What is the difference between solar hot water and solar power?
Solar Hot Water systems are a thermal system – they absorb heat from the sunlight and transfer it into the water. Solar Power systems are electric systems – they absorb the sunlight and convert it into DC electricity.
Why use solar power?
It is quiet, clean, has minimal impact on the environment and unlike fossil fuels, will never run out.
What types of solar power systems are there?
There are two types of solar power systems, stand alone and grid connect. Grid connect systems supply solar power through an inverter directly to the household or the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house needs. Stand alone systems generally operate in remote areas, away from power supply lines or where the electricity supply is unreliable. The power generated by the system is usually stored in battery banks.
What does a typical home solar power system consist of?
A simple stand alone system would consist of a few solar modules, solar regulator, an inverter and a battery bank. A simple grid connect system consist of a few solar modules and an inverter which converts the DC electricity into AC and is connected to the power grid through the electricity meter.
What is a solar module and what does it do?
A solar module is a device which converts sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. It produces electricity suitable for use in your home and for charging batteries.
What is a solar regulator?
A solar regulator controls the amount of energy going into the batteries from the solar modules and protects them from over charging.
What batteries should I use?
There are a variety of batteries that can be used. However, car batteries are not suitable for solar applications. Only solar batteries designed for repeated cycling (partial discharge, the recharge) should be used.
How does the system generate 240V AC?
This can be achieved by installing an inverter into the system. The inverter converts DC electricity into 240V AC. Solar systems are versatile and can be designed for both AC and DC, or be converted at a later date. Solar systems can also be expanded to grow with your needs.
What size system will I need?
The size of the system is dependent on three factors 1. How much power you use, 2. How large your roof area is and 3. How much money you want to spend.
How do I work out how much power I use?
If you are currently on mains power your electricity bill will show your average daily use in kw/h. For a stand alone system you will need to calculate your average daily usage in kw/h. We can provide you with a Power Usage Form to assist in your calculations.
Are there any incentives to help with the cost of installing a solar system?
Yes. The Federal Government currently has two rebate programs, the Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP) and the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) are available through the Australian Greenhouse Office. Conditions apply.
You may also be eligible for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that can be traded on the energy market.
Can I put power back into the mains grid? How is it measured?
Yes you can. Most power companies will install a bi-directional meter to monitor power going into the house (importing) and the power coming out of the solar system (exporting). This way you will only be billed for the 'net' amount of power used. Depending on your usage you could end up in credit!
Will a grid connect system work in a black out?
No. The systems are required by electrical safety regulations to switch off when there is a black out. This prevents the inverter feeding power back into a 'dead' grid while technicians are working on the lines.
Can I install the equipment myself?
No. The system MUST be installed by a suitably qualified person. This will usually be a BCSE Accredited installer who holds an electrical contractors license, like we do at Solar & Electrical Solutions.
What do I need to do to maintain the system?
Not a great deal. Our systems are virtually maintenance free. There are no moving parts to brake down and all components are high quality with warranties of 5 to 25 years.
