Got questions? We’ve got answers

Question 1

Why should I get a battery?

Accepted Answer

Adding a battery to your solar setup helps you maximise your solar savings by storing excess energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. The stored energy can be used on cloudy days or at nighttime.

Question 2

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes – but it depends on a few key factors. The age of your solar panels and the type of inverter you have installed can affect compatibility with modern battery technology. Older systems may require additional rewiring or reconfiguration, which can add complexity for installers.   If your solar panels were installed before 2021, we recommend requesting a quote for a new solar and battery package to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.   If your panels were installed after 2021, you’ll be prompted to upload images of your current system during the quoting process. From there, Kleenheat will work with our trusted installer partners to assess whether a battery-only package is suitable for your setup.

Question 3

If I install solar panels and an inverter now, can I add a battery at a later date?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our solar systems are battery-ready. We only offer hybrid inverters, which means you can install your solar panels and inverter now and easily add a battery later.   However, it's worth noting that future advances in technology may make adding a battery down the line more difficult - especially the longer you leave it from solar install.   Installing a battery now also means you can take advantage of the Federal and WA Government battery rebates currently available - helping you save more while future-proofing your energy setup.

Question 4

How safe are the batteries you have on offer?

Accepted Answer

All our solar batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFM) technology, which is widely recognised as the safest option for home energy storage in Australia. Their chemical structure is very stable, which means they’re far less prone to overheating or catching fire than other batteries. They also use non-flammable materials to reduce the risk of fire.

Question 5

What are VPPs and what do they have to do with battery rebates?

Accepted Answer

A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a network of connected solar and battery systems that work together to support the electricity grid. When you're part of a VPP, your home battery can share stored energy during peak demand times, helping to balance supply and demand across the network.   Many government battery rebate programs encourage or require participation in a VPP because they help make the grid more reliable and efficient, especially during peak periods.   The Federal Government rebate currently on offer only requires your battery to be VPP-ready for you to be eligible for the incentive. However the WA Government rebate requires you to opt-in to participate in a VPP to be eligible.

Question 6

How much will I save with solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Your savings will depend on your electricity usage, system size, and conditions. If you add a battery to your solar system, you’ll be able to save more by storing excess energy generated during the day and using it at night or on cloudy days.   We'll provide an estimate of your savings when we present your recommended packages. This estimate is calculated based on your annual electricity usage, when you typically use power and the size of your system. The calculation factors in how much you’ll save by using your own solar energy instead of buying from the grid, the income you can earn by exporting excess power back to the grid, and any additional earnings if you choose to join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).   As well as presenting your estimated savings online, we'll also share this information and the assumptions that inform the estimate as part of the fixed-price quote.

Question 7

How much do solar panels cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of solar panels will vary depending on the brand selected and number of panels required to meet your energy needs. The installation cost may also vary depending on characteristics about your house (such as whether you have multiple stories).   Our online quoting tool has been built to provide you with personalised packages and visibility of costs in minutes. If you request a quote, we’ll get back to you within one business day to confirm your no-obligation, fixed-price quote.

Question 8

Is the cost presented on the website final?

Accepted Answer

The cost we present on Kleenheat Spark reflects the information we have received from you, as well as data we have accessed about your roof and home characteristics.   When you request a quote, we ask you to provide some extra information including photos of your meter box. These allow us to confirm the recommended package meets your needs.    Your final fixed-price quote might differ from the costs you were presented in the funnel for a couple of reasons.    1. If there is a mismatch between the details you entered and the images uploaded. For example, if you selected single-phase power but your switchboard photo shows a three-phase setup. 2. If the photos that you upload show added complexity to your installation. For example, if your switchboard is full and needs to be extended.   Any changes we make to your recommended system will be clearly outlined in your quote, so you'll know exactly what is included. Our fixed-price quotes are valid for 14 days.   Once the quote is approved, the price is locked in, with no hidden fees or surprise costs later on.

Question 9

Are there rebates available for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solar panel installations are eligible for a Federal Government rebate through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) you receive depends on your system's size and location. We’ll automatically apply the value of your STCs to your quote as a discount, reducing the upfront cost of your system.

Question 10

Are the solar batteries on offer eligible for government rebates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the batteries on offer are eligible for government rebates.    The key requirement for the rebate offered through the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program is that your solar battery must be Virtual Power Plant (VPP) ready, which all our batteries are. This rebate is the most sizable battery rebate currently available, with the value of the rebate calculated based on your battery size.    The WA Residential Battery Scheme has more eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a rebate, your battery needs to be from a list of approved products, and you need to agree to participate in a VPP.    If you choose not to join a VPP and aren’t eligible for the WA Government rebate, rest assured, you'll still be eligible for the Federal Government rebate.   The quote we send you will include all the government rebates you're eligible for, outlining your out-of-pocket cost once these have been applied.    If you are interested in reading more about VPPs and the pros and cons of joining, click here .

Question 11

Is Kleenheat charging a higher price than if I went directly to the installer?

Accepted Answer

No, Kleenheat has locked in the best price available for all the packages available with our chosen installer partners. That means you won't pay any more with Kleenheat than if you went directly to the installer.

Question 12

Do you have finance options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a couple of finance options.   No-interest loans of up to $10,000 are available through the WA Residential Battery Scheme for households meeting certain eligibility requirements. We also have partnered with Plenti Green Loans to provide financing options with competitive interest rates and fair terms. Your quote will provide more information about how to apply for both loan types.    To find out more about our finance options, check out this article

Question 13

Do I get anything if I generate electricity and export it back to the grid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solar system owners in WA receive payments for the electricity they export back to the grid. These payments are known as feed-in tariffs, and in WA they’re provided under the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS).   The amount you earn depends on the time of day and the volume of electricity you supply, measured by kilowatt-hours. For example, if you export energy between 3pm and 9pm, you get a higher rate than during the day - currently around 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. The value of your exported energy is credited to your Synergy electricity bill, helping you save money by reducing your overall energy costs.

Question 14

How do solar systems work?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. The electricity then flows through an inverter to convert it from Direct Current (DC) electricity into Alternating Current (AC) that can be used to power your home and appliances or stored in a battery for later use.

Question 15

What's the benefit of installing a solar system?

Accepted Answer

Installing solar panels will reduce your electricity bills, as you can use energy generated by the sun instead of from the grid. Your savings will depend on your electricity usage, system size, and conditions. Using renewable energy also allows you to lower the carbon emissions associated with your electricity usage. If you add a battery to your solar system, you’ll be able to store excess energy generated during the day and use it at other times. This means you can save more and have more energy independence from the grid.

Question 16

What is Kleenheat’s role in my solar and battery purchase?

Accepted Answer

Kleenheat Spark is an online tool that makes purchasing solar and battery packages easy. Enter simple information in our quoting tool and you’ll be able to see personalised packages, costs and warranty details in minutes.   Kleenheat has also done the legwork to bring together high-quality products and installers all in one place, giving you peace of mind in your investment.   If you need anything, Kleenheat is here for you from the moment you start exploring solar and battery options, to the day of install and beyond.

Question 17

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days, just at a lower rate of efficiency.   If you add a battery to your solar system, you can store excess energy for later use and use it on grey days.   If you don’t add a battery, you will still have power in overcast weather, as you can draw on energy from the grid.

Question 18

What do the terms kW and kWh mean?

Accepted Answer

kW and kWh are units of measurement commonly used in relation to solar and battery systems.   kW (kilowatt) measures power - how fast energy is produced or used, like the flow rate of a tap.   kWh (kilowatt-hour) measures energy - how much is used or stored over time, like the amount of water collected in a bucket.   When you see kW in relation to solar panels, it talks to the maximum power output that can be achieved with the system. When you see kWh used with solar panels, it relates to the total energy that could be generated under optimal conditions.   In relation to batteries, kWh talks to how much energy the battery can hold.

Question 19

Will Kleenheat be installing my solar system or battery?

Accepted Answer

No, Kleenheat is not installing your solar system or battery.   Kleenheat has partnered with Perth-based installer partners with strong track records of successful installs and great Google review ratings, who will install your chosen package. All our installer partners are New Energy Tech Approved Sellers.   Once you approve your quote and pay your deposit, Kleenheat will provide your details to the installer partner to liaise directly with you and book in a time that works for you.

Question 20

How long does the installation of a solar system take?

Accepted Answer

Most installations take 1 to 2 days, depending on the system size and complexity.   Once you've accepted your quote, the installer will be in touch to book in a date that works for you and can confirm exactly how the long the job will take.

Question 21

Will my quote include installation costs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the quote includes all costs including product, installation and any other related expenses. These costs are clearly outlined in the quote provided by email. The quote will also include any government rebates you're eligible for, reducing the total price you need to pay.   Once Kleenheat shares a quote, the price is fixed. All quotes are valid for 14 days.

Question 22

Are your installer partners New Energy Tech Approved Sellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our Perth-based installer partners are New Energy Tech Approved Sellers. This means our installer partners meet the consumer protection standards set out in the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) program administered by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).

Question 23

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

All the solar panels we recommend come with a minimum 25 year product warranty and 30 year performance warranty. Both warranties are important, as the product warranty covers defects in material and manufacturing, while the performance warranty guarantees long-term performance of the panels over time.

Question 24

How long do batteries last?

Accepted Answer

All the batteries we recommend come with a 10 year warranty. They are all lithium iron phosphate which is well-suited to hot Australian conditions.

Question 25

What brands of products do you sell?

Accepted Answer

Kleenheat has selected high-quality products manufactured by well-known brands.   The brands on offer for solar panels are Canadian Solar and SunPower.   The battery brands we have available are Fronius, iStore, Sigenergy and Sungrow.

Question 26

Is Kleenheat manufacturing solar panels?

Accepted Answer

No, Kleenheat is not manufacturing solar panels.   Kleenheat has hand-picked solar and battery products from well-known brands to build the packages available. The brands listed include Canadian Solar, iStore, Sigenergy, Sungrow, SunPower and Tesla.

Question 27

What energy management tools are available and what will they tell me?

Accepted Answer

All our systems come with access to energy management tools. These apps are provided by the product manufacturers and allow you to monitor, control and optimise how your solar panels and battery work. The data available includes how much energy you're generating and storing, as well as usage insights for your household. Some apps will also show estimated energy savings.

Question 28

Do the products available all come with a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our packages come with comprehensive warranties, protecting you from any defects that might occur over the life of your system.    The solar panels we list all come with a minimum 25 year product warranty and 30 year performance warranty. Both warranties are important, as the product warranty covers defects in material and manufacturing while the performance warranty guarantees long-term performance of the panels over time.   All our listed batteries and inverters come with a 10 year warranty.   Details of the warranties for the products you select will be outlined in your quote.

Question 29

What if something goes wrong with the installation of my solar system or battery?

Accepted Answer

Your hardware and installation are covered by warranty. In the unlikely event something goes wrong with your installation, your installer will work with you to ensure the problem is rectified.   If you aren’t happy with the resolution, Kleenheat’s Perth-based Customer Service Team will be there to help and if needed arrange remediation.

Question 30

Do I need to clean or maintain solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels are generally pretty low maintenance. As they are exposed to the elements, it’s recommended to give them a gentle clean every year. If you notice lots of dust, dirt or grime building up you may want to clean them more often. This will keep your solar panels operating at their optimal efficiency. It’s also recommended that you have your system serviced regularly to maintain optimal performance.

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