We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding solar systems, batteries and EV chargers.
It’s important for you to understand what you are getting and to know what your system will do for you.
The amount of money saved is determined primarily by the amount of panels installed, however other factors such as the position of the panels and various installation conditions will also play a contributing factor. As a general guide, using a price of 25 cents per kW, you could expect to save approximately $400 per kW of power. So for a 6kW system, you could save up $2400 in one year. (6kW x $400 = $2400). This is assuming you are using the power produced and not selling it back to the grid.
In our humble opinion, most homes are suitable for solar, but like anything in life, some are more suitable than others. We consider a number of factors when evaluating if your home is suitable for a solar panel system.
Get in touch with us, we are experts in our field and can tell you in a few minutes whether your home is suitable or not.
Generally speaking, we recommend that any roofs older than 20 years be inspected and possibly replaced prior to installing solar. It will be more cost-effective than installing, removing and then re-installing your panels.
We have done a few of these for our customers and really recommend getting specialist advice on the condition of your roof prior to installation. Panels can last up to 25-30 years, and you wouldn’t want to disturb them for a roof replacement partway through their lifespan.
It’s still possible to get solar if your roof is shaded but the decreased sunlight may directly affect the solar output and make it less cost-effective for you. We advise you to speak to us directly to find a solution tailored to your specific situation as we may have the perfect solution for you! We are specialists in Enphase microinverters, which are the go-to solar solution for shaded roofs!
While it’s true that north-facing roofs are ideal for solar, we believe east/west-facing roofs in Australia are great too! East-facing solar panels will produce most in the morning and west-facing roofs in the afternoon and early evening. We often find that most of the energy in a typical household gets used in the afternoon and early evening, usually when everyone is home after school and work, which is why we love putting solar on west-facing roofs.
Each house is different and we really recommend you speak to us so we can help you understand your options and give you the best advice possible.
In order to work out what size system you need we first need to determine how much energy you are currently using. This information can be found on your electricity bill. Your bill will show your daily average electricity usage in kWh (kilowatt-hours), some bills will use the word ‘units’ instead. If there is no daily usage amount shown, take the monthly average and divide by 30 or the yearly average and divide by 365, either will give you your daily average. In Sydney 1kW of solar will generate approx. 4.5kWh of energy per day. If your daily energy usage is 20kWh then you just divide 20 (your daily average) by 4.5 (kWh produced daily) and this will give you the size of the system you need to meet your needs, in this case it equates to a 4.4kW solar system.
How many solar panels you will need is determined by many factors: your average energy consumption, the amount of sunlight your roof receives during the day and the efficiency and wattage of your solar panels.
We really do believe that size matters and would advise you to get the largest and best quality system tailored to your specific energy needs and budget. It is also important to consider long-term life changes which may change your energy usage in the future.
We have never had a call back from a customer saying they wish they had gone for a smaller sized solar system. Quite the opposite actually, we get so many calls from customers asking us to add more panels to their existing system. Call us today and we will help you find a solution that suits your specific needs and budget!
To keep it simple, single phase power means you have one wire coming into your house from the grid and three phase power means there are three wires coming from the grid into your house. It’s important to know whether your home has single or three phase as this will determine your solar system and the size of solar system you can have. If you have three phase power it means you can have a larger solar system. It is possible to upgrade from single phase to three phase power and we are happy to assist you with this.
While it is true that tilting panels on a flat roof will angle the panels to the sun and make them produce more energy, it is important to consider other factors such as wind loads and shading as tilted panels can cast shadows on each other and require more space in between panels. Speak to the professionals and we can help you assess what will work best for your specific situation.
Congratulations on making the step to go clean and green and plug into the sun. Sydney Air & Solar will take care of the process from here. We will organise your approval from your electrical distributor and book your installation with you once we have received this approval and once we have all your solar system bits and bobs in stock. Once your installation has been completed by our team, we will organise your smart meter upgrade and provide you with your post installation documentation. You can relax and enjoy the sunshine!
While it may be tempting to opt for a cheap solar system to save money upfront, it’s really important to consider the long-term consequences and potential downsides. A cheap solar system may end up being more costly in the long run.
Beware of poor quality products which may not last the distance or perform as well as higher-quality products meaning you will generate less power and save less on your bills.
High-quality solar panels and inverters like the products Sydney Air & Solar offer will last for decades with minimal maintenance. Cheaper systems may not be as durable or reliable, adding future costs to repair and maintain. Cheaper systems may also come with limited warranties which don’t cover labour costs for repairs contrary to high-quality solar systems which come with comprehensive warranties that cover decades.
Remember that a solar system is a part of your home and adds substantial value to it. We recommend getting the best system you can afford!
We certainly do! We’ve partnered with Plenti who make going green easy with low rate solar loans. Plenti has helped over 95,000 Australians bring their ideas to life… and they tell us they’re just getting started! To make the transaction to solar seamless, all Sydney Air & Solar quotes include Plenti finance options specific to your solar system design.
The export limit refers to the maximum amount of electricity your solar system is allowed to send back to the power grid. This limit is often set by your electrical distributor.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the excess electricity is usually sent back to the grid. In some areas, the electricity grid may not have the capacity to handle large amounts of electricity being fed back into it, which is why they may set export an export limit.
If your solar system is producing more electricity than this limit, the excess power won’t be exported to the grid. Instead, it may be wasted, or, if you have a solar battery storage system, it can be stored for later use.
A feed-in tariff is the amount your electricity provider will pay you for the electricity you export back to the grid. Feed-in tariffs can differ a lot between energy providers so it’s important to do your research before settling on an electrical retailer.
The government has compiled data from all electrical providers on the website energymadeeasy.gov.au where you can upload your electrical bill and compare different rates and feed-in tariffs and choose a plan that is well-suited to your needs and personal situation.
STCs stand for Solar Technology Credits and are part of the government’s Small-Scale
Renewable Energy Scheme. When you install a solar system on your home, your system may be eligible for the creation of STCs. These STCs are a bit like a stock on the stock market, you can’t see them but they are worth money and we will offer you a point of sale discount in return for you transferring the STCs to us so that you can focus on enjoying the sunshine and seeing your electricity bills getting slashed. The bigger your solar system, the more STCs your solar system may create.
There are many boxes which have to be ticked before a system is eligible for STCs, for example STCs can only be created for products which are listed on the Clean Energy Council’s Approved List and for systems which have been designed and installed by a Clean Energy Council Accredited Designer and Installer, like Sydney Air & Solar.
The New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) is a set of standards designed to protect consumers when purchasing new energy tech. Companies like Sydney Air & Solar who have signed up to the Code, agree to meet certain consumer protection standards in relation to marketing, sales, customer service, products and warranties. Having your solar system installed by a New Energy Tech Approved Seller equals peace of mind for you.
We definitely recommend cleaning your roof prior to installing solar panels. Not only does this ensure that the panels are mounted onto a stable, clean surface, but it also might identify potential issues that might interfere with the installation of solar panels.
The current condition and capacity of your existing switchboard, as well as the size of the new solar system you’re planning to install will determine whether you need a switchboard upgrade or not. An old switchboard might not have the capacity to handle the additional energy produced by your new solar panels and would need to be upgraded to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your solar system. Another point to consider is that safety standards have changed over the years, so if your switchboard hasn’t been updated in a long time, it might not meet current safety regulations. Ask us and we can advise you on whether you need a switchboard upgrade or not.
Every installation is different and we will advise you what the lead time is for your specific installation from signing your contract to flipping the switch. A typical residential (solar system only) installation will take anywhere from 1-3 days depending on your system size and the weather.
While it’s not strictly necessary for you to be home while we install your solar system, it is a good idea as we might need access to your switchboard and your home’s wifi network so that we can commission your solar system. Our favourite part of the installation is the handover, when we show you how your brand new solar system works and how you can monitor its performance.
Yes, we will need to turn the electrical power off during the installation of your solar system.
However, this power shutdown usually only occurs for a short period of time on the day of the installation. Our friendly installers will let you know when this will occur and should we need to turn it off for longer, we will also let you know.
Once your solar system has been installed, you will need a smart meter upgrade unless you already have a smart meter. A smart meter is an electronic device that records the consumption of electric energy in intervals of an hour or less and communicates that information at least daily back to your electrical provider for monitoring and billing. Sydney Air & Solar will take care of this administrative process for you so you can focus on what matters.
If you generate more energy than you use you can sell it back to the grid OR you may like to consider a battery storage system, this option is becoming more and more popular. Rather than sell your excess energy back to the grid it can be stored in a solar battery. Solar batteries work by storing the energy that is produced by your solar panels and storing it for later use. Excess energy will only go back to the grid if your battery is full.
One thing to remember is solar energy of course comes from the sun. So if it’s overcast less energy will be produced. When the sun sets, no energy will be produced. In these situations you may need to buy energy from the grid to meet your needs, however if you have a solar battery storage system in place any excess energy your system produces will be stored and ready for use when it’s needed.
We’re very lucky in Australia… Australia is the perfect country for solar and as a result we are now leading the world in solar per capita after a very sluggish start.
Solar panels do work in winter, but their performance might be affected as winter days
have fewer daylight hours, which means less time for your panels to produce electricity. Additionally, the sun is lower in the sky, so the angle at which sunlight hits the panels is less optimal, reducing their efficiency.
Did you know that solar panels can actually become more efficient in cold and sunny conditions as long as they are receiving direct sunlight as high temper?atures can cause panels to overheat which in turn reduces their efficiency. A well-designed solar system should be able to provide a substantial amount of power throughout the year. Sydney Air & Solar is happy to design this system for you!
With the Enphase systems we recommend, it’s relatively easy to add more panels and microinverters. However, bear in mind that it is always more cost effective to get the largest system upfront but of course we do understand that this is not always possible and we are happy to assist you and add more panels to your home.
Unfortunately all solar panels degrade slowly and lose their production capacity over time, which is why choosing panels from higher quality manufacturers right from the start will give you better results in the long run as they offer longer warranties and can guarantee slower degradation of panels over time.
Solar panel systems are relatively low-maintenance, but it is still important to look after your solar system to ensure it operates at maximum efficiency over its lifespan. Sydney Air & Solar recommends booking in an annual service so we can inspect your system and advise you if there are any issues which may affect your energy output, such as dust, dirt, bird poop, cracks, chips, branches, leaves or electrical issues. Remember that this is not a DIY job, it is very important you leave this to the experts who have ample experience in this field.
Randwick City Council is by far the most generous council in terms of rebates. They offer rebates for rooftop solar, solar battery and EV charger installations to mention just a few. The process is very straightforward and explained in full on the Randwick City Council website. Sydney Air & Solar can help you through this process as we have helped many customers in the Randwick City Council area already. Don’t be shy, just ask!
We sure do! Here are some of our recommendations:
Schedule your appliances to run during daylight hours.
Unplug appliances when not in use.
When choosing appliances check the Energy Star Rating.
Install LED lights.
Run your pool pumps during the day.
Heat your hot water during the day by installing a timer.
Use off peak power.
Ensure your home is well insulated.
Seal any unnecessary gaps around windows and doors.
Reduce water consumption where possible.
Turn down your thermostat in winter and put on a hoodie!
Keep your solar panels clean.
Get your solar system serviced annually to make sure it’s performing well.
Electric Vehicle chargers, are devices that supply electrical energy to recharge electric vehicles (EVs) by means of a charging cable that connects to the vehicle’s charging port. They function by converting AC power from the grid into DC power that can be stored in the vehicle’s battery.
Not all EV chargers are compatible with all electric cars. There are different charging standards and connector types used by different car manufacturers and regions. It’s important to ensure that the EV charger you plan to use is compatible with your specific electric vehicle.
Whether you need single-phase or three-phase power for your EV charger depends on the specific charger model and your electrical infrastructure. The availability of single-phase or three-phase power can impact the charging speed of an EV. Three-phase power allows for faster charging as it can deliver more power compared to single-phase power. EV chargers connected to three-phase power can provide higher power levels, enabling faster charging times. Some EV chargers are designed to work with single-phase power, while others are compatible with both single-phase and three-phase power. It’s important to select an EV charger that matches the power supply available at your installation location. Installing a three-phase charger when you only have single-phase power may not be possible without electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Since solar panels generate electricity during the day, you can take advantage of this free energy to charge your EV. By connecting your EV charger to the solar-powered electrical system, you can use the solar energy directly to charge your vehicle during daylight hours.
While it’s true that north-facing roofs are ideal for solar, we believe east/west-facing roofs in Australia are great too! East-facing solar panels will produce most in the morning and west-facing roofs in the afternoon and early evening. We often find that most of the energy in a typical household gets used in the afternoon and early evening, usually when everyone is home after school and work, which is why we love putting solar on west-facing roofs.
Each house is different and we really recommend you speak to us so we can help you understand your options and give you the best advice possible.
A solar system that is battery ready is designed to be easily integrated with a battery storage system. It means that the solar system has everything in place and is capable to connect and interact with a battery storage system without requiring significant modifications or additional equipment.
Every solar battery works slightly different depending on the particular product and how it’s integrated into your solar system.
In general, however, a solar battery will store excess electricity which has been generated by your solar panels for later use.
Firstly, your solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity. Consequently, your inverter or microinverters will convert this DC electricity into AC electricity, which is what most home appliances use. Any excess electricity that your home doesn’t use immediately will be stored in your solar battery. The electricity has to be converted back to DC to be stored in the battery.
When your solar panels aren’t generating enough electricity to meet your home’s needs (like at night or on a very cloudy day), your battery can discharge the stored electricity. Again, an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity from the battery to AC for use in your home. The benefit of having a solar battery is that it allows your home to use solar electricity even when your panels aren’t generating it in real-time. It can also provide a source of backup power during a grid outage, if your system is designed to do so.
There are several types of batteries commonly used in solar energy storage systems. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages, and limitations.
Enphase batteries are designed using lithium iron phosphate technology, which deliver unrivaled durability and performance compared to most other storage technologies and pose fewer environmental, health, and fire risks.
Tesla Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery designed for residential energy storage. It utilises lithium-ion battery chemistry, specifically lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, which is commonly used in rechargeable batteries due to its high energy density, efficiency, and long cycle life.
A Q CELLS battery also uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry, which is widely regarded as the safest and most environmentally friendly composition for solar batteries.
The main benefits of installing a solar battery as part of your solar energy system are increased energy independence, backup power if you have backup functionality and lower electricity bills. A solar battery enables you to store excess energy produced by your solar panels for later use, which means you can rely less on the grid and more on your own solar energy. It also allows you to use your stored solar energy during peak times when electricity rates are higher or during times when your solar panels are not producing much energy such as at night time or on a cloudy day. Backup functionality may be especially valuable in areas prone to power outages.
Ultimately, this really depends on you. We can install them separately or together. The benefits of installing both systems at the same time is that it will be more cost-effective for you, compared to having them installed separately. Moreover, integrating a solar battery into your system from the start allows for optimal design and configuration. We can ensure that your solar panels, inverter, and battery work seamlessly together, maximising the system’s overall efficiency.
Backup functionality refers to the ability of the system to provide power to your home when there is a power outage. Usually during a power outage, the solar system will also shut down, even if it’s sunny and the panels are generating electricity. However, a solar system with backup functionality has a special inverter or switch that can isolate your home from the grid during an outage which means that your solar panels and battery can continue to provide electricity to your home. Backup functionality is an optional feature that can provide peace of mind, especially in areas with frequent or lengthy power outages.
Solar batteries, when installed, used and maintained properly, can be safe. Solar batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, contain chemicals that can be hazardous if mishandled or damaged. It is important to follow proper handling and storage guidelines provided by the battery manufacturer. This includes avoiding physical damage to the battery, preventing exposure to extreme temperatures, and ensuring proper ventilation. It’s very important to consult with a qualified professional, such as Sydney Air & Solar to ensure the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of solar battery systems.
The amount of energy a solar battery can store is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It varies depending on the specific model and size of the battery. The Tesla Powerwall 2 has a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh. Both the Q CELLS and Enphase batteries come in various sizes and are modular which means you can add storage as you need it. Please speak to us and we will happily help you size your battery depending on your specific circumstances.
The lifespan of a solar battery refers to how many years it can function before its storage capacity significantly decreases. This depends on the type of battery, the manufacturer, and how often it’s used, but typically, a solar battery lasts between 10 and 15 years before it might need to be replaced.
A solar hot water diverter is a great and cheaper alternative specifically designed for solar hot water systems. It will divert excess solar energy to heat your water. This allows you to maximise the use of solar energy for heating your water without the need for a battery storage system. Contact us if you want to find out more, we love these gadgets!
Depending on the battery’s design and management system, batteries can behave differently when fully charged. Many solar battery systems are equipped with charge controllers or management systems that regulate the charging process. Once the battery reaches its maximum charge level, the charge controller will typically terminate the charging process. Some other battery types, particularly certain types of lead-acid batteries, can enter a mode where the battery receives a minimal amount of charge to compensate for self-discharge and maintain its full charge state. Lastly, in certain setups, excess energy from the solar panels that cannot be stored in the battery may be diverted to other loads or devices or fed back into the grid.
It certainly can if you have backup functionality installed.
It is definitely possible to add a solar battery to an existing solar system, but it depends on the design and compatibility of your current system. We recommend you get in touch with the solar battery experts. We will happily assess your existing solar system and help you navigate the technical aspects and ensure a successful integration of the battery with your existing system.
At the moment there are no STCs available for solar battery installations as there are for solar systems, but we do hope they will be available in the future. If and when this happens, we will certainly let you know. Check with your local council as they may have rebates in place such as Randwick City Council, who offer sustainability rebates for solar batteries as well as solar systems and EV chargers.
Proper maintenance of your solar battery system is essential to ensure optimal performance, prolong the lifespan of the batteries, and maintain the safety of the system. Do not undertake this job by yourself, call the professionals, call Sydney Air & Solar.
Yes, it is still possible to sell back excess energy to the grid even if you have a solar battery system.
kW represents the power capacity or output of a solar battery system. It indicates the maximum amount of power that the battery can deliver or accept at a given moment.
kWh represents the energy capacity or storage of a solar battery system. It measures the total amount of energy that the battery can store or deliver over time.
There are very strict rules as to where solar batteries can be and cannot be installed. Every home is a little bit different, so we really recommend you get in touch with us to give you a proper assessment and discuss installation options based on regulatory standards and considering your specific circumstances and system requirements.
The amount of batteries and size of battery system you need all depends on your home’s energy usage, patterns and needs. Speak to us and we can give you the best options tailored specifically to your home.
A VPP (Virtual Power Plant) connects and coordinates a network of decentralised energy resources, such as solar panels and battery storage systems, to function collectively as a single, coordinated power plant.
Here’s how a VPP typically works:
Homeowners or businesses with solar panels and battery systems can choose to participate in a VPP program. They enter into an agreement to allow the aggregation and control of their distributed energy resources.
The VPP operator aggregates the energy generated or stored by the participating solar panels and batteries into a centralised system. This allows the operator to control and manage the collective energy flow of the VPP.
The VPP operator actively monitors energy generation, consumption, and battery storage levels across the network. They optimize the energy flow and usage, leveraging the collective resources to balance supply and demand, manage peak loads, and provide grid services.
The VPP can provide various grid support services. For example, during periods of high demand or when the grid is stressed, the VPP can dispatch stored energy from the aggregated batteries to support the grid and reduce strain.
Participants in a VPP program can benefit from increased energy self-consumption, reduced reliance on the grid, and potential financial incentives. They may receive payments or credits for providing energy to the grid or participating in grid support services.
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