Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about solar energy, battery storage, EV charging, and our services
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Solar Energy
Questions about solar panel systems, installation, and performance
Battery Storage
Questions about home battery systems and energy storage
EV Charging
Questions about electric vehicle charging solutions
General Questions
General inquiries about our services and processes
Solar Energy Questions
How much does a solar panel system cost?
The cost of a solar panel system depends on several factors including system size, panel quality, installation complexity, and available incentives. A typical residential system in Australia ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 after government rebates. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your specific energy needs and site conditions.
How long does solar panel installation take?
Most residential solar installations are completed within 1-3 days. The process includes site assessment, system design, obtaining necessary permits, installation, and final inspection. The entire process from initial consultation to system activation typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on local council requirements and weather conditions.
Do solar panels work during cloudy days?
Yes, solar panels do work on cloudy days, though at reduced efficiency. Modern solar panels can still produce 10-25% of their rated capacity on overcast days. The amount of electricity generated depends on the density of cloud cover. Even in areas with frequent cloud cover, solar panels can still significantly reduce your electricity bills.
What maintenance do solar panels require?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. We recommend:
- Periodic cleaning (1-2 times per year) to remove dust, leaves, and bird droppings
- Visual inspection for any damage or shading issues
- Monitoring system performance through your inverter or monitoring app
- Professional inspection every 5 years to check connections and mounting
Most quality solar panels come with 25-year performance warranties.
Battery Storage Questions
How long do home battery systems last?
Most premium home battery systems are designed to last 10-15 years, with warranties typically covering 10 years. The actual lifespan depends on usage patterns, depth of discharge, and environmental conditions. Modern lithium-ion batteries can typically handle 6,000-10,000 charge cycles while maintaining 70-80% of their original capacity.
Can I add battery storage to my existing solar system?
Yes, in most cases you can add battery storage to an existing solar system. The complexity depends on your current inverter setup. With a standard string inverter, you may need to add a hybrid inverter or a battery-specific inverter. If you have microinverters, you can typically add AC-coupled battery storage. We can assess your current system and recommend the best approach for adding battery storage.
How much backup power will I have during an outage?
Backup duration depends on your battery capacity and what appliances you're running. A typical 10-13 kWh battery can power essential loads (lights, fridge, internet) for 12-24 hours. With careful energy management, you could extend this to 2-3 days. Larger battery systems or multiple batteries can provide more backup capacity. During an extended outage, your solar panels can recharge the batteries during daylight hours if the system is designed for island operation.
EV Charging Questions
How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
Charging time depends on the charger type and your vehicle's battery capacity. A standard home charger (7kW) typically takes 6-12 hours for a full charge. A faster AC charger (22kW) can reduce this to 2-4 hours. DC fast chargers (50-350kW) can provide 80% charge in as little as 20-30 minutes for compatible vehicles.
Can I install an EV charger at my apartment or rental property?
Yes, it's possible to install EV chargers in apartments and rental properties, though it requires permission from the property owner or body corporate. We offer solutions specifically designed for multi-unit dwellings, including load management systems that distribute available power efficiently among multiple chargers without overloading the building's electrical system.
Can I use solar power to charge my electric vehicle?
Absolutely! Integrating solar power with EV charging is an excellent way to reduce charging costs and environmental impact. We offer smart charging solutions that can prioritize solar energy when available, automatically adjusting charging rates based on solar production. With battery storage, you can even charge your EV with solar energy at night, maximizing your use of clean, renewable power.
General Questions
What areas do you service?
We primarily service Southeast Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, and surrounding areas. For large commercial or industrial projects, we may consider installations in other parts of Queensland and Northern NSW. Contact us to confirm if we service your specific location.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes, we offer several financing options to make renewable energy more accessible:
- Payment plans with flexible terms
- Green loans through our partner financial institutions
- Lease-to-own options for qualifying customers
- Assistance with accessing government rebates and incentives
Contact us to discuss which financing option might work best for your situation.
What warranties do you offer on your installations?
We provide comprehensive warranty coverage for all our installations:
- Product warranties from manufacturers (typically 10-25 years)
- 5-year workmanship warranty on all installations
- Performance guarantees for system output
- Ongoing support and maintenance services
All warranties are detailed in your installation contract, and we provide full documentation for all components.
Still Have Questions?
Address
Tenancy 4/430 Sherbrooke Rd, Willawong QLD 4110, Australia
Phone
07 3497 6565
contact@fxsolar.com.au
Website
fxsolar.com.au