Solar and batteries on the Northern Beaches
Steep streets, roofs that face the wrong way, and homes close to the ocean. The Northern Beaches can be tricky for solar, and a careful design makes a big difference.
The roof is the main question
Whether it's a hillside in Newport or Avalon, a ridge in Frenchs Forest or a flat in Manly, the first step is working out which roof faces get sun, for how long, and how they're shaded. A few things come up often here:
- East and west faces. On sloping streets, houses are often built along the contour, so the best roof faces may be east or west, not north. That's still workable. East panels produce more in the morning and west panels in the afternoon, which can suit a household that uses more at those times.
- Steep and high roofs. Access can be a significant part of the job.
- Trees and escarpment. Shade from bush behind a property changes with the time of year, and we check it before placing panels.
- Small roofs on units and townhouses. Common in Manly, Dee Why and Brookvale. See our strata guide.
Wind and salt
Exposed coastal sites get stronger wind, and salt air affects metal fittings and outdoor electrical equipment. Both are worth raising with any installer. Ask what the mounting is rated for, how it's fixed to your roof type, and what the equipment's warranty says about coastal installation.
Heritage and planning
Some parts of the Northern Beaches, including older streets and individually listed buildings, are heritage listed or in heritage conservation areas. Rooftop solar in NSW can often be installed without council approval, but for a heritage item or conservation area, panels generally can't be visible from the road at the front of the property. The NSW Planning Portal explains the rules and has a map where you can check your address. Tell us if you think yours might be affected.
Network: Ausgrid
The Northern Beaches are on the Ausgrid network, not Endeavour Energy (the Warringah, Manly and Pittwater areas are in Ausgrid's distribution district under the NSW Electricity Supply Act). Check your bill or Ausgrid's network area check to confirm. Ausgrid approves your connection and sets the inverter and export rules, and we put in that application as part of the install.
Businesses: Brookvale, Warriewood, Frenchs Forest, Mona Vale
There are light industrial and commercial areas on the Northern Beaches with daytime power use. We install commercial solar and offer PPAs where we own and maintain the system and you pay for the energy it produces. Roof access, roof age and lease length are the first things to check.
Northern Beaches questions
My best roof faces east or west. Is that a problem?
No. North is best over a year, but east and west faces still work, and they spread production across the morning and afternoon. We'll compare the options for your house.
Do you install on steep roofs?
Yes, but access and safety are part of the job and should be reflected in the quote. Ask how the installers will get on the roof.
Is the Northern Beaches on Ausgrid?
Yes, according to the NSW distribution districts. Your bill will confirm.
Is a battery worth it near the coast?
It depends on your usage, not the location. If you export a lot in the day and use plenty in the evening, a battery can help. Our battery guide covers how to tell. The installation spot matters near the coast, so we'll check it on site.
Do you service the Northern Beaches from Gregory Hills?
Yes. We service all of Greater Sydney, from the Northern Beaches to Campbelltown.
Get a quote on the Northern Beaches
Send us your address and a recent bill. If the roof is steep, shaded or heritage listed, say so and we'll plan for it.
Nearby: Sutherland Shire · Parramatta · All areas
Related guides: How big a solar system do I need? · What to check in a solar quote