Get in touch with Electrical Sensations - Toowoomba’s trusted experts in solar, battery storage, and electrical services. Use our contact form or call our friendly team to request a quote, book a service, or ask about energy solutions tailored to your home or business. Let's Chat Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any enquiries or need a quote for any of our services. If you are interested in a solar system or batteries, please fill out our solar enquiry form . You are also more than welcome to pop into our office and have a chat about solar with us during our office hours. Phone : (07) 4637 2744 Email : admin@electricalsensations.com.au Address : 57 Gipps Street, Drayton 4350 Office Hours 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm Friday Closed public holidays and weekends Keep up to date with us on social media below

Check out one of our favourite solar panel brands - REC. REC panels are manufactured in Singapore and are multi-awarded top quality products. Like what you’re hearing? Call us! REC Solar Panels Your home or business deserves a solar energy system that looks great and delivers strong power output in all conditions. REC’s premium Alpha Pure solar panels create the ideal solution for residential homes and commercial installations that deliver long-term reliability and high performance. Here are a few reasons why we proudly recommend REC Alpha Pure Solar Panels: Product quality beyond expectations, supported by stringent internal testing, third-party certifications and endorsements, and an industry-leading low claims rate. Irrefutable quality panels manufactured in Singapore Sustainable production, sustainable products Lead free construction Strength in numbers with more than 38 million REC panels installed around the globe Extended warranty; benefit from REC’s unique REC ProTrust Warranty package at no extra cost R EC products named a Top Performer in the PVEL Product Reliability Tests 7 years in a row REC’s combination of product quality, company reliability, and commitment to sustainability makes REC the ideal brand for your solar investment.

This privacy policy explains how Electrical Sensations handles your data and protects your privacy. Importantly we won't sell your data to an off-shore telemarketing company to call you every night when you site down to dinner. Our Privacy Policy Key Points to Remember: We only collect the personal information necessary for our services. We protect your data with reasonable security measures. You have the right to access and correct your personal information. Electrical Sensations ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and protect your personal information when you visit our website www.electricalsensations.com.au ("Website") and use our services. By using our Website, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy. 1. What Information We Collect. We collect the following types of personal information: Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number. Usage Data: Information about how you use our Website (e.g., pages viewed, links clicked). Cookies: Small data files used to improve your experience on our Website. 2. How We Use Your Information. We may use the information we collect for the following purposes: To provide and improve our services. To communicate with you (e.g., responding to inquiries or updates). To comply with legal obligations. To personalise your experience on our Website. 3. How We Share Your Information. We will not share your personal information with third parties, except in the following cases: To service providers who assist us in running our Website or business (e.g., web hosting, analytics). To comply with legal requirements (e.g., a court order). In the event of a business sale or merger, where your data may be transferred as part of the transaction. 4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies. We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our Website, analyze traffic, and offer personalised content. You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling cookies may affect some features of our Website. 5. How We Protect Your Information. We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, and unauthorized access. However, no data transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure, so we cannot ensure the security of your information. 6. Your Rights. You have the right to: Access the personal information we hold about you. Correct any inaccurate or incomplete information. Request that we delete your information (subject to legal restrictions). Opt out of marketing communications at any time. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [insert contact details]. 7. Third-Party Links. Our Website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any personal information. 8. Children’s Privacy. Our Website is not intended for children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us to have it removed. 9. Changes to This Privacy Policy. We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post any changes on this page, and the updated policy will be effective as of the date it is posted. 10. Contact Us. If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: Electrical Sensations Email: admin@electricalsensations.cm.au Phone: 07 4637 2744 Address: 57 Gipps St Drayton Qld 4350 Last Updated: 12 November 2024

A Microinverter (about the size of an A5 piece of paper) is installed on the back of, or beside each solar panel. They are usually used for more complex installations. Enphase Solar Inverters Enphase Microinverters offer the most advanced inverter technology on the market, which means higher production, greater reliability, and unmatched intelligence. Enphase manufactured the world’s first microinverter system in 2008. Since then, Enphase has grown exponentially and is widely considered the global leader in microinverter technology. Enphase prides itself on its innovative technology and the quality of its products. What makes Microinverters different from string inverters, is that because each solar panels is connected to its own Microinverter if one panel isn’t performing well, it does not affect the performance of other panels in the system. This means that in theory, the system will be more efficient and able to generate more electricity, in situations when part of the system may be shaded or something is blocking the sun from the panels (debris, leaves, dirt etc). Microinverters also allow you to individually monitor the panels. This can make troubleshooting, servicing and maintenance quick and easy. Here are a few reasons to use Enphase Solar Inverters: 36+ million microinverters shipped across the world 1,870+ employees worldwide 21 countries of operation Local office in Melbourne Founded in 2006 in California USA Enphase IQ 7A Microinverter The Enphase IQ 7A Microinverter is an intelligent, high-performing inverter that is installed beneath each solar panel. Suitable for both residential and commercial applications, the Enphase microinverter is a reliable solution for more complex installations. They can be installed with high powered 60-cell/120 half-cell and 72-cell/144 half-cell solar panels. Reliable: The IQ7A had gone through more than a million hours of testing High Power: Peak output power 366 VA Safer: Simple all-AC installation and built-in rapid shutdown compliant Quick install: A study commissioned by Enphase in September 2015 found that SolarEdge took 47% longer to install and SMA took 68% longer to install Warranty: 10 years IP67: Built to withstand the harsh Queensland sun MICRO IQ 7A BROCHURE →

SolarEdge Solar Panels | Electrical Sensations Toowoomba SolarEdge Solar Panels SolarEdge is a trusted brand that we recommend for our customers with more complex installations. In fact, SolarEdge is the second most common solar inverter installed globally. SolarEdge now has its own brand of solar panels with integrated power optimisers, called Smart Panels. Smart panels are a cost-effective solution for customers who want all the benefits of power optimisers, without having to deal with multiple different suppliers. Here are a few reasons to use SolarEdge Solar Panels: Lower Cost – Smart panels are more affordable compared to buying a premium solar panel and then adding power optimisers on Superior warranty – 25-year product warranty & 25-year performance warranty Performance – With integrated power optimisers and split cell technology, smart panels perform very well Quick Installation – There’s no need to mount the power optimiser separately Aesthetics – Improved curb appeal with elegant black-framed panel design SMART PANEL BROCHURE →

Read real testimonials from Toowoomba locals who’ve trusted us for solar, battery storage, and electrical services. Testimonials from happy Toowoomba clients. Play Video Play Video 00:31 Testimonial from Steve Play Video Play Video 01:01 Testimonial from Peter, Egmont Park Stud Play Video Play Video 00:45 Testimonial from Jim Hannah, Hannah's Toowoomba Play Video Play Video 00:49 Testimonial from Roger Play Video Play Video 00:39 Testimonial from Downlands School

Find answers to common questions about solar, battery storage, security systems and electrical services in Toowoomba. Learn about our installations, safety, warranties, and more. Frequently Asked Solar Questions. Solar FAQs Solar Are the installers employed by you or are they subcontracted? All of our solar installers and electricians are our direct employees, not sub-contractors. Having our own in-house team means we deliver consistent quality you can trust. Our employees share our company values, receive thorough training, and strive to build lasting relationships with customers. Unlike sub-contractors who juggle multiple companies, our team is fully dedicated to your satisfaction and upholding our reputation. Do you offer finance for solar systems? We can put you in touch with financiers BUT we don’t provide interest-free finance options. Some of our customers have used Plenti and Parker Lane for finance – both of which have (at the time of writing) specific loans for solar and battery installations. Our customers report that both Plenti and Parker Lane are easy to get along with and make the process simple. Some of the major banks are now offering specific green loans for solar as well. Electrical Sensations is not a licensed financier and can’t give advice on which financial products to use. We prefer to leave arranging finance to the finance experts and we stick to what we do best – installing quality solar, battery and electrical systems. How many systems have you installed? We've installed more than 1,800 new solar power systems on homes and businesses throughout Toowoomba & the Darlings Downs region. We've also upgraded or repaired many more. Will solar panels stand up to hail? The short answer is yes, unless the hail is very big - all solar panels are designed to withstand tough weather, including hail. Quality panels are built with tempered glass, which is strong enough to endure average hailstorms. All solar panels that are on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved products that can be installed in Australia, are tested to withstand hailstones of around 25 mm. While no system is completely indestructible, the chances of hail damaging your solar panels are low in the Toowoomba area. We always advise customers to add their solar power and battery system onto their home and contents insurance, just in case. What size solar system should I install? Short answer - it depends! The size of your solar PV system will depend on: • The physical unshaded roof area available for the installation of your panels. • How much your current electricity bills are. • Your future plans for electricity consumption e.g: EVs, extra air con, pool, spa. • How much you are prepared to spend. • What portion of your electricity consumption you wish to generate. • What size Ergon/Energex will allow you to install. To work out what size solar PV system you require, you need to understand your household’s daily electricity consumption. As a rough indication, on average, a typical Australian household uses around 20-30 kWh of electricity per day. Around 6kW of solar panels is a good fit for that amount of usage. That 6kW system will produce an average of around 20-22 kWh of electricity per day, which can cover a large portion of your electricity needs. Using your current average daily electricity consumption, as well as your expected FUTURE consumption, we can size a system to suit you. Sizing a solar power system should definitely not be a ‘one size fits all’ process. Our team of Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited solar designers can help work out what size system will suit you best. How much do your solar systems cost? Our standard 6.6kW solar systems for a home in Toowoomba, tin roof, single storey, single phase, start at around $8,500 depending on the brand of inverter and panels. Three phase premises, tile roof installations, switchboard upgrades, main cabling upgrades and tilt frame installations are potential extra costs that might apply. What is the lead time for a solar installation? For residential systems, the lead time is generally 2-6 weeks depending on: a) Ergon/Energex application turn around time. Smaller residential systems are generally approved quickly, while larger commercial systems take much longer to progress through the electricity authority. b) The availability of components - panels and inverters etc.. c) Weather. Rain, strong winds and blistering heat waves make solar installations unsafe and just not possible. d) Time of year - October till December is the busiest time of year for most solar installers The expected start date and duration for the installation will be clearly stated on the agreement that forms part of the pre-installation documentation. How long do solar systems last? It depends! The solar panels and power optimisers that we use are warranted by the manufacturer for 25 years. So, technically they will last 25 years – because if something was to go wrong before then, it would be replaced under warranty. Inverters on the other hand have a warranty period of 5-12 years (depending on the brand). We have seen systems that have lasted and been producing power for 22 years and cheap, poor-quality installs that haven’t even lasted 1 year. Can I add batteries to my pre-existing solar system? Yes, you can! There are a lot of factors to consider though... Firstly need to have enough panels to produce the extra power needed to charge the batteries, or enough space on the roof to add additional panels. You also need permission from Ergon/Energex and a suitable location for the batteries to be installed. There are ‘all-in-one’ solutions available, such as SonnenBatterie, Tesla PowerWall, Sigenergy and Redback that have the battery/batteries as well as the battery inverter in one enclosure/stack. There are a lot of details to get right when designing hybrid solar power systems. It isn’t as easy as grabbing any cheap batteries off eBay and hooking them up. If you're considering batteries, give us a call. We'll be more than happy to go through the options for batteries with you. How much is the solar 'rebate' (STC Financial Incentive)? It depends! The amount of the 'rebate' depends on the size of the solar system, date of installation and postcode of the installation address. The bigger the system, the more the rebate. At the moment, the ‘rebate’ works out to be roughly around $350 - $400per kW installed. This means the total rebate you receive off the cost of a solar system is approximately $2,100 - $2,300 for a 6.6 kW system. Under current legislation, the amount of the 'rebate' reduces on 1 January every year. Do you do off-grid solar systems? Yes! Nigel is qualified to install both on and off-grid solar and battery systems (Solar Accreditation Australia Lic no. S2079911). There is a LOT to designing an off-grid solar power system to suit your specific requirements. The systems and products that we install are designed for whole home power, not 'micro' systems that will run a light and a power point (for example) only. What warranties do your solar systems come with? Solar panels • REC Alpha Pure & TwinPeak 4: 25 years product and performance warranty • SolarEdge Smart Panels: 25 years product and performance warranty Inverters • SMA: 10 years parts & labour • Fronius: 5 years labour/10 years parts • SolarEdge Optimisers: 25 years product warranty • SolarEdge Inverters: 12 products years • Enphase Microinverters: 10 years product warranty • Selectronic (for off-grid systems): 10 years product warranty Workmanship Guarantee If any defect in our workmanship becomes apparent within 5 years for solar and battery installations, and 1 year for other electrical work, we will remedy it. Can I still put panels on if I don't have a north facing roof? Absolutely! In fact, in some cases, east/west facing panels match the owner’s electricity usage better than a north-facing system. If you have the typical morning and afternoon spikes in usage, east/west systems can be preferable to a fully north-facing system. If I install solar, will I still get an electricity bill? There is no denying that getting solar can save you big bucks on your electricity bills, but will it completely wipe it out? The truth is probably not. While it’s possible, very few solar system owners completely eliminate their electricity bills anymore (unless they have batteries/off-grid). Here’s why: 1. Solar only works when the sun is shining. All of the electricity you use at night, you have to buy from Ergon/Energex (unless you have batteries). 2. Over time, electricity prices have risen and the feed-in tariff has reduced. With the current Ergon feed-in tariffs, you pay around 3 times more for the power you buy from Ergon than what they pay you for any surplus that is sold back. 3. Ergon/Energex also charge a daily connection fee which is quite substantial. How often should I clean my panels? Over time dirt, debris and dust can build up on your solar panels, creating a barrier that prevents the sun from reaching the solar panels. How often your panels need a clean depends on where you live and how dirty they get. If you are in town and your panels are on the pitch (not flat) then a clean every 6-12 months is usually enough. If you live on a dirt road, near paddocks or a construction site, have lots of trees or birds or bats, they will need more regular cleaning. Some may need a clean every couple of months, while others can get away with cleaning every 3-6 months or so. These times are only a guide – it really does just depend on how dirty your panels are. What does grid connected mean? Grid-connected means that the solar power system is connected to the electricity grid (the Ergon/Energex network) that currently supplies you with power. At night time and in periods of inclement weather, you will be buying power from your electricity supplier if your solar power system is not producing enough power to meet your consumption. Will my solar system work if there's a blackout? No. Unless you have batteries, your standard grid-tied solar power system will not operate during a blackout or power outage situation for safety reasons. The systems are designed to shut down the instant there is a power outage or blackout, to prevent back-feeding electricity into the grid, which could endanger Ergon/Energex workers. If you have a battery storage system integrated with your solar panels, your setup can continue to provide power to your home during a blackout. The battery storage will take over, supplying you with electricity from the stored solar energy. We can install battery backup solutions that keep your lights on even when the grid is down, providing you with reliable power and peace of mind. Reach out if you'd like more information or to discuss the best backup options for you. How do I maintain my solar system? Does it need to be serviced? Maintaining your solar system is important to ensure its long-term efficiency and performance and your savings. We recommend a few key steps for maintaining your solar system: 1. **Regular Inspections:** Periodically inspect your solar panels for any dirt, debris, or obstructions like leaves and bird droppings. Cleaning the panels with water and a soft brush typically fixes those issues. Avoid using a pressure washer (such as a Gernie), abrasive materials (such as steel cool or scourers) or harsh chemicals that could damage the panels. 2. **Monitor Performance:** Keep an eye on your system's performance through your inverter screen or the monitoring software portal or app. Look for any significant drops in energy production, and faults or errors which could indicate a need for maintenance. 3. **Shade Management:** Ensure that no new shadows or obstructions, like growing trees or newly erected structures, are affecting your panels' exposure to sunlight. 4. **Professional Servicing:** While solar systems are generally low-maintenance, it is advisable to have a professional service your system every year or so. Our team can check for potential issues such as loose connections, degradation, or wear and tear, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance and professional servicing not only extend the lifespan of your solar system but also maximize your return on investment. Contact Electrical Sensations to schedule an inspection or service and keep your solar system running smoothly. Should I put in a solar hot water system as well as solar power system? While we totally support the installation of solar power systems, we believe the high up front cost of dedicated solar hot water systems is just too high for many home owners. A high-quality solar hot water system can easily cost more than $5,000, while an electric hot water system has a significantly lower upfront cost - typically around $2,000 - $3,000. By installing a timer for an electric hot water system and connecting it to the same tariff as your solar power system, you can achieve almost the same savings as with a dedicated solar hot water system—not quite, but almost! The cost saving from choosing an electric hot water system and a timer compared to a dedicated solar hot water system is huge. Can I wipe my electricity bill out if I install solar? Installing a solar power system will significantly reduce your electricity bills, but is not likely to completely eliminate them. Factors influencing the resultant savings from the installation of a solar power system include the size of the system, quality of components and and critically your household's energy consumption - in terms of both total usage and time of usage. For example, if you use most of your power through the night time, a solar power system won't save you much money off your power bills. However, if you can and WILL use as much of your power as possible through the day time, you'll save a whole lot more money off your power bills. If you have the choice of using an appliance through the day time of the night time, do it through the day time, while the sun is shining and the solar is producing. Similarly, we advise you to stagger your electricity usage if you can. A solar power system can only produce so much power at any one time, so if you use a lot of high-draw appliances at the same time (such as oven, dishwasher, microwave, iron, cooktop) the solar won't be producing you enough power and you'll be buying a large portion of your usage. Though some customers do achieve a zero electricity bill, they are absolutely the exception rather than the rule. Our team provides thorough assessments and tailored advice to help you understand the benefits and realistic outcomes of solar installation. What does export-limiting mean for my solar system in Queensland? Export-limiting is when the electricity provider (Ergon or Energex in Queensland) impose limits on the amount of electricity your solar system is allowed to send back to the grid. In Queensland, this is particularly relevant due to grid capacity limitations, aging infrastructure and the high saturation of grid-connected solar power systems. Even if your solar system produces a large amount of electricity, the amount that can be exported back to the grid might be capped at a specific level, such as 5 kW, to maintain grid stability. Export limiting (or dynamic control of export) is necessary for solar power systems with inverters greater than 5kW on single phase premises and greater than 15kW on three phase premises. In some areas though, it's possible that the export level stipulated by Ergon/Energex may be even lower than 5kW per phase. It's important to understand that when you have a grid-connected solar power system installed, you USE the solar production FIRST. If you need more it just comes seamlessly from the grid. If you're producing more than what you're using, it goes back to the grid, up to whatever level Ergon/Energex will allow. At Electrical Sensations, we ensure that your solar system complies with all Ergon/Energex regulations. By understanding and playing by the rules, we help you maximize the benefits from your solar investment while keeping Ergon happy. Why do you recommend more panels than the inverter size? Won't that damage the inverter? Solar inverter have a specific "AC rated capacity" e.g: 5kW but can handle more panels without issues, up to their design limits. Having more panels than the inverter size is known as "oversizing" or "over-clocking" the system, Most inverters installed in Australia are designed to take panels that are up to 133% of the inverter capacity. For example a 10kW inverter can handle up to 13.33kW of panels and a 5kW inverter can handle up to 6.67kW of panels. The Clean Energy Council and electricity supplier (Ergon/Energex) rules allow panels of up to 133% of the inverter capacity for standard grid-connected solar power systems. If you have batteries, some inverters can handle up to 200% panel capacity and that configuration is also approved by the CEC and the electricity suppliers. Why do it? In reality, solar panels will rarely producing their maximum power because conditions are rarely ideal. During early-mid mornings, mid-late afternoons, cloudy days and certain seasons, the energy production from the panels may be lower than the inverter’s maximum capacity. Installing a larger array (more panels) allows you to generate more power during the non-ideal times. Oversizing is a cost-effective strategy to ensure you get the most out of your solar investment. Inverters are designed to take more panel input than the inverter capacity and there is no additional wear and tear on the inverter. Oversizing does not shorten the life of a the solar system and in fact, the vast majority of solar systems installed have more panels installed than the inverter capacity. It is acceptable, approved and very much "the norm". All solar panels made in China are the same aren't they? No! Not all solar panels are the same - there can be a world of difference between them. A common myth (or story shared by some solar salespeople) is that "all Chinese solar panels are the same," but this simply isn't true! While it's true that China is a major producer of solar panels, there's a huge range of quality across different brands and manufacturers. Just like with any product, the quality of solar panels varies greatly based on the quality of the component materials, the manufacturing process, the technology behind them and the specs they are manufactured to. Many reputable Chinese manufacturers (and there are HUNDREDS of them) use the latest advancements in solar technology, ensuring high efficiency, durability, and long lifespans. On the other hand, some cheaper, lower-quality panels seem to have corners cut which leads to poor performance and a shorter lifespan. Top Chinese brands, like Sumec Phono and Aiko, SunPower are known for producing reliable, high-performance panels that are widely used around the world. These brands invest heavily in research and development to create panels that deliver strong energy output, even in the harsh Australian environment. They also offer warranties typically around 25-30 years to back up their products. When choosing solar panels, it's important to focus on the brand's reputation, the technology used, and the warranty offered, rather than assuming all panels from a specific country are the same. Take a look at our blog in the NEWS tab of the website for more information.