Category: News & Reviews

There’s been a lot of good news about solar power recently, but an article published by the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this week encourages solar panel owners to have a think about what happens to their solar panels when they have reached end of life.

SMH describes it as a “waste crisis” on the horizon. So what exactly will happen to your solar panels when they reach end of life or malfunction? What is Australia’s policy on solar panel waste?

Solar Panel Waste: Australia Needs to Figure it Out

In December, Australia reached a record of 2 million households with rooftop solar. What will happen to all of those solar panels when they reach end of life in roughly 30 years?

Australia’s environment ministers have not determined policies concerning solar panels and how they are handled as waste.

Experts and former advisers say that a responsible end of life strategy should be of utmost importance for solar panels, and they believe proper action has not yet been taken. It is assumed bad planning and cost concerns are reasons a concrete policy is not in place for a more environmental way to dispose of solar panels.

Solar Panels Going to Landfill

Just like paint, batteries, electronics and furniture waste, solar panels are going to landfill.

Solar panels and other electronics waste in particular may contain hazardous substances. When these products end up in landfill they contribute to Earth’s pollution problem.

“Photovoltaic panels are predominantly made from glass, polymer and aluminium, but may also contain potentially hazardous materials such as lead, copper and zinc.”

– Nicole Hasham, Sydney Morning Herald

What’s the Solution?

A recycling scheme for solar panels and batteries is needed. Australia already has schemes in place for televisions and computers. Despite costs to recycle, these recycling schemes create jobs and help the environment.

There are state schemes and companies in place who are trying to keep solar panels and batteries out of landfill while the government continues to take no action:

• The state of Victoria will be banning all electronic waste at landfills from July this year.
• Sustainability Victoria is reporting on management options for solar panels.
• Reclaim PV, a solar panel recycler in Australia, is encouraging bans on sending solar panels to landfill: they claim 90% of a panel can be recycled.

Other states and research bodies are focusing on this issue. See if anyone in your state is involved.

Even with these efforts, Australia still needs a nationwide scheme to deal with solar panel materials at end of life.

What Can You Do?

Opt For High Quality Panels to Reduce E-Waste

Anyone thinking about installing solar at their home should keep in mind the waste that will eventually be created from their new solar panels. To combat this, we highly suggest opting for higher quality solar panels from trusted manufacturers. These panels have longer life spans than cheaper panels and so the e-waste generated will be much less in the long run. If we can encourage everyone thinking about solar to consider the e-waste that will be generated as panels reach end of life and opt for longer lasting products, we’ll all be better off.

Ask us about our quality solar range if you’re thinking about solar (and its environmental effects).

Read the full story on Sydney Morning Herald.

A version of this post was originally published on Solar Trust Centre.

As the warmer months set in, thousands of households across Australia will begin to wonder if they should switch to solar.

There are many factors that come into play when making this decision:

• the need for cheaper electricity bills
• planning to sell and wanting to add value to a home
• wanting to reduce reliance on the grid and large energy suppliers
• conscious of carbon footprint and wanting to reduce strain on the environment
• plus many other financial, environmental and personal reasons that might apply.

While these households are usually very keen to make the change to solar, as soon as they see a quote that is higher than they expected, they decide they can’t justify the costs involved.

This is largely due to misinformation in the industry. Mid-sized quality systems can cost between $7K – $10K, but cheap solar manufacturers might advertise their low quality systems for $3K – $4K which excites potential buyers.

Some will give up after this initial step while others will find another installer offering cheaper panels from a brand they’ve never heard of or that has no reviews online. This is where things start to get tricky.

Unfortunately, a cheaper solar panel deal usually isn’t something to get excited about unless it’s a deal from a large, trusted manufacturer with a good track record. A cheaper solar panel is exactly that: they are made from cheaper materials, they go through less quality assurance testing or none at all and they are a big gamble for homeowners wanting to reduce electricity costs.

Cheap solar panels could end up costing you more in the long run, and here’s why.

What’s the Difference Between Cheap and Quality Solar Panels?

You’re not alone if you’ve wondered why some solar panels and inverters cost more than others. They all look the same, and they all do the same things, so why should you bother with the more expensive ones? The solar industry (including manufacturers, dealers and installers) has come to the simple conclusion that “you get what you pay for”. Unhappy customers also know this to be true. We’ve seen countless bad experiences thanks to poor installation practices and cheap quality panels.

The most important questions to ask yourself when choosing your solar panels are:

1. Does the panel manufacturer have a good track record?
2. What is the manufacturer’s warranty policy on the panels?
3. Is it easy to access the manufacturer warranty information or has the manufacturer made it unclear?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions after 5-10 minutes of research, chances are you’re looking at a cheap solar panel.

Cheaper quality solar panels or inverters are more likely to fail earlier. The manufacturers who produce these cheaply made panels are less likely to honour warranty agreements, especially if they suddenly go out of business right when you are looking for their help.

It Isn’t All Bad News

Of course, not all manufacturers are like this. While the industry certainly has its bad eggs, there are many manufacturers who actually care about the quality of their products, honour their warranty agreements and make sure your panels last as long as possible on your roof.

Beware of Cheap Solar

It’s easy to get dragged in by the possibility of cheaper panels, but we strongly advise you to do your research on the companies you’re looking at and go into the decision with caution. If finances are an issue, keep up to date on what’s happening in your state with solar subsidies, loans, and other payment plans that are becoming available and be ready to make your move for a quality system when the industry is favorable for you.

If you haven’t yet read the eBook “Cheap Solar – A Cautionary Tale” we highly recommend having a look today. It was produced by the ‘Crap Solar’ Facebook group with the aim of highlighting the pitfalls of cheap solar.

Here are a couple of excerpts from the document:

“Today a quality mid-size system will cost between $7,000 and $10,000. Be careful if the quote is much cheaper than that. A quality system can last for decades, a cheap system will definitely not stand the test of time.”

“So in summary, one gets what one pays for. Tier 1, 25 year output warranty are meaningless terms. Tier 1 is no reflection of build quality and it is not a reflection of the financial strength of the manufacturer. The 25 year output warranty is worthless and will never be claimed. The fine print prevents that. The Manufacturer Warranty and the strength of the manufacturer is all that counts.”

Don’t be fooled by cheap solar!

Download Your Free ebook: Cheap Solar – A Cautionary Tale

A common point raised in renewable energy discussions is that the environmental cost of producing items such as solar panels is high. After all they are made from non-renewable resources and fossil fuels.

Common objection:

“The environmental costs to produce solar panels are more than you’ll ever save…”

We asked Markus Lambert, National Solar Manager for LG Energy for his response.

Craig Bailey (Solar Trust Centre): One of the common responses we see on Facebook when discussing solar and renewables, are people stating objections such as, “It costs more in fossil fuels to build the solar panels and systems than you’ll ever save over the life of the system.”

Markus Lambert (LG Energy): You’re raising the issue of the true carbon neutralness on the solar panel. Now, if a solar panel is of a very poor quality, and unfortunately in Australia, we have solar panels coming in attracting a rebate, which as it’s buy rule has that this panel has to achieve clean energy for 15 years. But unfortunately, in many cases, the very, very, cheap stuff fails within two or three years and the customers have a very poor experience.

Craig: How does the carbon footprint work for Solar Panels?

Markus: The solar product by the time it’s been made, shipped to Australia, put by the installer on the back of the car and installed on your roof – the solar system has caused a certain amount of CO2 to produce and for most panels in Australia it looks at about a two to two-and-a-half-year payback to actually get into a CO2-positive position. I’ll explain that in a second, how it works. But that means if the panel dies after year three, you’ve hardly made a difference in the CO2. So, buying very cheap solar is not going to help the CO2 abatement.

Craig: So how can one get the best CO2 abatement and true renewable energy outcome?

Markus: If you buy a high-quality high-efficient panel – eg if I can get out of the same panel 320 watt than the 250 watt, that means I use the same amount of aluminium, I use the same amount of glass, but I actually overall generate more electricity out of that panel. So the higher efficient the panel, the lower, what is called the CO2 footprint.

Craig: How does the CO2 calculation works?

Markus: Now, what you’ve got to do in your calculation, you’ve got to count what it costs to get the aluminium and have that generated, and then also the manufacturing of the panel, and the making of the glass, and certain calculations are available that you know what this manufacturing process normally will take in energy. So the less energy intensive your manufacturing process, the better the CO2 abatement. LG, actually have solar panels on the top of the solar factory. So if one is using renewable energy to make the panels, naturally that reduces the CO2 footprint of the panel in the first place.

Craig: So how long does it take for a panel to be truly carbon neutral ?

Markus: So, the calculation, for example, for the LG NeON2 is that you’re looking at about a 1.4-year payback in CO2 in a place like Perth or Brisbane in Australia. In Sydney, because it generates a little bit less electricity in Sydney than in Perth, you’re probably looking at 1.5 to 1.6 years. After that, the panel is generating genuine carbon-positive electricity. But you would look at most panels of the cheaper variety between around the two-year plus mark, of the high-efficient ones, about a year-and-a-half or a bit less.

Thank you to Markus for his responses.

Two years to be carbon positive

Summary: If you install high quality, high-efficiency solar panels they have a 2 year CO2 payback (possibly less). ie electricity they produce after the 2 year mark is fully carbon positive.

Put it another way: it takes around 2 years for you to pay back the environmental cost of all the materials and production and transport of the solar panels. After 2 years you are effectively generating electricity free from any environmental cost.

Product mentioned: Markus referred to the LG NeON2 Solar panel

This article was originally published on Solar Trust Centre.

Case Study: Installing a 6kW stand-alone solar energy system in Sydney’s Blue Mountains

Vanam Retreat – from generator to an off grid solar power system

Vanam Retreat is a stunning home located in Sydney’s Blue Mountains. At the time of the project, the Retreat was in the finishing stages of construction. We were asked to quote on installing a stand alone solar energy system to a site that had previously been run purely via generator. Not only was there a tight timeframe due to business requirements, but the landscape also presented an additional challenge.

We were up for the challenge, and here we talk you through how we did it.

The Blue Mountains Retreat

Situated on 40 acres of native bushland and home to native birds and other wildlife, Vanam Retreat was built using all natural materials. These ranged from straw bales and cob through to recycled timbers and earthen rendered walls.

Vanum Retreat is a home and a business. Not only do the owners run yoga retreats on the premises, but they also rent it out as a luxury airBNB destination.

The owners

Vanum Retreat owners Andrew and Jeff have been living on the Blue Mountains acreage for the last 10 years with absolutely no grid power; they’d refused to have any coal-fired power onsite due to their environmental consciousness.

In building the retreat, and making their dream of creating a truly eco destination a reality, they knew the generator couldn’t:

• Meet the needs of their clients, or
• Support the amenities they wanted to provide.

They needed a system that would enable them to be self-sufficient without affecting the landscape, both visually and environmentally.

The brief

Central to our brief was ensuring that the natural mountains landscape remain uncompromised. Because even through the retreat offers a completely luxurious experience, it also pays homage to the natural environment. Retaining this homage was critical, so we needed to integrate a purpose-designed off-the-grid solar solution with the Blue Mountains surrounds.

At our initial onsite meeting, Andy and Jeff were well researched. Both had a strong understanding of what they wanted in terms of solar, particularly in terms of size, which was:

• 6kw Solar System
• 5kw Battery Inverter
• 19kWh Battery.

The challenge

Andrew and Jeff had chosen us because of our clean energy knowledge, product transparency, and the fact that we design fit-for-purpose solutions. They also liked our can-do attitude, which was critical as additional pressure was added by a short but immovable deadline for the first week of January, as well as the complexity of Christmas shutdowns.

An additional challenge was presented by the need to integrate a man-made system into a Blue Mountains landscape without compromising the integrity of the retreat as a truly sustainable destination.

The solution – the solar products

We looked closely at their servicing needs. These included a main building with three large guest bedrooms, each with private ensuite and deck, as well as a large, modern kitchen and a spacious, open-plan indoor-outdoor living/dining room. There was also a four-bed bunkhouse and a dedicated yoga shala for up to 15 people.

We had to consider not only the power requirements for the home but also those for cooking, washing of King size sheets, and other amenities. There were also plans to increase their service provisions via an eco-powered hot tub.

As a result, we developed the following product design:

• 20 LG MonoX solar modules, ground mounted
• A Fronius (Selectronic Certified) 6kW PV solar inverter
• A Selectronic SPMC-481 5kW solar battery inverter, and
• Two LG Chem 9.8kWh LV solar batteries.

Why did we choose this combination?

Not only did we go with recommended and quality products but, vitally, products that will meet their future business plans and provide peace of mind. This product design will deliver proven reliability in an off-grid scenario so Andy and Jeff, and their clients, don’t have problems down the track with a lack of power. It will also support them as they expand their services.

The solution – the solar design

The brief was also very much focused on blending in with the unspoilt beauty of the upper Blue Mountains. The architectural design of the home maximises natural light by bringing the outside in; this openness meant that views from anywhere in the retreat couldn’t be compromised. We had to identify a critical location as well as design a solar array that blended with the earthy house and its rocky, mountainous surrounds.

The solar array had to be Northern facing to maximise productivity. With the roof Southern facing, this would have meant we had to optimise the solar panels via an installation of large tilted frames. This would give guests a not-so-delightful view of the underside of the solar panels.

To maximise productivity while also looking appealing, we designed a ground-mounted system in the garden at the rear of the house. The panels are tilted at a 30-degree angle to maximise year-round solar yield while also running in line with the natural downward slope of the mountain.

This design doesn’t impact on the views from any position:

(a) on the balcony; or
(b) from any outlook from both levels of the Retreat.

The solution – the solar installation

The ground mount system had to be extremely robust while also catering to the rocky terrain. It’s over-engineered to ensure stability, with posts in the rocky ground for the framing.

The array wiring underneath the modules is neat and follows the path of the supports to be inconspicuous.

Underground DC wiring from the solar array to the building is installed in heavy-duty conduit and encased in concrete for additional mechanical protection.

The location of the LG Chem batteries, Fronius inverter and associated switchgear are located in a separate bunker for weather and bushfire-proofing, as well as offering safety and security. (While the Fronius inverter and LG Chem batteries can be installed outside under current guidelines, the Selectronic does need to be indoors.)

The mounting board for the inverters and switchgear is standing off a besser block wall to:

• Reduce the amount of exposed conduit; and
• Keep in line with the visuals of the building.

This setup delivers protection, ensures optimum operating temperatures for the equipment, and offers longevity to Vanum Retreat’s operation.

Technical challenges we faced with the Blue Mountains off grid solar project

The solar energy system configuration

Systematically, the correct configuration and operation of all communications aspects of the system is absolutely vital to performance. With years of experience working with off-grid solar, we knew how these products worked together.

To ensure the two LG Chem batteries charge and discharge correctly, they need to operate via the RESU Plus Box and then on to the Selectonic comms card. The Selectronic inverter then needs to talk to the Fronius inverter to maximise the solar yield, but not overcharge the batteries and damage the system.

With the design of the 6kW solar array and 19kWh LG Chem storage battery, the system delivers over three days of autonomy. This means the back-up generator very rarely gets used, resulting in the site having almost zero carbon footprint.

The physical challenges of installing the solar system

Physically, the installation of the 6kw stand alone solar energy system was highly technical. We had to deal with moving large material across uneven terrain. The retreat has stone stairs and, as it was still in the construction phase, was built on a significant slope with challenging access.

Given the location, we also needed to be mindful of the natural habitat and our (literal) footprint. Aesthetics were always a priority for the client, but so was preserving the habitat for wildlife.

The ground of Mt Victoria in the Blue Mountains is predominantly filled with rock, making digging holes to install poles and overhead wires challenging. The slope on which we were working exacerbated this; digging trenches for the framework posts was both painstaking and physically demanding.

The same technical challenges came with the building of the framework; doing this on a hill that slopes quite significantly required precision and care.

What Vanum Retreat says

Of course, this is our opinion. To be completely transparent we asked Andy, from Vanam Retreat, to give us his.

“We ran a landscape design and construction business prior to opening the retreat, so we’re familiar with the client/tradie relationship and expectations. From my first contact with Dean he had a can-do attitude – we only had weeks before Christmas and I was surprised he gave me a green light.

When he came onsite, he talked me through why my idea of hanging it off the existing deck framing was unrealistic. He suggested a standalone array framework and made a call on the spot. He immediately knew the calibre of the building and what we needed to do to ensure we didn’t affect the visuals or footprint of our home.

For us, with a construction and design background, we looked at the landscape, the sun and the building. He understood that. And I love how he’s mounted it – it’s handsome, like a sail. It gives me a real sense of connection with the solar system that provides for us.

I was so impressed with the manner in which they book, do, and keep you informed. And their ability to work with me – to understand my capabilities and ability to contribute to the project – was brilliant. Dean’s ability to coordinate the last-minute framework pickup was wonderful, and we worked seamlessly to make it possible before Christmas.

Vanam Retreat was then opened for a large family group booking in first week of 2018, letting us meet our booking commitment. I couldn’t have catered to a group that large without the power, which is why we had a line in the sand with regards to requiring power for the New Year.

Dean said he would make it happen, and he did.”

The results of the Blue Mountains off grid solar project

In designing and installing this 6kw stand alone solar energy system in the rugged Blue Mountains, we developed a best practice solution for a significant solar array in a challenging environment. Not only that, but it doesn’t interrupt the serenity of the space, which was critical to the owners on a personal level.

The design benefits

What’s notable is not so much where the solar array is, but as much as where it isn’t.

It’s not mounted on the front and most visible part of the home. Instead, we’ve carefully tied the solar array into the house design. The windows are northern-facing, with the house architecturally designed to be sustainable year-round. We’ve mirrored this with the presentation and aesthetics, capturing the maximum amount of winter sun through the design.

The ground mounting ensures that the views from the home aren’t compromised. And given that it’s been designed to face the breathtaking Blue Mountains from each angle, this could have been a significant issue for the clients if not undertaken properly.

Instead, ground mounting ensures that the right size solar array was installed without compromising the entrance and first impression of the retreat, the glorious panorama from the main deck, or the spectacle visible from each of the private balconies.

The social benefits

Vanam Retreat can offer clients a stunning, luxurious and completely unique bed and breakfast destination and yoga retreat that’s 100% eco friendly.

They’ve used everything – from the construction materials through to the food they grow and cook – from the natural environment. They’re protective of their surroundings while providing a luxurious experience; one that’s usually associated with commercialism and packaging. 

The environmental benefits

Environmentally, this home and business can offer service and luxury without needing an expensive connection to the main network. This connection would have involved the installation of additional infrastructure and the significant burning of coal.

The economic benefits

All running costs are removed, with Vanum Retreat using purely stand-alone power.

This 6kw off grid solar energy system has enabled them to:

• Avoid significant infrastructure costs
• Avoid ongoing power bills
• Increase the desirability of their business
• Increase the value of their home, and
• Removed reliance on a generator and the associated cost of petrol.

The business benefits

Vanam Retreat is now uniquely different by being the only destination in the Blue Mountains to offer a luxurious service with a hot tub in an eco-friendly environment.

Solar energy has also enabled them to expand their services, now taking mid-week bookings. After having completed their six-month trial of couples’ weekend stays, the couple feels confident in the system’s ability to cope with all requirements. And because solar now powers the fridges and freezers, they’re also more confident about the quality of food they’re supplying, as well as meeting the hot water and linen cleaning needs.

The yoga retreats are also expanding, with the system easily accommodating 15 guests and all of their requirements.

The system hasn’t missed a beat, so they’re stepping it up.

Custom designed solar power systems for home and business in the Blue Mountains

As this case study indicates, a good solar provider shouldn’t offer a ‘one size fits all’ solution – you want someone to take the time to get to know you, your home or business in order to understand your current and future needs.

For Vanum Retreat, we wanted to make sure that this investment was right for them and that it would meet their specific requirements.

The installation is truly representative of what solar power has to offer – in a remote location, complete and utter luxury can be provided with absolutely no cost to, or impact on, the environment.

One last word – Vanum Retreat on the 6kw off grid solar energy system

In Andy’s words:

“The solar array looks handsome. Rather than being on the roof, as the roof planes themselves are quite visual, deciding to build it separately to the house makes it look, for me, unapologetic and handsome.

People arrive and it’s there. There’s our power system – they can see how big it is, and instantly some primary equations go on in their head. Ahh, they live off the grid. It’s definable, and it’s not a compromise to the building. For me it looks like a sail – a satellite solar array in that we’re linking with the solar system/sun directly.

It really gives me a sense of that connection with the realities that we circle around, making us feel interconnected with the solar system. It’s strong and definable.

Definitely one of the many positives of the unit.”

Over to you

Do you have any thoughts, experiences or questions on off grid solar energy systems? Let us know! We’d love to hear your thoughts and answer your questions.