FAQs

  • Getting Solar
  • How it works
  • The Equipment
  • The Environment
  • Government Rebates

    • GETTING SOLAR

    What are the eligibility requirements?
    Assistance under the Solar Credit Scheme and entitlement to Small Technology Certificates (STC’s) is available to all businesses and residential properties except those that received assistance under the previous $8000 Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP).

    For more information, go to www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/renewable-target/need-ret/solar-credits-faq.aspx

    Do I need planning approval?
    If your property is heritage listed you will need to attain planning approval. If you live in a complex governed by a strata agreement, you will need approval from the body corporate.

    What if I have a flat or low pitched roof?
    Systems can either be installed on flat roof or tilting frames can be installed at an extra expense. We recommend a slight pitch to allow for water runoff and self cleaning.

    What size system will I need to run my home?
    The size of system you will install depends on several factors. These include:

    • How many panels will fit on your roof.
    • Your budget.
    • Your needs, a smaller system may be enough to offset your whole bill.
    • Your future plans, if you intend on starting a family and staying in the house long term, go bigger.

    How long does installation take?

    • 1.5kW – 3-4 hours
    • 3kW – 1 day
    • 5kW – 1 days

    Once I have signed up, what’s the process?
    Once you have decided on the system you would like installed, we will contact your energy provider and obtain authorisation to have the system installed. Once approval has been granted, we will arrange an installation date with you, usually within 2-4 weeks. We will also send you a pack containing your invoice and paperwork to sign up to the Feed in Tariff.

    HOW IT WORKS

    What is a solar energy system and how does it work?
    YYour solar system works by converting light from the sun into energy which you can use in your home or export to the grid. Panels on your roof generate DC (Direct Current) Electricity, this is fed into an inverter which converts the DC electricity into 240 volt AC (Alternating Current) Electricity which can be used in your home.

    What does a typical home solar power system consist of?
    A typical grid connected solar energy system consists of the following components:

    • Panels - The panels convert sunlight into DC electricity and then feed this electricity to the inverter.
    • Inverter – The inverter converts the electricity produced by your panels from DC electricity to AC electricity which is what your appliances use. The inverter also records the electricity produced and on some models, can communicate with your computer.
    • Bi–directional meter –Your meter records energy drawn from and sent back to the grid.
    • Mounting System – This is what connects your system to the roof.

    Do I still need electricity from the grid?
    Yes. Your solar system generates electricity during peak daylight hours. Any electricity produced during this time that is not consumed will be sold back to the grid. During the night when your solar system is not working, you will draw electricity from the grid.

    What happens on cloudy days?
    Your system will still produce electricity during cloudy days however production will be less than on sunny days.

    If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system? Yes. Additional panels may be added to existing systems where a larger inverter has been installed. Where a larger system is required that is not supported by the existing inverter, an additional inverter can be installed next to the existing one.

    What can affect the amount of solar energy generated?
    The amount of energy produced by the solar system depends on the following factors:

    • Panel Orientation –A system facing due east or due west will produce around 15% less than one facing due north. Infinite Energy does not install systems on roofs facing south of east or west.
    • Roof Pitch –A 30 degree pitch is optimal however you will only lose around 1% production for every 5 degree deviation from this.
    • Weather – How many clear or cloudy days are experienced in your area. Australian cities are some of the best cities on earth for solar with Perth being among the best in Australia.
    • System Capacity – The larger the system, the more energy will be produced.
    • Shading – Solar systems hate shade, small amounts of shade during 9am – 3pm can have a dramatic effect on production. Shading outside of these hours in certain circumstances is acceptable however it’s best for us to complete a shade analysis if you have any doubts.

    Will installation of this system mean that I will no longer get an electricity bill?
    You will continue to receive a bill / statement from your energy retailer. If the value of the electricity you have generated and sold back to the grid during the billing period exceeds the value of the electricity drawn from the grid (at around 20c/unit), then you will receive a credit balance on your statement. Synergy and Horizon periodically send cheques out for the value of credits.

    Will my solar PV panels provide me with electricity during a black out?
    No. Once the voltage in the grid drops below a certain level, your inverter will shut down until the grid is back up and running. This is a requirement as Western Power line workers could be electrocuted if you send electricity back to the grid whilst they are working.

    THE EQUIPMENT

    How long will my grid connect solar power system last?
    Suntech, Conergy and Q-cell panels carry a performance guarantee of 25 years and SMA and Aurora inverters are covered for 5 years as standard. You can expect the system to run for the life of the building.

    Is the system installed by qualified electricians?
    Yes, our expert installers are qualified licensed electricians accredited by the Clean Energy Council of Australia for the design and installation of your system. For more information, go to www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au

    Is there any system maintenance involved?
    There is minimal system maintenance required over the life of the system. You may be required to hose down the panels from time to time to remove dirt. The panels will self clean when it rains. Businesses have emerged which will complete a panel clean for a small fee.

    Can I insure my system?
    Yes. The system can be covered under home and contents insurance. Contact your insurer for further details.

    Do I need a new meter?
    If you have an old spinning disc meter, you will require a new bi-directional meter. Ask one of our sales consultants for the procedures involved and rates to change your meter in your state.

    THE ENVIRONMENT

    How will I be benefitting the environment?
    Producing energy via a solar energy system helps the environment by reducing the need to burn carbon emitting fossil fuels such as coal and gas.

    GOVERNMENT REBATES

    Both the State and Federal Government provide 2 forms of assistance when installing a solar system.

    1. A rebate when you purchase the system, which comes off the price of the system.
    2. The purchase of the power you don’t use during the day.

    Assistance purchasing the system
    When you install a solar system, you generate what are called Small Technology Certificates (STC’s) or what were formally called Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). You will receive 1 STC for every Megawatt of energy your system is expected to produce over the next 15 years.

    A 1.5 kW system (approx 8 panels) will produce around 31mW worth of electricity over a 15-year period so you are entitled to 31 STC’s, which currently trade for around $30 each. This means you receive $900 in assistance when you purchase a 1.5kW system.

    The Federal Government has also introduced the STC multiplier, which entitles you to 3 times this amount of STC’s for your first 1.5kW worth of system up until July 1st 2012. After this date, the multiplier will reduce by 1 multiple each year until 2013 when it’s withdrawn.

    This means that the government commits around $2700 for your first 1.5kW worth of system and then $600 for every kW after that.

    Selling your excess power – Paid by your electricity retailer.
    Your energy provider will buy back whatever energy you don’t use.

    Synergy and Horizon currently pay 7c for every kW of energy you send back to the grid for a period of 10 years from when the system is installed.

    This means that you will reduce your electricity bills, plus, depending on the size of the system you purchase and the amount of electricity you’re able to export, you may receive a credit on your bill.