Question 1

How much does solar actually save in Perth?

Accepted Answer

A typical 6.6kW system in Perth generates about 28kWh per day. If you use 30-40% of that directly (avoiding 32c/kWh grid power) and export the rest at DEBS rates, most households save $1,500-$2,500 per year. With a battery, self-consumption jumps to 70-85% and savings increase accordingly. Your actual savings depend on your usage pattern — our calculator gives you a personalised estimate.

Question 2

How long does solar take to pay for itself?

Accepted Answer

For a standard 6.6kW system in Perth, payback is typically 2-4 years after federal STC rebates. Larger systems (10kW+) can pay back in 1.5-3 years if you have high daytime usage. Batteries take longer — typically 7-12 years — but provide backup power and maximise your solar investment. These figures assume current Synergy rates, which have been rising 2-5% annually.

Question 3

What rebates are available in WA?

Accepted Answer

Two main rebates: (1) Federal STCs — an upfront discount applied by your installer, currently worth about $2,500-$4,500 for a typical solar system. This reduces each year until 2030. (2) WA Battery Scheme — $130/kWh for Synergy customers (max $1,300) or $200/kWh for Horizon Power customers (max $2,500). Your battery must be on Synergy's Supported Solutions List (SSL). Both rebates can be claimed together.

Question 4

Is BillWise really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All calculators, analysis tools, and recommendations are free for WA households. We make money when you request quotes — installers pay a referral fee to receive your enquiry. This fee is paid by the installer, not you. We don't receive commissions from manufacturers, and we don't inflate savings estimates to push you toward more expensive systems. Our disclosure page explains this in detail.

Question 5

Should I get a battery or just solar?

Accepted Answer

For most Perth households, solar-only is the better financial decision first. The payback is much faster (2-4 years vs 7-12 years for batteries). Add a battery later if: you use most power in the evening, you want backup during outages, or you want to maximise self-consumption above 30-35%. If you already have solar and are on the A1 tariff, a battery paired with Midday Saver can shift your economics significantly.

Question 6

What tariff should I be on?

Accepted Answer

Most Perth households without solar are fine on A1 (flat rate at 32.4c/kWh). If you have solar, Midday Saver is often better — you pay just 8.6c during solar hours (9am-3pm) but 53.8c during peak (3-9pm). It's worth switching if your 3-9pm usage is below 28.8% of your total. If you have an EV, the EV Add-On tariff drops overnight charging to 19.4c. Our calculator recommends the best tariff for your specific usage pattern.

Question 7

How does Synergy billing work?

Accepted Answer

Synergy bills roughly every 60 days (not quarterly). Each bill shows your supply charge (~$1.16/day) plus energy usage. The average Perth household pays $300-$600 per billing period. If you have solar, your bill also shows export credits (DEBS or REBS). You receive about 6 bills per year.

Question 8

Will I still have power during a blackout with solar?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels alone shut down during a blackout (safety requirement — they can't feed power into a dead grid). You need a battery with backup capability to keep power during outages. Not all batteries support backup — check the specs. Typical 10kWh batteries can run lights, fridge, and internet for 8-12 hours. Larger systems (13.5kWh+) can power most of a house overnight.

Question 9

What happens after I request quotes?

Accepted Answer

Up to 3 CEC-accredited installers in your area receive your details. They typically contact you within 24-48 hours by phone or email. You're under no obligation — compare their quotes, ask questions, and take your time deciding. We don't share your details beyond the matched installers, and you control who contacts you.

Question 10

How accurate are the savings estimates?

Accepted Answer

Our estimates use real Synergy tariff rates (updated when rates change), Bureau of Meteorology solar data for Perth, and current federal/state rebate values. They assume typical installation conditions — north-facing roof, minimal shading, standard equipment. Your actual savings may vary based on your specific roof angle, shading, equipment quality, and usage patterns. We recommend using our estimates as a starting point and getting a site assessment from an installer for precise figures.

Frequently Asked Questions