Power Your Home with Clean, Reliable Solar Energy

Installing a solar system is a smart way to significantly reduce your energy bills while also doing your part for the planet. Once installed, solar systems require minimal maintenance and can even increase the value and appeal of your property.

Solar power systems work by converting sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels. The panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter—making it compatible with your home’s electrical system. You can use the power right away, send excess energy back to the grid, or store it in a battery for later use.

With so many solar panel brands and technologies available today—like N-Type, Bifacial, ABC, and more—it can be tricky to know which is the best fit for your property. The truth is, the ideal choice often depends on your specific installation scenario and location. That’s why arranging a pre-site visit with an industry professional is a smart move. They can assess your property, understand your energy needs, and help recommend the perfect solar solution tailored just for you.

Absolutely! Solar panels do work on cloudy days, but they produce less energy compared to sunny days. Even when it’s overcast, panels can still capture diffused sunlight and generate electricity—typically around 10% to 25% of their usual output depending on how thick the clouds are. So while your system might not run at full power, it’s still helping reduce your energy bills every day, rain or shine.

Adding a battery to your solar system can be a smart choice if you want to use more of your own solar power, protect against blackouts, or reduce reliance on the grid. It’s especially worth considering if your feed-in tariff is low or you use most of your electricity in the evening. While batteries add to the upfront cost, they can increase energy independence and long-term savings—particularly for households with high energy use or time-of-use tariffs.

Solar systems can start from around $5,000, but the total cost can increase depending on factors like the size of the system, the complexity of the installation, and whether you choose to include battery storage or other upgrades. Every home is different, so it's best to get a tailored quote based on your property and energy needs.

A 10kWh battery can typically power a low to moderate energy-use household overnight, but it usually offers just one day of backup. This means it won’t cover long stretches of bad weather or several cloudy days. Homes with higher usage — such as running air conditioning or charging an EV — may need a larger battery or extra storage capacity.

Starting July 1, 2025, the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers Australian homeowners a rebate of about $330 per usable kilowatt-hour of battery capacity—for example, a 10 kWh battery could receive around $3,300—helping reduce upfront costs by roughly 30%. This rebate applies to battery systems between 5 and 50 kWh, with amounts decreasing annually until the program ends in 2030. Additionally, homeowners can benefit from Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which effectively reduce the cost of solar panel installations by covering up to a third of the system price, making solar and battery setups more affordable overall.

How much you save with solar panels and batteries depends on things like how much electricity you use, the size of your system, and where you live. On average, solar panels can reduce your electricity bills anywhere from 30% up to 70% if you produce and use most of your own power. Adding a battery helps you use more of your solar energy by storing excess power for night-time or peak times, boosting your savings even more. Batteries can also provide backup power during outages. Contact Steel City solar today to get a free bill analysis and find out how much we can help you save.

Sometimes. Older panels might need upgrading to handle the additional load or to meet safety standards, but many homes don’t require upgrades.

A safety switch (RCD) shuts off power instantly if it detects a fault, protecting you from electric shock. While not always mandatory in older homes, it’s highly recommended for safety. If your home doesn’t already have them or if you are unsure, contact Steel City Solar and Electrical for a free quote to get your house up to standards.