Here are a number of common questions we receive about residential solar. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you cannot find the answer to your question here.
What is a feed-in tariff?
Some States offer feed-in tariffs, these tariffs are what electricity suppliers will pay you for electricity which is fed back into the grid.
What size electricity system will cover my electricity bill?
There are a number of factors to consider when calculating the system size required to cover your electricity bill. These include your average annual kWh usage, orientation and pitch of your roof, potential shading, how much time you spend at home during the day and your eligibility for feed-in tariffs from your electricity supplier. Keep in mind, even if you can’t afford a system to cover your entire electricity bill, even a smaller system which offsets your usage is beneficial and cost effective in the long run.
What direction should panels face?
In Australia, facing North at the correct angle of elevation will provide the best performance (most kWh per dollar), however solar panels can also be installed facing towards the East or West as long as proper considerations are made.
What are the maintenance requirements of a solar system?
The Clean Energy Council recommends regular maintenance to ensure your system stays in peak condition, delivering the best return on your investment. An annual maintenance service and clean will ensure your inverter and panels are working efficiently.
Is mains electricity still needed?
Solar systems only produce electricity when they are exposed to sunlight. When there is no sunlight, no electricity is produced and you will need to draw electricity from another source such as the grid or a storage battery if you have one installed.
Will my solar system work during a black-out?
During a power black-out your solar system will automatically shut down and disconnect itself from the grid as a safety measure. Once grid power is restored the system will then automatically turn on. If having a continuous supply of electricity is important to you, you should consider including a home battery storage system with your solar system.
