Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about solar for homes and businesses, including the benefits, financing options and installation.
What are the benefits of installing solar panels?
Solar panels can reduce your electricity bills, lower your environmental impact and increase your property value.
They also give you access to clean, sustainable energy.
Can I finance my solar installation through Platinum Solar Designs?
Yes. We offer finance through Brighte, including a 0% interest payment plan and the Brighte green loan.
Read more on the Brighte website, or contact us to discuss your options.
How do I work out the right solar system size for my home or business?
You don’t need to know exactly what you need before you contact us.
Our team will assess your energy needs and design a system to suit your requirements.
What types of solar panels do you offer, and which one is best for me?
We are selective about the panels we offer and choose them for quality.
Our team will help you choose the most suitable panel for your location, budget and energy goals.
Can you install battery storage with my solar panels?
Yes. We install battery storage systems that store excess energy for use on cloudy days or during power outages.
A battery increases your energy independence.
What warranties come with your solar panel installations?
Our solar panels come with industry-standard warranties. We also provide workmanship warranties on our installations.
Is there a government rebate or incentive for installing solar panels?
Yes. Government incentives and rebates are available in NSW and the ACT.
Our team will guide you through the application process.
How do I read a data sheet for solar panels?
A solar panel data sheet tells you how the panel performs. Look for the panel’s wattage, efficiency, temperature coefficient and warranty details.
The “Pmax” value is the panel’s maximum power output in watts.
The efficiency percentage tells you how effectively the panel converts sunlight into electricity. A higher percentage means a more efficient panel.
The temperature coefficient shows how the panel’s performance changes as the temperature changes.
Check the warranty terms, including the product warranty and the performance guarantee. If you need help reading a data sheet, contact our team.
How does solar affect the value of my property?
Homebuyers can see a solar system as a benefit, because it reduces energy costs and has environmental benefits.
Will I still receive an electricity bill if I have solar panels?
A solar panel system reduces the amount of electricity you need to buy from your utility company, which lowers your bills.
In many cases, solar panels can generate enough energy to cover your household’s needs. Depending on your location, any excess electricity may be credited or sold back to the grid.
You may not eliminate your electricity bill completely, but it will likely be significantly reduced, giving you long-term savings.
Our team can explain how this works and give you an estimate based on your situation.
How long does the installation process take?
A residential solar panel installation typically takes one to two days. Commercial installation times may vary.
We’ll give you a detailed timeline during your consultation.
Do I need to be home during the installation?
No, you don’t need to be home for a residential installation. We’ll arrange a time that suits you.
What maintenance is required for my solar panel system?
Solar panels need little maintenance. We recommend an occasional inspection and clean, and we offer maintenance services if you need them.
How do I monitor my solar panel system’s performance?
Most of our solar panels come with a monitoring system. You can track your system’s performance in real time on your computer or mobile device.
What happens to excess energy generated by my solar panels?
Excess energy can be stored in a battery system or fed back into the grid.
Energy fed into the grid earns you credits on your electricity bill through a process called net metering.
Will my solar panels work on cloudy days or at night?
Solar panels produce less power on cloudy days and none at night. A battery storage system can provide power during these periods.
Can I upgrade my solar panel system in the future?
Yes. We offer upgrades if your energy needs change or the technology improves.
What is the lifespan of a solar panel system?
Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years. We supply high-quality products chosen for long-term performance and reliability.
I’m not sure where to start with solar. What should I do?
Start by contacting Platinum Solar Designs for a consultation.
Our team will assess your energy needs, budget and location, then recommend a solar system to suit them.
We’ll explain the process, your financing options and the government incentives available to you.
How much does it cost to maintain solar panels?
Maintenance costs for solar panels are generally low.
Panels may need occasional cleaning to remove dirt, dust or debris, which can reduce their efficiency. You can often do this with a hose or a soft brush.
Most solar panels come with warranties that cover manufacturing defects, and Platinum Solar Designs offers post-installation support.
We recommend a professional inspection every few years to check that your system is operating as it should.
Overall, maintenance costs are far lower than the long-term energy savings from your solar panels.
Can I get solar panels if my roof is partly shaded?
Partial shading doesn’t necessarily rule out solar panels. Our team can carry out a shading analysis to work out how shading would affect your system.
We may recommend microinverters or power optimisers. These reduce the effects of shading by optimising the performance of each panel.
We’ll also assess whether panels can go on less shaded areas. If shading is a significant concern, we can consider a ground-mounted system.
