What we cover

Education shaped around the decisions you'll face

Not a textbook. Not a brochure. Information organised around the questions homeowners actually ask when they're thinking about solar.

Close-up of photovoltaic cell crystalline structure the basics
Foundation

How photovoltaic systems work

We start at the cell level. Silicon, photons, electrons — the physics is elegant and worth understanding. From there we build up through modules, strings, arrays, and the inverter that ties it all together.

You'll understand why panel wattage ratings are measured in standard test conditions that rarely match your roof, and why that matters when comparing quotes.

  • The photoelectric effect in plain terms
  • Monocrystalline vs polycrystalline panels
  • String inverters, microinverters, and power optimisers
  • How DC becomes AC in your home
Home energy monitor showing real-time solar generation data real output
Performance

What affects how much power you generate

A solar panel's rated output is a ceiling, not a promise. Understanding what pushes actual output below that ceiling — and by how much — is essential for evaluating any installer's projections.

Shading, orientation, temperature, soiling, and degradation over time all play a role. Some are predictable. Some are specific to your property.

  • Roof orientation and tilt angle effects
  • Shading analysis and why it matters more than you'd think
  • Temperature coefficient and why hot panels produce less
  • Annual degradation rates and what's normal
Solar inverter mounted on garage wall with electrical connections battery storage
Storage

Battery storage — the full picture

Home battery storage has become a common add-on to solar installations. The technology is genuinely useful in some situations. It also adds cost and complexity, and the decision to include it deserves careful thought rather than a default yes.

We cover how lithium-ion home batteries work, what usable capacity actually means versus rated capacity, and how to think about the relationship between your generation profile and your consumption patterns.

  • How home battery chemistry works
  • Usable vs rated capacity explained
  • AC-coupled vs DC-coupled systems
  • Virtual power plants and grid services
Evaluation

Reading and questioning installer quotes

A solar installation quote contains a lot of numbers. Some are straightforward. Others are projections built on assumptions — and those assumptions vary significantly between installers.

We help you understand what each line means, what questions to ask about the assumptions behind the figures, and what certifications and warranties to look for before agreeing to anything.

  • MCS certification — what it means and why it matters
  • Understanding yield estimates and their assumptions
  • Panel and inverter warranty terms explained
  • Questions to ask before signing
Hand-drawn solar system diagram in a notebook with warm lamp light know the numbers

Questions we haven't covered?

Send them through. We'll either point you to existing resources or work on adding something new.

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