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| FAQ - Solar Power Systems for Homes |
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1. How do I choose the size of my system?
2. What are RECs or Renewable Energy Certificates?
3. Will a system produce enough energy to cover all of my electricity needs?
4. How much electricity do I consume?
5. Are there any hidden or extra costs?
6. How can I finance the cost of a solar power system?
7. Do I need to change my meter?
8. What is the price of the meter?
9. When will my installation be done?
10. What should I check if I plan to upgrade the size of my system?
11. Will my system work on cloudy days?
12. What is the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
13. What is the life expectancy of my system?
14. How can I tell how my system is performing?
15. What maintenance does the system requires?
16. Will I require council's permission?
17. Can the modules withstand high winds and hail?
How do I choose the size of my system?
The most cost-efficient system for an average household is a 1.5kW system, which can generate up to 9kW per day on sunny days and an average of 6.5kW per day over the whole year. The current Government incentive is called the “Solar Credit Scheme”, is a multiplier for the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s). The multiplier can be applied to the first 1.5 kW of your Solar Power System, everything bigger than that still generates the normal amount of REC’s.
What are REC’s or Renewable Energy Certificates?
Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s) are generated by Solar Power Systems, Solar Hot Water Systems, etc. Each Solar Power System generates a certain number of REC’s, the bigger the system, the more REC’s the system will generate. REC’s are bought, like shares, at a market price, therefore an installed system will generate money meaning that the overall system will be cheaper for you to install. REC’s are sold all over the world and their price changes just like shares on the stock market.
Will a system produce enough energy to cover all of my electricity needs?
Will a system produce enough energy to cover all of my electricity needs?
It is important to understand that a grid connected Solar Power System does not need to provide all of the electricity you consume in order to be great value. A small system providing an average of one-quarter to one-half of your average demand can reduce your electricity bill dramatically. We are happy to provide you with a system that supplies 100% of your energy needs, but cutting your electricity by 40 to 50 percent is typically the most cost-efficient approach for residential solar power.
How much electricity do I consume?
Your electricity bill will indicate your average daily consumption in electricity units. Take the last two bills and compare the numbers to estimate of your daily consumption.
Are there any hidden or extra costs?
Regen Power pride itself on providing transparent costs. We usually provide you with a cost estimates by email. Once you’ve made up your mind, we send a quote subject to a site visit. During the site visit, which is totally free of charge, one of our assessors will confirm the price. Any variations that may apply, such as for multiple storey homes or extra travel distances will be mentioned during the site visit by the assessor.
How can I finance the cost of a solar power system?
The “Green Loan Program” is an Australia-wide incentive and gives you access to a loan of up to $10,000, with 4 years interest free. Please look at our Free home assessment page for further information.
Do I need to change my meter?
To sell the excess electricity produced by your Solar Power System you
will need to sign up for the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS)
with Synergy. If you have a digital meter it can probably be
reprogrammed, however, older, analog meters will have to be replaced
with digital meters. Regen Power cannot change or reprogram meters;
this is done by Synergy. Synergy can provide you with information
regarding kind of meter is required and how to apply for REBS. Please
refer to Synergy’s website: http://www.synergy.net.au/at_home/renewable_energy_buyback_schema.xhtml or call
Synergy on 13 13 53.
What is the price of the meter?
Changing the meter is at your own cost and subject to Synergy’s prices and terms and conditions. In January 2010, Synergy revised its prices to:
- $171 for a single phase meter
- $268 for a three phase meter
- $66 for reprogramming a suitable meter
View Synergy brochure
When my installation will be done?
Your installation should take place between two to four weeks after all documents have been signed and the booking deposit has been received.
What should I check if I plan to upgrade the size of my system?
You will need to check how much roof space a larger system would take up on your roof. One of our sales people will be able to tell you this. You will also need to decide how much electricity you would like to produce in the future as this will determine the size of the inverter purchased for the initial installation.
Will my system work on cloudy days?
Yes, although less electricity will be produced. Under a slightly overcast sky, panels produce roughly half as much power as under full sun.
What is the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
A “solar power system” or a “(PV) photovoltaic system” produces electricity. The solar panels used for a solar power system are different to those used to heat water. Therefore, you cannot use the same panels to produce electricity and heat the water.
What is the life expectancy of my system?
Photovoltaic systems have been around for 30 years so far and the original systems are still working just fine. Accelerated testing by manufacturers estimates a lifespan of 40 – 42 years. Other system components have a shorter lifespan however, and may need to be replaced during the system’s service lifetime.
How can I tell how my system is performing?
If you want to find out the average amount of units produced by your system you need to count the number of days since connection to the grid and divide E_tot displayed on the inverter screen by the number of days.
What maintenance does the system requires?
These systems require little to no maintenance. Because there are no moving parts in a solar power system, there is not much to go wrong. Basically, make sure the modules are clear of bird droppings and dirt and trees aren't shading the system. Also, make sure the system is works by looking at the inverter display and check the performance once in a while. Other than that... keep smiling every time you see the sun and knowing it is working for you all day long.
Will I require council permission?
Generally you do not need planning permission from your local council. If your house is a heritage listed building you might need planning permission and should contact your local shire or council for advice.
Can the modules withstand high winds and hail?
All solar panels used by Regen Power are tested against international standardized tests (IEC61215). Part of these tests is the bombardment of ice balls, 2.5 cm in diameter at a speed of 82.5 km/h, on the solar panels. The solar panels are supported by our mounting system that has been tested to withstand winds with a speed of 216 km/h and can work on almost every type of roofing material.
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