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For FAQ’s about solar credits please click here
Can I install the equipment myself?
No. The system MUST be installed by a qualified electrical contractor who is accredited with SEDO.
What do I need to do to maintain the system?
Not much – grid connect systems are virtually maintenance-free. There are no moving parts to break down and all the components are very high quality. All you need to do is keep the panels clean and clear from any shading potential.
My roof doesn’t face north? Can I still install a system?
Yes you can, though you may lose a small amount of energy depending on the pitch of your roof. The systems are quite adaptable to any roof space.
Can I look at the power production on my computer?
Yes you can. Data logging kits are an optional extra so you can record information and download it to your PC for review.
Is there a portable display that I can have in the house?
Yes there is. A small, portable display screen allows you to view the system information anywhere in your house. This is an optional extra.
How do the panels mount on the roof?
The panels are fixed to the roof using a specially designed and engineered solar panel mounting structure that is fully cyclone rated. This framing system allows great flexibility in how and where the panels are mounted.
What type of panels and inverters do the systems use?
Solar grid connect systems use Crystalline solar panels and interactive grid inverters. These are some of the highest quality units available. They come with manufacturer’s warranties of 25 years (panels) and 5 years (inverters – optional upgrade to 10 years).
Are there any structural considerations when installing a solar system?
No. A grid connect system can be installed at any stage of construction or retro-fitted to an existing home without needing to alter the roof structure.
Will the system work in a blackout?
Unfortunately no. The systems are required by electricity safety regulations to switch off when there is a black-out. This prevents the inverter from feeding power into the ‘dead’ grid while technicians are working on the lines. On the plus side, as more and more homes install grid connect systems they will stabilize the grid, helping to prevent black-outs caused by over –demand.
Not directly to the inverter. To use batteries in the system they must be installed in a separate circuit from the ‘mains’ circuits. You will also need a separate stand-alone inverter to change the DC battery power into 240V AC power. Battery systems are available if you wish to install one.
What is the difference between solar hot water and solar power?
Solar Hot Water systems (SHW) are a thermal system – i.e they absorb the heat from the sunlight and transfer it into the water. Solar Power systems eg (Grid Connect Systems) are electric systems i.e. they absorb the sunlight and convert it into DC electricity
Can I put power back into the grid? How is it measured?
Yes you can! The power utility will install a bi-directional meter to monitor power going into the house (importing) and the power coming out of the solar system (exporting). This way you are only billed for the ’net’ amount of power you use.
This is heavily dependent on how much power you use, how large your roof is and how much money you want to spend. To work out how much power you use, check the ‘kWh usage’ on your electricity bill. If possible this should be done over an average of all seasons.
The terminology is confusing, can you simplify it?
There are 3 main terms that are used when referring to solar power and electricity. Kilo-Watts (kW) describes the size of a solar array (eg 5.25kW/5250W system). Kilo-Watt-Hours (kWh) relates to the total amount of energy that is used or produced eg 1kWh = 1 unit of power on your bill. Peak-Sun-Hours (PSH) is the average number of hours each day of ‘full’ sunlight.
What about Environmental Credits (eg REC's)?
Every Grid Connect System will generate a certain number of Renewable Energy Credits (REC's). These REC's can be sold as a discount on the total cost of your system or you can trade the REC's on the energy market.
The power you save depends on the size of the system you install. E.g. a Grid connect 5kW system will produce approximately 25kWh of power in a day.
How do I reduce my energy usage?
Reducing your energy is simple. Swap your old incandescent lamps for compact fluorescent lights. Always turn lights off when you leave the room. Install a solar water heater instead of an electric system. Use energy efficient appliances (e.g. fridge, freezer, washing machine, etc) with at least a 4 star rating – check www.energyrating.gov.au if you’re on the hunt for new high efficient appliances.