Category: News & Reviews

Understanding Bushfires and their Effect on Solar Output

With bushfires having affected much of Australia last summer, many homeowners are finding themselves with questions that they’ve never encountered before. Will your solar panels still perform well? Do they need additional maintenance? Here’s what you need to know.

With bushfires having affected much of Australia last summer, many homeowners are finding themselves with questions that they’ve never encountered before. Some of these questions have to do with the maintenance of solar panels. During bushfires, will your solar panels still perform well? Do they have the same output, and do they need additional maintenance? Here’s what you need to know.

Smoke Can Hamper the Productivity of Your Solar Panels

While solar panels can function during bad weather, smoke can actually reduce solar output — and ash is even worse. You can expect that your solar energy output could be reduced if there is ash accumulating on your solar panels, or if the smoke has filled the air. During this time, you may need additional energy from the grid. There is little that can be done about smoke in the air, besides waiting until the smoke has reduced.

Presently, it’s believed that ash and smoke from bushfires is reducing solar system output by about 30%. This can be a problem for those who rely almost completely on their solar power, but there are things that you can do to mitigate some of the efficiency loss.

Having Solar Panels Cleaned

Dirt normally accounts for about a 5% reduction in solar energy output, but ash can change the situation considerably. As ash builds up on your solar panels, the efficiency will decrease accordingly.

After a bushfire, solar panels can be cleaned to improve efficiency. Usually rain and other weather conditions will clean solar panels for a homeowner or business owner, but because of the out-of-the-ordinary levels of dust and ash, this isn’t happening with the usual regularity.

You shouldn’t try to clean panels yourself. You should contact an expert, such as your installer. Cleaning panels yourself could cause damage to them, and you may not notice damage that has to be repaired. You can inspect your solar panels to see if there has been considerable dust and ash build up on them.

Conserving Solar Energy

If your solar panel productivity is currently volatile, getting a battery installed could help. A battery will store electricity when your system produces too much, to tide you over during times of poor production. But this is usually a solution for those who have good production days and bad production days: If you’re in an area with consistent fire and smoke, a battery will be of limited usefulness.

It’s more useful for homeowners with solar panels to reduce their energy usage during times of low efficiency. Those who are in areas with high smoke and ash production can limit the amount of electricity they use by turning off lights, switching to energy-efficient appliances, and limiting the use of entertainment devices. While inconvenient, it’s unfortunately a situation of national emergency — and something that the solar panels themselves cannot counter.

Getting Solar Panels Installed

With all that in mind, is this still a good time to get solar panels installed? A push towards solar is incredibly important, especially as Australia continues to move away from unsustainable energy sources. While solar panels may experience reduced efficiency during the bushfires, it’s a temporary situation that occurs only when smoke and ash fill the air.

If you have solar panels that need to be cleaned, it’s time to call your installer. Ash build up on your solar panels will reduce efficiency. Unfortunately, as far as the smoke in the air, there is little that can be done except to wait until it clears. Once the air has cleared and the bushfires have died out, solar panel systems should resume their previous levels of production.Do you have questions? Contact E-Smart Solar to learn more about maintaining, repairing, and cleaning your solar panel systems.

 

Climate Change and the need for Renewable Energy

There are many scientific studies that indicate the reality and significance of climate change. One of the ways to reduce the drain on resources currently being experienced by the planet is to shift to systems that utilise renewable energy, such as solar power.

There are many scientific studies that indicate the reality and significance of climate change. One of the ways to reduce the drain on resources currently being experienced by the planet is to shift to systems that utilise renewable energy, such as solar power. By making this energy shift, the environment will have a chance to begin to heal. When used properly, solar power and other forms of renewable energy will be enough to eliminate oil, gas, and coal consumption before the year 2050. But that will only happen if changes are made now, instead of waiting.

Climate Change and the Australian Environment

Climate change is having massive and significant effects on the Australian environment. The bushfire season of late 2019 and early 2020 is evidence of this, but they are not the only problems being seen. The year 2019 was the hottest and driest year on record for all of Australia, and the trends are showing that these kinds of problems are likely to continue getting worse. Rather than allow that to happen any longer, there are changes that can be made to stop the decline in the environment. Reducing pollution is a big part of the solution, and that can be done by using renewable energy sources — most notably solar energy.

Millions of animals are dying in bushfires, and there have been massive numbers of homes and businesses destroyed, as well as human injuries and fatalities, too. It’s time to do something more, and protect the planet in ways that might not have been considered as seriously in the past. With a Green New Deal for Australia and other countries, the opportunity exists to move many of the world’s developed countries over to solar and other renewable energy sources before climate change goes so far that reversing it is simply not possible. Much needs to be done quickly, to cool Australia down and protect its climate.

The Economic Impact of Climate Change

Climate change and ecological disasters have had billions of dollars of impact on the economy of Australia. While it will cost money to move everything over to renewable energy, it will cost much more in the long run if the continent fails to do so. A Renewable Energy Agency has been established and the Solar Towns Programme has also been created, in an effort to move more people toward solar energy. By understanding why this is so important and educating the public on the value of renewable energy, billions of dollars can be invested in the right things and saved over time due to a reduced need for fossil fuels.

Millions of dollars have already been set aside for solar communities, allowing Australians who want to engage with others on topics like solar energy and climate change the opportunity to do so. By reaching out to those who already have solar power at their homes — along with those who are considering it — the opportunity to protect the environment and reverse climate change grows stronger. Right now, solar energy options are being installed at a rate that will allow Australia to meet its target of 50 percent renewable electricity by the year 2024. That will make a difference, but more can still be done to help.

Australia’s Renewable Energy Options

There are several popular renewable energy options for Australia, which include solar farms, wind farms, and rooftop solar panels that are used for households and communities. All three of these can be excellent choices, and all three can provide Australia with the help and hope it needs to improve its climate health and protect its people, animals, and natural resources. Wind farms can be put to excellent use over time, but it is the solar farms and rooftop solar panels that provide the continent with the most hope. Solar panels for individuals and businesses are ready now, and can be installed quickly in large numbers.

By putting solar energy to good use, and by getting more people involved in working to solve climate change, Australia has the opportunity to be a world leader in protecting the environment and saving the planet. The continent can reduce its costs, stop more damage from occurring for its people and animals, and focus on ways to help the entire planet breathe a little bit easier. Solar power and other renewable energy sources are the answer to climate change, and that answer must be implemented now.

If you’re looking to install solar panels, we can help. Contact us today to find out more about how to improve your energy output.

 

Does installing solar power reduce my electricity bills?

Solar power doesn’t just help the environment. There are a lot of ways that it can reduce your costs, too. If you want to reduce your energy usage and your electricity bills, read on.

Solar power doesn’t just help the environment. There are a lot of ways that it can reduce your costs, too. If you want to reduce your energy usage and your electricity bills, read on.

Making Money With Excess Energy

A solar energy array will sometimes produce more energy than your household actually needs. Feed-in tariffs will turn this extra energy into future energy credits. When you produce excess energy, you have no way of storing it on your own, unless you have a battery installed. Instead, it’s fed into the grid. This offsets your power bill, and it’s very useful.

Let’s say you produce more energy on Monday than you need, but on Tuesday you produce less energy than you needed. You sell back those energy units on Monday and purchase them back on Tuesday, which comes out as a draw for you. The system ensures that your energy is “banked” until you need it.

On the other hand, let’s say you produce more energy than you need on Monday and Tuesday. You get credits for both days, and that offsets the ultimate cost of your energy bill.

Government Rebates

Through small-scale technology certificates, Australian citizens can get a government rebate just for getting a solar power installation. This is normally offered as a point of sale discount by your solar installation company to reduce your initial installation cost. 

Government rebates can be sizeable, but they also change from year to year. Make sure to check with your solar installation company; they’ll be able to tell you what’s available now.

The Pay-Back Period

There’s a certain point at which your savings are greater than the price of the system. This is also known as your break even point. When you first install a solar power system, you’re going to need to invest some cash right away. And that means you’re going to be “underwater” on your system, but this doesn’t last for very long.

After a few years, you’ll have paid of your system. From there (barring maintenance and repairs), any additional solar energy that you collect only saves you money. It can even make you money if you’re feeding back to the grid consistently.

Don’t want to pay for the solar system upfront? That’s not necessarily a problem either. There are many financing options that make it possible to pay for your solar panel system over time.

Making More from Your Solar Power 

Solar systems are complex. There are peak times, off peak times, seasonal times, and so forth. If you want to increase the amount of energy that you’re able to save, you need to look into your usage patterns first. Identify the times that you’re most likely to use energy, and identify the times that you can avoid energy use altogether.

The energy consumption of your house and the size of your solar installation is going to impact how much electricity you produce. Consequently, it’s also going to alter how much energy you have for your home, and how much you sell back to the grid. If you really want to save money, a larger system is generally better. You also want to save money on the cost of installation.

However, be aware: going with the cheapest bidder for a solar system is usually not a good idea. Not all bidders are made equal. For a solar installation, you should consider the upfront cost of installation.

Reducing Your Bills through Solar

Are you able to reduce your energy bills through solar power? Absolutely. Reduced energy bills is the primary reason most people switch to solar, and once it’s installed, it requires virtually no work from you. 

Not only are you going to be able to save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also be able to sell money off to the grid, or use it yourself later. If you want true energy independence, you can try to produce all your energy needs through your solar system, and invest in a battery to store your excess energy for future use.

The larger and cheaper your solar system is, the better your results — but within reason. You still don’t want to sign up with a company that is the “cheapest in the business” or that doesn’t produce high quality panels.

Can I just add more solar panels to my roof to upgrade my existing solar system?

Can you add more solar panels to the roof to upgrade the existing system? 

The answer is a little complex, and you should consult with a professional before making any decisions. But here are the basics that you should be aware of first.

You’ve purchased a solar panel system that’s too small for your home. Either it’s not providing enough power for your home, or you want to be able to sell more energy to the grid. Can you add more solar panels to the roof to upgrade the existing system? 

Yes, you can. But it can be a little complex. You may need to consider a handful of things or talk with professional solar installers first before making a decision. Here are the things you need to consider:

Did You Buy Your System from 2007 through 2012?

If you purchased your system during this period, it’s likely that you’ve been told you can add panels to your existing system. But that was something that people were told regarding the technology of the time. Instead of a complete installation, people were told that they could expand their existing infrastructure, and immediately start gathering solar energy.

It’s technically possible, but actually unlikely. Though it was true at the time, solar panel technology has improved since then. The solar panels that are available today aren’t going to be able to be integrated with older systems. So even though theoretically you can expand your installation this way, on a practical level it isn’t possible. 

You can create an entirely new system and then augment your older system, and that will work. But it isn’t going to be a single system, it’s going to be two systems creating the same pool of energy. That’s still useful and usable, it’s just something that you’re going to need to consider, in terms of the installation cost. Usually you’re better off getting a right-sized solar panel system from the beginning.

Let us know if you need any help upgrading your solar system. We can do a quick check of what you’ll need and send you a quote.

Australian Standards for Solar Panel Installations Have Changed

Consider the fact that Australian standards for solar panel installations have changed over time. Though you may be able to add more solar panels to your installation, the new panels may make it so that your installation isn’t up to code. Your entire installation would need to be updated.

In general, these issues are “grandfathered in” for people who already have installations. If your current installation doesn’t meet code, it’s not going to be an issue until you try to modify it. But once you modify it, you are going to need to concern yourself with the new codes.

If you’re looking to explore the chances that you might need to make to your existing installation, talk to us today.

You Will Need to Get Another Inverter

Inverters are able to oversize at approximately 133% of their original rating, but no more. If your inverter can’t support the new panels, you’re going to need to replace it. This is expensive, usually prohibitively so.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t change your installation, it just means that you’re going to need to find another way. The better thing to do is install another inverter and a completely separate system, and then tie those systems together.

Malfunctioning Systems Can Be Changed Out

What if your current system has stopped working? Can you add new panels then? If your system has stopped working, you can exchange a like-for-like product. If your inverter or panels need to be replaced, they can be exchanged. This is a better solution than trying to add onto a damaged network, and an expert in solar panel technology can help.

Are you wondering how you can upgrade your existing solar installation? You don’t necessarily need to replace the entirety of the installation, but it’s also not as simple as just adding on new solar panels. Because new solar panels are unlikely to be compatible with the system that you have now, and because it may blow you past peak capacity, it’s better to create a secondary system that will connect to the original system.

In general, creating and tying in a second solar panel system is going to be the ideal solution, because it allows both panel systems to work together to create a single pool of usable energy, which can either power your home or be sold elsewhere. We have the solution to that.

If you’re looking to add more solar panels, we can help. Contact us today to find out more about how to improve your energy output.

Check out our other articles on all things solar:

What are the benefits of installing solar power panels and solar storage batteries together?

Here are some major advantages to installing solar power panels and solar storage batteries together.

Many Australian households are switching over to solar power. A clean, renewable resource, solar power offers the ability to protect the environment while also reducing monthly costs. Here are some major advantages to installing solar power, in addition to the advantages of using solar storage batteries.

Solar Power for Australian Households

Solar energy is a renewable resource, and it can significantly reduce a household’s energy bills. Rather than having to pay the power company, a household can instead have solar power installed and begin collecting their own energy from the sun’s light.

In Australia, there’s a good deal of sunlight available, and that makes Australia one of the best places for solar power initiatives. If you want your household to go green and to reduce monthly bills, a solar power installation is an excellent option.

How Solar Power Works During the Day/Night Cycle

Solar power is not collected at night, so solar energy doesn’t work at night. If you need energy at night, you need to have some form of solar collection. Either you need a battery to collect your solar power, or you may need to get additional energy from the power grid. Many households work with the local power grid, selling excess energy during the day, and purchasing energy during the night.

In addition to not collecting power during the night, solar power often can’t collect energy during cloudy days. During days when the sun is significantly obscured, households may need to store their power in batteries instead.

The Benefits of Installing Battery Storage With Your Solar System

The only problem with solar-powered systems is that solar energy can be intermittent. Since the sun isn’t always shining (and isn’t always at its peak effectiveness), there can be fluctuations in the amount of energy you’re receiving. Further, you can have fluctuations in the amount of energy you’re using: you might find that you sometimes have guests, do more cooking than usual, or are just experiencing extreme temperatures.

Battery storage can help. With battery storage, your solar system is able to set aside energy for later, like your own personal energy grid. Here are some of the benefits of battery storage:

You won’t need to pull extra power from the grid. Pulling power from the grid is expensive and often defeats the purpose of a solar power panel. Not only will you need to pay for the power that you pulled, but you’ll also be paying for fossil fuels and other types of less renewable energy resource.

You can get power whenever you need it, even if your power usage increases. Not everyone’s power usage stays static, and that can be a problem for those who rely solely on solar power panels. Solar storage batteries will ensure that you have additional power to pull on, even if your energy usage suddenly goes up.

You won’t “waste” additional energy. When additional energy is produced by your solar system, you’ll either need to sell it back to the grid or it will go nowhere at all. This is a missed opportunity. With the right array of solar storage batteries, you can ensure that your system catches all of the available energy.

You can ditch the extra generator. The alternative to pulling power from the grid is often using a generator. Generators burn fuel, however, and are usually very loud. A solar storage battery will connect seamlessly to your existing solar solution, in an easy to use and non-disruptive way.

Battery storage provides a more consistent, reliable energy solution. If you’ve already installed solar panels, solar storage batteries can provide a significant upgrade. If you’re thinking about solar energy, solar batteries allow solar panels to operate much more effectively.

Reduce Your Electricity Bills through Stored Power

Many people have heard of the “buy back” program, which allows households to sell energy back to the power company when it has excess. While this can be a way of making additional money and paying off other household expenses, it’s usually more valuable to keep stored power for your household. Energy companies will pay less through a “buy back” program than they will get selling the electricity back to you, so it’s in your vested interest to store this energy for when you need it.

Solar panels are the way of the future, but they do come with some negatives. Solar panels can’t work when solar energy isn’t available, which includes nights and cloudy days. To mitigate this issue, you can always install solar storage batteries. With solar storage batteries, you can operate your own personal energy supply, and store energy for when you need it the most.

Next Steps to Go Solar

Contact E-Smart Solar about any questions you may have about solar and solar storage batteries.

Looking for a quote? Fill in our quote form and we’ll get back to you!

 

Why Should I Be Wary of Cheap Solar Systems?

A cheap solar system can be appealing but are you really getting the best value for your money? We’ve put together some of the most relevant and frequently asked questions we get asked at E-Smart Solar about cheap solar panels.

A cheap solar system can be appealing but are you really getting the best value for your money?

Before you make the jump, find out what it means to install cheap panels from reliable sources. LG Energy has great information on everything solar, so we’ve put together some of the most relevant and frequently asked questions we get asked at E-Smart Solar about cheap solar panels. Read all of the LG Energy FAQs on their website.

1. Why should I choose a good brand solar panel?

Arguably, the quality of your solar panels and the inverter are the most crucial factors in selecting a solar system. Over their 25 year output warranty period, solar panels will be subjected to more than 100,000 hours of relentless sunshine, extremes of heat and cold, wind, rain, hail and more.

Australia offers an extraordinarily harsh climate for an electrical device. A good brand like LG, with their extensive testing and quality control helps ensure that you get the most out of your system over its long operating life.

2. What is the difference between entry level solar panels versus the slightly more expensive quality ones?

A good quality panel differs from a cheaper one in the sealing materials used such as backing sheets, the soldering and the efficiency of the solar cells. For example, whilst LG panels will cost slightly more they are designed to deliver year after year performance.

In Australia solar systems with inferior product are now failing after only relative short periods on the roof. Unfortunately in some cases the installation companies have closed shop and the consumer is left to sort out the issue alone.

When talking to a reputable installer like E-Smart Solar, ask about high quality branded components.

Solar panels generate high voltage DC electricity and therefore have to be installed as per precise Australian Standards to ensure a safe system.

3. What cause delamination in a solar panel?

Delamination occurs when the bond between the plastics (on the back) and the glass (on the front) separate. This is problematic for a solar panel because it allows air and moisture to creep inside which will cause corrosion and imminent failure.

Delamination will occur if:

  1. Inferior plastics are used or
  2. If the thermal properties of the plastics are poorly understood so it doesn’t melt to exactly the right point or
  3. The plastics or the glass are not perfectly clean and compatible or
  4. The laminating machine is inferior and poorly regulated for pressure and temperature

Bubbles, creases or imperfections on the plastic rear surface are an indication of the workmanship in lamination and can be an early sign of delamination.

4. Is it worthwhile to buy quality panels and save money on an inverter?

The inverter is the most hard working component in any solar power system. The inverter converts the direct (DC) current generated by the solar panel into alternating current suitable for the grid or your home. Every time there is a change in intensity/ radiation of the sunlight, every time there is a cloud covering the sun, the inverter has to adjust the electricity being converted. During the day light hours an inverter never stops working. At night naturally it turns itself off.

In summary: A solar inverter is responsible for reliable yield monitoring and ongoing grid management. For this reason the correct inverter selection is vital to ensure that you make the most out of every ray of sunshine. Your investment in good products like LG solar panels and a known European brand inverter will lead to solid yield efficiency and a longer solar system life.

5. What makes an inverter a good quality inverter?

Inverters are complex electronic devices and like any such device, they can be built to a price or built for robustness and performance. Unless you happen to be an electronics engineer, it is very hard to know how the quality of the components used in a given inverter will translate into life expectancy. However, there are a few things that you can use to guide you.

Firstly, the rules of experience, commitment, transparency and size of the manufacturer play a role. So ask yourself, is this inverter manufacturer one of the 2 or 3 leading manufacturers. Have they been making inverters for a long time and developed and improved the product over the years? Have they got Australian service centres to address faults with the inverter quickly? How about the warranty conditions and how long is the warranty. Is labour for repairs during warranty included? If so, make sure you get this in a written document, which you keep with the receipts for your system in a safe place.

Secondly, you can tell a bit about the product by the quality of its construction; are the materials used high quality? Is it built to keep out insects and weather? Has cooling been carefully considered? Is it fan based and/or convection? With moving parts there is more chance of a malfunction. Does it have a good set of features and not too many gimmicks? Where is it made and which company backs it?

Although inverters have reduced in price significantly in recent years, as a general rule, you get what you pay for. From the outside they all look like a colourful box, but it’s the inside that makes a big difference in years to come.

Performance is typically measured through features, conversion efficiency (how much power is lost in transferring DC to and from AC ?) and the inverters ability to deliver power under a wide range of conditions. We recommend reading the inverter datasheets and asking your installer for advice. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.

6. Why are sealants an important factor of quality in a panel?

Sealants are used to seal the junction box on the rear of the solar module to prevent moisture getting into connections and sometimes to bond the laminates solar panel into its aluminium frame. If poorly matched, some sealants can react with the plastics causing premature degradation. Although non-flammable sealants are available, cheaper, flammable alternatives are sometimes used to reduce costs.

Frame sealants need to stay flexible over time and in varying temperatures to allow for thermal expansion and contraction between the glass laminate and the aluminium frame.

When you are assessing a solar panel, look very closely for evidence that the sealants are applied precisely and carefully as a sign of good workmanship. Excess sealant oozing onto the glass indicates poor control over the dosage and could mean that too much is in some places, and too little in others.

7. Some solar panels are assembled by hand and some by machine, does it make a difference?

When a solar panel is being assembled and prepared for lamination it is crucial that no dirt, solder, dust, hair or other foreign particles are caught or they can cause bubbles in the laminate or air gaps which can lead to premature failure. Strictly clean conditions are essential in manufacturing solar panels. LG panels for example are made in semi conductor environments, to remove dust from the environments.

The alignment of solar cells is also an important indicator of workmanship in a solar panel. Poorly aligned solar cells can introduce stress into the interconnections or the potential for current leakage between cells.

When you are assessing a solar panel, check that there are no inclusions accidentally laminated under the glass and that the solar cells are perfectly aligned as this will affect the output of the system.

8. Is it important to have quality accessories to your solar system?

Quality and certified to Australian standards accessories are essential for the long term peace of mind performance of your solar power system. All quality products like your LG solar panels, known European brand inverter and branded mounting system accessories will help you extend the life of the system. Don’t forget LG panels have a 25 years efficiency warranty and you want all parts of the solar system to last as long as possible.

While cheap solar inverters regularly break down after a year or two – despite 5 year warranties (if the manufacturer has gone bankrupt, a warranty is worth very little) quality inverters installed in 2005 are still working today.

9. The solar company that installed my solar system has closed its business? Where do I go now?

If the company which has sold you the system has closed down, you still have the recourse of calling the accredited installer who installed the system.

After the installation of your system, you would have been given a copy of the installation certificate. The installer contact details and license number is given. The installer might still be liable to check the system if it falls within the workmanship warranty period. Call your local Department of Fair Trading for advice.

If the original solar install company does not trade anymore and you cannot locate the original licensed and certified solar installer, you have the option to call another local solar installer. Explain the issue with your solar system and be frank that you have not purchased the system from him, but that you need professional solar support. Be prepared to have to pay for a call out fee.

10. What is the lifetime of a solar power system?

The life span between a cheap and a quality solar system differs. For example, high quality inverters on average can last longer than a decade, while some very cheap inverters may have high failure rates after only a few years.

Solar panels do not have any moving parts and if they are of a good quality can last a long time.

LG solar panels, for example, are expected to reliably generate electricity for 25 years.

Some very cheap panels can fail already only after a few years.

In general you should look at the following as the minimum life of a system:

  1. 12 year manufacturing warranty on solar panels
  2. 25 year limited warranty on power production of the solar modules
  3. Minimum of 5 years manufacturer’s warranty on the inverter. Some solar inverter manufacturers offer a 10 year warranty(parts and labour) or the option to extend the inverter warranty for 5 years to 10 years for a small extra fee
  4. Also confirm that the installer gives you a long workmanship warranty on their installation work

Want to know more about avoiding cheap quality solar panel systems? Contact E-Smart Solar today and we’d be happy to help.

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying A Solar System

Buying a solar system can be exciting but it’s also a huge investment. So before you dive in, you need to be as informed as possible about solar panels and other important aspects of your purchase.

Buying a solar system can be exciting but it’s also a huge investment. So before you dive in, you need to be as informed as possible about solar panels and other important aspects of your purchase.

1. Should I buy a solar system?

The cost of installing solar has been reducing over the past five years and will continue to become cheaper. However, the cost of waiting for further reductions is the increasingly expensive electricity bill that you pay your energy retailer. Right now you are effectively ‘renting’ your electricity and in five years you will have nothing to show for the thousands of dollars you have parted with. Should you then decide to purchase a solar system, the system price may be cheaper but when you add your aggregated energy bills you have paid to this price you find it very expensive indeed!

If you invest in solar now you become an energy ‘mortgagee’. You now own a big share of the electricity you consume and your savings start immediately to pay off your investment cost. In five years or so, your power savings have now paid off the cost of your investment. You now own your energy production outright and with a top tier REC solar system you will continue to make savings for a further 25 years at least.

Right now the power companies have secured the right to increase their rates by 25% annually over the next three years. Based on this rate your power bill is tipped to double! With the arrival of solar battery storage now is the time to start investing in solar and take control over your power bills.

Please also take note. There is still a solar government rebate available in all states and territories, and even though it is less than what used to be available in the past, on a 5 KW system for example you are likely to receive over $2,800-$2,900 in rebates.

Some solar installation companies offer financing options, which could reduce your initial outlays. This will allow you to use the electricity cost savings to help finance the repayments.

2. What makes a good quality solar system

A solar power system has a number of considerations to ensure customers are satisfied for many years:

  • The solar panels purchased should be from a known and diversified manufacturer, so in future years you can receive follow up service or warranty back up, as the company is still around. Some solar manufacturers are currently in financial distress. Just read up on the internet about these issues.
  • Only use high quality inverters with your system. The inverter undertakes the key work in your system. Every time there is a cloud and change in weather the inverter adjusts the output. Therefore an inverter never stops during the day. High quality brands which work well with your REC panels can be recommended by your local REC installer. Please avoid cheap inverters.
  • Framing systems. There is no point buying quality panels and inverter and not fastening them with a quality framing system. E-Smart Solar can provide you with solid advice.

3. What is the expected lifespan of a solar power system?

The key components susceptible to failure are the solar panels and inverter. However, high quality products tend to have long life cycles which are reflected in the long warranties available, particularly for solar panels.

A solar panel is a relatively simple device with no moving parts. Solar panels typically have a 25 year output warranty and depending on the quality of the panel can be expected to last beyond this. Also solar panels which are exposed to wind, fluctuating temperatures and weather do deteriorate and each year produce a little less electricity. Cheaper panels, with less UV stabilized backing sheets, cheaper sealants and framing can deteriorate faster and more rapidly.

4. Why should I choose a good brand solar panel?

Arguably, the quality of your solar panels and the inverter are the most crucial factors in selecting a solar system. Over their 25 year output warranty period, solar panels will be subjected to more than 100,000 hours of relentless sunshine, extremes of heat and cold, wind, rain, hail and more. Australia and New Zealand offer an extraordinarily harsh climate for an electrical device.

A good brand like REC, with our extensive testing and quality control helps ensure that you get the most out of your system over its long operating life.

5. When should I NOT buy a solar system?

Most of homes or business premises in Australia can install a system but there are times when you should not buy a solar system. For example:

  1. You have no roof space available which is facing North, North East, North West, West or East
  2. There is strong shading of trees and building most of the day on your North, East or West facing roofs. Is there is a little shading for part of the day micro inverters or optimisers can offer a solution.
  3. You have an asbestos roof
  4. When the system has to be installed at a distance from the home (like at farm sheds) and the additional cost of running the electricity wires and poles back to the meter far outweighs the return on investment
  5. You are out of your house/premises most of the time, therefore you cannot use the solar power when it is generated. The unused solar power will be exported to the grid. On average your energy retailer will credit you 11c  per kW, making the investment in solar financially less attractive. In this case solar would only be suitable if you also install a battery storage system.

6. As a consumer, what are my rights so I am assured it is a safe investment?

When you purchase a solar system you are protected by a variety of rights, warranties and acts as a consumer.

The overriding protection comes from the Australian Consumer Law which came into effect in January 2011. This Federal Act provides protection for all consumers and is administered at a State level. Businesses are required by law to comply with the requirements of this act and it specifies where responsibilities lay, what rights consumers have and how to take action.

There are several specific issues described in the act which offer protection that is most relevant to solar system owners. They are summarised below:

When you agree to purchase a system, the company you sign a contract with is the first point of responsibility for all issues. They are the prime contractor in law, although they may subcontract some work such as installation and must ensure that all standards, laws and regulations are adhered to by their staff and their sub-contractors.

If you buy imported equipment, the warranty responsibility ultimately lays with the official importer, so it’s important to understand who that is, if it’s not your supplier. That’s why picking brand panels like REC offers you solid protection. However, should you decide to buy a cheaper panel and the manufacturer disappears, or the importer has gone bankrupt, the prime contractor has still a legal obligation to assist you.

Warranty terms and conditions vary by contract and supplier. It is important that you carefully read and compare the terms and conditions from different suppliers so you understand what you may be required to do to comply. For example many panel warranties only include the supply of a new panel. They do NOT include the labour component. REC supplies the panel and pays for the labour within 80 km of population centres.

In the event of a dispute, the Clean Energy Council can assist you with installer related issues. They also have a Solar Retailer Code of Conduct which some, but not all solar retailers have agreed to comply with.

In most cases, if there is a dispute that is unresolvable by discussion, the issue will default to the Australian Consumer Law act and you can approach your State body for advice on what course of action to take. This may include mediation, taking the case to the Small Claims Tribunal or to court.

7. What size panels should I buy?

There are various sizes of solar power panels available. The higher the output, the higher will be the efficiency of the solar panel (as long as the size of the solar panel is the same – of course). A number of years back the 170W to 190W solar power panels were considered a high wattage panel.

Today the technology has improved so that 260W panels are considered a good solid efficiency as more solar power can be produced in a smaller roof space.

Nevertheless some higher efficiency panels can offer a shorter return on investment period.

8. What should I check in a quote before I buy a solar power system?

Make sure the installer comes to your house and has a look, before you get the quote. Internet based solar companies quote you for a system over the phone can spell trouble for the install quality, as they cannot truly appreciate the individual set up of your house. Are the tiles brittle? Where are any surrounding trees, which can cause overshadowing? What about antennas and chimney locations – which in the future through overshadowing can affect the system output significantly? How old is your switch board and does it need upgrading to handle solar? All these questions only become clear through a proper home inspection.

When internet or call centre based solar companies sell you a system they use the one size fits all approach and give you a standard price. They then negotiate with a sub-contract installer to install your system for an agreed price. So the sub-contracted installer holds all the risk should your system requires extra cabling or is a particular labor intensive installation. It is more likely in this situation for the installer to find the quickest way, not necessarily the best way to install the system. Being a sub-contractor to the company that sold you the system, the installer’s relationship with your system is one of “get in and get out as quick as possible”.

Should you, in the years to come require support for your solar system, the internet based solar company might not be around anymore, or should they still exist are very likely to send a new sub-contractor to check out the issue. It is better, like with your car, to have the same reliable mechanic undertake the ongoing work. Someone who is familiar with your particular circumstances/system.

In general the quotation should provide solar system specifications like quantity of panels, brand and model of panels, system size and likely output per annum in kW/h, capacity and output of the inverter or if micro inverters are to be used the brand and warranty conditions.

A proper, considered quote should include also datasheets of the supplied products. In general make sure your quote includes:

    • Solar PV modules – brand, model and manufacturer’s warranties;
    • Mounting frames – brand, warranties and which part of the roof to be installed;
    • Inverter – brand, capacity and manufacturer’s warranty;
    • Any additional metering cost – if not included in the price, make sure this aspect is clearly outlined in the quote;
    • Travel and transport requirements if not included;
    • Any trench digging if solar to be installed on outbuildings e.g. farms.
    • At hand over, make sure the installer gives you a system user manual.

The quotation should also specify a total price, together with proposed start and completion dates. The quotation should form a basis for your contract with the designer/installer. Deposit requirements for the system by law should not be more than 10 per cent. Usually the majority of the solar system needs to be paid for on the day of installation.

9. What are the ongoing costs of running a solar power system?

It is advisable to organise some maintenance inspections every few years to make sure that all parts of your solar electric power system are operating correctly. With a tilt angle of 10 degrees or greater solar panels are self cleaning. If you install panels onto a flat roof without panel tilts you will need to hose down your panels every couple of months.

10. Is my solar power system insured?

Most home and building insurance policies cover home solar systems on roofs and garages. A solar electric power system is just like the hot water system an extended part of the home.

However most insurance companies would like to be contacted so that you can let them know you added your solar electric power system. Make sure you let them know the value of the system (before rebates) so they will know the actual replacement cost.

Contact E-Smart Solar about any questions you may have about solar.

Solar FAQs for Beginners

As the cost of solar continues to fall, the number of installs is also increasing. However, before you make a decision, make sure you get more information from trustworthy sources.

As the cost of solar continues to fall, the number of installs is also increasing. However, before you make a decision, make sure you get more information from trustworthy sources.

1. How does a solar power system work?

A solar module is made up of a group of photovoltaic cells. They consist of 2 layers of silicon wafers which become positively and negatively charged when sunlight hits them. The charge created flows through a circuit of small wires connected to the wafers.

The PV modules generate Direct Current (DC) electricity and send it to the solar power inverter. The inverter transforms the DC power from the modules into Alternating Current (AC) electricity and feeds it back to the meter, ready to be used in the house or exported back into the grid/power poles.

2. How do you recognize a quality panel?

Like any product, not all manufacturers’ solar panels are equal. Some use the best quality materials and equipment to manufacture them and others do not.

Some manufacturers conduct extensive research and development into long term performance and have a deep understanding of how the materials will behave and others do not. Some manufacturers have decades of experience in manufacturing electronic equipment, others might have only recently moved into solar.

It’s not easy to tell the differences simply by looking at a solar panel. The glass and frame is simply the box/packaging surrounding the components which make the real difference. The real quality of a solar panel like an REC panel is reflected inside the solar panels, in the composite of chemically treated glass, chemically treated silicon cells, various plastics, protective films, aluminium, sealants and interconnecting wiring.

Solar panels spend their entire life in the hot sun and cold rain, harsh environment for any material, let alone a composition of different materials bonded together. Under such conditions, materials can – and do – chemically change over time reacting with each other and creating new chemicals and compounds as they age. Their elasticity also changes over their life affecting the stresses and tensions they place on each other. Cheaper panels sometimes use cheaper input materials and may have not been on Australian roofs long enough to see how these materials survive the harsh Australian sun.

Solar manufacturers with a strong understanding of materials science, who invest heavily in research and development, are able to understand and predict how these external conditions are likely to affect the materials. Some, who have been manufacturing consumer goods for many years also have the benefit of hindsight and learning. Typically, manufacturers who understand these issues will have accreditation to ISO standards for manufacturing and will have advanced quality assurance processes and controls described on their promotional material. True quality assurance is about understanding what causes variation and controlling it through research, not just checking the final product and hoping to identify faults or defects.

3. Is my roof suitable to install solar panels?

REC panels fit with many types of roof tiles.

The easiest roof to install solar on are metal roofs, either conventional up to 25 degree or flat. Tiled roofs are ok as well as long as the tiles are not too old and fragile. Slate roofs can have solar – but are more difficult and usually cost a bit more. Asbestos roof installations are not recommended and it would be strongly advisable to change the asbestos tiles or sheets first, before installing the solar system.

Naturally single storey homes are easier to access than double storey roofs but installers can install systems at most heights.

Also trees close to the roof can cause issues with overshadowing, and with leaves and branches covering the panels and reducing output. Micro inverters nowadays can offer an advantage in overshadow situation as they regulate the output of each panel individually. So if you have a strong possibility of overshadowing during the year micro inverters and or a solar edge set up can be more advantageous than the conventional solar power string inverter.

4. I’m building or buying a new home, should I install a solar system?

When buying or building a home it is possibly the easiest time to afford solar electric systems. You could simply add the cost of the system to the construction/purchase costs and therefore pay it with your new mortgage.

There are not many items in your home that will pay for itself after a few years, before starting to make money for you year after year. And then, when you decide to sell your home, you will reap the added desirability and resale value that solar provides. See real estate survey

There are solar panels installed in Australia in the early 1990s which are still producing electricity today, so you can expect the benefits of a quality, REC solar system to be available for decades to come.

5. How does shading and dirt affect the performance of my panels?

Solar PV panels should ideally be in full sun from at least 9am to 3pm, but it is more effective if they can be positioned to operate longer in the afternoon to support during the early evening peak hour spike in electricity costs. They should not be placed in shaded areas and should be kept free from dust and dirt. Usually, if dust accumulates and the panels are positioned on an angle, the next rainstorm will wash off the dust. Even a small amount of shade – from trees, roof ventilators or antennas – will have an impact on the output of a panel, as it changes the flow of electricity through the panel.

For most panels, shading or dirt on just one of the parts of a solar panel will result in a significant loss of power from that panel. REC panels enable solar collection to bypass a shade cell. So say there is a bird dropping on an individual solar cell within a panel, it will not adversely affect the rest of the panel. With panels connected together in strings down to the inverter, loss in one panel may affect the performance of other panels in the string, not just the one that is shaded.

Panels lying at an angle above 10° will self-clean when it rains, as our quality REC panels have glass which is designed to allow dirt to be washed off easily.

6. What are feed-in tariffs?

Feed-in tariffs (FIT) are a defined payment for the electricity you generate from your solar PV system that is sent back to the grid. Unfortunately currently in most States the energy retailers pay relatively low feed in tariffs ranging from 5c to 12 cents and varies based on State guidelines and also varies between electricity retailers. We recommend shopping around between retailers to determine the best available FIT rate for you.

In Australia solar system owners have benefited  in the past from a range of generous “premium” feed in tariff schemes, but these offers are no longer available to new solar installations.

State based feed-in tariff schemes are defined and managed by State Governments who are responsible for energy policy and rules in each State. These State Governments define the minimum FIT electricity retailers can offer. Although increasingly when it comes to solar feed-in tariffs (FITs), this is left to the market to decide. In some States the FIT’s paid to you are mandatory and in some cases they are voluntary.

It is important to understand that these policies are State based and as an incentive mechanism they can and do vary over time. The duration, value, rules and conditions vary.

The value of the FIT is an important aspect which can influence the economic outcome of owning a solar system and what the ideal size of a solar system should be in your individual case. Good solar installation companies as part of their site visit should offer a detailed analysis of what they expect your particular self-consumption to export ration to be, and what your economic outcome will be.

FIT offers can vary from electricity retailer to electricity retailer and change over time, so it is important to be 100% clear what offers are available at the time you are considering solar. It is important that you get up to date advice from the solar system installer at the time you are ready to explore solar power.r.

From the industry’s perspective, fair feed-in tariffs are considered an excellent way to help consumers get a reasonable return on their purchase cost and thus help the renewable energy industry to grow and reduce costs.

7. Can a solar system reduce my electricity bill to zero?

Off grid solar systems with battery backup can produce zero electricity bills.

A solar system can help you reduce your electricity bill and in many instances by a significant amount, if you use the electricity at the time it is created. Nevertheless zero dollar future bills are next to impossible to achieve nowadays other than with off grid systems.

In Australia with Net Metering (explained in other parts of the FAQ’s), the electricity produced though your solar system is fed directly during the daytime into your home, office or commercial enterprise. This helps you to offset your consumption which you would have otherwise paid for. The bigger the system the more likely it will be that more solar power is generated than is used  and the excess will be fed back into the grid.

The feed-in-tariff payment for the electricity you generate and feed back into the power grid can offset some of the cost for the electricity you use from the grid during overcast or rainy days or at night. Nevertheless because the feed in tariff nowadays is relatively low, 5c or so per kWh, you need to feed a lot of solar electricity back to the grid in order to offset the electricity you use at night or during cloudy and rainy days when you are likely to import electricity. Then to get a zero dollar bill you will also need to export enough solar electricity to pay the $70 of service/supply charge the electricity companies charge every three month.

This scenario and basic principle does not change if your solar system uses a string inverter or a micro inverter set up. In short, a well designed  solar system will reduce your electricity bills, but a zero bill now that there is no more generous “premium” feed in tariff for new systems – is very rare. Zero dollar bills require an off grid system with batteries or a very very large solar system on your home, preferably with storage batteries.

The installation of batteries to a Solar System will enable power from the system to be stored and used at night or during high demand periods, This increases the ability to reduce electricity bills to zero. However, the cost of batteries, although it has reduced, is still relatively expensive. So for most situations these are not yet financially beneficial. With advances in technology and increases in economies of scale as more batteries are purchased, pricing of batteries will reduce over the next couple of years and will become a more viable alternative to add to Solar Systems.

8. What should I check in a quote before I buy a solar power system?

Make sure the installer comes to your house and has a look, before you get the quote. Internet based solar companies quote you for a system over the phone can spell trouble for the install quality, as they cannot truly appreciate the individual set up of your house.

  • Are the tiles brittle?
  • Where are any surrounding trees, which can cause overshadowing?
  • What about antennas and chimney locations – which in the future through overshadowing can affect the system output significantly?
  • How old is your switch board and does it need upgrading to handle solar?

All these questions only become clear through a proper home inspection.

When internet or call centre based solar companies sell you a system they use the one size fits all approach and give you a standard price. They then negotiate with a sub-contract installer to install your system for an agreed price. So the sub-contracted installer holds all the risk should your system requires extra cabling or is a particular labor intensive installation. It is more likely in this situation for the installer to find the quickest way, not necessarily the best way to install the system. Being a sub-contractor to the company that sold you the system, the installer’s relationship with your system is one of “get in and get out as quick as possible”.

Should you, in the years to come require support for your solar system, the internet based solar company might not be around anymore, or should they still exist are very likely to send a new sub-contractor to check out the issue. It is better, like with your car, to have the same reliable mechanic undertake the ongoing work. Someone who is familiar with your particular circumstances/system.

In general the quotation should provide solar system specifications like quantity of panels, brand and model of panels, system size and likely output per annum in kW/h, capacity and output of the inverter or if micro inverters are to be used the brand and warranty conditions.

A proper, considered quote should include also datasheets of the supplied products. In general make sure your quote includes:

  1. Solar PV modules – brand, model and manufacturer’s warranties;
  2. Mounting frames – brand, warranties and which part of the roof to be installed;
  3. Inverter – brand, capacity and manufacturer’s warranty;
  4. Any additional metering cost – if not included in the price, make sure this aspect is clearly outlined in the quote;
  5. Travel and transport requirements if not included;
  6. Any trench digging if solar to be installed on outbuildings e.g. farms.

At hand over, make sure the installer gives you a system user manual.

The quotation should also specify a total price, together with proposed start and completion dates. The quotation should form a basis for your contract with the designer/installer. Deposit requirements for the system by law should not be more than 10 per cent. Usually the majority of the solar system needs to be paid for on the day of installation.

9. What affects the cost and payback of a solar system?

The cost and payback of a solar power system is dependent on a number of factors, including:

  1. The cost of manufacturing panels
  2. The international availability of silicon
  3. The cost of inverters
  4. The installation cost
  5. Availability of product
  6.  Quality of the components
  7. The fluctuating international currency
  8. Federal and state rebates (if any) available towards the cost of the system
  9. The cost of electricity and feed in tariff rates

The economies of scale in the manufacturing of components together with the above factors impact the final cost and payback to the consumer.

Over the past few years Government solar rebates have decreased. To offset this, the price of solar panels and inverters has reduced as manufacturing volumes increased and economic of scale benefits are passed on. For example, in 2008 a panel cost around $6 per watt = $1500 for a 250W panel, while the same panel in early 2016 would have cost about $200 per watt.

10. How do I check if I’m eligible for a solar system rebate?

There are a few key eligibility rules to be eligible for solar rebate on your system:

  • The solar system must be an eligible small-scale solar PV, wind or hydro system. A normal solar power system for your home normally is an eligible system.
  • The solar power system must be installed at an eligible premises. Examples include houses, townhouses, residential apartments and shops.
  • The solar system must be a new and complete unit.
  • No more than one system at an eligible premise (address) is entitled to Solar Credits.
  • Solar Credits may only be created once for a particular solar installation, irrespective of whether the certificates are created for a 1-year, 5-year or 15-year deeming period.
  • The electric solar system must have been installed no more than 12 months prior to the date of application for STCs.

Contact E-Smart Solar about any questions you may have about solar.