Solar Panels & Inverters

Solar Energy System

Essentially there are 3 basic components to a solar energy syste:

1) Solar Panels - which captures light rays from the sun and converts this energy to DC electricity. There are 4 different type of solar panels used in Australia

2) Inverter - which converts the DC power to AC electricity that we can use for domestic appliancesand a

3) Bi Directional Meter - Or Smart Meter, which allows surplus electricity produced to be fed back into the grid. Note: These meters are supplied and installed by your electricity provider.

Depending on your roof you may also need solar panel brackets to optimise the angle your solar panels face to capture the most sunlight

Selecting Solar Panels

Solar Panels have an estimated life span in excess of 20 years so selecting the right solar panels for your roof and conditions is critical to the overall performance of your solar power system now and in the future.

Efficiency - Solar Panels are rated by the manufacturer based on their output and efficiency. Essentially the more efficient your solar panels are in producing electricity the less amount of panels you will need.

Durability - Solar Panels are generally designed to last for 20 years or more and are quite resistant to normal weather elements however as like anything some are built stronger than others

Warranty -  One of the biggest indicators of durability is the length of warranty the manufacturer offers. Performance warranty usually are around performance 90% after 10 years, 80% after 20 years

Brand       -  A warranty is only as good as the existence of the manufacturer that offers it. So it pays to go with a brand you trust will still be in business in 20 years or more.

Local        -  Does the manufacturer have a local office? Imported panels may be cheaper in the short run but if something goes wrong who will look after servicing your system under the warranty the manufacturer or the company that installs the system. 20 years is a long warranty and you want to assured that the warranty is available if you need it.

Selecting Solar Inverters

Inverters have an estimated life span of about 10 years

Efficiency  - In the process of converting DC to AC power is lost - just how much depends on the efficiency of your inverter

Warranty  - Inverters warranty should be 10 years or more.

Brand        - Like solar panels it pays to go with a manufacturer will be around for 10 years or more should you have a problem

Capacity    - Many solar power installers will install an inverter that matches the capacity output of your solar panels however if you have more roof space than used by your solar panels you might want go for an inverter with a higher capacity should you wish to add more panels later.

Local        -  Does the manufacturer have a local office? Imported panels may be cheaper in the short run but if something goes wrong who will look after servicing your system under the warranty the manufacturer or the company that installs the system. 20 years is a long warranty and you want to assured that the warranty is available if you need it.

Smart Meters - Bi Directional Meters

Smart Meters are already being rolled out across Australia whether you have a solar panels system or not so eventually everyone will have their existing meter replaced with smart meters.

The biggest difference between a smart meter and standard electricity meter is how you will be charged for electricity.

Smart meters are able to measure your usage in increments of 1/2 hours as opposed to the flat rates generated by standard meters. This has some advantages and possibly even bigger disadvantages to consumers.

On the plus side you can report on your daily electricity usage down to the hour. Providing you with information on how you can change you electricity usage habits to take advantage of the lower off peak rates on offer which could save you money off your electricity bill. Additionally once you understand your usage habits you can also shop around for different electricty plans that suit your usage better and save you money.

But on the negative side if your usage remains predominantly during the higher peak usage rates you are likely to spend more on electricty than what you currently pay on your flat rate bill. 

Nevertheless everyone will eventually move to these new meter so you are just getting a jump on new electricty plans and if you can significantly modify your usage you can even save money off your electricity bills.