Solar Power Systems
How Does Solar Power Work?
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it in to electricity by way of the photoelectric effect, somewhat similar to how the leaves of trees and plants convert sunlight in to energy via photosynthesis. Since the late 19th century photovoltaic (PV) solar cells have come a long way enabling them to generate more than enough electricity to power homes and businesses. Naturally the size of the system installed will determine whether or not it produces enough power to cover all the electricity requirements of any home or business.
In general the smallest solar power systems available start at 1.5kW and range up to 10kW, however, businesses and homes that have a very high demand can install larger systems. If you have a power bill handy, you can work out what size system would best cover your current usage. On average there are 5 daylight hours a day so a 2.5kW solar power system will generate 12.5kW of electricity a day. The average household uses around 15kW per day so most of us would require a 3kW solar power system at the very least to cover our electricity usage.
Solar Power Installations
The cost of a solar power system will vary greatly from company to company but the single biggest determining factor is the components used to assemble your system. There are many different brands of panels and inverters out there and of course they vary in price and quality. Other factors that will determine the price of an installation will be factors neither you or your installer have much, if any, control over. For example the angle of your roof may mean your system needs to be mounted on tilt frames to get the highest posible performance from your panels. If your house is a multi story dwelling or has restricted access to the roof, your installer will need to hire additional equipment to get your system installed.
Other things worth considering with your solar installation are inverter placement, if your chosen inverter isn’t waterproof, your installer will need to create a housing to protect it from bad weather. Also your meter box will most likely need to be upgraded before your solar power system can be switched on which will add to the overall cost of installation. You should absolutely clarify such aspects of your installation before choosing an installer and making any payments!
Solar Panels & Inverters
As mentioned there are many, many different brands of panels and inverters out there, as far as panels go there isn’t a great deal of difference between them as far as durability, performance and output goes. Having said that there are a couple of brands out there starting to create a bit of a gap in the percentage at which they perform. Back in 2009, Melbourne saw a brutal hail storm roll through its suburbs and according to one company who use a variety of panels, they did not receive one single phone call to replace any panels they had installed. Considering this, it’s pretty safe to say that all panels are highly durable and take a bit of breaking.
One thing worth noting, is no matter the brand, you will need to give your panels a hosing down now and then as a build up of dirt and grime will reduce the performance of your panels. Ideally you would get up there and give them a good washing to make the most out of a substantial investment.
As for inverters, well they are much the same as panels, they all serve the same purpose and do so at a reasonably similar levels of performance. Even so, there are some out there that are better suited to Australian conditions while some brands can be a little noisy. The most noticeable difference would most likely be the fact some inverters are waterproof which means they can be mounted anywhere without the need of an enclosure as mentioned previously. Any installation company worth their salt will be able to inform you of the pros and cons of each brand they have available.
If you are looking for information about the solar panel rebate or feed-in tariffs, click here!
Solar Homes & Communities Plan
Latest Developments
The Department has now implemented a three week grace period for all installations with a 6 July expiry date. The following must be met to qualify for this three week grace period:
Solar panels must be installed on the roof by 6 July 2010 with evidence provided in the installation reports (applicant and installer to sign and date photos of solar modules in installation reports);
The ‘balance of system components’ (inverters, wiring etc) must be installed by 31 July 2010; and All completed installation reports for the rebate must be submitted to the Department by 1 October 2010.
Please note that the Department will not consider any further extensions post 31 July 2010. Any households who become ineligible to receive a SHCP rebate are encouraged to explore the benefits offered under the Solar Credits Scheme.
Households, businesses and community groups that install eligible small-scale solar photovoltaic, wind and hydro electricity systems from 9 June 2009 and haven’t already received a rebate may be eligible for Solar Credits.
Program achievements
To date the Solar Homes and Communities Plan has resulted in:
* The installation of more than 100,000 systems as at the end of April 2010 – a number which is increasing each week;
* 25,000 more installations expected to be completed under the program;
* The funding of more than 11 times the 10,500 systems funded in the first eight years of the program; and
* A huge increase in accredited solar panel installers over the last year to more than 1,900; with approximately 80 new installers per month.
Checklist For Buying Solar Panels
- Ensure your house is suitable, that the roof is not in shade most of the day and that you have enough space on your roof.
- Check if the roof faces the right direction. North-facing panels will produce the full capacity but not essential and you will still get a good output with other orientations.
- Establish whether a 1.5kw a 2kw or a 3 kw system is right for you. The bigger the system the more upfront investment, but the more energy you will be generating, the more you will be saving and the better it is for the environment.
- Check your eligibility for REC rebates by going through the Solar Selector. To be eligible for solar credits, your solar panels must be certified to international standards and you must not already have claimed the.
- Check your feed in tariffs for your state. To enable your system to be connected to the grid in Australia, your Grid-connected inverters must also be approved by complying with AS4777 and having a current Certificate of Suitability.
- Do the sums to estimate the system’s payback time and the environmental difference it will make.
- Find the best deal for you. “The most important figures to look at are how much energy the system will produce each year, versus the money spent,” according to the Alternative Technology Association (ATA).
- Make sure the company you buy from use an accredited installer. Australia has a world’s best practice accreditation scheme and to be eligible for solar credits, your installer must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), and they must personally sign off on the installation report. The installers that we use are all experiences solar experts, accredited by the CEC and have an established track record and a good reputation.
- Demand that you get a 25 year warranty on panels, 10 years on your inverter and 12 months on the installation. We offer this for all our clients.
- Check if any local council approval is needed for your home
- Buy approved panels which meet Australian and International Standards
