SOLAR ENERGY.
SIMPLIFIED.
This short article is designed for people who are new to solar and has been written to give you a very basic overview of how solar works. For a more detailed technical analysis and feedback we have an electrical engineering team ready to help.
Solar panels are designed to create energy by converting sunlight to usable energy. This is done through the use of photovoltaic cells in the solar panel.
Solar panels catch the sunlight and transfer it to a power transformer called an inverter. The inverter converts the DC (direct current) electricity produced from solar panels into appliance-friendly AC (alternating current) power.
It is recommended that the inverter is placed near the switchboard where possible to minimise any loss of electricity when power is transferred through the cables.
The electricity produced is either used or exported to the grid in real time. This means when the sun is shining on your panels, you will produce energy and use it in your house first, before selling it back to the grid if there is excess.
For example, if the solar system produces 5kWh between 10am and 11am and the household uses 3kWh during this time, you will feed 2kWh back into the grid. The surplus energy that gets fed back into the grid will generate feed in credits which will be displayed on your electricity bill.
How much will I save?
Here is an example of how solar will save you money:
Let’s assume the energy you use costs $0.25 per kWh and the energy you sell back is worth $0.10 per kWh. These are fairly common averaged out rates.
Based on an assumed 6.6kW (6,600 watts) solar array an average production of solar energy is approximately 26kWh (kilo-watt hours) per day.
Lastly, we will assume you are using 50% of the solar energy produced and exported the remaining 50%.
Using those three assumptions, the calculation would look like this:
50% of 26kWh = 13kWh. So for this exercise you will be using 13kWh of solar energy, and exporting the other 13kWh to the grid.
13kWh x $0.25 = $3.25 – This is the portion of solar you have consumed at home.
13kWh x $0.10 = $1.30 – This is the portion you have sold to the grid.
Total savings per day = $4.55
Annual savings = $1,660.75
If you would like to save more money, then you would try to use more of the solar power because it is more valuable to use it at $0.25 per kWh, compared to selling it back at $0.10 per kWh.
To further clarify, let’s take the same solar production as above – 26kWh of solar per day. But this time you use 80% of the solar and only sell back 20%. If that was the case your savings would work out this way:
80% of 26kWh = 20.8kWh. So for this exercise you will be using 20.8kWh of solar energy and exporting the other 5.2kWh to the grid.
20.8kWh x $0.25 = $5.20 – This is the portion of solar you have consumed at home.
5.2kWh x $0.10 = $0.52 – This is the portion you have sold to the grid.
Total savings per day = $5.72
Annual savings = $2,087.80
As you can see the second saving example is quite a bit higher than the first. With the same amount of solar produced, the second example has saved $427.05 more in one year.
The key then is to try and use as much of the solar power created as possible. This can be done by using things like washing machines and dishwashers during solar energy hours or putting things like hot water systems or swimming pool pumps on a timer so they run during the day when the solar panels are producing energy.
5 simple ways to maximise your solar electricity:
- Use appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers during solar energy hours;
- Set hot water systems and/or swimming pool pumps on a timer;
- Put air-conditioning on a timer in the mid-afternoon to bring the temperature down to the right level so you can switch off in the evening;
- Utilise slow cookers so you can cook meals throughout the day powered and flavoured by the sun;
- Recharge mobile devices, laptop and other technology devices during the day and unplug them in the evening.
For more information about how much you can save, get in touch with us today and we can work this out exactly for your home.
Different types of panels
*Disclaimer: The information in this table is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by GI Energy.
The categorised products are based on our nine years of operation, real life data and trustworthy customer testimonials.
Different types of inverters
*Disclaimer: The information in this table is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by GI Energy.
The categorised products are based on our nine years of operation, real life data and trustworthy customer testimonials.
The importance of choosing Australian-tested solar panels and inverters
Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre, based in the Northern Territory, is a demonstration facility for a range of solar technologies operating in the arid conditions of Alice Springs with datasets spanning more than 10 years of operation.
To check out the performance of the industry-leading products we are using, click here.
They invite manufactures to install a system to display their performance and efficiency in such a testing environment. We offer the peace of mind and that all our solar panels withstand the harsh conditions the Northern Territory has to offer as well as seeing effective real world test results.
For after care service it is also important to ensure that your chosen solar company has a head office in Australia. This will ensure that should after care be required there is a contact in Australia without worrying about chasing overseas.
Different quality of installation
Example of a poor installation:
As you now know, there are different qualities of solar panels and inverters available. When it comes to actually installing your solar, there are different levels of quality relating to workmanship and other smaller electrical components used. This is more difficult to work out as a consumer. Researching solar panels and inverters can be done online with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Using a popular 6kW solar system as an example, prices can vary from as little as $3,000 right up to over $10,000. As a general rule, a 6.6kW system being installed between $3,000 and $4,000 would indicate some corners are being cut. It is extremely difficult to install good quality equipment for this price point without worrying about damaging cost saving measures being made. Some of the things installers can do to save money would be:
- Cheaper cables;
- Cheaper isolators;
- Cheaper circuit breakers;
- Install the system very quickly and not taking the correct care which can result in a system not operating safely or effectively;
- Use cheaper racking equipment to mount the panels to the roof;
- Run cables without the correct conduit being used;
- Run external conduits above the roof or across external walls (instead of inside roof and wall cavities);
- Put the inverter on an external / exposed wall rather than inside or out of the sun;
- Installing solar panels in areas that are easy to install, rather than using roof space that optimises panel efficiency;
- Installing panels flat on the roof when tilt frames could have been used to maximise efficiency;
- Installing panels in areas where shade or debris will affect performance and;
- Failing to install the system to the current standards, resulting in rejected grid connections proposal forms or compromised solar systems.
When companies are selling solar for this low price point, they often structure their operations like this:
- Once the customer has committed to the sale, the job will be offered to several installation companies to find the lowest price possible on the day from a black book of electricians;
- The installers will then make a deal with the sales company, often needing to complete two jobs per day to turn a small profit;
- Your service and warranty ends when the contractor leaves your home despite their ‘promise’ of a written 10 year warranty and;
- If you do have to make a claim, you may find it more difficult to receive any support or resolution to your issue. A refund for a faulty system or an incorrect installation is as likely to win the lottery.
Example of a quality installation:
A good solar retailer offers a comprehensive assessment of each client’s power consumption, usage habits and has long-term partnerships with reliable and trustworthy installers. Signs of a good quality retailer will be:
- System design according to roof specifics for optimum performance;
- Long standing, accredited installers;
- Professional, tidy, polite trades people;
- High quality cabling, isolators and conduit;
- Correct placement of panels to ensure efficiency, rather than ease of installation;
- Inverter installation in a place that ensures longevity of the product, rather than just an easy installation;
- Correct use of tilt frames if required;
- A full explanation of the system and shut down procedure and;
- Warranty procedures and after care as promised.
Do your research and choose a reputable company
Important things to look for when choosing a reputable company:
- Cheap doesn’t always mean good value: ask yourself: when was the last time you bought the absolute cheapest option available and it made you happy for years to come?
- Check how long a company has been trading – use the ABN lookup tool online;
- Do your research on the panels and inverters;
- Get your meter box checked to make sure there are no extra costs (this could be easily done by providing a photo to your company’s contact person);
- Ask as many questions as you can when you are having the first initial phone call:
- Why should I choose your business?
- Are you a Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Retailer? Note: An Accredited Installer is not the same as an Approved Retailer. Being a CEC Member is also not the same as being an Approved Retailer. Only companies that carry the red CEC Approved Retailer logo are accredited to the highest level by the Clean Energy Council. Dealing with an Approved Retailer means you are dealing with an approved company that has signed up to the CEC Code of Conduct.
- What is your after care service?
- Will I have a point of contact for after care service?
- Are the products you install tested in the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre or in other field test locations in Australia?
- What evidence do you have of your commitment to quality?
- How do you calculate what system size will give me the best return?
- What is the product warranty on the components?
Summary
Solar energy is a great way to save money at home. A reputable solar company will be able to calculate specifically how much money you can save in your home and guide you on how to use the system effectively once it is installed.
Using a CEC Approved Retailer is a good place to start looking if you are considering solar for your home. You should also do your research with regards to the company, the installation, and the products they are using.
At GI Energy we can install any product on the market. We have an experienced team of engineers, CEC Designers and consultants who can answer all your questions and create a tailored report showing how much money you can save at home.
Consider getting in touch if you would like more information. We are happy to assist and want to ensure your are making a well informed decision when purchasing solar.
Thanks for reading!