The right solar system is not simply the largest system that fits on the roof or the lowest advertised price. A suitable design considers how much electricity you use, when you use it, available roof space, shading, switchboard requirements and whether you may add a battery, electric vehicle or other high-demand appliances later.

Energy Buster assesses these factors before recommending a system. This helps align the panel capacity, inverter and optional battery with the way your home or business actually uses energy.

A correctly sized system can reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid by producing power during daylight hours.

System size, panel layout and inverter selection are considered against your bills, roof and future energy plans.

Selected panel options include warranties of up to 40 years, helping protect long-term system performance.

System size should be based on actual electricity demand rather than a standard package alone. The examples below show how common sizes may be considered, but the correct recommendation depends on the property, roof and consumption profile.

These are general use cases only. A site assessment and electricity usage review are required before a system size can be recommended.

The installed cost of solar panels varies because every property and system design is different. The main cost drivers include:

System capacity: The number and wattage of panels and the inverter capacity.

Panel and inverter selection: Product quality, warranty coverage and system architecture affect the final price.

Roof and electrical conditions: Roof access, pitch, material, shading, switchboard condition and cable runs can change installation requirements.

Battery readiness: A hybrid inverter, battery installation or future battery preparation may change the system design.

Site-specific work: Metering, protection equipment or other electrical upgrades may be required.

Energy Buster provides a site-specific proposal rather than relying solely on an advertised package price.

There is no single savings or payback figure that applies to every Adelaide property. The result depends on:

• how much electricity the property uses
• how much of that usage occurs during daylight hours
• the size and orientation of the solar array
• shading and seasonal generation
• the electricity tariff and export rate
• whether a battery is installed
• future changes such as an electric vehicle, pool or electric heating

The most useful estimate starts with your recent electricity bills and a design based on the property. This allows projected generation and self-consumption to be compared with the proposed system cost.

A 6.6 kW system may suit a household with moderate electricity use, a smaller roof or a goal of reducing daytime grid consumption without substantially oversizing the system.

It is commonly considered by couples, smaller families, retirees or households without several high-demand appliances operating at the same time.

A 13.3 kW system may suit a larger family home with higher electricity use, more available roof space and several daytime loads.

It can also provide additional generation capacity for households planning to add a battery, electric vehicle, pool equipment or greater electric heating and cooling demand.

A 20 kW system may suit a large property with substantial daytime demand or a small commercial site operating throughout daylight hours.

This size becomes more relevant where electricity use is consistently high and there is enough roof space to use a greater proportion of the generated energy on site.

A 30 kW system may suit an extra-large home with substantial electrical demand or a small business with consistent weekday electricity use.

The design should account for three-phase capacity, switchboard requirements, usable roof area, network approval and potential for battery storage.

These profiles are indicative rather than fixed recommendations. The final system size must account for actual interval or billing data, roof layout, electrical infrastructure, network requirements and expected future demand.

The lowest upfront quote is not always the lowest-cost system over its operating life. Panel degradation, inverter quality, product warranty terms, workmanship and access to local support all influence long-term value.

Energy Buster offers panel options with warranties of up to 40 years. The purpose of the longer warranty is not simply a longer document: it is to provide clearer protection around product performance over the period the system is expected to operate.

A battery may be worth considering when your property exports excess solar during the day but uses significant electricity after sunset. It can also support backup power, increase solar self-consumption and reduce reliance on grid electricity during higher-priced periods.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common choice for Adelaide homes because they offer high energy density, efficient charging and a longer expected lifespan than traditional lead-acid systems. The right battery still depends on your evening electricity use, available solar generation, required backup circuits, usable capacity, warranty and budget.

Battery pricing varies considerably by capacity, brand, inverter requirements and installation complexity. Energy Buster offers battery-inclusive systems and battery-ready solar designs, including GoodWe and iStore configurations. Battery size, expected use and warranty terms are confirmed in the proposal.

Recent electricity bills help establish current demand, seasonal variation and likely daytime consumption.

The roof, shading, switchboard, meter and installation access are assessed before the system is finalised.

Panel capacity, inverter selection, layout and battery readiness are matched to the property and usage profile.

The written proposal confirms products, warranties, inclusions, price and expected system configuration.

The panels, inverter and electrical equipment are installed and tested in accordance with the approved design.

Required connection steps are completed and the system is handed over with relevant product and monitoring information.

Monitoring supports visibility over system generation and helps identify unexpected performance changes.

Energy Buster remains available for product, warranty and after-sales enquiries following installation.

Use this guide to compare products, warranties, system designs and installer proposals before making a decision.