A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

TO SOLAR POWER
Last edited: 7/1/2019

solarmarket.com.au
About Solar Market

Who Are We?

Founded in 2010, Solar Market is dedicated to educating households and businesses on the benefits gained
through switching to solar. We connect customers with solar providers and installers in their local area to
provide obligation free quotes.

Our team has experience working in all areas of the solar industry and have brought this knowledge togeth-
er for this Beginners Guide. You can receive additional information on our Solar Market website, to assist in
making an informed decision when switching to solar.

What’s Our Process?

At Solar Market we aim to take the hassle away from seeking quotes and do so by condensing what would
have been hours of research and sifting through solar companies, into 3 quick and easy steps.

Fill in a quick online form with
some simple questions about
your property and energy
needs on our website
solarmarket.com.au
Receive 3 Obligation Free Compare Quotes and choose
Quotes from solar companies the most suitable installer for
with CEC accredited installers your needs

Whilst you wait to hear from solar companies, we encourage you to read this guide or familiarise yourself with
our website to assist you in asking the right questions to installers and to better understand the process and
benefits of switching to solar.

For more information about everything solar, visit us at solarmarket.com.au

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Table of Contents

Introduction 4 How Much Can a Solar System

Impact Your Bills & Expected ROI? 14
Solar Energy And It’s Benefits 4
Effect On Power Bills 14
Solar PV Systems Explained 5
Solar System Pay Back Periods 15
What is a Solar PV System? 5
Return on Investment 15
Solar Panels 5
Factors That Could Lengthen
Inverter 6 Your ROI 15
Switch Board 6 Work Out Your Predicted ROI 15
Electricity Meter 6 Things To Consider When Switching
Electricity Grid (Grid) 6 To Solar 16
Battery System 6 Solar Panel Positioning and
Roof Direction 16
Different Types of Solar PV Systems 7
North Facing Panels 16
Grid-Connected Solar PV System 7
West Facing Panels 16
Grid Connected Solar PV System
With Battery Back-up 7 East Facing Panels 16
Off- Grid Solar PV System 8 South Facing Panels 16
Sizes of Solar PV System 9 Batteries 17
Different Type of Inverters 10 What Are Batteries? 17
Standard String Inverter 10 What Are The Main Benefits of
Having a Solar Battery? 17
Micro Inverter 10
Do I Need Batteries? 17
Battery Inverter 10
Battery Ready System 18
Hybrid Inverter 10
Feed In Tariff Rates 19
Grid-Tie Inverter 10
How To Read Your Power Bill Once
Off Grid Inverter 10 You’ve Made The Switch 19
Solar Panels 11 Questions To Ask 20
Selecting Solar Panels 11 About The Installer/Provider 20
Different Types of Panels 11 About The Solar PV System 20
What Happens When There is Solar Saving Tips 21
No Sun? 12
Get on Top of Your Appliance Use 21
What are the cost and What
Available Assistance is There? 12 Lighting 21
Costs of a Solar PV System 12 Cooking 21
Federal Government Solar Heating & Cooling 21
Rebate 12 Invest In a Solar Battery 21
State Based Rebates 13 Other Handy Tips 21
Finance Options 14 Glossary 22

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Introduction

So, you’re thinking about switching to solar, but don’t quite know where to start?

Solar Market are here, not only to get you in touch with suitable providers, but to help you understand the ins
and outs of Solar Power and Solar PV Systems for your home. In this beginner’s guide we will break down
the process for you and give you some handy tips to maximise your solar savings!

Solar Energy And It’s Benefits

Before we get started on everything Solar, let’s check out some of the benefits you could gain through
switching!

Did you know?...

Installing a Solar PV System increases your property value

Solar is the best way to reduce your power bills

Solar systems pay for themselves in approximately 2 - 5 years *

Solar systems & installation prices start from $2,000 * and finance options are available

Generous Government rebates are still available and worth between $2,000-$5,000! *

Properties with solar systems sell faster than the remainder of properties on the market

Solar is great for the environment- sleep easy knowing you’ve reduced your homes emissions

* Based on 2018 stats.

View information on:

- Sizes and Prices at our website here
- Current Federal Government Rebates here

or work out your expected return on investment using our Solar Savings Calculator here.

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Solar PV System Explained

What is a Solar PV System?

A Solar PV System is a system that converts sunlight directly into electricity using its different components.
PV stands for the word ‘photovoltaic’, meaning; to convert light into electricity.

Basic components of a Solar PV System will include:

Switch-
board

Solar Panels
Solar Panels are panels that are typically placed on a roof to receive sunlight. The panels generate this sun-
light into Direct Current electricity (DC electricity). The quantity of panels needed may change depending on
your energy needs. You can also add extra panels in the future, should you require to generate more energy.

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Inverter
The Inverter is the part of the system that converts the electricity generated from the solar panels; Direct
Current electricity (DC electricity) to Alternating Current electricity (AC electricity).

AC electricity is the type of electricity our home appliances’ use to run. The size and type of inverter needed
can change depending on your energy needs.

Switchboard
The Switchboard receives the AC electricity from the inverter and feeds it in to your home for use by your
appliances.

Electricity Meter
The Electricity Meter calculates whether you have any excess electricity or if you require any extra electricity
that your system has not been able to generate.

This will determine whether you need to export or import any energy/power. Additional energy needed, or
excess energy is either fed into the electricity grid or stored in a battery system depending on your system.

Electricity Grid (Grid)

The Electricity Grid is a public electricity source where your unused electricity can go, or you can receive
additional energy from (the process of this is automatic if you are grid connected).

You will receive reimbursement from the grid for your excess energy. This is called a ‘Feed-in Tariff’ and will
appear on your power bill. If you require energy from the grid you will be charged for this on your power bill.
You need to have approval from your electricity distributor to connect your system to the grid, however your
solar installer/provider should arrange this.

Battery System
A battery system is an optional component of your solar system. A battery system will charge a battery with
your excess power and store the power for you to use when your solar panels are not generating energy.

It’s important to note that whilst batteries are gradually coming down in price, adding a battery won’t neces-
sarily benefit your current financial situation like a solar system will. Today’s current prices (if your State does
not offer subsidies or incentives for battery) could have you looking at an expected return on investment
in 15 years. As technology advances and batteries become more accessible it is expected prices will drop,
similar to how they have for solar systems.

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Different Types of Solar PV Systems

There are 3 main types of solar systems that people can opt for when venturing into the solar market.
Let’s break these 3 systems down so you can understand which system may be better suited for you.

Grid-Connected Solar PV System

CONNECTED TO THE
MAIN GRID SYSTEM
AC

AC

Grid Connected Solar PV Systems are the most commonly installed systems. These systems are connected
to the grid and do not require a battery system, which we touched base on earlier.

It is possible to add a battery system to your Grid Connected System, post purchase.

TIP: In the past your Solar PV System would have had to be battery-ready, however, now batteries such as
Sonnen, Tesla Powerwall 2, Senec and Enphase can be added to any existing system regardless of the
existing solar inverter.

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Grid Connected Solar PV System with Battery Back-up

A Grid Connected Solar PV System with battery back-up is also called a ‘hybrid system’.

BATTERY BACK-UP

CONNECTED TO THE
MAIN GRID SYSTEM

AC

AC

This system stores the excess energy generated by a Solar PV System for the home to use when the solar
panels are no longer generating electricity from the sun. The added benefit here is if the system has not
generated enough energy to use during this time, it can use energy from the grid as well.

Off- Grid Solar PV System

An ‘Off Grid’ Solar System, is also called a ‘stand-alone’ system. This system is not connected to the grid
and requires a battery system. Charge Controller

Off Grid Solar PV Systems are rare and usual- Battery

ly only found in rural areas that have difficulties DC
connecting to the grid. These systems must be
designed to be able to support enough energy
and storage to meet the needs of the home or
property month to month.

A Backup Generator can be put in place in case

the Solar PV System is not generating enough AC
electricity due to weather conditions at certain
times of the year.

Whilst going Off-Grid sounds appealing, it’s important to note a few obstacles that come with deciding to go
Off-Grid:
• Off-Grid systems and setups are substantially more expensive than Grid Connected systems.
The system, batteries and back-up generator can set you back over $30,000
• To be able to go Off-Grid you’ll need to go rural or have a large block of land to accommodate
for the system

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• Your local council and Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) may need to provide permission
dependent on your location

Check your DNSP here.

Sizes of Solar PV Systems

Sizes of Solar PV Systems for homes can vary. The average household would be looking at a 3.5kW – 10kW
system, based on what their annual electricity needs are and whether they want to store excess energy or
use some energy from the grid.

The larger the inverter, the more solar panels it can handle, which means the more electricity it can gener-
ate. You can get a larger sized inverter with less solar panels and then add more solar panels in the future,
should you require more electricity.

However, increasing your systems capacity could affect the terms and conditions within the contract you’ve
signed with your Energy Retailer. This may impact your current Feed-in Tariff rate, so make sure to contact your
Energy Retailer when deciding to increase the size of your system.

Prior to installing a solar system, you will need to also check the solar system size restrictions in your area. The
grid your solar system will be connected to will determine the maximum size system your property can install. If
you’re receiving quotes from local installers they will be familiar with the restrictions in your area. You can also
contact your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) here.

You’re going to see the abbreviations ‘kW’ and ‘kWh’ a lot when determining what size Solar PV System to
choose. So, we best tell you what they stand for!
kW - is an abbreviation of ‘Kilowatt’, which is 1000 watts or watts of power. So, a 6Kw system is 6000 watts of power.
kWh - is an abbreviation of ‘Kilowatt hour’ meaning the measure of energy per hour. For example, a 1500W portable
heater will use 1.5kW per hour or 1500 watts per hour.

Here is a table highlighting the typical system sizes, quantity of panels and estimated energy production for
a residential home (example based on the location of Perth, W.A.).

System Size Solar Panels kWh Production Annually (estimated)

3.6kW 12 5,780
6.6kW 22 10,600
10kW 34 16,380
TIP: Each kW of solar you install will produce around 4.4 kWh per day

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Different Type of Inverters

As mentioned earlier inverters are the part of the system that converts the electricity generated from the
solar panels; Direct Current electricity (DC electricity) to Alternating Current electricity (AC electricity). Here
is the different type of inverters you’ll expect to hear of when selecting a Solar PV System;

Standard String Inverter

A Standard String Inverter is the most common inverter used. It converts the DC electricity from solar panels to AC
electricity, to be used on home appliances.

Micro Inverter
Micro Inverters are small inverters that are installed on the back of each solar panel and converts the energy from the
panel it is connected to. The number of solar panels you have, will determine how many micro inverters you require.
These are in place of the one standard inverter you’d usually have. Having several microinverters will make your Solar
PV System perform better than it would with one standard inverter, however the initial costs are substantially more
expensive.

Micro-inverters are a good option for properties where the roof and panels may be partially affected by shade. This
is because with each panel having its own inverter if one panel is not working at its usual capacity due to shade the
other panels will still function as normal.

Battery Inverter
A Battery Inverter is usually installed alongside a Standard String Inverter, if your Solar PV System has upgraded to
include a battery system. The battery inverter’s purpose is to charge and discharge the electricity stored in a solar
battery.

Hybrid Inverter
A Hybrid Inverter performs the same functions as a Standard String Inverter and a Battery Inverter combined. It is a
good option when you are installing a solar system and think you may add battery storage in the future.

However, these days there are batteries that can be added to any existing system regardless of the solar inverter.
These batteries are often called retrofit batteries and will be more expensive than the average solar battery. It’s best to
do a price comparison between a hybrid inverter with a compatible battery and a retrofit battery to see which is going
to benefit you more in the long term.

Grid-Tie Inverter
Grid-Tie Inverters are simply inverters which are connected to the grid. Grid-Tie Inverters allow you to send any un-
used, surplus solar electricity that your system has generated back into the grid.

Off Grid Inverter

Like standard string inverters, off-grid inverters are responsible for the conversion of DC electricity generated by your
system’s panels into AC electricity, so that they can be used by the appliances in your home.

However, unlike standard string inverters, they do not have the ability to export excess solar electricity to the grid. Off-
grid inverters are used in either remote areas, or when the homeowner wants to separate entirely from the grid.

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Solar Panels

Selecting Solar Panels

As discussed earlier solar panels are panels that are typically placed on a roof to receive sunlight. The pan-
els generate this sunlight into Direct Current electricity (DC electricity). High and low quality Solar panels
will look and work pretty much the same from day one, out of the box. When selecting panels, you’ll want to
make sure you are investing in ones that will hold up in bad weather and last for years without much main-
tenance. Determine this by the following;

Quality/Value - The best way to determine quality of any product is hearing the experience of past and cur-
rent customers and their feedback on the product. You can do this by searching online on forums and websites
like; Product Review, Facebook, Google, TrustPilot, Clean Energy Reviews.

After determining which are your best quality options you can price compare to determine which is going to be
the best overall value to you. If you can’t find any information on a brand or product, then its performance isn’t
well known. In that case it may be best to steer clear.

Warranty - Make sure they can provide a warranty! You’ll want a warranty where the company will take on the
entire cost for removing, transporting, replacing and reinstalling any defective panels within a defined amount
of time. Companies that aren’t willing to make this commitment probably aren’t confident enough in their own
product, so you shouldn’t be either.

Presence in Australia - Ideally, you want a representative or a contact to be based in Australia, so should you
have any issues or questions they are easily contactable and there is a quick turnaround.

Different Types of Panels

The 3 different Solar Panel types you’ll hear of when shopping around are Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline
and Thin Film.
Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline are the two
most common types of solar panels and are both
highly reliable and efficient. There are debates
amongst the industry claiming that Monocrystalline
panels are better than Polycrystalline panels and
vice versa however, this depends on the brand and
model of the panels. Thin Film has a reputation of
being the ‘worst’ of the solar panel technologies
due to its lower power efficiency. However, this
Monocrystalline Polycrystalline Thin Film
only means they require more roof space for the
same amount of power that Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline options would need. Thin Film is no longer
common in todays market. Brands and prices will vary for each solar panel option, so it’s best to discuss with
an installer what type may be best suited to your roof and then review brands online as discussed previously.

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What Happens When There Is No Sun?

It’s a common misconception that solar panels will only generate electricity on a perfect summer’s day. Solar
panels can generate electricity during cloudy and overcast weather. Although the amount of electricity gen-
erated might be less, depending on the thickness and height of clouds.

Solar Panels won’t generate energy when there is no sunlight – i.e. during the night.

What Are The Costs And What Available Assistance Is There?

Costs of a Solar PV System

Dependent on your energy needs and roof space, the size and price of your Solar PV System may vary.
Below is a pricing estimate of what to expect when being quoted.

System Size Average Pricing (AUD)

Note:
1.5kW $2,724
These estimated prices are inclusive of
2kW $3,400 the Solar Federal Government Rebate
(2018). If the Solar Government Rebate
3kW $3,500 should be eliminated, prices could
shoot up.
4kW $4,900
These prices are based on the aver-
5kW $5,000
ages throughout Australia, however
6kW $5,500 prices can vary dependent on supplier,
promotions, demand, location etc. In
7kW $7,500 some instances, you may find a 6kW
system for as low as $2,500.
10kW $10,800

Federal Government Solar Rebate

The Federal Government Rebate, officially known as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), en-
titles individuals and small businesses large subsidies when installing eligible small-scale renewable energy
systems such as solar panel systems. The size of the system determines the number of small-scale technol-
ogy certificates (STCs) it’ll receive. STC’s have a dollar value which can fluctuate depending on solar system
demand, changes in Government and many other factors.

The amount of STC’s you receive for your solar system and the worth of STC’s at the time will determine the
subsidy for your system. For example, with an STC rate of $35 an average homeowner looking to install a
6kW could be entitled to as high as $4,250 in subsidies for their chosen system.

To check the current STC rate visit the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator.

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The Rebate is usually organised through the solar provider that is installing the system at the property, so it’s
best to enquire about this when being quoted.
For more information, view current rebates here!

Reduced prices are included in advertising

Most, if not all solar installers include this reduced cost in their advertising. So, if you see a system advertised
as $6,000 you won’t then take a further $4,000 off that pricing.

Why even mention the Solar Government Rebate if it’s included in advertised pricing?
Well $6,000 sure looks more attainable and appealing to potential buyers than $10,000 minus the Solar
Government Rebate, doesn’t it? But the main reasoning, is that the Federal Government Solar Rebate isn’t
going to last forever! That’s right, it may get reduce or be eliminated. This means, for people looking to
switch to solar, that prices could shoot up should they wait until the Federal Government Solar Rebate is
scrapped.

State Based Rebates

In anticipation that the Federal Government Solar Rebate may be reduced or eliminated, some State Gov-
ernments throughout Australia have released their own solar and battery incentives to keep Australians
investing in renewable energy. Depending on your location, rebates and incentives will vary, however, here
are some of the current and soon to be released schemes as of September 2018;

Northern Territory
Smart Energy Grant for up to $1000 Queensland
Affordable Energy Plan
Solar Bonus Scheme 44c Feed-in Tariff*

Victoria
Solar Homes Package

Tasmania
South Australia Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme
Home Battery Scheme & Low Rate Loans for Solar Systems

* Solar Bonus Scheme 44c Feed-in Tariff is not available to new customers and will expire to current customers
in 2028. Read more about the State based incentives here.

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What Are The Costs And What Available Assistance Is There?

Finance Options
If you want to make the switch to Solar now but don’t have the upfront payment ready, Solar Market can
assist and get you in touch with Solar Providers that can arrange finance options, such as a ‘Green Loan’.

A ‘Green Loan’ provides low-interest rates (as low as 6.9% pa), specifically for green projects or energy ef-
ficient products. A Green Loan low-interest rate means the savings you have accumulated from using your
solar system, could potentially cover your loan repayments!

Just let us know that you’re looking for a finance option when submitting your quote request from Solar
Market!

How Much Can A Solar System Impact Your Bills & Expected ROI Time?

Effect on Power Bills

Once your Solar PV System has been installed you could start receiving reduced electricity bills from your
next bill. Maximise your potential savings by using some of our Solar Savings Tips at the end of this guide.

Assumptions:
- A family of 4 members
- Average Quarterly Bill in SA
- Installed a 6kW system
- 66% reduction in bill size

Average power bill with New lower power bill with a

no Solar System installed 6kW Solar System installed

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Solar System Pay Back Periods

Return on Investment (ROI)

Okay so you’ve heard solar can save you big bucks and it’s a great investment. But how long is it going to
be before you’ve pocketed enough savings to have covered the costs of buying your Solar PV System?
Here’s a hypothetical example:

Considering the average household energy usage, sunlight hours in Australia, current rates for electricity
and Feed in Tariffs. A home with a 6kW system would be looking to have an annual savings on energy bills
of up to 80%. This would make a typical Solar PV System’s ROI 4-5 years.

Depending on circumstances ROI could be as low as 3 years.

Factors That Could Lengthen Your ROI

Government Rebate
If the Federal Government Solar Rebate was eliminated, the cost of Solar PV Systems will rise and
therefore the ROI timeframe will increase.

Finance
If you’re paying for the Solar PV System on finance, the interest of this finance could increase the ROI
timeframe. You’ll want to work out how much extra time this is going to add, to ensure finance is the
best option.
TIP: Green Loans offer low-interest rates as low as 6.9% pa!

Work Out Your Predicted ROI

Click here to check out our Solar Savings Calculator! It’ll help you determine the payback and financial
returns from investing in solar, plus it will also estimate what your bills will be after installing your system.

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Things To Consider When Switching To Solar

Solar Panel Positioning and Roof Direction

The position and direction of your solar panels can affect how much sunlight they’ll receive and therefore
how much energy is generated for your use. First off avoid having your Solar Panels installed where it could
get shaded throughout the day. E.g. near large trees. However, if shaded areas are unavoidable for you,
micro-inverters may be a great option for you to discuss with an installer when enquiring about quotes.

NORTH Facing Panels

In Australia North facing panels receive the most sun throughout the day.
If North facing panels aren’t an option on your roof it’s not a deal breaker! You can choose other panel
directions based on your high energy consumption times.

Generate 5% less energy than North - NW NE - Generate 5% less energy than North
N

WEST Facing Panels EAST Facing Panels

Generates less energy in the Generates more energy in the
morning but more in the after- W E morning and less in the after-
noon (12% less energy than noon (12% less energy than
North facing). North facing).

SOUTH Facing Panels

Avoid where possible as it can generate up to 28% less energy than North.

Some homes do a combination of different

directions, should their roof allow for this.

Your Solar provider will be able to assess

your best options.

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Batteries

What are batteries?

A solar battery is a battery that becomes charged from your solar panels. It then stores that charge to be
used later. This stored power can be used when your solar panels are no longer generating energy - in other
words, when the sun is not out.
Note: Batteries are an optional component for your Solar PV System.

What are the main benefits of having a solar battery?

Energy Independence
If you are exceeding the amount of energy your solar panels are generating or tend to use a large
majority of power when the sun is not out, batteries will give you more energy independence.
The excess energy you generate during peak sun exposure hours, will be stored for your use as op-
posed to being sold back to the grid at a lower rate.

Avoiding the peak time utility costs

During peak energy consumption times, people pay higher rates to the grid. These times are typically
between 4pm-10pm. If you have a battery for your Solar PV System you will be able to rely on your own
stored energy as opposed to the grids, therefore avoiding paying higher utility rates.

For a battery to be useful and store excess power your current solar system must be generating more
energy than you are consuming daily.

Do I Need Batteries?
Whether you need batteries can be determined by your situation and system;

Off- Grid Solar PV System

If you are going to be off the grid and purchasing an Off- Grid Solar PV System, then yes. As discussed ear-
lier, if you have an Off-Grid Solar PV System, you will be relying purely on the energy you generate, with no
option of the grid to back you up, should you run out. This means storing your excess energy is vital, so you
have energy stored to use in hours that the sun is not out.

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Grid Connected Solar PV System

If you are connected to the grid, you have the option to also have battery backup or not.

If you are exporting more energy than you use, due to your high energy consumption times occurring out-
side of sunlight hours, batteries are a good way to keep that energy stored for when you have your highest
energy consumption. Due to lowered Feed in Tariff rates, your energy exported is worth less when sold to
the grid, than it is when using it yourself.

The cost to then also receive energy from the grid, during the hours your solar panels are not generating
energy is high (especially during 4pm-10pm).

If you’re undecided whether you need batteries and aren’t prepared to fork out the extra cost incase it’s
unnecessary, you can install you Solar PV System and then add a battery at a later date.

ROI For Battery

As discussed earlier adding a battery won’t necessarily benefit your current financial situation like a solar
system will. Today’s current prices (if your State does not offer subsidies or incentives for battery) could have
you looking at an expected return on investment in 15 years. As technology advances and batteries become
more accessible it is expected prices will drop, similar to how they have for solar systems.

Battery Ready System

A “true” battery ready Solar PV System is a system that is compatible to add battery storage should you re-
quire it in the future. This battery ready system usually comes with a hybrid inverter, instead of the standard
inverter, meaning it can convert both solar and battery power.

TIP: In the past your Solar PV System would have had to be battery-ready to add a battery
however, now batteries such as Sonnen, Tesla Powerwall 2, Senec and Enphase can be
added to any existing system regardless of the existing solar inverter.

INVERTER

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Feed in Tariff Rates

Feed in Tariffs (FIT)? Let’s call it what it is; the payment you receive from the excess power you don’t use,
generated by your solar system. This excess power gets sold back to the grid and appears on your bill as a
credit.

In the early days of solar energy FIT rates were much higher, meaning people were not only saving on their
power bills, but were making quite a substantial amount of $ on their excess power.

Just because this is no longer the case, does not mean solar is no longer worth it. In fact, solar systems cost
less now to install, then they have in the past. So, reliance on making some money on the side from excess
power is less of a priority.

FIT returns should be viewed as a bonus to your savings. You can see the current Feed-in Tariff Rates here:
https://www.solarmarket.com.au/learn/tariffs/

How To Read Your Power Bill Once You’ve Made The Switch

It’s important to note that your power bill doesn’t display the amount of the money you’ve saved by using
your Solar PV System. What it will show is the excess power and FIT return.

So how do you figure out how much you’ve saved?

Here’s a simple formula you can use, along with your power bill, to figure out your savings (or potential sav-
ings if you’re looking to switch!). Please note; rates will vary.

Units of Energy Generated** - Units Exported*** = Units Consumed****

Units Consumed X Cents***** = Hidden Savings (What you’re saving by using solar!)

** Units of energy generated by solar system

*** Units exported and not used that you sell back to the grid
**** Units of energy your home has used
***** The rate you would be charged per unit of electricity, if you weren’t using solar.

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Questions To Ask

Once you’ve decided to switch to solar, you’ll want to make sure you select the right solar provider and Solar
PV System, for your circumstances and property.

Here’s some tips of what to check for and ask!

About The Installer/Provider

Are the providers/installers accredited? Make sure you go with a Clean Energy Council Accredited
Installer, for reliability, quality and to be sure to receive the Federal Government Solar Rebate!

If they are accredited what are their previous customers saying? Check their reviews on sites like
TrustPilot, Product Review, Google and Facebook.

About The Solar PV System

Can the inverter take more panels if you’d like to increase the system size in the future?

Can you expand the system later?

What panel placement/direction will you be able to have with your roof?

What’s the warranty and life expectancy of this Solar PV System?

What are your battery options should you want to add battery storage in the future?

What is the expected return on investment for the solar system that has been quoted?

We could go on and on all day, because no question is a bad question! So, here’s an extended list of ques-
tions to ask and FAQs on our Solar Market Website here!

https://www.solarmarket.com.au/tips/questions-to-ask/
https://www.solarmarket.com.au/faqs/

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Solar Saving Tips

You’ve made the switch to solar and you’re saving, let’s maximise those savings with these tips!

Get on Top of Your Appliance Use

Use more energy during daylight hours, whilst your solar panels are generating energy by:

Using rechargeable appliances so you can charge during the day and use at night e.g. cordless vacuum

Setting timers on appliances, so that they run during the day e.g. washing machine

Having less appliances on at the same time e.g. run the dishwasher after the washing machine has finished

Turning appliances off at the wall when not in use, as the standby mode still uses energy

Wash clothes in cold water

Checking the seal on your fridge door, if it’s faulty your fridge will be using more energy to stay cool

Lighting
Switch to LED lighting in your home, and sensor lights outside.

Cooking
Invest in a slow cooker! Not only will you make some delicious dishes, but you will be optimising the energy
during the day and avoiding the use of an electric stove, which is high energy consuming!

Heating & Cooling

Air conditioner and heater- while the suns still out, set your aircon or heater on timers, to bring your home to your
desired temperature and then switch it off at night.

Check your windows and door seals- if they are faulty your homes air temperature will change, and you’ll find
yourself reaching for the aircon or heating remote again.

Use fans instead of air conditioning where possible

Invest in a Solar Battery

As mentioned before, a solar battery is an additional battery component to a solar system that becomes
charged from solar panels. This battery then stores that charge to be used later. The stored power can be
used when a homes’ solar panels are no longer generating energy – in other words, when the sun is not out.

Other Handy Tips

Insulate your home

Do an energy audit to see where your high energy use is coming from, so you can better manage your
consumption

Click here to find a local accredited Energy Assessor for a home energy audit.

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Solar Glossary

AC (Alternating Current) - A type of electrical current, where the current repeatedly changes direction. The power
your house consumes is 240 volts AC. This is also what the inverter converts the electricity your panels generates to
so that it can be used in your house by your appliances
Battery Cycle Life – The total number of power cycles that a battery can withstand before it ceases to perform.
Converter – A facility that literally converts one direct current to another.
DC – Direct current is the resulting form of energy created from your solar panels.
Discharge – The extraction of a battery’s electrical energy.
Energy Audit – An assessment of the total energy used in each home, with the intention of providing solutions for
reducing energy use.
Federal Government Solar Rebate – An incentive scheme in place where the Federal Government provides sub-
sidies to the payment of your Solar PV System. It entitles subsidies of up to 54%, of the cost of a Solar PV System when
purchasing for a home or property. Dependent on the size of your system, this could be up to $4,688 towards the cost
of your system.
Feed-in Tarriff – If your home or business has solar panels that feed power back to the grid, then there is a payment
for that energy. This is also known as a Solar Buy Back Scheme or a Solar Bonus Scheme. The feed in tariff you’ll re-
ceive per unit of energy varies depending on the state you’re in and the retailer you’re with.
Grid – Is a public electricity source where your unused electricity can go, or you can receive additional energy from.
Hybrid Solar System – An energy storage system that incorporates both the energy power created from solar panels
along with a connection to the grid. This combination will ensure that you will still have power during a blackout.
Inverter – A key element of solar system that converts piece of equipment in a solar system that converts DC elec-
tricity to AC electricity.
kW (Kilowatt) – A base unit of electricity, which is equal to the total amount of energy consumed at a rate of 1000
joules per second or equal to 1000 units.
kWh (Kilowatt Hours) – A measure of energy that equates to 1000 watts energising over the course of an hour.
PPA – A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is an financial arrangement that allows for a solar installation company to
install a solar PV system, domestic or commercial, for free and then selling you back the power generated at a lower
price than you would pay from your energy provider.
PV – Photovoltaic is the creation of energy by the collection of direct sunlight.
Solar Energy – The energy that is collected from the sun’s heat and light that using new technologies like solar heat-
ing and artificial photosynthesis.
Solar Energy – The energy that is collected from the sun’s heat and light that using new technologies like solar heat-
ing and artificial photosynthesis.
Solar System – Also known as a Solar PV System, is a made of several devices, working together to convert energy
harnessed from the sun into electricity. The devices include solar panels, an inverter and various mounts and cables.
Solar Panel – A unit that has been created with the specific intention of harnessing the sun’s rays as an alternate
source of energy.
Watt – Refers to the unit of electricity consumed by an appliance.

For a full list of solar glossary, visit https://www.solarmarket.com.au/glossary

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 solarmarket.com.au

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SOLAR POWER