FAQs for On-Grid Solar Power
Turing on the Sun is not always easy if you're new to the world of renewable energy. Below are some answers to common questions that Power Partners are often asked about solar power in relation to on-grid systems.
What is the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
Solar modules take light from the sun and make electricity, while solar hot water systems take heat from the sun to heat water.
What is an on-grid solar power system?
An on-grid solar power system is a solar power system that is connected to the electricity grid. Often these systems are located in major cities and regional towns. They supply renewable energy from the solar modules through to an inverter and into the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house is using
Does the position of the system on my roof really matter?
Yes - most certainly. For example, a system with solar panels facing in a westerly direction will generate far less than one with a northerly aspect. Power Partners will know your local area and can assist in the right system design for your location.
What size system will I need to run my home?
All solar power systems should be sized to your energy usage and based on your geographical location. A 1 kW system is typically the smallest on-grid sytem available and can help reduce the average electricity bill by roughly 15 to 25%. This does depend on the time of day you consume your energy and any local feed in tariffs that utilities offer in your state. All on-grid solar power systems will reduce your yearly power consumption and therefore your power bill. Typically, the bigger the system, the bigger the benefit.
What is a feed in tariff and how much will I get paid?
A feed-in tariff is a premium rate paid for electricity produced by a renewable source
such as an on grid solar power system, usually over and above the market rate for electricity. A net feed-in tariff, also known as export metering, pays the PV system owner only for surplus energy they produce or export to the grid over and above what you use from the electricity grid. Whereas a gross feed in tariff pays the PV system owner for all electricity generated by your grid connect PV system. Australia currently has no nationalised feed-in tariff program, only state run schemes.
What can affect the amount of solar energy received?
The amount of sunlight that reaches the solar modules will greatly affect the energy generated. Solar modules will still produce power on a cloudy day although they will probably only produce about 20-50% as much as under full sun, depending on the cloud cover. Shading and the general location of the modules will paly a part in the energy output of the system.
How much does a on grid solar power setup cost?
All Power Partners will design your on-grid solar power system for your energy requirements and therefore each system cost including installation is different. With Solar Credits and Feed in Tariffs there has never been a better time to Turn on the Sun
Is there any maintenance involved?
As solar modules have no moving parts and most offer a 25 year power output warranties, there is very little maintenance required. Your local Power Partner will explain how to clean the modules to ensure dust and dirt does not affect their ability to generate electricity and the rest of the system will be covered by manufacturers warranties and Power Partners workmanship gaurantee’s.
Should I choose mono crystalline, thin film or poly crystalline solar modules?
Today, there is very little difference between mono crystalline and poly crystalline technology in terms of energy output. Thin film panels offer less energy yield per meter of roof space, so if you have limited roof space for your solar power system it may be wise to stick with the crystalline technology.
If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system?
Yes. Most Power Partners will offer you expansion options when discussing the right system for your needs. Additional solar modules can be added at any time to increase the amount of energy your system can generate but you might have to upgrade to a larger inverter. Alternatively you could purchase a larger inverter when installing the system initially therefore planning for the expansion up front.
Can I insure my grid connect system?
Most insurers will allow you to include the system under your home and contents insurance, but please check with your insurance company first.
What happens with on-grid systems during a blackout?
Your system inverter will automatically shut itself off within a few milliseconds of a blackout due to safety reasons. Therefore even though you have a solar system during a blackout you will not have power available. If you want to have energy available from your solar power system during a blackout, your local Power Partner can design your system with a back up battery bank sized correctly. While this will increase the cost of the system, you will also have electricity available to your home for peace of mind.
Can you retro-fit battery backup into an on-grid system?
In most cases yes you can. It is highly dependant on the solar system you already have installed and may require modifications to the existing system to facilitate correct charging of the correctly sized battery bank.
Where do Power Partners install the inverter?
Usually the inverter is placed alongside your homes swithboard or meter box. Some can be mounted outside on the wall of your home but this will depend on the IP rating of the chosen Inverter model. Your Power Partner can advise the best unit for your specific needs. The inverter efficiently converts the DC solar energy into usable 240V AC electricity. It is silent but does need to disperse heat during the energy transfer process. Most unit have a display to show the amount of energy, usually in kW hours that your system produces and other data.
