FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Solar

Why choose Solar?

Solar energy is a smart investment for both your wallet and the planet. By installing solar panels, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills, protect yourself from rising energy costs, and increase the value of your property. Plus, it’s a clean, renewable source of power that reduces your carbon footprint and supports a more sustainable future. With government incentives and finance options available, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

Whether you’re in Perth, Mandurah, or the surrounding areas, we’ve got the team and the tools to bring this game changing solution to your home – without the delays.

Contact us today for your FREE no-obligation tailored quote.

What can affect how much Solar energy I receive?

Several factors can influence your solar system’s performance, including:

→ Roof Orientation & Angle: North-facing roofs in Australia typically get the most sunlight.

→ Shading: Trees, buildings, or chimneys that cast shadows on your panels can reduce output.

→ Weather Conditions: Cloudy or rainy days can temporarily reduce solar production.

→ System Size & Efficiency: The number and quality of your panels, along with your inverter, play a big role.

→ Maintenance: Clean, well-maintained panels perform better over time.

Our team will assess your property and tailor a solar solution to maximise your energy generation.

Can I customise a Solar package with different products?

As an exclusive Sigenergy partner, we supply Sigenergy batteries and EV chargers exclusively, so every storage and charging system we install is one we know inside out. For solar panels, we offer a selection of established brands, so we can tailor your system to suit your home energy and budget requirements.

Does roof orientation matter for Solar?

Yes, a system with solar panels facing in a southerly direction will generate far less than one with a northerly aspect, however any solar is better than none.

East and west installations are also a good option depending on the installation scenario and power consumption.

When should a solar system be replaced?

If your solar system was installed before 2016, its likely time to upgrade. Older panels may be out of warranty, less efficient, and in need of replacement. Upgrading also ensures compliance and prepares your system for adding batteries or future expansion. 

Our solar team will support you with this and provide a personalised solar and battery quote that fits your energy goals and budget.

Why should you service your Solar system?

Regular maintenance helps keep your solar system operating safely and efficiently by preventing the build-up of dirt and debris, ensuring all components are secure and functioning correctly, and identifying faults or deterioration before they become major issues. Routine servicing also includes important electrical and safety checks to help maintain strong energy production and maximise the long-term performance of your system. 

How often should you service your Solar system?

We recommend servicing your solar system annually to maintain performance and safety. You should also book an inspection if you notice reduced output, higher electricity bills, system alerts, or signs of damage or faults.

Why don't Solar panels work during a blackout?

Most solar systems in Australia are grid-connected. While they power your home and feed excess energy back to the grid, they shut down during blackouts for safety and protection reasons.

Safety: If solar panels keep feeding power into the grid during an outage, it can endanger utility workers repairing the lines.

System protection: Voltage spikes during outages can damage your inverter and electrical devices, so the system automatically disconnects.

Want backup power?
Add a battery storage system
with a gateway. It stores solar energy during the day and can power essential appliances during blackouts.

During the day, your panels generate electricity used in your home and can also charge the batteries. In a power outage, the inverter can switch to using the stored solar energy in the batteries to power essential appliances during blackouts.

What solar panels does JFK Energy install?

We supply and install a range of quality panels from leading manufacturers, so we can match the right panel to your roof, your energy needs and your budget. Our current range includes:

  • AIKO Neostar All Black N-Type ABC Panels (530–550W): AIKO’s third-generation panels get more power from every square metre of roof, making them a strong choice where roof space is limited.
  • Trina Vertex S+ N-Type i-TOPCon Ultra Panels (440–475W): High output in a lightweight dual-glass design, suited to both homes and commercial rooftops.
  • Jinko Tiger Neo III N-Type All Black Panels (460–485W): A sleek all-black finish with serious output, and good performance in low light.

All three are built to perform in WA’s heat and come from manufacturers with warranties held in Australia. Every system is installed by our in-house team and backed by our local after-sales support.

Battery Storage

What is blackout protection?

Blackout protection refers to your inverter and battery system’s capacity to keep your house powered up when the grid goes out. You’ll be able to power your home using a solar and battery system in case the electricity goes out, keeping essential circuits such as lights, power outlets, and refrigerators going.

How does it work?
If you have a battery enabled with blackout protection (or backup), there is nothing you need to do when the power goes out. The battery will detect that the grid is down, go into blackout mode and begin to discharge power to the essential loads. The switchover periods vary depending on the battery manufacturer; however, Sigenergy switches over instantaneously. 

What appliances can I run during a blackout?
Essential circuits such as lights, charging points and fridges are often turned on first, and customers can benefit from having them connected to the backup. Running energy-intensive appliances is not recommended to ensure that the stored energy lasts for a long time. The amount of energy you use and the amount of energy the battery stores will determine how long the battery will offer backup power.

Let’s consider a 5kW Hybrid Inverter with a 5kWh battery as an example, the maximum power supplied to your backup circuits would be limited to 5 kW (21.7A). Therefore, you can consider backing up 2-3 light(s) and 1 power circuit while ensuring the maximum demand does not exceed the Inverter backup rating.

What is the WA Residential Battery Scheme and Virtual Power Plant (VPP)?

The WA Residential Battery Scheme is a State Government initiative that helps households with the cost of installing a home battery. It offers a rebate and, for eligible households, a no-interest loan, and it can be combined with the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program for greater savings.

To qualify, your battery must be enrolled in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) through your electricity retailer, Synergy or Horizon Power. A VPP links home batteries across WA so they can work together to support the grid at peak times, and you can earn credits for the energy your battery contributes.

We recommend conducting your own research to determine which option best suits you. 

Can I charge my EV from my battery?

Yes. SigenStor offers an optional built-in DC charger that sits right in the battery stack, so you can charge your electric vehicle directly from stored solar power.

Because it’s DC charging, it’s fast, and it’s bi-directional, which means energy can flow both ways between your car and your home. Your solar, battery and EV all work together as one connected system.

How much battery capacity do I need?

The right battery depends on how your household actually uses energy. Things like the size of your home, how many people live there, when you use the most power, whether you already have solar (and how much it generates), and future plans like an EV or extra air conditioning all play a part.

That’s why we don’t recommend a battery size until we’ve talked it through with you. Our team will look at your energy usage, your solar output and your home, then put together a tailored quote for a battery that’s sized right for your needs.

Which batteries do JFK Energy install?

As an exclusive Sigenergy partner, JFK Energy installs one battery system: Sigenergy’s SigenStor.

We chose to specialise rather than offer a long list of brands. Working with one system means our in-house installation team knows it inside and out, from setup to fine-tuning, so you get a clean, reliable install every time. It also means our local after-sales team can support you properly long after the job is done.

Sigenergy products are backed by warranties held in Australia, giving you extra peace of mind for the life of your system.

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

In most cases, yes. Many homes add a battery to their existing solar to make better use of the power their panels already produce, rather than sending it back to the grid.

Whether it’s a simple add-on depends on your current setup, including your inverter, the size and age of your system, and your switchboard. We’ll check all of this before recommending anything, so your new SigenStor battery works smoothly with what you already have.

Can I add more battery capacity later?

Yes. SigenStor has a modular design, so you can start with the capacity you need now and add more battery modules as your energy needs grow, stacking up to six modules high.

That’s handy if you’re planning changes down the track, like buying an EV, adding air conditioning or having more people at home. Let us know about any future plans when we discuss your quote, and we’ll make sure your system is set up to expand easily.

EV Charging

Can I charge my EV from my battery?

Yes. SigenStor offers an optional built-in DC charger that sits right in the battery stack, so you can charge your electric vehicle directly from stored solar power.

Because it’s DC charging, it’s fast, and it’s bi-directional, which means energy can flow both ways between your car and your home. Your solar, battery and EV all work together as one connected system.

What EV Chargers does JFK Energy install?

As an exclusive Sigenergy partner, we install Sigenergy EV chargers only, with two options to suit your home:

  • Sigenergy DC charger: An optional charger built right into your SigenStor battery stack. It offers fast, bi-directional charging, so you can charge your EV directly from stored solar power.
  • Sigenergy AC charger: A wall-mounted charger that’s a great fit for everyday home charging, whether or not you have a battery.

Every charger is installed by our in-house team and backed by our local after-sales support.

What is the difference between AC and DC charging?

Your EV’s battery stores power as DC (direct current), but homes run on AC (alternating current). The difference between AC and DC charging comes down to where that power gets converted.

AC charging: Power flows to your car as AC, and your car’s built-in converter changes it to DC. Charging speed is limited by your car’s converter, which makes AC charging ideal for overnight or everyday top-ups. Our Sigenergy AC charger is a wall-mounted option that suits most homes.

DC charging: The power is already DC when it reaches your car, so it skips your car’s converter and charges faster. The Sigenergy DC charger is built into your SigenStor battery stack, sending solar power straight to your car. It’s also bi-directional, so energy can flow both ways between your car and your home.

What is bi-directional charging?

Most EV chargers only send power one way: from your home into your car. Bi-directional charging lets energy flow both ways, so your car can also send power back out.

That means your EV can act like a large battery on wheels. With a compatible vehicle, you could use the energy stored in your car to help power your home, for example in the evening or during a blackout.

The Sigenergy DC charger, built into your SigenStor battery stack, supports bi-directional charging, so your solar, home battery and EV can all work together as one connected energy system.

Will I need a switchboard upgrade?

Not always. Whether you need an upgrade depends on the age and condition of your current switchboard, whether it has space for a new circuit, and whether it can safely handle the extra load of an EV charger.

Older homes are more likely to need some work, particularly if the switchboard has ceramic fuses, no room for additional circuits or outdated safety switches. Newer homes often have everything needed already.

Our licensed electricians will check your switchboard before installation and let you know upfront if any upgrades are required, so there are no surprises. Any work needed will be included in your tailored quote.

Can I control and monitor charging from my phone?

Yes. Sigenergy chargers connect to the mySigen app, so you can keep track of your EV charging wherever you are.

From your phone, you can see when your car is charging, how much energy it’s using and where that energy is coming from, whether it’s your solar panels, your SigenStor battery or the grid. You can also start, stop and schedule charging, making it easy to charge when solar power is plentiful or during off-peak times.

If you have Sigenergy solar and battery storage too, everything sits in the same app, giving you a full picture of your home’s energy in one place.

Electrical

What electrical services does JFK Energy offer?

Our electrical services focus on the upgrades that keep your home or business safe, compliant and ready for modern energy needs:

→ Switchboard upgrades: Replace an old or outdated switchboard with a modern, safer one, with room for new circuits and the capacity to support solar, batteries and EV chargers.

→ Power pole replacements: Replace ageing or damaged private power poles on your property with a safe, compliant solution.

→ Three-phase upgrades: Upgrade your property from single-phase to three-phase power, giving you the capacity for larger solar systems, batteries, EV chargers and high-demand appliances.

How do I know if my switchboard needs upgrading?

Your switchboard may need upgrading if it’s old, showing signs of wear or can’t safely handle the power your property now uses. 

Common signs include ceramic fuses, which don’t offer the same protection as modern circuit breakers, and missing or outdated safety switches, which help protect against electric shock. Frequent tripping or blown fuses can also mean your switchboard is struggling to keep up with demand, and if you’re adding solar, a battery, an EV charger or air conditioning, your switchboard will need the space and capacity for the extra load. Burning smells, scorch marks, buzzing sounds or a switchboard that feels warm are all signs to get it checked straight away.

Older homes are more likely to need an upgrade, while newer homes often have everything needed already. If you’re unsure, our licensed electricians can inspect your switchboard and let you know upfront whether an upgrade is needed.

What is an RCD (safety switch), and do I need one?

An RCD, or residual current device, is a safety switch that helps protect you from electric shock. It constantly monitors the electricity flowing through your circuits, and if it detects current leaking somewhere it shouldn’t, such as through a person touching a faulty appliance, it cuts the power in a fraction of a second. Unlike fuses and circuit breakers, which protect your wiring and appliances, safety switches are designed to protect people.

Every home should have them, and WA rules require residential properties to have safety switches fitted before they’re sold or leased to new tenants. Older homes with ceramic fuses often have no safety switches or only partial coverage, so if you’re unsure, our licensed electricians can check your switchboard and recommend any upgrades needed.

General

What does a solar and battery system cost?

The cost of a solar and battery system varies from home to home, so we don’t give pricing until we’ve had a proper look at your property and your energy needs.

The final price depends on factors like the size of your home, how much energy you use and when, your roof space and layout, the number of panels and battery modules you need, and whether any electrical work, such as a switchboard upgrade, is required.

That’s why we start with a conversation and a property inspection. From there, we’ll work out the right system size for your home and give you a clear, tailored quote with no surprises and no pressure.

Who does the installations at JFK Energy?

Every JFK Energy installation is carried out by our own in-house team of qualified electricians. We don’t use subcontractors, so the people who install your system work for us and are held to our standards.

Keeping installations in-house means you get consistent, high-quality workmanship on every job, with clear communication from start to finish. Our team knows our products inside out, including the Sigenergy SigenStor system and EV chargers, so your system is installed properly the first time.

And our support doesn’t stop once the job is done. Our local after-sales team is here to help with any questions or support you need down the track.

What areas do JFK Energy service?

At JFK Energy, we service everywhere from Alkimos down to Bunbury, covering Perth’s northern suburbs, the wider metro area, Rockingham, Mandurah and the Peel region, through to Bunbury in the South West.

Whether you’re in a new home in the northern corridor, an established suburb closer to the city or a coastal community further south, our in-house team of qualified electrical professionals can come to you. And because we’re local, our after-sales team is never far away if you need support down the track.

Is JFK Energy accredited and certified?

Yes. We hold the accreditations and certifications that matter, so you can feel confident your system is installed properly and your interests are protected.

Sigenergy Platinum Installer: We’re a Sigenergy Platinum Installer, and proud to be the first in WA to reach this level. It reflects our expertise and experience with Sigenergy’s solar, battery and EV charging systems.

New Energy Tech Consumer Code certified: We’re certified under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code, which sets standards for how businesses sell and install energy products, including clear information, fair contracts and proper customer support.

Licensed electrical contractor: We’re a licensed electrical contractor in WA, licence number EC16068.

Silver-rated on SolarQuotes: We’re a Silver-rated installer on SolarQuotes, an independent Australian solar review and comparison site.

Are there rebates or incentives available for solar and batteries in WA?

The WA Residential Battery Scheme is a State Government initiative that helps households with the cost of installing a home battery. It offers a rebate and, for eligible households, a no-interest loan.

The Cheaper Home Batteries Program is a federal government incentive that reduces the upfront cost of installing a home battery. The discount is applied directly to your quote by your installer, so there’s nothing to apply for. To be eligible, the battery must be connected to a solar system, and the discount can only be claimed once per property. The discount is based on the battery’s usable capacity: the first 14kWh receives the full rate, and larger batteries receive a reduced rate above that. The program runs until 2030, but the discount reduces every January and July, so installing sooner means a bigger saving. In WA, it can also be combined with the state government’s Residential Battery Scheme rebate.

What finance options are available?

You may be eligible for a battery interest-free loan as part of the WA Residential Battery Scheme. Households can borrow between $2,001 and $10,000 interest-free, repaid over 3 to 10 years. The 0% rate is fixed for the whole term, there are no fees apart from late fees, and there’s no penalty for paying the loan off early. No security or guarantee is required, though applicants do go through a credit check. 

The loan can cover the battery, new or upgraded inverters, and solar panels if they’re installed as part of a battery package. To be eligible, the household’s combined income must be under $210,000, though the rebate itself isn’t income-tested. The household must also be a Synergy or Horizon Power customer and agree to connect the battery to a Virtual Power Plant.