WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES FOR GOING SOLAR?
Going solar provides customers with two advantages. The first is the Federal Government’s Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which is a subsidy. Solar power systems can generate a Small-Scale Technology Certificate (STC), which can be sold to offset the user’s system cost.
The second is the Feed-In Tariff (FIT), which offers ongoing financial incentives rather than a one-time price reduction.
These tariffs may differ between Energy Retailers, so it’s best to ask our Business Development Executive for a (free) good recommendation on various market retailers.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN INVERTER?
An inverter converts the DC power from the solar panel to AC power, which is the same as mains power. It also feeds any excess power back into the power grid. The efficiency with which an inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity is one measure of its quality.
WHAT IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN KW AND KWH?
kW is an abbreviation for kilowatt. This is a power measurement. A kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts. Kilowatt hour is abbreviated as kWh. This is an energy measurement.
DOES A BIGGER INVERTER GENERATE MORE ELECTRICITY?
No, how much your solar PV system will produce is determined by the number of panels and the wattage of panels installed at your home. The inverter’s function is to convert the DC power from your panels into usable AC power for your home.
WILL MY SYSTEM STILL WORK IN THE EVENT OF A POWER OUTAGE?
If you have a “grid connected system,” your solar will only work as long as the network is operational. When a blackout occurs, your solar PV system will automatically stop producing electricity for safety reasons. This is because there is a mandatory safety requirement in place to protect technicians working in your immediate vicinity. When the grid is restored, your system’s ability to generate will be restored. However, we recommend that you double-check that your system has been restarted.
If you have a hybrid system with a battery, you will need to connect backup functionality and charge your battery in order to have power when the network is down.
WILL MY SYSTEM STILL WORK IN THE EVENT OF A POWER OUTAGE?
This question does not have a simple answer. It will depend on many different factors, such as how much electricity you need to generate via PV, but at Goal Solar, our Technical Solar Advisers can tailor a system to each individual and tell you which system will provide you with the best financial return. Contact us today to speak with one of our technical solar advisers.
WHERE SHOULD MY SOLAR PANELS BE ORIENTED?
The placement of panels will vary depending on which way your roof faces and whether or not there is any shading or other obstructions on your roof. We have internal CEC accredited designers at Goal Solar who will advise you on the best placement for your panels to give you the best financial return at your property.
WHAT IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN A STRING INVERTER AND A MICRO INVERTER?
String Inverter – Rows of solar panels are linked together to form strings, and DC power is wired back to a centrally located inverter. The DC power will then be converted into AC power for all of the panels at the same time.
Micro Inverter – A smaller inverter that is installed behind each panel. Each inverter for each panel converts DC power into AC power.
Each type of inverter has advantages and disadvantages. Contact us today to speak with one of our technical solar advisors about which inverter would be best for you at your home.
HOW DOES THE AMOUNT OF GENERATION THAT MY SOLAR PRODUCES VARY WITH THE SEASONS?
The amount of sunlight hitting your panels and the temperature of this vary the output of your solar PV system. Because we have shorter days in winter and more overcast days, your system will produce less energy than in summer, when the sun sets later and the skies are clearer. We can provide you with a panel layout and yield report of what your solar system should produce each month at Goal Solar. Get your free panel layout and yield report today by contacting us.
WILL MY SOLAR SYSTEM WORK WITH BATTERIES?
Goal Solar can provide you with a variety of options to assist you in becoming battery ready. Call today to speak with one of our technical solar advisers to help us understand what system would be best for you at your home.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF SHADE?
Minor shading can result in significant energy loss. Because PV modules are connected in series, the module with the least amount of irradiation determines the operating voltage of the string to which it is connected. Our CEC-accredited designers will be able to advise you on the best position for your panels and provide you with an estimate before installation.
WHICH IS BETTER: POLYCRYSTALLINE OR MONOCRYSTALLINE?
The first thing to consider is the composition of the silicon substrate used to create Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline panels. Monocrystalline refers to a single crystal, whereas Polycrystalline refers to many crystals.
Since both products were introduced to the market, the question of which is superior has been a source of contention in the solar industry. Each panel has its own set of advantages. Contact us today to speak with one of our technical solar advisers about customising a solar system to maximise your return on investment for your home.
WHERE SHOULD MY SYSTEM LAST?
Your solar system should outlast the warranties provided, and the life span should be many years or decades longer.
IS SOLAR STILL VALUED?
Producing and consuming your own power will always provide you with a higher return on investment than purchasing all of your power from your electricity retailer. Find out how much you can save on your electric bills. Contact us today to speak with one of our technical solar advisers about tailoring a solar system to your specific requirements.
IS IT TRUE THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS REDUCITING REBATES?
Yes, the current government incentive is referred to as STCs (Small scale technology certificates). The number of STCs you are eligible for is determined by the amount of electricity produced by your solar PV system, which is recovered by Goal Solar to help offset some of the costs of purchasing your solar PV system. This scheme is currently being phased out, with annual reductions of one-fifth of the current rate until 2030.
In addition to the federal government incentive, Solar Victoria is currently offering a $1850 rebate off the cost of solar panels to eligible households.
CAN I SELL ELECTRICITY THAT I DO NOT USE?
Yes, the rate you receive (known as a Feed-In-Tariff) will differ depending on the electricity retailer.
ARE BATTERIES STILL WORTH IT?
Solar batteries are in high demand, and battery storage costs are falling dramatically. Will your solar and battery system pay for itself before the battery’s warranty or life cycle expires? The answer depends not only on how much power you use, but also on what time of day you use it. In certain areas, Solar Victoria is currently offering a $4174 battery subsidy.
Contact us today to speak with one of our technical solar advisers to help us determine whether batteries are worth it for you.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A FEED-IN-TARIFF (FIT)?
A Feed-In-Tariff is the rate at which your electricity retailer will pay you for the electricity generated by your solar system that is not used in your home and is instead fed back into the grid. (As previously stated)
WHY IS THERE SUCH VARIABILITY IN SOLAR PRICES ON THE MARKET?
The price difference is frequently due to the quality of the products used in the installation. Cheaper products used can result in a lower system price, whereas higher-quality solar products will result in a higher system price.
Prices can also be influenced by the type of service that a company can offer you. Before installation service, as well as after installation service and support years later.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO INSTALL?
Depending on the size of your solar PV system, installation can usually be completed in less than a day. Install time frames for larger systems or commercial installations will be provided to you on the day you book your installation date.
WHAT WARRANTIES DO I RECEIVE?
On all installations, Goal Solar provides a full 10-year workmanship warranty.
In addition, we only install quality products. That is, all of our panels come with a minimum 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. All of our inverters are also covered by a 5- to 10-year warranty.
Check out the solar brands we offer for more information on warranties.
CAN I CHANGE ELECTRICITY PROVIDERS?
Once your eligibility has been established, you can switch electricity companies or contracts and continue to receive your current Feed In Tariff rate in most states. It is always worth checking the market on a regular basis to see if a better option is available to you. Check your existing contract for any exit fees before switching.
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