Archive for October, 2009

In Part 1 we looked at deciding if going solar is the best option for you and what size system will get your home solar powered.

Quotes

Now that you know what size system you require, it is time to start obtaining quotes. You will need to keep in mind that if you are connecting to the grid you want a product that is eligible for RECs (link).  Most companies will already take the value of the RECs off the price, however if you are unsure you are best to check with them on how they price their products. There are certain items which some companies will exclude from the price such as installation and switchboard upgrade if required. 

Choosing a System & Supplier

Looking for quality will ensure you get value for your money as well as longevity in your system. In terms of quality, you want to make sure the brands of panel and inverter are reputable and meet high standards. A good indication is if they have ISO 9001 and ISO 4001 certification as well as meeting and complying with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) requirements. In terms of warranty, whilst most panels come with a 25 year warranty and inverters five years, it is important that the company can support those warranties. Well established and reputable firms are most likely to be around in 25 years to honour that warranty.

Deposit

After you have decided on the product and supplier it is most likely that you will have to either pay a deposit or the full amount upfront. Some suppliers may have a finance option, so at this point you would complete an application for this facility, depending on the supplier.

Installation

Once the finance is arranged, the supplier will book and carry out the installation of your system.  Once installed, you are able to use the solar power you generate, however to fully enjoy the benefits of solar the final step is for the utility to change your electricity meter so you can sell your excess power back into the grid.

Getting your home solar powered can be a daunting task.  Understanding the technology is one thing but with additional complications like RECs, rebates and grid connections, the experience can sometime present you with hassles.

This two-part post will provide a complete step by step guide to how to get your home solar powered.

Is solar right for you?

The first step is to determine if solar power is right for you. Whilst ideally everyone should harness the power of the sun, sometimes it isn’t always the best option for homeowners. Why? Well there are factors that can affect the output of a solar system which has more to do with house location rather than the quality of the system.

Solar power systems work best when they are on a suitable roof type which is north facing, with minimal or no shading. Where you live may also influence how going solar can affect you economically. Australian states are divided up into zones which determine how many RECs you are assigned for your system. This can change the price of your system and therefore your pay-back period.

If your house is suitable geographically, physically and economically, the next step is to identify your current energy usage. This can be found on your most recent energy bill from your current retailer. Once you know how much energy you are using, you can determine what size system you will require. While doing this, you will need to consider whether you want your home to run 100% off your system or if you will connect to the grid to either subsidise your usage or feed your excess power back onto the grid to receive the relevant tariff in your state.

We are all familiar with the negative environmental impacts of burning fossil fuels to create energy. Whilst solar electricity itself is renewable and non-harming to the environment, the manufacturing and distribution process of the components of a solar system are not.

Manufacturing

Although only subtle, the processes and materials used in the manufacturing of solar cells have a negative impact on the environment through side effects such as pollution (carbon emissions from energy usage) and waste (Silicon Tetrachloride).

Transport

Transportation of materials such as panels and inverters will also contribute to the overall environmental impact of solar system before it is generating electricity, with fossil fuelled cargo ships and trucks transporting the items.

Location

While most residential systems are accommodated on roofs, larger scale commercial and utility installations require areas of land. Ideally these should be in locations sparse in flora and fauna, however in some instances this isn’t the case, requiring trees and shrubbery be removed and potentially impacting specific species and habitats.

That’s why for larger scale installations alternative solar power solutions such as concentrated PV,which require less space, could prove to be better option.

However, once installed and generating solar electricity, the negative impacts as a result of production and distribution of a solar power system, will be offset with the saving of CO2 emissions over its lifespan, still making it an excellent environmental choice.

While cheap solar might be kinder to your pocket initially, it may end up costing you more in the long run. It’s a general rule that higher quality will have a higher price. Here are a few things you should look for in the quality of a solar system before you purchase.

Efficiency Levels

Different quality systems will have different efficiency levels. This means they will produce different amounts of energy. If a solar panel is poor quality, it will more than likely produce less energy, and therefore more panels will be required to produce enough energy to meet your needs. It is important to know the efficiency of the panels you are buying, so you purchase the right amount for your application.

Warranties

Warranties are another important consideration when purchasing a solar PV system. Some cheap vendors, or online auctions, may have a great price but that might not include a warranty. No warranty means that should the panel malfunction or have defects you are left with the cost of repairs or replacement. This could potentially cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Long term it is worth making sure your panels and inverters come with warranties. A standard inverter warranty should cover you for at least five years and a good panel output warranty should cover you for 25 years.

Qualified Installer

One very important factor to consider when looking at the variety of options available when going solar, is that your system must be installed by a qualified Clean Energy Council installer in order to be eligible for RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates).  Consumers can sell their RECs to an energy trading agent which then on sells them to large utilities to help them meet their carbon reduction targets.  Selling RECs can be another way to reduce the cost of a solar system. Many consumers find managing their own RECs too much hassle, so solar suppliers usually sell them on their customers’ behalf.

While cheap solar can seem like an economical choice it could potentially end up costing you more if these factors are not considered. That’s why it is so important that a professional is consulted to assess your specific needs and recommend a system that is right for you and will serve you well in the future.

Most people see solar panels and think that is a solar system. However, the panels are just one component of many that make up a solar system.

If you’re considering purchasing a solar system to power your home, it is important you understand the different components of the system and how they work together to create power. Here we try to break down the technical jargon, and inform you in simple terms about the system components.

Panels

The first, and the most obvious, are the photovoltaic solar panels (or PV panels). The panels have one of the most important functions of the solar system, which is to collect the sun’s energy.

Inverter

The second and an equally important component of the solar system is the inverter. While the panels collect the energy from the sun’s rays, it’s the inverter that changes that into the kind of power we can use. The inverter converts the direct current, generated from the panels into an alternating current, which means it can travel in two directions. This is the type of current required to power most things electrical and this is the form of power provided by the utilities.

Balance of System

The rest of the solar power system comprises racking, cables and circuit breakers that join the system together and make it operational. Circuit breakers and cables safely and efficiently join various parts of the solar system to your distribution board, while racking holds the panels in place on the roof. It comes in a range of types and quality, which is why it is so important to identify the best product to suit your application.