Question 1

What is LFP battery chemistry and why is it better?

Accepted Answer

LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate. It is safer, longer-lasting, and cobalt-free compared to standard NMC lithium-ion batteries. The phosphate structure holds oxygen more tightly than the layered oxide used in NMC, so LFP is substantially more resistant to thermal runaway, the main safety risk in lithium-ion chemistry. No lithium battery is immune to thermal runaway under abuse, but LFP has a considerably wider safety margin. LFP also has a significantly longer cycle life and contains no cobalt, avoiding the supply chain concerns associated with cobalt mining. (Source: Navigating battery choices: a comparative study of lithium iron phosphate and nickel manganese cobalt battery technologies, ScienceDirect 2024)

Question 2

What guarantees do SolKind systems come with?

Accepted Answer

SolKind offers performance and product guarantees. The exact terms are outlined in your design proposal and depend on system configuration. Our guarantees are backed by local service teams, not just manufacturer warranties.

Question 3

Why does cobalt-free matter for solar batteries?

Accepted Answer

Cobalt extraction carries documented human rights, child labour and working condition concerns, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which supplies the majority of the world's cobalt. By choosing LFP chemistry, SolKind avoids cobalt entirely, delivering a battery that is safer, longer-lasting, and free of those supply chain questions. This aligns with our commitment to energy that leaves things better than we found them. (Source: Assessing impacts of responsible sourcing initiatives for cobalt, ScienceDirect 2021)

Question 4

Where are SolKind's panels sourced from?

Accepted Answer

SolKind sources panels and batteries directly from leading global manufacturers, bypassing the distribution chain that inflates costs for most Australian installers. Direct sourcing means no middlemen and no inflated margins. We select manufacturers on the basis of performance, safety standards, and warranty backing, not on what a distributor has on the shelf.

Question 5

Does SolKind service systems installed by other companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SolKind provides panel cleaning, battery additions, system health checks, and performance reviews for solar systems regardless of who installed them. We'll assess your system honestly and tell you if there's anything that needs to change before we work on it.

Question 6

How much does a residential solar system cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The honest answer is: it depends. Anyone who gives you a number without understanding your situation first should be treated with caution. The main variables are system size (driven by your usage, not your roof), panel and inverter quality, battery inclusion, roof complexity, and switchboard condition. Federal STCs reduce the upfront cost for most systems, deducted directly from your quote. We provide a fixed-price proposal with no hidden costs after a discovery conversation where we understand what your home actually needs.

Question 7

What size solar system does my home need?

Accepted Answer

Most Australian homes use 16-20kWh per day, which typically points to a 6.6-13kW system. SolKind designs around your actual usage patterns including future changes like EV charging or new appliances.

Question 8

How much can I save with solar in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The variables are significant: how much energy you use, when you use it, your current tariff structure, your feed-in rate, and your system size. A household running a pool and an EV will see very different returns to one that's out all day. SolKind models your savings conservatively using your actual usage data and current tariff before recommending anything.

Question 9

Do I need a battery with my solar system?

Accepted Answer

A battery makes most sense if you have significant evening usage, want energy independence, or your feed-in tariff is low. We model battery payback honestly before recommending one, and we'll tell you if the numbers don't stack up.

Question 10

Will solar panels work on my roof?

Accepted Answer

North-facing roofs at 15-25 degrees deliver optimal output, but east and west-facing panels still perform well. Shading is the main factor we examine carefully. We evaluate your roof as part of the discovery process.

Question 11

How long does a residential solar installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential installations are completed in one day. From signed agreement to switched-on system, the typical timeline is two to four weeks including design, approvals, and scheduling.

Question 12

Can I add a battery to my solar system later?

Accepted Answer

We design every system with future battery addition in mind. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides around a 30% discount on eligible battery installations including additions to existing systems. The subsidy steps down twice a year, so timing affects what you receive.

Question 13

What kind of battery does SolKind use, and why?

Accepted Answer

SolKind uses LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, which contain no cobalt. Cobalt is a material with serious ethical and environmental concerns, particularly around its mining in parts of Africa. Beyond that, LFP chemistry is thermally stable, meaning it doesn't carry the same fire risk as standard lithium-ion. It also has a significantly longer cycle life. We chose LFP because it's the better product on every measure that matters: safety, longevity, and how it was sourced.

Question 14

How do I know if a solar company is reputable?

Accepted Answer

Look for SAA accreditation, installer teams with a genuine local presence, and a company that asks questions before quoting. Red flags include door knockers, systems quoted without seeing your bills, and guarantees backed only by overseas manufacturers. Ask any installer: who do I call at year ten if something goes wrong?

Question 15

How much does a commercial solar system cost?

Accepted Answer

Commercial solar pricing varies significantly depending on your actual energy usage, roof type, structural requirements, switchboard condition, network connection complexity, and component quality. What we can tell you is that federal STCs reduce upfront costs for systems under 100kW, and depreciation deductions reduce the effective after-tax cost to your business. We model the full cost, including site-specific extras, as part of your energy review. You know exactly what you're paying and why before you commit to anything.

Question 16

What is the typical ROI on commercial solar in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Commercial solar payback is typically 4 to 8 years, depending on tariff, load profile and battery sizing. We model your specific situation rather than quoting averages. Payback depends on your energy usage patterns, current tariff structure, system size, and whether battery storage is included. Businesses with high daytime energy use typically see the fastest returns. We present base-case and downside scenarios with all assumptions documented, so you can test the numbers yourself before committing.

Question 17

Can I finance a commercial solar system rather than paying upfront?

Accepted Answer

Spreading the investment means your energy savings begin immediately, often exceeding the monthly finance repayment from the outset. Others prefer to purchase outright to maximise long-term return and own the asset immediately. We model both scenarios as part of your proposal so you can make the right decision for your business's cash position.

Question 18

We lease our premises. Can we still go solar?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your lease terms. In many cases tenants can install solar with landlord consent and a lease addendum protecting the asset. In others, the better path is presenting the business case to your landlord. Solar reduces their building's operating costs and improves its asset value. It's often in their interest too. A compelling example: a building owner recently needed to add solar not because of their own energy costs, but because their government tenant required a 5-star green building rating to renew their lease. Solar was the critical factor in achieving that rating, making it a straightforward decision for the landlord. SolKind has experience navigating both tenant-led and landlord-led scenarios.

Question 19

Will our roof support the weight of solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Panel systems are relatively lightweight, typically 10-15kg per panel, but roof age, material, condition, and existing load all factor in. We identify any structural requirements upfront so there are no surprises after you've committed. Some sites also require tilt frames for flat roofs, which affects both cost and output. We model this in the proposal.

Question 20

Does SolKind handle grid connection and compliance for commercial systems?

Accepted Answer

Commercial solar involves significantly more regulatory and engineering complexity than residential. SolKind handles protection system design, network operator approval, switchboard upgrades where required, and commissioning reports: everything you need to satisfy your insurer, landlord, and network operator. We don't hand you a system and leave you to deal with the paperwork.

Question 21

Can we integrate EV charging with our commercial solar system?

Accepted Answer

Solar-integrated EV charging aligns vehicle charging with peak solar generation, reducing grid draw and accelerating your return on the solar investment. It works well for staff car parks, customer charging bays, and fleet depots. We design the electrical infrastructure to accommodate EV charging as part of the overall system, not as an afterthought.

Question 22

How does solar help with our ESG reporting and net zero commitments?

Accepted Answer

Your inverter system provides generation and consumption data you can use directly in sustainability reporting. SolKind advises on how to interpret this data and structure it for ESG or emissions reporting purposes. Rooftop solar is one of the most visible and financially measurable steps available for businesses with sustainability commitments. We can discuss your specific reporting requirements during the design process.

Question 23

What is the "sun tax" and does it affect our business?

Accepted Answer

Some electricity networks are introducing export limits or charges on solar systems that generate more than the grid can absorb at certain times. This affects some commercial systems during midday hours when generation exceeds on-site consumption and export is curtailed or charged. SolKind designs commercial systems with export management in mind, including battery storage and demand management strategies that maximise self-consumption and reduce exposure to network export charges. We flag any relevant network restrictions for your site during the energy review.

Question 24

Can businesses claim solar as a tax deduction?

Accepted Answer

Solar is a depreciating asset, so the cost is claimed over time rather than all at once. Eligible small businesses can immediately deduct assets costing less than the instant asset write-off threshold, currently $20,000 per asset, but most commercial systems cost more than that. Those go into the small business simplified depreciation pool at 15% in the first year and 30% each year after, which is still considerably faster than the standard 20 year effective life the ATO assigns to solar. Batteries and inverters are separate assets assessed on their own cost, so individual components may qualify even where the full system does not. Thresholds change and eligibility depends on your turnover and structure. Speak to your accountant. We provide full asset documentation and commissioning reports to support your claim. (Source: ATO)

Question 25

Is the federal battery rebate ending?

Accepted Answer

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides around a 30% discount on eligible battery installations, including additions to existing solar systems. The program runs until 2030, but the discount steps down every six months from May 2026. The longer you wait, the less you get. SolKind confirms your eligibility and applies the discount to your quote - you don't need to navigate the program yourself. (Source: energy.gov.au)

Question 26

How do Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) work?

Accepted Answer

STCs are federal certificates that reduce the upfront cost of your solar system, typically deducted directly from your installation quote. The number of certificates you receive depends on your system size, location, and the number of years remaining in the scheme (which runs until 2030). The value reduces each year, which is why installing sooner delivers a higher benefit. SolKind handles all STC paperwork on your behalf. (Source: Clean Energy Regulator)

Question 27

Do I need to apply for rebates myself?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the program. Federal STCs and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program are handled entirely by your installer and applied as a discount on your invoice. You do nothing. Council and some state programs work differently: the application has to be made in your name, and the rebate is paid into your account. For those, we prepare the itemised quote, the compliance certificates and the installation photos the scheme requires, and we guide you through lodging it. We identify every program you're eligible for before we design your system.

Question 28

What state-level solar and battery rebates are available?

Accepted Answer

Some states offer additional battery rebates and interest-free or low-interest loan programs. Eligibility and amounts vary by state and change regularly. Currently: ACT offers zero-interest loans up to $15,000, WA offers zero-interest loans up to $10,000. NSW offers interest-free loans up to $15,000 through the Home Energy Saver Program, which replaced Empowering Homes in June 2026. Victoria's interest-free battery loan program has closed and Queensland's Battery Booster program has closed. South Australia's Home Battery Scheme closed in September 2022. SA households access the federal programs, with a possible VPP incentive under REPS for eligible households. Check current eligibility at [energy.gov.au/rebate-type/loan](https://www.energy.gov.au/rebate-type/loan).

Question 29

What is a Peak Reduction Certificate?

Accepted Answer

Several NSW incentives work through the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. An eligible installation creates certificates based on how much demand it is expected to shift away from peak periods. An Accredited Certificate Provider creates and sells those certificates, then passes the value to you as a discount on your installation. Because certificates trade at a market price, the value changes over time. We quote the incentive as a modelled figure and show you what moves if the price shifts between quoting and installation. You do not lodge anything yourself for these schemes. (Source: energy.nsw.gov.au)

Question 30

What incentives are available for commercial solar?

Accepted Answer

Australian businesses can access federal STCs (currently available on commercial systems up to 100kW, deducted from your installation cost upfront, with an announced expansion to 1 MW expected from 1 October 2026), depreciation deductions, including the instant asset write-off for individual assets costing under the threshold, and Large-scale Generation Certificates for systems above 100kW (tradeable certificates that offset costs or generate revenue), plus various state commercial programs.

Question 31

Can businesses claim solar installations as a tax deduction in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Solar is a depreciating asset. Eligible small businesses can immediately deduct assets costing less than the instant asset write-off threshold, currently $20,000 per asset. Most commercial systems cost more and are depreciated through the small business pool instead, at 15% in the first year and 30% after. Thresholds change and eligibility varies. Speak to your accountant about your situation. We can provide full documentation to support your claim.

Question 32

Is there a rebate for commercial solar systems over 100 kW?

Accepted Answer

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme currently stops at 100 kW. Systems above that size fall under the large-scale scheme, which works differently and generally delivers less upfront benefit for a mid-sized project. On 5 August 2026 the Australian Government announced the small-scale scheme will expand to cover systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW. The Government estimates the change will cut upfront installation costs by around 20 per cent, giving figures of around $68,000 on a 250 kW system and around $136,000 on a 500 kW system. The change is expected to apply to installations from 1 October 2026, subject to the regulations being finalised. It is not law yet. Until the Clean Energy Regulator publishes its guidance, treat any quoted rebate for a system over 100 kW as conditional, including ours. (Source: DCCEEW)

Question 33

Should I wait until October to install commercial solar?

Accepted Answer

For a system under 100 kW, nothing changes. The existing scheme already covers you, so there is nothing to wait for. For a system between 100 kW and 1 MW it is worth a conversation, because the announced change could be significant. But timing a commercial install is not usually as simple as choosing a month. Network connection approval is usually the longest part of the process, and lead times vary by network and by site. A project you start today may not be ready to commission until well after October anyway. Our advice is to get the design and the connection application moving now. Once you know your connection timeline, you can pick an installation date that works. We will model your project under both sets of rules so you can see the difference.

Common questions, honest answers.

General questions

What is LFP battery chemistry and why is it better?

What guarantees do SolKind systems come with?

Why does cobalt-free matter for solar batteries?

Where are SolKind's panels sourced from?

Does SolKind service systems installed by other companies?