Thinking About Solar - Here’s What You Should Know
- Darren
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Family Owned and Operated
At STE Solar we’re a local family-run business helping households across Newcastle, Central Coast and the Hunter region make the switch to solar. We know that rising energy costs can put real pressure on families and we’re here to make solar simple, affordable and stress free.
Choosing the Right Solar System: What Matters
When you're investing in solar, choosing the right components matters and we’re here to walk you through it.
Solar Panels
Your solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, so quality is key. Newcastle’s rooftops and surrounds deal with plenty of heat, salt and rain, so choosing a well-tested and reliable brand is worth it. A few hundred dollars more can make a big difference in long-term performance.
At STE Solar we only work with brands we know and trust. You don’t need to overpay for super high-efficiency panels unless roof space is limited or you want the top-tier tech. For most homes, standard high-quality panels are more than enough.
Tip: If your roof has partial shade or faces in multiple directions, ask us about panel-level optimisation (PLO). It can prevent one panel from dragging down the performance of the others.
Inverters
Your inverter is the heart of the system and often the part most likely to need replacing within the first 10 years. That’s why we only install inverters with strong performance history and 10-year warranties.
You can also get more value by oversizing your panel array. Installing around 33% more panel capacity than your inverter is rated for helps you get the most from your system without affecting performance.
Batteries
Not ready to install batteries just yet? No worries. We can future-proof your system by designing it for easy battery integration down the track. Whether you want energy independence or just a way to store excess solar for nighttime use, we’ll talk you through your options.
Thinking about an EV too? We can help you plan a system that supports both.
Monitoring
A smart monitoring system can alert you if your system stops performing or needs attention. Some systems even show how your home uses electricity and where you can cut back. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay in control of your solar savings.
Why Homes Are Going Solar?
Newcastle and surrounding areas get an average of 4.75 kilowatt hours of solar energy per square metre per day, ideal for solar all year round. In the 2300 postcode alone, over 700 homes are already using solar, producing over 5.6 megawatts of clean energy and saving millions in electricity bills.
If you’re not one of them yet, there’s still plenty of opportunity to take advantage of the sunshine and the savings.
How We Make It Easy
We make the process simple from start to finish:
Free site assessments based on your roof and energy needs
System design using reliable panels, inverters and battery options
Fast, professional installation by experienced local electricians
Support long after install with answers, maintenance and warranties
We’ll also guide you through feed-in tariffs, rebates and any council or grid requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're just exploring or ready to install, we’re here to help. Get in touch for a free quote or book your site assessment today.
📞 0498 537 907
📍 Servicing Newcastle, Central Coast and the Hunter
Comments