Frequently asked questions

+ How can solar generation reduce my electricity bills?

Instead of purchasing all your electricity from your retailer, you can use the energy you generate from your own solar system and only purchase extra electricity if you need it. In Australia electricity produced though your solar system is either used instantaneously in the home, office or business or exported back to the power company. This exported power will earn you a credit based on the feed-in-tariff the power company are offering. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

+ Will I need to have a net meter or a smart meter installed?

With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Traditional electricity meters can only measure electricity that flows one way, from the grid into your house. Solar meters, however are bi-directional, which means they can also measure the electricity that your home exports to the grid. If you have an old meter, then you will need to upgrade to a smart meter. If you already have a smart meter, then it will need to be configured so that it can measure the power you export. We will organise for the solar meter to be installed once the solar panels have been, so that it is hassle free for you.

+ How much can I expect to save on my electricity bill with a solar PV system?

That depends on a range of factors, including the size, quality and site of your system, how you use electricity, the weather and any feed-in tariff paid by your retailer. Your installer can advise you on the expected output of a particular model and size of system. If you have a typical electricity account on hand and you know the time of day you typically use your electricity it will help your installer match the system to your needs.

According to estimates from the Clean Energy Council, an average 2-kilowatt system installed in Sydney will generate around 7.8 kilowatt hours per day, which is around 2847 kilowatt hours per year. This is almost 40% of the average household consumption, which could mean big savings on your electricity bill.

+ How much does a solar PV system cost?

There are a range of prices for different PV systems, the price mostly depends on your location, as well as the size of system you’re looking to install – the larger the system, the more expensive it will be. While a solar system can seem expensive, it will still work out to be a profitable long-term investment. In most situations, your solar system will eventually pay for itself with the savings it generates. How long this will take depends on a range of factors, including household energy usage, solar system size, cost and the weather.

+ What is a feed-in tariff and why is the feed-in tariff lower than the price I pay for electricity?

A solar feed-in tariff is a payment you get for the excess electricity produced by your system, which is fed back into the grid. The rate is set per kilowatt hour (kWh) and the amount paid varies between retailers. Each year, IPART, an independent regulator in NSW, sets a benchmark rate. For 2020/21, it is 6.0 to 7.3 cents per kWh. The benchmark range is a guide for retailers, and they are not required to follow it. Competition encourages retailers to offer fair and cost-reflective solar feed-in tariffs. Some retailers pay customers more than the benchmark range while others pay less. It is important to consider offers as a whole and not just the solar feed-in tariff portion.

The reason the benchmark range for feed-in tariffs is lower than the amount charged for electricity by retailers is because it excludes the significant distribution costs of delivering electricity via the network ‘poles and wires’. It also excludes the costs of retail services such as account administration, metering and billing, and the cost of various Government green schemes such as the Climate Change Fund and the Energy Savings Scheme. These are all services that together make up the retail price of electricity charged to customers, which are not provided by the owners of a solar generator.

+ Can I add more panels to make my system bigger in the future?

Yes! With Enphase microinverters, you can easily add more panels in the future as each panel has its own inverter.

+ I don’t have a big budget - do I have options for solar?

We try to cater for all budgets! We have different options available with panels and inverters that are cost effective and still great quality.

+ How long does it take from getting a quote to install?

Generally around 4 weeks. We do try to make turn around times as short as possible.

+ We’re not sure solar is right for us, what are the options?

Solar is not one size fits all. We will custom design a system that suits you and your needs. We know solar is a big investment, so we want you to get the best out of your system. Kirk and Chad are happy to discuss different options for your needs.

+ Why shouldn’t I use a door knocker or phone salesman offering much cheaper systems?

Simply, you get what you pay for! When your system stops working or isn’t producing what is should who is going to come and fix it? Always get a local quote for comparison. Are the products they are selling as good as they claim?

+ How long until my system pays itself off?

It all depends on the quality of the products being installed. Approximate payback period: Base range = 3-4 years, Top range = 5-6 years