Solar panels absorb sunlight and turn it into electricity using a process called the photovoltaic effect. This electricity powers your home, and any surplus can either be sent back to the grid or stored in a solar battery for later use. Wondering if solar panels are right for your home? Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find the best solution!

While you wait, check out our Top 10 Solar Panel Brands in Australia for 2025.

Solar panels mostly last 25 to 30 years, but their performance can vary based on certain factors:

• Quality of the panels: High-quality panels made with monocrystalline are more efficient and durable. Look for Tier 1 manufacturers and warranties that cover at least 25 years. Read about solar panel warranties and see what makes a good solar panel.
• Local climate: In sunny areas like Queensland, panels are exposed to consistent sunlight, which is ideal. However, places like Melbourne with more frequent rain and cloudy days may require occasional maintenance to keep panels clean and efficient. Coastal areas like Sydney can expose panels to salty air, which might cause quicker degradation without proper protective coatings.
• Maintenance: Panels that are regularly cleaned and inspected for dirt, debris, or minor damages tend to perform better and last longer. See why solar panel maintenance is worth it.

Want to know more about the best panels for your area? Get in touch today, and we’ll guide you!

The cost of solar panels depends on the brand, system size, inverter type, and additional features you might need. Check out our tabulated price indices:

• Panel brands: Premium brands like LG Solar tend to be more expensive, ranging from $8,500 to $13,500 for a 6.6kW to 9.9kW system. Cost-effective options like Jinko or LONGi Solar offer reliable systems starting around $5,000 to $7,000 for the same size.
• System size and inverter type: A basic inverter system typically costs less than a premium inverter system. For example, a 6.6kW system with a basic inverter might cost $5,000 to $6,000, while upgrading to a premium inverter could increase the cost to $6,500 to $7,500.
• Additional features: Features like a double-storey installation, split arrays, or monitoring units can add between $150 and $1,800 to the total cost. These extras improve your system’s performance and convenience.

Want a personalised quote or help choosing the right system for your budget? Get in touch today—we’ll make the process simple and hassle-free!

The number of solar panels you need depends on your electricity usage, roof space, and energy goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• System size matters most: It’s not just about the number of panels but the total capacity (measured in kilowatts, or kW). For example, a 9.9kW system may require 22 panels if each panel is 450 watts, or 26 panels if each panel is 390 watts.
• Your energy usage: Start by checking your electricity bills to understand your average daily usage. For instance, the average Australian household uses 18–20 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day. A rough rule of thumb is to divide this number by 4 to estimate the system size. For higher energy users, like households with air conditioning or pool pumps, a larger system may be better.
• Future energy needs: If you’re planning to add electric vehicles (EVs) or battery storage in the future, consider sizing up your system to accommodate these needs. A household with two EVs might need a system of 10–15kW.
• Roof space: The number of panels also depends on how much space is available on your roof. Larger panels with higher wattage can save space while providing the same energy output as smaller ones.

You will find our blog on solar panel system sizing most helpful.

Still unsure about how many panels your home needs? Contact us today and we’ll advise you.

Yes, solar panels are recyclable! Recycling plants across Australia recover materials like aluminium, glass, silicon, copper, and plastics so that old panels don’t end up in landfills. Proper recycling prevents harmful materials from leaching into the soil and groundwater.

Here’s how it works:

1. Panels are shredded into small pieces.
2. Materials like glass, copper, and aluminium are separated through sorting processes.
3. The sorted materials are repurposed to manufacture new items.

Currently, recycling costs around $10 per panel, plus freight, as the industry is still developing. Some companies, like Lotus Energy, provide nationwide recycling services, while others upcycle panels for new uses. In some cases, your solar installer may cover recycling costs as part of the upgrade or replacement process.

Need help recycling your old solar panels? Contact us today, and we’ll take care of it for you!

Yes, solar panels still work on cloudy days! While they produce less electricity compared to sunny days, they can generate around 25% to 40% of their normal output, depending on the thickness of the cloud cover and the quality of the panels.

Just like you can still get sunburnt on overcast days, solar panels can capture indirect sunlight and convert it into energy. Advanced panels, like those with backside mirrors or power optimisers, perform even better under partial shading caused by clouds.

Want to know how solar panels would perform on your roof, rain or shine? Contact us today for a customised assessment!

When it comes to solar panels, "best" can mean different things depending on your needs—whether it's efficiency, durability, warranty, or price. To help narrow it down, we’ve compiled a list of Australia’s Top 10 Solar Panel Brands for 2025:

1. Aiko
2. Risen Energy
3. Trina Solar
4. JinkoSolar
5. SUNTECH
6. Jolywood
7. JA Solar
8. LONGi
9. SunPower
10. Tongwei

Each of these brands excels in particular areas. Aiko and Risen Energy are known for their efficiency, while Trina Solar and JinkoSolar offer great performance at competitive prices. SunPower and Jolywood are celebrated for their innovations like backside mirrors or bifacial panels.

To learn more about why these brands made the cut and to explore the best panels from each, check out our blog: Australia’s Top 10 Solar Panel Brands for 2025.

Still unsure which panels are right for your home? Contact Solar Run today—our technicians can help you pick the perfect solar system based on your energy needs and budget. After all, the best solar panel is the one that fits your home and delivers maximum savings!