Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Power

Q: How does it work?

A: Solar energy is light or heat that comes from the sun. Solar power is generated by collecting this energy and converting it into useable electricity. It is clean, pollution free and, in practical terms inexhaustible.

There are various types of solar power systems for your home or business (often called PV or photovoltaic systems). They generally consist of solar panels, an inverter and a metering system. Solar power systems which are connected through a meter to the main electricity network, which allows the household to use traditional electricity when the sun is not shining and sell any excess solar power back to the grid when it is.

Q: What does Photovoltaic (PV) mean?

A: The word ‘photovoltaic’ essentially means electricity from the energy of sunlight. First used in about 1890, the word has two parts: photo, derived from the Greek ‘phos’ meaning light, and volt, a unit of measurement named for Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity.

Q: How long do Solar PV systems last?

A: A PV system that is well designed, installed and maintained can operate for more than 20 years. The basic PV module has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system is by having it properly installed and well maintained.

Q: Why should I use Solar PV-generated electricity?

A: For a growing number of users, particularly those who are environmentally aware, PV provides sustainable energy, operates silently, produces no toxic missions or greenhouse gases, and causes no hazardous waste. PV systems generate electricity using the suns free energy, so the ongoing costs are minimal.

Q: Can I use Solar PV to power my home?

A: PV systems can be used to power your entire home’s electrical systems, including lights, cooling systems, and appliances (pending on size of system and appliances used). PV systems today can be blended easily into both traditional and non-traditional homes. The most common practice is to mount modules onto a north-facing roof or wall.

Q: Can I use Solar PV to power my business?

A: PV systems can be blended into virtually every conceivable structure for commercial buildings. You will find PV being used outdoors for security lighting as well as in structures that serve as covers for parking lots and bus shelters, basically if it has a roof you can run solar power.

Q: How much can I save using a Solar PV system?

A: A 10% efficient PV system will generate about 180 kilowatt-hours per square meter. A PV system rated at 1 kilowatt will produce about 1800 kilowatt hours a year. Allowing for a loss of efficiency of less than 1% per annum, such a PV system could generate close to 36,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity over 20 years and close to 54,000 kilowatt-hours over 30 years. This means that a PV system generates approximately $10,000 worth of electricity over 30 years.

Q: Will the government help me pay for a Solar PV system?

A: Yes to a point, if your household earns under $100,000 per year you are eligible for an approximately $8000.00 rebate up to a 2 kilowatt system from the government and if you are a community based building up to approximately $12000.00. Also there is a feed in tariff of .60 cents per kilowatt hour which equates roughly to 4 to 1 of what the power company charge. Eg the power companys charge us around .17cents per kilowatt hour so if you are feeding into the electricity grid the government will give you around .60 cents per kilowatt hour that you feed in.

Q: How big a Solar PV system will I need?

A: The size of a solar system you need depends on several factors-such as how much electricity or hot water or space heat you use, how much sunlight is available where you are, the size of your roof and how much you’re willing to invest. A basic kit which is a 1 Kilowatt system is a norm for a 3 bedroom house.

Q: How do I know if I have enough sunlight for a Solar PV system?

A: A PV system needs unobstructed access to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day. Climate is not really a concern because PV systems are relatively unaffected by sever weather. In fact, some PV modules actually work better in colder weather. Most PV modules are angled to catch the sun’s rays, so any snow that collects on them usually melts very quickly. There is thus enough sunlight to make solar energy systems useful and effective and effective almost anywhere in the world. Most homes have adequate roof space for a PV system, and this can be complemented by integrating the system into walls or by using modules to cover a porch or patio in the backyard, to give you a solar power Melbourne home.

Q: How much does a solar PV system cost?

A: A 1 Kilowatt system which consists of 6x Modules, 1x Inverter and Rail kit for mounting on roofs,
approximately $12,493.00

$ 8,000.00 Government Rebate

$ 550.00 REC’s ( Renewable Energy Certificates )

You pay 3,943.00

There are many other sizes available which will have to be quoted on their merits.

Please call Nick 0414 692 628 to arrange an appointment for an accurate quotation for your house.

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