What does "PV" mean?

PV stands for “photovoltaic”, which means electricity obtained from light. Every time a photon (a piece of light) reaches a solar panel, the photon could be reflected, passed straight through or absorbed. When it is absorbed, the energy that the light particle carries is transferred to electrons in the solar cell, generating electricity.

How does the panel-inverter system work?

The solar power generated by panels is in Direct Current (DC), and will need to be turned to Alternating Current (AC) by inverters for use in the home and/or to feed into the grid. Some power will be lost in this process, no matter what, so make sure you install an inverter with high efficiency levels to get the most out of your system.

Who are your manufacturers of panels and inverters? Do they have warranty?

Canadian Solar are solar panel manufacturers ranked number one by CEC. They manufacture and assemble panels, satisfying many stringent quality standards. Canadian Solar panels have a 25 year production warranty plus 6 years workmanship warranty.

CMS make inverters with the greater than 96% efficiency, the highest efficiency of other comparable products of today. There is a 5 year warranty with an optional 5 year extension.

What the best size for my home?

Your solar system will stay with your house, so it is important to look at how many people could be living there along with your current usage, if plans change over the next 15 to 20 years.

As a rough guide, a system that produces at least 1/3 your daily usage in kWh to get your money’s worth instantly, as your electrical retailer will buy your energy at 3 times the price of what you pay them. For example, if your daily usage is 18kWh per day, a 1.5kW system producing 6.2kWh per day is an adequate system for you. Of course, bigger systems producing more electricity will allow for your system to pay itself in less than no time at all!

Why are the installation costs higher for a flat roof?

Extra frames have to be placed to make sure that the panels are secure, and at an angle to the sun to capture the most heat and energy possible.

Who does the installations and how long do they take?

A qualified solar panel installation contractor will assess your home for suitability and will adjust system dimensions according to what’s best for your home. Electricians with Australian Green qualifications will fit your system and wire it to your meter. For grid feed connections your Electrical Retailer must organise a contractor to complete the wiring.

What rebates am I eligible for?

Unfortunately, Australian Government rebates are no longer available for solar panels installed after June 6. RECs are the only financial incentive offered by the government and are included in the cost of your system.
Rebates are still offered for retrofitting solar hot water systems in existing primary and secondary homes.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

Each solar power and solar hot water system receives a set amount of RECs determined by its energy efficiency, allowing investors in highly efficient systems to have greater financial returns instantly with RECs and high energy production over the long run. Values for REcs vary weekly and are included in your quote. We manage the sale of your RECs for you and reduce your price accordingly.

How much will I save with a PV solar system?

A standard 1.5 kilowatt system is expected to produce at least 2100 kilowatt hours every year and that is a direct saving of $420 if you are buying electricity from the grid at current rates of $0.20/kWh.

As well as saving on your energy bills, your property has potential to gain value. Recent research conducted by The American Appraisers Association states that for every dollar saved on utility bills per year, property value will increase by up to $20 (The Age, April 2010).

Does the system require maintenance?

Sometime dust and leaf litter may build up on the panels, reducing productivity. Occasional rain is usually enough to keep your panels clean. Other than that, the panels are sound enough to go years without any major hassles.

What if my roof is too shaded, will a solar system work for me?

The output of any panel will be reduced if shaded. However, some solar panels do work better than others in the shade. Monocrystalline panels consists of a number of solar cells. If a single cell is heavily shaded, that cell is cut off, allowing other cells to produce electricity. However, the overall efficiency of your panel will decrease with the loss solar cells so consider the option of having a few panels in different areas instead of one large array system.

The ideal roof would be north facing with a tilt and minimal shadows from neighbouring buildings and trees to benefit from maximum light absorption but North West to North East is also suitable. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient and are industry recommended as they make to most of your available sunlight. If your solar panels are covered, it is recommended to install additional panels from our modular range to compensate for loses.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

Each solar hot water system receives a set amount of RECs. Prices vary weekly and are included in your quote. We manage the sale of your RECs for you and reduce the cost of your solar system accordingly.

Without grid connect systems, what can I do to keep power during a blackout?

Battery backup systems will do the job and can be retro fitted, although this system will require additional components to store the power generated during the day for use at night.

Whats the best way to save on power bills?

Energy efficiency is the key to reducing your power usage and costs. Nothing will benefit you more than coupling renewable energy, such as solar, with being more energy efficient around your home.

Simple tasks like switching of appliances at the wall, turning off lights during the day to make use of natural lighting etc will instantly reduce the amount of energy you consume. If you run ebergy intensive appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines later in the day, you limit your consumption during the day, giving you more to sell back to the grid.