Learn About The Basics Of Solar Power

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Q: So, you’re considering installing a solar system on your property.

In most instances, this is a great idea but it may not be in your situation.

If you answer yes to the following questions, then solar is worth it.

  • Do you own your home?
  • Do you plan on being in the home for at least the next 3 years?
  • Do you have room on your roof for at least 8 solar panels?
  • Does your roof get sufficient sunlight during a good portion of the day?

If you answered YES to all of the questions above, you can move to the next set of questions that you’ll need to answer.

  1. What size system should I choose?
  2. What’s the out of pocket price of the system?
  3. How much will the government contribute to the cost of my system?
  4. What’s the feed in tariff in my state?
  5. Given the feed in tariff in my state, what’s the best time of day to use my power?
  6. How long will my system take to pay for itself?
  7. What’s the return on my initial investment?
  8. What factors will affect the performance of my system?
  9. How do I know if an installer’s credible or not?
  10. How do I choose good quality components at a good price?

We’ll help you answer these and many more questions over the coming pages

Where in your solar journey are you?

Download Your FREE Beginner’s Guide To Solar Power!

Beginners Guide to Solar Power

If you’re considering solar for your property or just looking to maximise the savings for your solar system, download a FREE copy of our "Beginner’s Guide To Solar Power".

Become an expert and better understand the ins and outs of solar power and solar PV systems for your property.

Includes detailed explanations and diagrams of the various types of solar systems and their parts, solar battery storage systems, Government incentives, expected ROI periods, finance, energy saving tips and more!

Download Your Free Copy Now!
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Understanding Batteries

Off-Grid Systems

For some households a battery system can be of great benefit and minimise a home’s reliance on the grid. However, it’s important to understand for a battery to be useful your solar system needs to be generating excess energy for the battery to store, which you can then use at night or when the sun is not out.

When selecting a battery, you’ll want to invest in a system that is most suited to your home and can drive the best return on investment (ROI). Despite a larger upfront cost, a higher quality battery may significantly increase your ROI.

    Battery systems start from $6,000 and costs can vary greatly based on the following factors:

  1. Cycle Life-Time

    The number of times a battery can fully charge and discharge.

  2. Battery Power (kW)

    How fast it can be charged or discharged.

  3. Storage Capacity (kWh)

    The maximum amount of energy a battery system can store.

  4. Battery Management System (BMS)

    An electronic ‘smart’ system that gathers data and manages the battery ensuring it does not overload or operate outside of its safe functioning zone..

  5. Inverter

    Battery systems require their own inverter if your solar system does not have a hybrid inverter.

  6. 'All-In-One Unit’

    A system which includes the battery, BMS and an inverter all in one unit.

  7. Warranty

    Length of time or cycles the battery system is under guarantee.

  8. Blackout Protection/Backup

    It’s important to note this is not a common feature of a battery system and could cost thousands of dollars to include. Blackout protection not only requires additional components but also a specialised installation and rewiring. For grid-connected homes, the cost for blackout protection can outweigh the benefit.

Additionally, if your purpose for adding battery is to go Off-Grid and become completely independent from the grid you will need to ensure your solar system can generate enough energy to power your home and your battery system is large enough to store this energy. For homes in metro areas going Off-grid is not cost effective and is only recommended for those in remote areas with limited access to the grid. Off-grid solar systems with battery start at approximately $30,000.