The Quick Guide to Solar Panels

Could you elaborate?

• How do they work together?

  Solar panels capture sunlight, the inverter converts what your solar panels generate - known as direct current (DC) electricity - into what the electrical grid can use - known as alternating current (AC) electricity, and the metre is a simple device that allows the two to communicate.

  However, as the industry has evolved, more homes are opting for solar batteries as well to store their excess solar energy. This is because solar panels on their own are incapable of storing the energy they produce. We'll explain why that's a problem in a moment (because it wasn't a problem 10 years ago).

  Finally, while most metres are simple, it is possible to get a smart metre instead (Reposit is currently the only company to provide one in Australia - it's how we can guarantee you get no electricity bills if you install with us).

• What are solar panels?

  Solar panels are the iconic part you'll have seen on houses, especially if you live in a peripheral suburb like Clyde or Barrabool where solar panels feature on over 70% of dwellings! (The Australian Photovoltaic Institute) 

  So what are solar panels? Solar panels, also known as PV panels, are panels that consist of 60 or more solar cells. They are responsible for catching sunlight and converting it into electricity. 

  There are several different types of solar panels - including polycrystalline, monocrystalline, half-cut, regular and shingled. Each has a different set of advantages for different circumstances, such as when shade may intersect with your panels during the day. In the end, a good solar installation team will be able to deduce which panels will suit your housing arrangement on your behalf. Your primary objective should be to ensure you identify a solar installation business with a good track record of accountability, and who deals exclusively in a reputable Tier 1 solar panel brand. Due to the nature of technology and warranties, it is also important that your selected provider has a reliable Australian support team.

  To summarise, solar panel systems ensure the energy gets from the sun to your solar system. They enjoy a portion of the Victoria solar rebates all on their own, and they are the bare minimum required for any solar system.

  Quality solar panels will pay for themselves in the long-run.

   

  COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLAR PANELS:

   

  1. How Many Solar Panels Will I Need?

  This will depend on the size of your home and your household's energy usage, as well as the size of your solar panels and the sunlight availability in your area. Your roof's surface area will be a limiting factor, and certain roof designs can limit this further.

   

  2. Can All Roof Types Get Solar Panels?

  Yes! Solar panels can be installed on just about any roof type. The most common roof types in Melbourne include asphalt shingles, clay or concrete tiles, membrane and slate shingles, copper, and corrugated or long-run steel. The only effect this may have on your solar panel installation could be the process and mounting hardware required.

• What are solar batteries?

  Solar batteries are how you store power for future usage. Without them, you will resume paying for electricity the moment the sun sets. They are the only way to achieve complete freedom from power companies. 

  Surplus solar power will often be wasted during daytime hours if not stored, making a battery an efficient means to spread your power generation out. 

  As solar feed-in tariffs continue their downward trajectory, for many homes, solar panels without batteries will not achieve the savings or freedom from power companies homeowners aspire for.

• What are solar inverters?

  This is one of the most essential parts of any solar setup. It is the part responsible for converting what your solar panels generate - known as direct current (DC) electricity - into what the electrical grid can use - known as alternating current (AC) electricity.

  From a hardware standpoint, you'll have two variants - a small box known as a string inverter or several tiny boxes known as microinverters. If you opt for a string inverter, you'd need only one per solar system. If you opt for the microinverters, you will need one per solar panel instead.

  Inverters are an important choice because of the heavy-lifting they perform for your system. Not only are they in daily operation, but without them, your system would cease to function.

• What are Smart Controllers?

  Smart controllers are a premium addition to a solar power system for home use, currently leveraged by only a small handful of solar installers in Australia. Put simply, a smart controller is the brain of your renewable energy system that automates the energy trading process.

  Leveraging when and how to sell and buy energy from the grid can be time-intensive when done manually. While some people enjoy this past time, for others with limited time or interest it quickly becomes a chore. A smart controller can be setup to monitor your solar generation and dictate your electricity usage from the grid by calculating what will be most favourable to you. In essence, a smart system allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar power without the work. 

  We're proud to have been the first company in Australia to engineer a smart controller! It was one of the barriers we knew needed removing to help get people with limited time or care for that aspect onto their own renewable energy systems. We wrote a blog if you're interested to learn more about how it works.

Could you elaborate?

• Long or short term investment?

  The costs associated with installing solar power for your home will vary considerably depending on what you set out to achieve. For instance, you can aim to reduce your power bills and environmental impact but not offset them completely. This may yield a lessor payoff, but require fewer solar parts. Or you could aim to trade on the energy market to recoup your total energy costs and remove your impact on the environment completely.

  You could build for a short-term return on a low-cost system, or strive for the greater payoff on a larger, longer-term investment. Your circumstances will dictate which option you can afford to partake in. You should also always be cognisant of hidden costs - that is, if low-quality parts will be rendered obsolete and require replacing in 5 years time, they could work out to the same or more than higher-quality hardware that will endure well past the 25 year mark.

  Other factors that affect the cost of solar installation include labour costs, technology quality and components, the size of your home, your typical energy consumption, and rebates and subsidies available at the time.

  Many people who opt for more sophisticated solar systems are also eligible for financing options with low to no interest rates through "renewable energy" initiatives - designed for corporations and banks to give back towards sustainability.

Could you elaborate?

• What are the variables affecting how much I save?

  • Feed in tariffs (what you get paid for excess solar energy) and electricity costs (what you pay for taking energy from the grid) are the big factors. Next is getting the right solar system configuration for how much energy you use.
  • Configurations are either going to be:
  • Solar panels only
  • Solar panels and a solar battery
  • Solar panels, a solar battery and a smart controller

• What are feed in tariffs?

  Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) are government incentives that encourage the adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, by providing financial benefits to homeowners or businesses that generate electricity from renewable sources and feed the excess energy back into the grid.

  Here's how feed-in tariffs work:

  Electricity Generation: Homeowners or businesses with solar PV systems generate electricity from sunlight.

  Grid Connection: The electricity produced by the solar panels is first used to power the home or business where the system is installed. Any excess electricity not consumed on-site is fed back into the electricity grid.

  Feed-in Tariff Rate: The government or utility company pays the solar PV system owner a predetermined rate for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of surplus electricity exported to the grid. This rate is usually higher than the retail electricity rate and is set by the government or utility as an incentive to promote renewable energy generation.

  Bill Offset or Payment: The solar system owner's electricity bill is offset by the value of the exported electricity, reducing or eliminating their electricity costs. In some cases, if the generated electricity exceeds their consumption, they may receive payment from the utility for the surplus energy sent to the grid.

  Feed-in tariffs were widely adopted in various countries to stimulate the growth of renewable energy and promote clean energy generation. However, in some regions, feed-in tariffs have been gradually replaced or modified with other incentive mechanisms, such as net metering or time-of-use tariffs, which still aim to reward renewable energy producers but work differently in terms of payment and compensation.

• What are wholesale electricity costs?

  This is the thing that made government raise electricity prices by about 25% across the country on 1 July. It is the base cost of electricity which energy retailers (places like AGL, Origin, Alinta and so on) have to pay.

  It is driven up by international turbulence (like the war in Ukraine), natural resources decline, and general disruption to the affordable accessibility of coal. Policies enforcing environmental protection have also driven up costs as governments fight the ongoing impacts of climate change.

  Energy retailers are paying more for this right now, and they've been given the greenlight by governments to pass those costs on to you. However, it's worth noting that energy retailers are still making record profits this year and last, so don't feel too sorry for them.

Other questions:

• Can all properties get solar panels?

  In general, most properties are suitable for solar panels if they have enough unobstructed sunlight exposure and a structurally sound roof or ground area. However, there might be some exceptions, such as properties with heavy shading or those with historical preservation restrictions that limit solar panel installations. It's best to consult with a local solar installer to assess the feasibility of installing solar panels on your specific property.

• What should I look for in a solar panels installer?

  When choosing a solar panel installer, consider the following:

  • Experience and expertise: Look for companies with a proven track record and experience in solar installations.
  • Licensing and certifications: Ensure the installer is licensed and certified to perform solar installations in your area.
  • Customer reviews and references: Read reviews and seek references from previous customers to gauge the installer's reputation and customer satisfaction.
  • Warranty and support: Check the warranties offered for both the solar panels and the installation work.
  • Financing options: Inquire about financing options, if needed.

• What should I look for in my technology - is brand important?

  Brand is one of the factors to consider when choosing solar panels and other system components, as reputable brands often provide better quality, reliability, and performance. Look for well-established brands with a proven track record and good customer reviews. However, it's essential to balance brand reputation with other factors like efficiency, warranty, and cost to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget.

• How long do solar panels last?

  Most solar panels come with a warranty that guarantees their performance for 20 to 25 years. Batteries last around 10 years.

• When is the best time to get solar panels?

  The best time to get solar panels is when you are financially ready and have considered all the relevant factors for your property. Additionally, taking advantage of available solar incentives can make going solar more cost-effective. Since solar technology is continually improving, waiting for the latest advancements may not always be the best approach, as the cost savings from reduced energy bills can outweigh the incremental improvements in technology.

• Should I get a solar battery with my solar panels?

  Adding a solar battery to your solar panel system allows you to store excess energy produced during the day for use during times when the sun is not shining, such as at night or during power outages. Whether you should invest in a solar battery depends on your energy needs, local electricity rates, and the availability of net metering or other incentive programs. For users who spend over $2000 per annum a year on electricity, a battery is a no-brainer. If you spend less, the payback period may eclipse the battery's lifespan and provide less to no return.

• Will I have blackout protection?

  Having a solar panel system alone does not provide blackout protection. During a power outage, grid-tied solar panel systems automatically shut down to protect utility workers from working on live power lines. However, if you have a solar battery or a backup generator integrated with your solar system, you can have access to backup power during outages.

• Do you get smart solar systems? What are the advantages?

  Yes, smart solar systems incorporate advanced monitoring and control technologies that allow homeowners to track their energy production, consumption, and system performance in real-time. Some advantages of smart solar systems include:

  • Remote monitoring and management of the system's performance.
  • Early detection of issues or malfunctions, leading to quicker maintenance.
  • Optimization of energy usage for increased efficiency and cost savings.

  Integration with smart home devices for enhanced energy management.
  

• Are solar panels good for the environment?

  Yes, solar panels are considered an environmentally friendly energy source. They produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, reducing carbon footprints and air pollution. By generating clean energy from sunlight, solar panels help combat climate change and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.