Solar knowledge, explained clearly
Practical guides, explainers and comparisons to help you understand solar panels, battery storage, installation costs, savings, payback periods and the best setup for your home.
What do you want to understand?
Start with the topic closest to your decision. Solar is not one purchase: it is a system of panels, inverters, batteries, tariffs, warranties and installation quality.
Solar panels
How solar panels work, what affects performance and what to look for in a good installation.
02Solar panel costs
Understand typical system prices, installation costs, payback periods and quote differences.
03Solar batteries
Learn how battery storage works, what size you may need and when a battery pays off.
04Solar grants
Check available support, schemes and incentives that may reduce the cost of going solar.
Popular solar guides
These are the guides most homeowners should read before requesting quotes or choosing an installer.
How much do solar panels cost?
Compare the main cost drivers: system size, panel type, inverter, scaffolding, batteries and installation complexity.
Read guideAre solar panels worth it?
Understand savings, payback periods, export payments, electricity prices and what changes the return.
Read guideAre solar batteries worth it?
Learn when batteries improve your economics and when they simply add cost without enough benefit.
Read guideSolar panel installation explained
What happens before, during and after installation, including surveys, scaffolding, wiring and handover.
Read guideHow to compare solar quotes
A practical checklist for comparing panels, inverters, warranties, assumptions and installer credentials.
Read guideSmart Export Guarantee explained
How exporting unused solar electricity works and why export rates matter for your payback calculation.
Read guideHow to think about solar properly
Bad solar decisions usually come from focusing on the wrong headline number. A cheap quote can be expensive if the equipment, installation quality or savings assumptions are weak.
Start with usage
Your electricity usage pattern matters. A home using more electricity during daylight hours will usually benefit more from solar.
Check roof suitability
Orientation, shading, roof angle, available space and roof condition all affect system performance.
Compare assumptions
Do not trust payback estimates unless you understand electricity price assumptions, export rates and degradation.
Inspect the warranty
Panel, inverter, battery and workmanship warranties are different. Check who backs each one and for how long.
Solar quote checklist
Use this checklist before accepting a quote. It will help you separate a genuinely good proposal from a glossy sales pitch.
- System size in kWp
- Estimated annual generation
- Panel brand and model
- Inverter brand and warranty
- Battery size and usable capacity, if included
- Scaffolding and installation inclusions
- Roof survey and shading assumptions
- Export tariff assumptions
- Payback period assumptions
- Installer accreditation and workmanship warranty
Use the knowledge hub before comparing solar quotes
Solar can be a strong home upgrade, but only when the system is designed around your roof, usage, tariff and budget. Learn the basics first, then compare quotes with a sharper eye.