the manufacturer?
Always contact your installer (us) first. Manufacturers need specific computer fault codes to approve a claim. Our technicians will download these codes and send them off for you.
How long does a battery warranty claim take?
Once we send the fault data, the manufacturer usually takes a few days to approve the claim. Shipping a replacement battery module to your house normally takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on local warehouse stock.
Will I get a brand-new battery if mine fails?
That is the manufacturer’s choice. They will either repair the broken module inside the battery stack, or replace it with a new or factory-refurbished module that works just as well.
Does the warranty restart after a replacement?
No. If a battery is replaced in year 4, the new unit simply gets the remaining 6 years of your original warranty. The 10-year clock does not start again.
Is labour covered under the manufacturer warranty?
It depends on the brand. Some premium brands offer a set “service rebate” to cover our technicians’ time. If the manufacturer does not cover labour, a standard call-out fee may apply for our team to physically swap the heavy battery boxes.
What happens if the battery brand disappears?
If a manufacturer goes bankrupt, their warranty goes with them. This is exactly why Opera Solar refuses to sell cheap, unknown batteries. We only partner with massive, financially safe global brands to make sure your 10-year warranty is secure.
Do I need to maintain the battery (like connecting to Wi-Fi) to keep the warranty valid?
Yes. You must keep the battery connected to your home Wi-Fi. Manufacturers use this connection to send important software updates.
Note: If a battery (like Sigenergy) is completely offline for a long time, the manufacturer can legally cut your 10-year warranty down to just 5 years.
Is system monitoring setup by Opera Solar covered under warranty?
System monitoring setup isn’t covered under warranty, but don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Once your solar and battery system is installed, our team will walk you through setting up your monitoring app so you can easily keep an eye on your energy production and usage from your phone.
If you ever lose access (for example, after changing your Wi-Fi password, upgrading your modem, or switching routers), just reach out to us. We’ll guide you step-by-step to get everything back up and running. If on-site support is required, a standard call-out fee will apply.
What’s the difference between a manufacturer warranty & a workmanship warranty?
The manufacturer warranty covers the actual equipment breaking down inside the box. The workmanship warranty covers the installation work we did, like the wiring and how it is bolted to your wall.
Frequently Asked Questions: Inverter Manufacturer Warranty
What does the inverter manufacturer’s warranty cover?
It covers internal hardware failures, broken screens, faulty Wi-Fi chips, and any defect that stops the unit from turning solar power into usable home power.
What is not covered under the inverter warranty?
It does not cover outside damage. This includes power grid surges, lightning strikes, vandalism, poor airflow (if you trap it inside a tight box), or damage caused by pests nesting inside the electronics.
How long is the inverter standard warranty?
The premium inverters we supply, like Sungrow, Fox ESS, Tesla, GoodWe, Sigenergy, and Esy Sunhome, come with a standard 10-year warranty right out of the box.
Who do I contact if I have an inverter issue?
Contact Opera Solar. We can often log into your inverter remotely via the internet to check the fault codes before we even need to send a technician to your house.
Will I be without power during the inverter repair?
No, your house will not lose electricity. If your inverter fails, your home simply goes back to buying 100% of its power from the street grid. You will temporarily lose your solar savings until the unit is replaced, but the lights will stay on.
Will I get a replacement inverter or a repair?
The manufacturer will either send a replacement unit (new or refurbished) or send a specific part (like a replacement Wi-Fi dongle) to solve the problem quickly.
What happens if my inverter model is discontinued?
If your inverter breaks under warranty and that exact model is no longer made, you are still fully covered. The manufacturer will replace it with a newer model that has the same or better features.
Do I need to register my inverter for warranty?
You do not have to worry about this. When Opera Solar installs your system, we register the inverter for you. We link the hardware serial number to your home address to officially activate your 10-year warranty.
Can I extend my inverter warranty?
Yes, many premium brands like Fox Ess allow you to buy an extended warranty. For example, a standard 10-year warranty can often be extended to 15 or 20 years for an extra fee. You usually need to buy this extension within the first 12 months of your installation.
Does my warranty transfer if I sell my home?
Yes. Manufacturer hardware warranties stay with the physical product, not the person. If you sell your house, the new owner gets the remaining years left on the inverter’s warranty. They just need to keep a copy of the original invoice.
What can I do to keep my inverter warranty valid?
To keep your warranty safe, you must:
- Keep the inverter connected to your home Wi-Fi so it can receive important software updates.
- Ensure the unit has good airflow and is not covered by boxes, built-in cupboards, or overgrown plants.
- Only allow a CEC-accredited solar electrician to open or repair the system.
How long does it take to resolve a warranty claim?
Once we report the fault code, the manufacturer usually takes a few days to approve the claim. Shipping a replacement part or a whole new inverter takes about 1 to 4 weeks, depending on local warehouse stock availability. We will then book a day to install it for you.
Why is choosing a high-quality inverter brand important?
The inverter is the hardest-working appliance you own. It processes thousands of watts of power every single day while sitting on a hot brick wall. Cheap inverters burn out fast in the Australian heat, causing months of lost savings while you wait for a replacement. Choosing a high-quality, CEC Approved Tier 1 inverter is the best way to protect your solar savings.
What are the benefits of a Microinverter system?
A standard system uses one large inverter on your wall. A microinverter system (like Enphase) puts a tiny inverter underneath every single panel on your roof. The main benefit is that every panel works independently. If one panel is covered by shade or bird droppings, the rest of the panels keep pumping out maximum power. They are also slightly safer because there is no high-voltage DC wiring running through your roof cavity.
