Celtic Solar
Solar Power FAQ
Getting Started
Using solar power at home helps offset your overall energy usage, lower your living costs, and reduce your carbon footprint. Even if no one is home during the day, solar remains a great investment, as most homes can export excess power back to the grid for credit. With current government incentives and decreasing system prices, there has never been a better time to invest in solar.
Residential solar costs vary based on whether you choose a grid-connected or a fully independent off-grid setup. Typically, quality grid-connected systems (after STC rebates), without a battery, range from $7,500 for smaller houses to $20,000 for large family homes, but it depends on your energy needs. Full off-grid setups are more significant investments, ranging from $25,000 to $80,000+ depending on power requirements and site complexity.
We avoid “cookie-cutter” 6.6kW quotes. Instead, we design systems that are tailored to each customer, their property, load profile, and budget. As a guide, households in the Noosa region with a pool and ducted air-conditioning will typically need a minimum of 10kW of solar.
Yes. Every Australian household is entitled to the Federal Government’s STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) incentive. We guide you through state-specific and federal incentives, such as the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, to further lower your upfront costs. Sometimes manufacturers offer trade-in programs.
‘Small Scale Technology Certificates’ are a Federal Government incentive under the Renewable Energy Target (RET). Under this scheme, each certificate represents a projected tonne of greenhouse gases saved up to the year 2030 through your renewable energy system. STC’s have a financial value which is deducted from the price you pay. These are always clearly set out in our proposals.
We understand that upfront payments aren’t an option for everyone. We do offer payment plans, which we can discuss during your quote.
Most residential installations are completed within 1 day, depending on the complexity of the roof and system size. Double storey houses, those with tiles or complex roofs can often take 2 days or more. You should expect a lead time of at least 4 weeks before we can commence your installation.
Sales & Products
We recommend brands that have a commitment to manufacturing high quality products that are designed to perform in our harsh coastal environment, have proven and reliable technical support and industry leading-warranties. At present we recommend Sungrow, Sigenergy, Winaico, Aiko, Ocular and FranklinWH. But if you have something different in mind, get in contact with us as we have extensive experience with other products including Tesla, Fronius, SolarEdge and BYD.
The products we recommend and install are produced all over the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. China and Taiwan manufacture some of the best performing and most innovative solar panels, inverters and batteries available on the market. We partner with brands that have best-in-class technology so you receive high quality solutions. If you would like to know further details, our team will be happy to help with more information on specific products.
A site visit is important for our team to be able to get a proper picture of your needs so we can determine the best solution for you. We look at any potential limiting factors on-site such as electrical infrastructure, shading issues, and load profiles. A site visit allows us to determine which products would suit you and your household the best.
Solar Panels & Inverters
We recommend N-Type (TOPCon) panels as the modern industry standard for the Sunshine Coast. These panels offer superior heat tolerance and efficiency, ensuring they generate more power during hot Queensland summers and last significantly longer than older P-type technology. We recommend Winaico premium panels as they have high mechanical strength and excellent salt spray resistance, which is vital given our warm coastal environment.
The inverter is the “brain” of your system, converting the DC electricity from your panels into the AC power used by your home. Inverter capacity is measured in “kW”. The higher the number the more power the inverter can provide to your appliances, reducing your reliance on the grid. We only install smart, grid-compliant inverters that allow for real-time monitoring and with proven performance.
String inverters are cost-effective and reliable for simple, unshaded roofs. However, if your roof suffers from shading issues or has multiple orientations, microinverters or optimisers are essential to ensure every panel performs at its maximum potential independently.
A modern 10kW system typically consists of 20 to 22 high-efficiency panels (465 – 500W per panel). This requires approximately 45 to 55 square metres of clear roof space, depending on the specific dimensions and wattage of the panels selected for your property. We use sophisticated design software to determine the most appropriate layout for your home.
Home Batteries
We supply and install a range of reputable battery systems for single-phase and three-phase homes. We will advise you on the best battery solution for your household. Modern systems are often modular so their capacity can be increased to meet your specific energy needs. Our recommended products include Sungrow, Sigenergy and FranklinWH.
This depends on your household loads, the level of grid independence you seek, and your backup requirements during outages. Typical residential sizes range between 10kWh and 40kWh. We will determine the right size for you based on seasonal factors, your usage and your goals.
Cost depends on product quality, capacity, and the technology employed. Most modern systems use “Lithium Ion” (LFP) for excellent performance and longevity. You should expect a cost between $8,000 and $20,000 for a quality battery system, after applicable rebates.
Absolutely. Modern systems feature advanced software that, when coupled with the right energy plan, allows you to sell battery power back to the grid during peak periods to earn bill credits. We can guide you through the correct technology choices to make this happen.
EV Chargers
We supply and install leading AC and DC chargers, including single-phase and three-phase options suited to homes, businesses, and fleet depots.
Find out more about our EV Charging Systems>>
Not always, though we often need to install a dedicated power circuit between your switchboard and the charger. We assess your existing supply first; if an upgrade is required, we handle the design and installation.
Charging speed depends on your vehicle and power supply. Most homes see 7kW (single-phase) or 22kW (three-phase). For example, a 70kWh battery would take approximately 10 hours to charge from flat to 100% using a 7kW single-phase charger.
Yes. The chargers we recommend can prioritise solar energy, allowing you to charge from excess rooftop generation and reduce grid use. Entry-level chargers may not always offer this feature.
Commercial Solar
Commercial solar typically offers 3–5 year payback periods. These returns are driven by 25–40% cuts in energy costs combined with incentive stacking such as instant asset write-offs.
We determine size based on a 12-month billing data analysis and an on-site audit. Common ranges include 30kW for small operations and 100kW+ for heavy industrial users
Businesses can leverage STCs, LGCs (Large-scale Generation Certificates), and low-interest green loans. Our team manages the entire application process for you.
Off-Grid Systems
Absolutely. We perform precise load calculations to ensure your system supports high-draw appliances like air conditioners, pumps, and welding gear without compromise.
Modern lithium systems typically last 10–15 years with proper management. We include comprehensive warranty coverage and assist with long-term replacement planning.
Costs vary by power needs and site, typically ranging from $25,000 to $80,000 or more for a full home setup. We provide detailed quotes after a free site assessment.
Off-grid systems require annual inspections, panel cleaning, and battery health checks. We offer tailored service plans with priority response to ensure your independence is never interrupted.
