Making sure that your solar power system is designed and installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia, formerly Clean Energy Council (CEC), accredited installer will ensure the performance and longevity of your investment. SAA accredited installers and designers undergo significant training and must follow strict quality standards and procedures. However, not all ‘installers’ are SAA accredited nor do all installers care about you or the quality of the system that they are selling you… Here are 12 rules that your installer should follow to ensure you are getting a quality system.  1 – Panels should NOT be hanging over the ridges or gutters of your roof Most solar mounting manufacturers do not allow the panels to be installed over the ridge and gutters and the very few that do, require extra mounting points and independent engineering approval for that specific building. Having the panels mounted incorrectly over the gutters and edges can weaken your roof, affect the structural integrity of the panels and void the panel manufacturer’s warranty.   A SAA accredited designer should be able to provide information about the type of mounting system that will be utilised in the installation.  2 – All frames need to be engineer approved If your installer is using a frame that hasn’t been engineered approved you can run into a variety of issues, including: Increased pressure on the panels, can affect their structural integrity. Increased risk of the panels and/or roof being ripped in gusts of wind.  The majority of the solar mounting frames that SAA accredited installers supply already come with engineering approval and specific installation instructions. However, if you have made one yourself, bought one second hand or have been supplied one without engineering approval, you will have to get an engineer to approve, and potentially redesign the frame – this process can be very costly. 3 – The panels need to be installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions Every solar panel manufacturer (for example REC , Phono, SunPower, Aiko) have different installation instructions that need to be followed by the installers. These instructions outline how to safely mount the panels, including clamping zones (how far from the ends of the panel the clamps can go).   If these instructions are not followed by your installer, your warranty may be voided which could leave you in a world of hurt if you need to call on that warranty in the future. Your accredited installer should be able to provide you with this documentation on request. 4 – A SAA accredited installer must be present on site It’s easy for a company to claim that their systems are  ‘installed by a SAA accredited installer’ ,  BUT  what many people don’t realise is that the licensed installer who signs off on the installation needs to be physically on-site. Not just at the job set-up (beginning), but also mid-installation (during), and testing and commissioning (end). As the homeowner, you should be asking to see the SAA accredited installers license on the day of installation. If the system is installed without the licensed person on site, you run the risk of  NOT being eligible to claim Small-scale Technology Certificates ( STCs AKA the ‘government rebate’ )  meaning your system cost would be much higher. 5 – All people working on the roof should be trained in height safety It may seem like common sense, but not all companies take the time and effort to properly train their employees, who work on the roof, in height safety. For example, at Electrical Sensations,  W orking Safely at Heights training is mandatory for every worker who steps foot on a roof.  Do some research on your installers. Find out what certifications/qualifications they have – if they haven’t done any height safety training, this is a definite red flag. The last thing you want is for an accident to happen at your own house…  6 – The inverter must be installed with the correct clearance Similarly to the panels, every inverter manufacturer has a list of rules that the installer has to follow; one of these is the clearance around the inverter. Having the recommended clearance ensure adequate heat dissipation and  prevents it from overheating and failing – or worse, catching fire.  This is why it’s super important to check these details with your installer. For example, the SMA Sunny Boy Inverters require a minimum of 100mm on either side, 300mm above, 500mm below and 50mm in front, as seen below. 7 – All the cabling should be supported and installed correctly There are different cabling rules for each system: Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC). In a DC system, the conduit has to be compliantly installed and adequately supported. For example, glued, secured and labelled. Heavy Duty (HD) conduit should be used for optimal protection. Having your cable installed and labelled correctly prevents damage from rodents as well as accidental damage/removal. For an AC system, the cabling may not need to be in conduit but has to be installed correctly according to the AS3000 (electrical wiring rules). 8 – Not all inverters can be installed outside – Check your inverter! While most inverters are okay to be installed outside, some are not. Some inverters are just not built to withstand the Australian outdoor climate and need to be installed undercover, for example, inside the garage. Most inverter manufacturers also suggest that the inverters be installed out of the direct sun. This often means that they should not be installed on the north or west exterior walls of a house unless there is some sort of shading. To check if your inverter can be installed outside or not, you need to look at the  IP rating . The IP (Ingress Protection mark) rating indicates how well the inverter seals to prevent water, dust and other foreign particle ingress. A higher IP rating indicates that it’s more suitable to be installed outside. However, keep in mind that even though it has a high IP rating, if it is not installed correctly, this will greatly affect the longevity of the inverter. 9 – All cabelling through the roof should go through DekTites or similar leak protection materials DekTites (as pictured below, left) are used to protect against leaks and water damage in both tile and tin roofs. They stretch over the penetration through your roof and seal tight – preventing water from getting inside . They may be small, but they are mighty – withstanding temperatures between -50°C to 200°C! That’s something that standard liquid silicon sealant can’t compete with! 10 – Any conduit exposed to the sun should be UV rated The Australian sun can be very harsh, so all equipment installed exposed to the sun should be UV-rated. UV rated simply means that the conduit is protected from UV rays. UV-rated conduit can last 100+ years, however, if you use NON-UV rated conduit they can start to degrade the first year! Having your installer use high quality, UV rated conduit will prevent it from becoming brittle, breaking down over the years and creating a multitude of issues. If the conduit were to fail, moisture could enter, creating a potentially hazardous situation for you and your property. Some of these dangers include: creating a fire, water ingress into buildings and other water damage to the building. 11 – The direction of the panels should be personalised Three main things need to be considered when deciding the direction of your panels: when you consume the most electricity, shading and the physical size and design of your house. While panels installed facing north will usually produce the most kWh of power per day, installing panels in other directions may be more beneficial for your specific energy needs. For example, for people who use a lot of their power in the afternoon and some in the morning, installing a system with panels facing west (produce later in the day) and some east (produce in the morning) would be more beneficial than a north facing system. Shade is also another thing that needs to be considered and can majorly impact the efficiency of the system. No matter what inverter, optimizer or microinverter you have installed, shade should always be avoided. The location, physical size and design of your roof is a major factor in deciding what direction the panels should be installed.  12 – Panels should be transported safely If transporting the solar panels by truck, trailer, etc, panels should be strapped down securely to avoid movement and possibly breaking the glass. Panels can typically be transported on pallets IF packed and secured adequately. Over-stacking can add stress to the module and cause the panels to break and should be avoided – most panel manufacturers do not recommend stacking more than 2 pallets on top of each other. #SolarAustraliaAccreditedInstaller #rulesforsolarinstallers #Solarpowersystem #solaraccreditationAustralia#repairsolarpower #toowoombasolar #toowoombasolarpower About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

Inverters are an essential component of any solar power system. The inverter's basic function is to invert Direct Current (DC) from the solar panels, into Alternating Current (AC) that can be used to operate your household appliances. The excess electricity that is not used in your home is then fed into the grid or stored in a solar battery (if you have batteries installed – this is a whole other topic that will be covered in a later article). With inverters being the main point of failure in most faulty systems, you must be getting a dependable, quality inverter. Two main types of inverters are used in residential solar, Micro-Inverters and regular, string inverters. Each with its benefits and downfalls. Here’s how electricity flows through a standard solar panel  A standard solar panel has 60 cells. The electrical current passes through each of these cells before it exits the panel, as shown in the pictures below by the red path. The blue lines at the bottom of the panel represent diodes. Most panels have three diodes. When one of the cells is shaded or has debris/leaves on it, the diodes provide an alternative path for the electricity to ‘bypass’ the shaded cell. This process, known as  bypass diode , is shown in the last two pictures below. As a result, the solar panel’s voltage and power output will be reduced by one-third in this case. The purpose of this is to allow the affected panel to still produce electricity, rather than the entire panel producing nothing at all. This information becomes important when comparing string and micro-inverters, in terms of output and efficiency. String Inverters For example, SMA & Fronius A string inverter (about the size of a briefcase) is installed on a wall and all the solar panels connect to it. For residential solar, typically only one string inverter is needed per system. If your panels have little to no shading and do not face multiple different directions, a string inverter system is a cost-effective, proven solution. But what is a ‘string’? What does it mean? A string is a group of solar panels that are connected in a series. The current flows through a path that goes through all of the panels. However, this means that if something is restricting the current in one panel, all of the panels in that string will also be restricted. Therefore, if one panel is shaded/dirty and is only operating at 66.6% (2/3 capacity), the output of all of the other panels will be reduced (as seen below). If shading is not an issue on your roof and your panels are positioned ideally for solar, output reduction is typically not a major concern. In this case, a string inverter is a reliable, durable and affordable solution. Saying that string inverters are evolving and starting to incorporate new technology to reduce the effects of shading. For example, SMA Sunny Boy Inverters now include built in ‘ShadeFix’ technology.  SMA ShadeFix is a software-based shade management system that increases the energy production of a solar power system under light to medium shading conditions. If you have a little bit of shade, this can be a very effective solution without having to pay for Micro-Inverters. Micro-Inverters For example, Enphase MicroInverter (about the size of an A5 piece of paper) is installed on the back of, or beside each solar panel. This means that usually, the number of solar panels = the number of microinverters needed. Micro-inverters are usually used for more complex installations, where there may be partial shading, tilted panels at various angles and/or panels facing multiple directions. What makes micro-inverters different from string inverters, is that because each solar panels is connected to its own Micro-Inverter, if one panel isn’t performing well, it does not affect the performance of other panels in the system. This means that 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 obstructing the sun from the panels. Micro-inverters also allow you to individually monitor the panels. This can make troubleshooting, servicing and maintenance quick and easy. Micro-inverters also produce a much lower voltage than a system with a string inverter. This means that the risk of overheating and potentially starting a fire is greatly reduced. However, Micro-Inverters have a premium price tag. The additional upfront cost of Micro-Inverters is justified for some installations for the added monitoring and production benefits.  What are the benefits? String Inverters COST:  Based on a 6.6kW Solar System with 19 x 350kW Premium LG NeON2 panels, installing a SMA 5.0 Sunny Boy string inverter was approximately $2,800 LESS compared to installing 19 x Enphase Micro-Inverters (as seen in the graph below). These figures are just an estimate and will vary depending on the quality and size of your system. HIGHER YEILD (IN LITTLE TO NO SHADE): When there is very little shading on your roof, string inverters are very efficient.  LOWER NUMBER OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS: As well as a lower system cost, having less electronic components means that inverter troubleshooting can be easier because there is only one point of failure. Micro-Inverters SUITABILITY FOR CHALLENGING INSTALLS: Micro-Inverters are a great solution for roofs that have shading or panels on multiple roof pitches and facing different directions. LONGER LIFE SPAN: The average life span of a Micro-Inverter is up to 20 years (Solar Calculator, 2020). ADDED MONITORING: As each panel has it’s own Micro-Inverter, this allows you to individually monitor the performance and yield of each panel.  HIGHER YEILD (WHEN THERE IS SHADING):  Microinverters operate independently, so each panel performs to its fullest (Enphase, 2021). If one panel is shaded or dirty, it won’t affect the rest of the system. What are the downfalls? String Inverters LESS EFFICIENT IN SHADE: Whether it’s a tree casting a shadow onto your roof or your panels are dirty, when some of the panels are shaded regularly, the entire system will be less efficient and will produce a lower yield. Realistically, this means that you will sell less back and your system will take longer to pay off. SHORTER LIFE SPAN: The average life span of a string inverter is 8 to 12 years – that’s 8 to12 years less than Micro-Inverters (Solar Calculator, 2020). Micro-Inverters COST: Micro-inverters are more expensive than traditional string inverters – especially for larger systems. When installing micro-inverters, accessories (such as an AC Cable coupler) are also needed which adds to the cost of the system. MORE POTENTIAL POINTS OF FAILURE : More electronics on you roof means that there are more points of potential failures. Tips, Brand Recommendations and Advice Installing a reliable, quality inverter is vital to ensure the longevity and performance of your solar system. It’s really important to realise that a long-lasting, reliable system is the product of BOTH the panels and the inverter. In my opinion, there’s no point in spending big on quality solar panels if you don’t have a dependable inverter to match. It’s like putting a lawnmower motor in a Lamborghini body… The type and brand of the inverter is not something that you want to gloss over. If your installer is very vague about what specific inverter you will be getting or does not mention a brand at all = BIG RED FLAG. You are investing a lot of money, you need to know the size, brand and model of the inverter you are being sold. If your roof is ideal, or close to ideal, for solar and no or little shade, it is debatable whether paying a premium price for Micro-Inverters is worth it. I would highly recommend discussing with your installer/designer about the inverter and getting them to explain why they have suggested that specific inverter for you – if they can’t justify why and back it up, that’s another red flag… Recommended brands for string inverters: The best inverter manufacturers in terms of reliability, performance and longevity in my opinion are SMA and Fronius . The inverter that we install the most and prefer to use is the SMA Sunny Boy/Tripower. SMA is a trusted, European company. With German engineering and design and ShadeFix technology, SMA has been renowned for producing quality, reliable solar inverters for close to 40 years. Fronius is another premium brand of inverters that has a proven track record of reliability and an outstanding reputation within the solar industry. With a maximum efficiency of 98.1% (Fronius, 2021), Fronius inverters performance and reliability are undeniable. Recommended brands for Micro-Inverters: Enphase is one of the leading Micro-Inverter manufacturers in Australia and is the brand that I choose to install when Micro-Inverters are the best solution. I prefer to use the Enphase IQ 7A Micro-Inverter to achieve the greatest yield from the solar system. I have done up a quick side-by-side comparison of two inverters: The SMA Sunny Boy 5.0 (string inverter) and the Enphase Micro-Inverter IQ 7A. In terms of performance, reliability and manufacturer support, these are two of the inverters that I choose to install and have great confidence in. Please also be aware that this article is solely comparing micro-inverters and regular string inverters. There are other methods, such as DC optimisers and smart panels , that also can be used to minimise the effects of shading and maximise output. It’s important to consider all your options to get a personalised, efficient and long-lasting Solar Power System.  If you have any questions about the different types of inverters, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Our office number is 4637 2744 or you can find us at 57 Gipps Street, Drayton (Toowoomba) QLD. #Fronius #microinverter #Darlingdownssolar #Enphase #StringInvertervsMicroInverter #Solarpowersystem #SolarToowoomba #solarpowerToowoomba #EnphaseMicroInverter #SMA #SMAInverter #StringInverter #toowoombasolarpower #FroniusInverter About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

Long story short: ‘Tier 1’ is one of the most misused and misleading terms in the solar industry. To be quite blunt, Tier 1 is a marketing term a lot of cheap solar installers exploit to give the buyer a feeling of confidence in a substandard product.  The tiering system was created by BloombergNEF & has nothing to do with the quality of the solar panels.  It was created to separate solar manufacturers (NOT the panels) based on their ‘bankability’, which BloombergNEF defines as ‘whether projects using the solar products are likely to be offered non-recourse debt financing by banks’.  The tiering system can be a good place to start your research, but it should not be used to compare and evaluate the quality, longevity or performance of solar panels.  THE TIER SYSTEM – What does ‘Tier 1’ even mean? Tier 1 is a label given to solar panel manufacturers. In the solar industry, there is a common misconception that panels that are made by Tier 1 manufacturers are of higher quality and that quite simply, isn’t always true. BloombergNEF very clearly states, “We strongly recommend that module purchasers and banks do not use this list as a measure of quality…This classification is purely a measure of industry acceptance, and there are many documented examples of quality issues or bankruptcy of tier 1 manufacturers” (BloombergNEF, 2019).   To be classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer, they must:  “provide own-brand, own-manufacture products to six different projects, which have been financed non-recourse by six different (non-development) banks, in the past two years.” It does not take into consideration components, production or the end quality of the solar panels. It is merely a status that reflects the manufacturer’s acceptance in the industry, based on their financial background, investments in research, development of new technologies, and manufacturing capacity.  What about Tier 2 and 3? BloombergNEF does not publish a Tier 2 or 3 panel manufacturer list. There is only an official Tier 1 list and therefore, there can only be Tier 1 panels. Please be mindful of this when doing your solar panel research! Where did the tiering system come from? The tiering system was first created by BloombergNEF, a finance company, to rank solar panel manufacturers.  BloombergNEF reviews the Tier 1 list quarterly and any company can be removed from the list at any time. To get access to the official BloombergNEF Tier 1 list, you must email them, (sales.bnef@bloomberg.net ) to get a ‘subscription quote’ to access it. Some less than reputable marketers rely on the fact that the public can’t easily check the list…  That is why such companies claim that their panels are Tier 1 when in fact they aren’t.  Click here to read BloombergNEF's Tier 1 List Methodology What you should look for when choosing solar panels Highest efficiency, not the biggest wattage The higher the efficiency of the panels, the more watts of electricity the panel will produce, per square meter of panel. This means that the higher the efficiency, the less roof space required (lower footprint). If you don’t have a lot of room to work with, investing in high-efficiency panels is the way to go.  Other important things to keep in mind: Higher efficiency panels are typically more expensive. Really high wattage solar panels are usually physically much larger. So, even though the panels are higher wattage, you might not be able to fit as many on your roof and you could end up with a system that’s smaller than needed. Warranty Solar panels have two different types of warranties: The Output Performance Warranty and the Manufacturer’s Product Warranty . They are very different! Performance warranty: Every panel that is on the Australian Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved panels must have at least a 25 year, 80% output performance warranty. The 25-year output performance warranty is very standard amongst the hundreds of different panel manufacturers. In other words, a 25-year performance warranty is nothing special. All solar panels, both good and not-so-good, have this warranty.  Product warranty: The product warranty covers physical defects of manufacture including delamination, reduction in insulation resistance, frames falling off etc. The manufacturer’s product warranty is much more meaningful, important, and useful than the performance warranty . The panel manufacturer’s product warranty is VERY different between the various manufacturers. Some panels have 10 years, some have 12, others 15 and the industry leaders have 25 years’ manufacturer’s product warranty. The wording and conditions of the manufacturer’s warranty will also vary greatly, so be sure to read the fine print and terms and conditions.  Local, Australian Support Does the solar manufacturer have an Australian office that you can easily contact? Like most things, having an Australian office makes things infinitely easier in terms of processing warranty claims if something was to go wrong. You also need to think about: Will the installer be around to honour the warranty if something were to happen? How long has the manufacturer been producing panels? What is their reputation in the solar industry? Final thoughts While the choice of the panel is important, we do NOT recommend making a decision based on the brand of the solar panel alone. Many other factors need to be taken into account: the brand and type of inverter, the experience and reputation of the installer, and the quality of workmanship. By their own admission, Bloomberg recommends “ module purchasers and banks do not use this list as a measure of quality” and we wholeheartedly agree – y ou should not use BloombergNEFs tiering system as a measure of solar panel quality. Just because they are a Tier 1 manufacturer, does not mean that their solar panels are going to: perform better, last longer or be more efficient. There have been countless documented ‘Tier 1 panels’ that have had, or a combination of micro-cracks, ingress, delamination and deformation. Instead, opt for panels that have a high product warranty, high efficiency and are backed locally. #bloomberg #tier1solarpanels #SolarToowoomba #tier1 #solarpanelstoowoomba #truthabouttier1panels #tier1panels About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

What’s normal : If there is a blackout, it’s completely normal for your solar power system to shut down. It should turn itself back on once the power is back on. It’s also normal for your system to be producing significantly less than usual when it’s very overcast in the lead-up to the storm.  What’s NOT normal : Error lights on the inverter after a storm OR the inverter not turning itself back on after the power is back on.  When you should get your system inspected by a professional : If you have been through a nasty storm with large hail, it is best to get your system inspected, even if it is still producing power. There is a chance that there has been physical damage to the glass on the panels or even micro-cracks in some cases.  “ How do I prepare my solar system for a storm?” Solar panels are built and installed to withstand extreme weather. There isn’t really anything you can do to prepare your panels for a storm, other than turning the system completely off.  Power outage (blackout) In a blackout, your system will turn itself off and it won’t be producing at all. This is completely normal and is nothing to worry about. When the storm passes, power comes back on and the sun comes out again, the inverter should turn itself back on.  Depending on the brand of the inverter, you may also receive an email from the manufacturer saying something along the lines of ‘one or more line conductors and/or the neutral conductor had not been connected…. recommend checking the grid connection by an electrically qualified person.’  Again, this is normal and is nothing to panic about if there has been a blackout or the electricity has been turned off. You typically don’t need to get an electrician out unless there are other issues such as error lights on the inverter.  Error lights on the inverter after a storm I f there are error lights on your inverter after a storm, this is a clear sign that something isn’t right. It could be something really simple that can be fixed over the phone, or it may require a professional to inspect the system and repair any damages.  What we would recommend our customers do: Step 1 –  Wait until the next day. Very often, the system will sort itself out without any intervention needed. If the error lights are still on after 24 hours, proceed to Step 2.  Step 2 – Turn the system off, wait 15-30 mins and then turn the system back on. Instructions on how to perform a system shutdown are usually on the front of the inverter. If the error lights come back on, proceed to Step 3.  Step 3 – Contact an accredited installer and let them know what has happened. Describe what colour the light is, how long it has been on, if it is flashing or not and if you have a screen on your inverter, the error code. From there, they can get to the bottom of what’s causing the problem and work out what action needs to be taken.  If you are able to see an error code on the inverters screen, the links below may he helpful.  Click Here - Fronius state (error) codes Click Here - SMA SunnyBoy error codes The inverter not turning back on after the storm If there has been a blackout, it’s normal for your inverter to turn itself off. It should automatically turn itself back on once the weather has cleared up and the power is back on. However, if the inverter does not turn itself back on after a blackout, this could mean that something has been damaged during the storm. When there are no error codes or lights on the inverter, it can be difficult to determine what is causing the issue and usually requires a CEC-accredited installer to go out and inspect the system. During situations like this, we always suggest waiting 24 hours before taking action, just in case the situation sorts itself out, which is often the case. After that, contact an accredited installer to get to the bottom of the issue.  If there hasn’t been a blackout, but your system has shut down during the storm, we recommend contacting a local, accredited solar installer the day after. Again, because there are no error lights or codes, it makes it harder to know exactly what’s causing the issue and a professional will likely have to inspect the system to find out what the problem is.  Hail  If you have been through a nasty storm with significant large hail, there could be damage to your solar panels. It can be difficult to determine whether there has been damage to your system or not. Sometimes the glass on the front of the panel appears perfectly fine, but the cells underneath have micro-cracks or the backing sheet has rips or tears etc. Here’s what we recommend you do if you have been through a hail storm: CALL YOUR HOME AND CONTENTS INSURER! T hey will typically advise that a CEC-accredited installer would need to go out and inspect the system and do a report. It doesn’t have to be the original installer and most insurers will let you choose who does the inspection, report and repairs. If you have the choice, we always recommend choosing a local , experienced CEC accredited installer/electrical contractor that you know is going to do the right thing by you. If you are unsure whether there has been damage or not, still give your insurer a call and let them know what has happened. They will either send their own electricians out to do an inspection or ask you to find a local installer to do the inspection.  Please keep in mind that if micro-cracks are ignored, they can create low output issues down the track. This is why it is important to claim soon after the hail storm, and even if the insurance disallows the claim at the time, in 12, 24 or even 48 months time, if the system has reduced output and is riddled with hotspot, the customer has a chance to refer back to the initial claim.  How big does the hail have to be to cause damage? A good rule of thumb is if you’ve had hail over 25mm, it is best to get your system checked out. Better to be safe than sorry!  Solar panels are built to withstand hail. All panels that are approved to be installed in Australia are required to pass a specific test (MQT 17) to verify that the panel is capable of withstanding the impact of hail. During the test, the panels were hit with 11 ice balls at different parts of the panels. The MINIMUM requirements of ice balls are: 25mm in diameter, 7.58g in weight and shot at 23.0m/s. To pass the test, there must be no visual defects or cracks and the power output must not be affected. Other things you can do after a storm: Check for debris on your solar panels and safely remove it. Always use proper safety harnesses and seek professional help if you have a steep or high roof. Check your solar system monitoring and see whether it is producing as normal. At Electrical Sensations , we are qualified electricians and CEC-accredited solar installers. If you are concerned about your solar system after a storm, we can work with you and your insurer to find a solution. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office on (07) 4637 2744.  #Solarpowersystem #SolarToowoomba #solarpanels #haildamage #solarpanelstoowoomba #solarinstorms #hail About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

1. Home visits to create a customised, quality solution for your home A local solar installer is more likely to fully evaluate your situation by visiting your property before the installation. During an onsite visit, the installer will: Check out the switchboard to see if there is any work that needs to be done for it to meet Ergon/Energex requirements Check the size of the mains cabling to ensure it is big enough for solar Determine the best layout for the panels on your roof by looking at potential shading, obstacles on the roof etc These factors can make a big difference to the system’s pricing, and if they aren’t considered, you could be slugged with a nasty unexpected bill at the end. Home visits also allow you to meet and see the installer face-to-face, allowing you to ask any questions and discuss your likes, dislikes, wants, needs, and goals for your solar power system.  2. Ongoing local support and warranty peace of mind When your solar power system is installed by a local company, if something was to go wrong, it’s usually a much quicker and smoother process to get the issue solved: Faster turnaround due to less travel time Avoid call centres and having to wait hours on hold to speak to someone who doesn’t know you or your situation from a bar of soap. Speak to a real person who knows you and your solar installation.  You have the option to visit them in person at their shopfront. Find it hard to get your point across over the phone and would rather explain it in person? No worries! The majority of reputable, local solar installers will have a shopfront that you are able to visit and have a chat with them.  When you choose a local solar installer that has been around for a while, you avoid becoming a ‘solar orphan’ . Unfortunately, there are “less-than-reputable” solar companies out there who lure you in with “predatory” sales tactics and cheap prices, who later cease trading to avoid paying debts or dealing with warranty claims. These kinds of solar companies are usually open just long enough to install a lot of solar systems and make their money, but then close once things start going south, leaving their customers with no support or valid warranty. The sad thing is that this happens all too often… LG Australia reports that over 750 solar companies have gone into liquidation or simply stopped trading since 2011, leaving an estimated 750,000 Australians with useless solar warranties (as of 13 March 2020). Click here to read a list of solar companies that have gone into liquidation (updated 13 March 2020) 3. Knowledge of local electricity rules and regulations  Call centre based companies are usually unfamiliar with detailed local electricity supply rules, which vary across Australia, and when you need support and repairs in years to come, they are sometimes hard to find again. Unlike national or international companies, local solar installers deal with local electricity suppliers on a daily basis and have an intimate understanding of their rules. Just for reference, at Electrical Sensations , the majority of the work that we do is either in Ergon’s or Energex’s service region. 4. Supporting your community and the local economy  When you choose to support small-scale, locally-owned businesses, you’re helping to create communities that are more prosperous, connected and generally better off. When you buy from independent, locally owned businesses, rather than national or international chains, a significant portion of the money is then recycled back through our local economy — to make purchases from your friends’ businesses, eat at your favourite local restaurants, attend local functions and events — ultimately strengthening the base of our whole community.  5. Client-centered approach When you buy from a small, local business, you’re buying from a real person. They often care more about the quality of their work because their name and business are at stake.  Local solar installers know the importance of maintaining their reputation for quality products and exceptional customer service to maintain referrals and customers. In a small community, word of mouth and referrals are critical to a local business’s success. ‘ News travels fast, but bad news travels faster…’ To ensure that you have a positive experience with their business, they typically will go the extra mile to please you and provide a high-quality system that they are proud to put their name to.  Throughout the installation process, you will get to know the installers and they also get to know you. You won’t get treated as just another number, you will be seen as a valued customer.  Don’t be lured by celebrity ambassadors, door-to-door salespeople, over-estimated saving promises or ridiculously low prices, instead, opt for solar installers that are locally based, have a strong reputation for installing quality solar systems and have been in business for many years. At Electrical Sensations , we are proud to have been servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs since 2004 . We are 100% committed to designing energy-saving solutions and installing equipment that will best meet your needs, in a manner that we are proud to put our name to. No cutting corners or compromising on quality, reliability or safety. Please don’t hesitate to contact us , we would love to help you save money on your electricity bills! #Toowoomba #Toowoombasolar #localsolarinstallers #SolarToowoomba #solarpowerToowoomba #LocalSolarInstallersToowoomba #DarlingDowns #Toowoombalocal #solarinstallers #Solarpower About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

Researching and comparing solar power systems can be a daunting and confusing process – especially when it comes to understanding the different warranties. Solar panels have two different types of warranties: The Output Performance Warranty  and the  Manufacturer’s Product Warranty . They are VERY different.  Solar Panel Product Warranty The manufacturer’s product warranty is much more meaningful, important, and useful than the performance warranty. Ranges from 10-30 years. The product warranty covers physical defects of manufacture including delamination, reduction in insulation resistance, frames falling off etc. The panel manufacturer’s product warranty is VERY different between the various manufacturers. Some panels have 10 years, some 15 and the industry leaders have 25-30 years product warranty . The wording and conditions of the manufacturer’s warranty will also vary greatly, so be sure to read the fine print and terms and conditions.  Just for reference – the solar panels that we install are the LG NeON H (which have replaced the discontinued LG NeON 2) and the REC Alpha Pure or TwinPeak 4. Both of these panels have a 25 year product warranty.  Solar Panel Performance Warranty The solar panel performance warranty guarantees that the power output of the solar panels won’t decline beyond a certain amount.  It is the industry standard for solar panels to have a 25-year, 80% output performance warranty. To put it another way, a 25-year performance warranty is nothing special. All solar panels sold in Australia, both good and not-so-good, have this warranty. There are a few solar panel manufacturers that guarantee performance for 30 years. However, just because they have a longer performance warranty, does not necessarily mean that they are a higher quality panel than other panels with a 25-year performance warranty.  BE WARY: This is the weakest warranty and the one that is least valuable to the homeowners. In the solar industry, many experts will consider the performance warranty to be practically worthless because it’s so hard to successfully claim. Not to mention it’s sometimes used as a marketing ploy to give the customer a false sense of confidence, similarly to the term Tier 1 .  To help you with your research, we’ve done up a comparison graph of different solar panels that are commonly installed in Australia.  *The standard REC N-Peak product warranty is 20 years, however, when installed by a certified REC Professional (which Electrical Sensations are), there is an additional 5 years, taking it to a total of 25 years product warranty. The Bottom Line It is the industry standard for solar panels to have a 25-year, 80% output performance warranty (the least useful). A few manufacturers now offer 30 years, but most solar panels will have the standard 25 years performance warranty. The performance warranty can be very difficult to claim successfully.  The manufacturer’s product warranty is much more meaningful, important, and useful than the performance warranty. Depending on the manufacturer and the solar panel model, the product warranty typically varies between 10-25 years. Within the same manufacturer, the product warranty can vary depending on the module of the solar panel. A good example of this is LG . The NeON H (and the discontinued NeON 2) has a 25-year product warranty, while the Mono X has a 15-year product warranty. Tips, Advice and Recommendations If a solar company is very vague about its warranty or does not mention the manufacturer’s product warranty at all, alarm bells should ring. Way too often, we get calls from people who say something along the lines of ‘I spoke to another company, and their system has a 25-year warranty…’ However, the reality is that the system they are talking about actually has a 25-year solar panel performance warranty (industry standard) and a 5-10 year solar panel product warranty. This is why it’s really important to ask your installers about the product warranty.  Opt for solar panels with a higher product warranty.  Always do your own research on the manufacturers and read their product warranty fine print – they will differ a lot between manufacturers. A solar panel warranty is just one piece of the puzzle – a very important piece though! When choosing solar panels, you also need to take into consideration the efficiency of the panels, Australian support and the quality of the installation.  #Darlingdownssolar #repairsolarpanel #Solarpowersystem #SolarToowoomba #solarpanels #Qualitysolarpower #LGsolarpanels #solarpanelstoowoomba #solarpanelwarranty #SolarPV #solarwarranty About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

In Australia, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a solar installer. With over 8,000 CEC accredited installers , knowing which one to pick can get pretty confusing. While there are plenty of high-quality, local installers out there, there are also a lot of dodgy installers who only have one thing in mind: getting your money.  But how can you decipher a trustworthy company from a not-so-trustworthy company? Here is a list of seven red flags to look out for when shopping around for solar.  Red Flag #1 🚩 Sales, freebies and limited-time offers Pushy sale tactics such as ‘ today only ’ discounts, relentless hounding calls and door knocking all scream dodgy! These common sale tactics are used to get you to sign up quickly. Quick sales mean that you have less time to do your research about the company or the products that they’re trying to sell you. Often these types of companies use low-quality products, have poor reputations and are not customer orientated. This often leads to issues with follow up checks, maintenance or warranty claims once your solar system has been installed. You should always ask for time to go away and think about your options and never sign on the spot. We always encourage you to do your own research and find a company that is CEC accredited, experienced, local and trustworthy. Other common sales phrases to be mindful of: “The government will pay you to get solar” – In Queensland (and very likely every other state as well) that is simply not true. The Government will not pay you to get a solar power system installed. The Queensland Government website should be referred to for information regarding grants and schemes – not a Facebook ad from a random company. “The government rebate is ending!” –  The financial incentive on the upfront purchase of a solar power system (technically known as the STC financial incentive , but commonly referred to as the “ government rebate “) is in place until 2030 . While it will reduce each year by around 6%, unless the legislation changes, the STC scheme will not be ending any time soon. Red Flag #2 🚩 Quoting a solar system without a home visit During a pre-installation inspection, an electrician should check whether your switchboard needs to be upgraded and do the calculation to see if your mains are big enough for solar. A CEC accredited solar designer (who may also be an electrician) will also determine the best layout for the panels. They will take factors such as potential shading, obstacles on the roof and the screw lines into consideration when designing the layout. These factors can make a big difference to the system’s pricing, and if they aren’t considered, you could be slugged with a nasty unexpected bill at the end. Home visits also allow you to meet and see the installer face-to-face, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss your wants and needs. Red Flag #3 🚩 Not mentioning the product warranty The solar panel manufacturer’s product warranty is much more meaningful, important, and useful than the panel performance warranty. Depending on the manufacturer and the solar panel model, the product warranty typically varies between 5-25 years. Industry standard is 10 years. Within the same manufacturer, the product warranty can vary depending on the module of the solar panel. A good example of this is  LG . The NeON panels have a 25-year product warranty, while the Mono X has a 15-year product warranty. It is the industry standard for solar panels to have a 25-year, 80% output performance warranty . To put it another way, a 25-year performance warranty is nothing special. All solar panels sold in Australia, both good and not-so-good, have this warranty. What differs greatly is the manufacturer’s product warranty. If a solar company is very vague about its warranty or does not mention the manufacturer’s product warranty at all, alarm bells should ring. Way too often, we get calls from people who say something similar to ‘ I spoke to another company, their system has a 25-year warranty ’. However, the reality is that the system they are talking about actually has a 25-year solar panel performance warranty (which is industry standard) and only a 10 year solar panel product warranty… Read more about solar panel warranties here .  Red Flag #4 🚩 Dirt cheap prices When it comes to solar, like many things, you typically get what you pay for. Some companies can install solar systems for next to nothing because they: Use the cheapest products that they can and buy them in huge quantities. With cheap components usually comes low performance, poor quality, dodgy warranties and expensive repairs in the future. Sub-contract the installation work to the lowest bidder. Very often, the amount the subby gets paid for the installation barely covers costs, so the temptation to cut corners to make a bit more money can be just too great. While purchasing a good quality system may cost you more initially, you have the peace of mind that it will continue to perform and save you money long into the future. You wouldn’t go into a Land Cruiser dealer and expect to pay a Great Wall price – the same principle applies to solar power systems… Red Flag #5 🚩 They haven’t been in business very long Unfortunately, there are dodgy solar companies out there who lure you in with sales tactics and cheap prices, who later cease trading to avoid paying debts or dealing with warranty claims. These kinds of solar companies are usually around for less than 5 years, install a lot of solar systems, make their money, but then close once things start going south, leaving their customers with no support or valid warranty. The sad thing is that this happens all too often… LG Australia reports that over 750 solar companies have gone into liquidation or simply stopped trading since 2011, leaving an estimated 750,000 Australians with useless solar warranties (as of 13 March 2020). How do you find out how long they have been in business? The Australian Business Register has a handy online tool, called the ABN Lookup. You can search the organisation’s name or ABN number to access public information including their main business location, trading names and when they registered their business name.  By choosing a reputable, local solar installer that has been around for 5+ years, you are avoiding dealing with a dodgy company and becoming a “Solar Orphan” – Someone whose system is unsupported by the initial installation company; and also often the manufacturer of the inverters and solar panels have gone into liquidation and are no longer in Australia.  Red Flag #6 🚩 Celebrity ambassadors We’ve all seen the ads on TV and Facebook where Australian sporting celebrities or even politicians faces, are used to promote cheap solar systems. Truth is, this is just another sales tactic to try and gain your trust. Many of the companies that are doing this are known in the solar industry for producing poor quality and even unsafe solar installations across Australia.  Red Flag #7 🚩 Not quoting specific products “or similar” “Subject to availability” If you have received a quote and it does not mention a specific brand and model of solar panels and inverter – this is a big red flag! Dodgy companies will advertise higher quality products and then swap them out for cheaper, poor quality products instead – often without telling you. This is referred to as bait & switch . These companies use advertising ploys such as “ Tier 1 Panels ” and “ 25 years (performance) warranty ” to lure you in. Then in their conditions of sale, they will state that they reserve the right to swap out components for ‘equivalents’. Then, surprise surprise, they end up installing a really cheap inverter and solar panels on your home, instead of the higher quality ones that they were advertising. Don’t be lured by celebrity ambassadors, pushy sales people, over-estimated saving promises or ridiculously low prices, instead, choose solar installers that are locally-based, have a strong reputation for installing quality solar systems and have been in business for many years.  At  Electrical Sensations , we are proud to have been servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs  since 2004 . We are 100% committed to designing energy-saving solutions and installing high-quality equipment that will best meet your needs, in a manner that we are proud to put our name to. No cutting corners or compromising on quality, reliability or safety. Please don’t hesitate to contact us , we would love to help you save money on your electricity bills! If you liked this blog, you might also find these ones helpful: What size solar power system do I need? String Inverters vs. Micro-Inverters: Which one is better? QLD Solar Rebate: 2023 Beginners Guide #dodgysolarinstallers #Solarpowersystem #SolarToowoomba #dodgyinstallers #solarpanelstoowoomba #solarinstaller #solarinstallers About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

The inverter is certainly one of, if not the most, critical components of the solar system. When it comes to good quality, premium solar inverters , SMA and Fronius are both industry leaders. They have both been manufacturing inverters for more than 20 years and have a solid reputation in Australia for producing reliable, efficient and long-lasting products. So, which one should you choose? While we install and recommend both the SMA Sunny Boy and Fronius Primo to our customers, there are a couple of important points of difference. This article compares their key features, important statistics and our tips to help you make a decision. THE STATS ​ SMA Sunny Boy 5kW ​Fronius Primo 5kW TYPE OF SOLAR INVERTER ​Single-phase, string inverter ​​Single-phase, string inverter ​WARRANTY ​10 years parts & labour ​5 years labour/10 years parts ​MAX EFFICIENCY ​97.0% ​98.1 % ​COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE ​German engineered. Made in China ​Austria ​DIMENSIONS ​435 x 470 x 176 mm ​645 x 431 x 204 mm ​MAX INPUT (DC) ​600V ​1000V ​MAX APPARENT POWER (AC) ​5000 VA ​5000 VA ​WEIGHT ​17.5 kg ​21.5 kg ​IP RATING ​IP 65 ​IP 65 ​OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE ​‒25°C to +60°C ​-40°C to +55 °C KEY FEATURES SMA Sunny Boy Fronius Primo Compact, distinctive design means minimum space requirements Safety in Numbers – More than 500,000 Fronius inverters have been installed across Australia. Quality German engineering and design – SMA is the number one European PV inverter manufacturer brand. Warranty Support – The Melbourne office of Fronius provides competent backup and support. ​ Extensive Testing – Every SMA inverter is comprehensively tested before it leaves the factory. ​ Manufacture with Selective Focus – Fronius do not try to be “All things to all men”. The business has 3 main areas of focus–photovoltaics (including inverters), battery charging and welders. The Fronius name represents outstanding quality and reliability in all 3 divisions. ​ Impressive Track Record – SMA has been manufacturing inverters for 40 years, making SMA the world’s longest solar inverter manufacturer. With more than 750,000 SMA inverters installed across Australia alone, SMA inverters produce more than 35% of all solar electricity in our country. ​ Performance Beyond Repute – F ronius inverters are globally recognised as amongst the industry’s highest-performing inverters. Their performance and reliability are undeniable with a failure rate of just 0.5% (source: Nexergy .solar) and 98.1% maximum efficiency. Impressive Track Record – Fronius was established in 1945 and has been ​ Higher Yield Thanks to Minimizing the Impact of Shading – SMA ShadeFix technology is built into the inverters at no additional cost. It increases the energy production of a solar power system under standard shading light to medium shading conditions. ​ Impressive Track Record – Fronius was established in 1945 and has been manufacturing solar inverters since 1994. A history spanning more than 2 decades with 28 subsidiaries across 4 continents. ​ Round the Clock Peace of Mind Monitoring – SMA Smart Connected is a free and automatic inverter monitoring service performed automatically by SMA. ​ How to choose which one is best for you Do you have reliable, permanent internet where the inverter will be installed?  No → We’d recommend a Fronius inverter .  Most Fronius residential inverters (apart from the new Gen24 models) have a screen on the front so you can see what the system is producing by looking at the inverter without having to rely on an internet connection. Yes → We’d recommend an SMA inverter. SMA inverters do not have a screen on them, which means that to monitor the system, you need to use an app via the Internet . If you do not have a reliable internet connection with an SMA inverter, you won’t be able to see how your system is performing. Do you want to/are you comfortable using a monitoring app? If you’d like to use an app → We’d recommend an SMA inverter. SMA ‘s free monitoring portal and app allows you to see how your system is performing quickly and easily even when you aren’t at home. If you’d prefer to look at the inverter screen → We’d recommend a Fronius inverter. For people who aren’t as tech-savvy, or would just prefer to go out and look at the screen on the inverter, the Fronius Primo would be better. The screen can show the following data: output data, grid voltage, output current, grid frequency, solar module voltage, the solar module current plus more! Do you have any potential shading?  Y es → We’d highly recommend the SMA Sunny Boy. The SMA Sunny Boy has built-in ShadeFix Technology to optimise production in partially shaded conditions. If you have trees, buildings or structures nearby that could cast a shadow on the roof, we’d recommend taking advantage of SMA’s innovative ShadeFix Technology.  No → The SMA Sunny Boy or Fronius Primo inverter would both be suitable. Still can’t decide? Here are some other things to consider Aesthetics. The SMA Sunny Boy has a distinctive red design. Some customers prefer the Fronius Primo because its grey design is more subtle which blends in  better. Cost. The SMA Sunny Boy is slightly cheaper. They usually work out to be around $150 less than the Fronius Primo for a 5kW. Size. The Fronius Primo comes in a larger range of sizes (3.0 and 8.2kW) compared to the SMA Sunny Boy which comes in 3.0 to 6.0 kW.  At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference – they are both good quality inverters that should perform well for a very long time.  At  Electrical Sensations , we are proud to have been servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs  since 2004 . We are 100% committed to designing energy-saving solutions and installing high-quality equipment that will best meet your needs, in a manner that we are proud to put our name to. No cutting corners or compromising on quality, reliability or safety. Please don’t hesitate to  contact us , we would love to help you save money oGerman-engineeredn your electricity bills! #Fronius #Toowoomba #Toowoombasolar #Darlingdownssolar #SMASunnyBoy #solarinverter #SolarToowoomba #Froniusprimo #SMA #sunnyboy #SMAvsFronius #SunnyBoyvsPrimo #primo About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

In a nutshell: To work out what size solar PV system you require, you need to analyse your household’s daily electricity consumption. Your monthly or quarterly electricity bill measures your household’s electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Using your current average daily electricity consumption, as well as your expected FUTURE consumption, we size and design a system to suit you and your needs. Sizing a solar power system should not be a ‘One Size Fits All’ process. Our team of accredited solar designers can help determine what size system will suit you best. This article covers: How is the size of a system calculated? What your system size depends on Recommended solar system size Solar system size limits What else do you need to consider? First things first – How is the size of a solar system calculated? Solar systems are usually described by the total capacity of panels installed ( not the size of the inverter).  See the examples below: A solar system with 15 x 400W solar panels is referred to as a 6kW ( or 6000W ) system. (15 x 400W) ÷ 1000 = 6kW To work out the size of a solar system with 12 x 380W solar panels, 12 x 380 = 4,560W →  4,560W ÷ 1000 = 4.56kW. Therefore, this system size is referred to as 4.56kW. The size of your solar PV system will depend on: Space . The physical unshaded area available for the installation of the solar panels. Budget . Another important factor to think about is money. How much you are prepared to spend? Consumption . What portion of your electricity can/do you use throughout the day time. Recommended solar system size For grid-connected, regular solar power systems ( n ot hybrid or off-grid systems). ​ Total usage per day (assuming there is both off-peak and primary tariffs) ​Power bill per quarter ​Recommended solar system size ​10-20 kWh ​$300 ​3.5 - 4.5kW ​20-30 kWh ​$500 ​4.5 - 5.5kW ​30-40 kWh ​$700 ​6.6kW (max size for 5kW inverter) ​40-60+ kWh ​$1000+ ​ 8.0kW - 9.0kW+ NOTE: According to Energy Australia, a standard 4-person Australian family (without a swimming pool) uses an average of 21kWh a day. Future Usage The above figures are our recommended solar system size likely to deliver the most cost-effective solution based on your current usage. However, if you plan on increasing your energy usage in the future, this will impact what size system you will need. Increasing your energy usage can look like this: Adding a pool or spa Starting working from home Getting an Electric Vehicle (EV) Starting a family Installing or using the air-con more Know your limits ​Solar size limits for Ergon/Energex (Single-phase power) ​ Easy limit ​5kW inverter with 6.67kW of panels ​Maximum limit ​ 10kW inverter with 13.33kW of panels What is meant by the ‘easy limit’ in single phase homes?  If you have a total inverter capacity greater than the easy limit, Ergon will make you limit the export to a maximum of 5kW, or in some extreme cases, they could just not allow the system to be installed at all. The size limit rules for three-phase power aren’t as straightforward…  The easy limit for three-phase premises is 15kW (inverter capacity).  The next easy(ish) limit is 30kW (inverter capacity). Systems between 30kW and 100kW typically require network protection equipment to be installed and REPQ engineering sign-off. These requirements add considerably to the system cost. Systems over 100kW are a completely different ball game… Other things to consider Are you looking at installing just panels, or a battery as well? If you are planning on adding batteries in the near future, it is super important that you mention this to your installer/designer! Solar batteries store unused energy produced by your solar panels, to be used at night, in times of inclement weather or during a black-out or power outage situation. With batteries, you need a solar system large enough to create enough surplus energy to charge your batteries.  The cost of a 3kW system is not half of a 6kW system… Many customers feel that while they are going to the effort of getting solar, they may as well spend the bit extra and get a bigger system to future proof themselves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this!  In fact, there are quite a few scenarios where we would recommend this: Your budget allows it and you have enough physical space to fit a larger system You would like to use your air con more, install a pool/spa, start a family etc You are interested in or considering adding solar batteries You are considering getting an Electric Vehicle (EV) In fact, over the past 14 years of installing solar power systems, we’ve never had a customer tell us they wish they got a smaller system. We have however, done many solar system upgrades over the years, for people who “should have just gone with the bigger system in the first place”… #Toowoombasolar #Whatsizesystemshouldiget #SolarToowoomba #solarsystemsize #solarsize #66kwsystem #Tooowoombasolarinstallers #SEQLD #whatsizesystemdoineed #toowoombasolarpower About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

Table of Contents: How does the ‘solar rebate’ work in Queensland? How much is the ‘solar rebate’? Who is eligible for the ‘solar rebate’ in Queensland ? Is the STC financial incentive ending soon? Can I get the ‘rebate’ for commercial and off-grid systems as well? Can I get the ‘rebate’ if I’m upgrading or replacing a system? + other scenarios How does the solar rebate work in Queensland? The Australian Government has a scheme in place to help reduce the cost of solar power systems. The STC financial incentive (or the ‘ government rebate’ or ‘solar scheme’ as it’s commonly called) is issued in the form of S mall-scale T echnology C ertificates (STCs) . Each STC has a monetary value from $0 – $40 – at the moment it’s sitting around $34 per STC (as of January 2023). The higher the STC price the more ‘rebate’ you get.  Your solar system size , date of installation and postcode of the installation address will determine how many STCs you can get. The more power your system will generate, the greater the rebate will be. This is why the larger systems will receive more STCs than smaller systems. Australia is separated into ‘zones’ according to the solar radiation levels. Zone 1 (e.g central Western Australia) will receive the highest rebate and Zone 4 (e.g Tasmania) will receive the lowest. You can check what postcode zone you’re in here . Your installer will usually handle the creation of the STCs and subtract the value of the STCs from the up-front cost of the solar power system.  Fun fact – wind turbines, hydro systems, solar water heaters and air source heat pumps are also eligible for the STC financial incentive. How do I claim the ‘rebate’? Other than signing a few documents, claiming the ‘rebate’ isn’t something you need to worry about. Your installer should handle all the paperwork and just subtract the STC value from the total cost of your system.  Part of the installation paperwork is a form where the homeowners assign the STC Financial Incentive to the installer. So the homeowner pays the difference between the total system price and the STC incentive – they don’t have to pay the full system price & then be reimbursed.  How much are STCs in Queensland and how is it calculated?  There isn’t a fixed amount – the price of STCs changes according to market conditions and demand. The fluctuation in STC pricing is also largely due to the fact that the money doesn’t come directly from the Australian Government. The STCs are traded on the open market (usually through brokers) as part of a scheme incorporated into the Government’s Renewable Energy Target. At the moment, the ‘rebate’ works out to be roughly around $375 per kW installed (about $34 per STC). Your location, system size and date of installation will determine how many STCs you are eligible for. The total ‘rebate’ you receive will depend on the price of STCs at the time of install.  The below figures are estimates for STC pricing as of January 2023 in South East Queensland . It is to be used as a guide only. ​Solar System Size ​Number of STCs ​Estimate total value of STCs (as of January 2023) ​3 kW ​33 ​$1,150 - $1,250 ​5 kW ​55 ​$1,900 - $2,000 ​ 6.6 kW ​72 ​$2,450 - $2,550 ​8 kW ​88 ​$3,000 - $3,150 ​10 kW ​110 ​ $3,800 - $4,000 Who is eligible for STC Financial Incentive  (‘Solar rebate’) in Queensland? To be eligible:  All products must be approved by the Clean Energy Council ( CEC ). This includes the solar panels , inverter/s and batteries (if any). The CEC has a list of approved products here . If you’re choosing a reputable, local installer , this isn’t something you should worry about. Your installer must be CEC accredited. If an accredited solar installer and designer do not complete the installation, you will not receive the solar rebate. Again, if you’re choosing a local, reputable installer , you shouldn’t worry about this. The solar power system has to be less than 100 kW and output less than 250 MWh of electricity every year. You must claim your rebate within 12 months of installation. Most solar installers will do this and handle all the paperwork for you. The installation must meet Australian Standards, comply with electrical safety regulations and meet all legal requirements. Is the solar rebate ending soon?  The STC Financial Incentive was introduced in 2011 and is set to end in 2030 . At the end of every year, the value of the STCs reduces . For a standard 6.6kW system, the reduction in the value of the STCs usually works out to be around $400 – $500. Can I get the rebate for commercial, hybrid or off-grid (standalone) systems? Yes! As long as all of the eligibility requirements are met, commercial, hybrid and off-grid systems are eligible to receive the STC Financial Incentive. Please keep in mind that the STC Financial Incentive only applies to the cost of a new (or upgrade to an existing) hybrid or off-grid solar system. STCs do not apply when only adding batteries to an existing system. Can I get STCs if I’m upgrading, expanding or replacing an old system? Upgrading an existing solar system (adding panels or getting a bigger inverter) Yes , you are eligible to receive the STC Financial Incentive as long as: The new total system size is less than 100kW. The new panels and existing inverter are on the CEC approved list. The inverter has enough capacity. All relevant standards have been met. Installing an additional, separate solar system Yes, you are eligible to receive the STC financial incentive assuming that the following requirements are met: The system must be less than 100 kW. The new solar panels & inverter must be on the CECs list of approved products. All components, including electrical, must meet the current relevant standards and regulations. System replacement (new inverter & panels) Yes, you are eligible as long as: The new system is less than 100kW. All components are on the CECs list of approved products. All components are new with no previous claims. The entire system installation complies with CURRENT CEC standards and requirements. Adding battery storage to an existing system No, you are not eligible to receive the STC financial incentive in this case . In Queensland at the moment (May 2022), there are no Government rebates or grants for solar batteries. Got any questions? We’re here to help! Call our friendly team on 4637 2744 or email us at admin@electricalsensations.com.au . At  Electrical Sensations , we are proud to have been servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs  since 2004 . We are 100% committed to designing energy-saving solutions and installing high-quality equipment that will best meet your needs, in a manner that we are proud to put our name to. No cutting corners or compromising on quality, reliability or safety. If you liked this blog, you might also find these ones helpful: SMA Sunny Boy vs. Fronius Primo | Inverter Comparison 2023 String Inverters vs. Micro-Inverters: Which one is better? The Truth about ‘Tier 1’ Solar Panels #governmentsolarrebate #qldsolarrebate #qldgovernmentrebate #stc #solarrebate #stcfinancialincentive About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

REC is known for producing high-quality solar panels, but which one is best for you ?  The REC Alpha Pure and TwinPeak 4 are both good-quality solar panels. We proudly recommend both to our customers and in fact, have been installing REC panels for more than 5 years. We’re totally confident in both panels’ performance, reliability, and longevity.  How are they similar? Both panels feature a half-cut design, have an impressive 25 year product warranty, and are backed by a large company with a well-staffed and competent team in their Australian office. What are the main points of difference? Price, efficiency, appearance and the type of cells. Read on for more information. THE STATS ​ REC Alpha Pure ​REC TwinPeak 4 ​ ​132 cell half-cut solar panel ​120 cell half-cut solar panel ​WATTAGE (SIZE OPTIONS) ​385kW, 390kW, 395kW, 400kW, 405kW, 410kW ​360kW, 365kW, 370kW, 375kW ​PRODUCT WARRANTY ​25 years ​25 years ​PERFORMANCE WARRANTY ​92% at year 25 ​86% at year 25 ​TYPE OF CELLS ​N-Type P-Type ​MAX EFFICIENCY ​20.8% – 22.2% ​19.7% – 20.5% ​ANNUAL DEGRADATION ​0.25% ​0.50% ​DIMENSIONS ​1821 x 1016 x 30 mm ​1755 x 1040 x 30 mm ​WHERE THEY ARE MADE ​Singapore ​Singapore Key Differences Efficiency The Alpha Pure (max 22.2% ) is more efficient compared to the TwinPeak 4 (max 20.5% ). A higher efficiency = the more solar power it will produce per square metre. While the Alpha Pure has slightly higher efficiency, the TwinPeak 4 are still a highly efficient panel compared to others on the market. The Alpha Pure ( 0.25% ) also have lower annual degradation compared to the TwinPeak 4 ( 0.50% ) so the Alpha Pure panels will perform better year on year.  Cost The TwinPeak 4 panels are more affordable, yet still high-performing . They are an excellent value-for-money product. The Alpha Pure is a premium, top-of-the-range panel and their price tag reflects this. The REC Alpha Pure panels work out to be around $250 per kW extra – for a 6.6kW system, this equals around a $1500 difference (assuming all other components are the exact same). Type of Cells The Alpha Pure contains N-type cells while the TwinPeak 4 has P-Type cells. But what does that actually mean? N-type cells (like in the Alpha Pure) are usually more efficient and are not affected by light-induced degradation (LID) . On the other hand, P-type cells (like in the TwinPeak 4) are more common & also more affordable. The downside to P-Type cells is they may get boron-oxygen defects, which can degrade the cells quicker and decrease efficiency.  Appearance Alpha Pure has a sleek, all-black design. The standard TwinPeak 4 has visible silver “busbars” lines on the face of the panel.  Lead-Free  The Alpha Pure is ‘ lead-free’ – this pretty much means that they are more sustainable. FAQs about REC What does the twin/half-cut design really mean? The ‘Twin’ panel design is one of REC’s iconic design features. To keep it nice & simple, the panels are split into two, even sections. This reduces internal resistance which means: Higher energy yields* Continued energy production in shaded conditions* Increased reliability* Both the TwinPeak 4 and the Alpha Pure have this ‘twin’ design. * Compared to a standard solar panel, according to REC . Where are REC solar panels made? Singapore. REC solar panels (including the TwinPeak 4 and Alpha range) are manufactured in Tuas, Singapore. How long have REC solar panels been around? 25+ years. REC was founded in Norway in 1996 and manufactured their first solar panels in 1997. Why choose a certified REC Solar Professional ? Through the REC Solar Professional Installer certification program, REC ensures solar installers are equipped with the know-how and best practices to install REC panels. Some of the benefits of going through a REC Solar Professional are: Extended warranty : You qualify for an additional five years on your 20-year product warranty, making the total manufacturer’s warranty period 25 years. Quality installation : Take comfort in knowing that your solar installer has been carefully selected and certified by REC. Peace of mind : Knowing that not only is the solar panel of high quality but also that the person installing it is also highly skilled and has been trained by REC, gives end customers greater peace of mind for the quality of the installation. Is REC a good solar company? We wouldn't install REC products if they weren't good - we are extremely fussy with what products we use! REC is a well-known and reliable brand in the global solar industry. REC’s combination of product quality, company reliability and commitment to sustainability makes REC solar panels among the top performers in the marketplace. With an impressive 25-year product warranty and an enviable low claim rate, REC panels set the industry benchmark for quality and longevity while remaining competitively priced. Got any questions? We’re here to help! Call our friendly team on 4637 2744 or email us at admin@electricalsensations.com.au . At  Electrical Sensations , we are proud to have been servicing Toowoomba and the Darling Downs  since 2004 . We are 100% committed to designing energy-saving solutions and installing high-quality equipment that will best meet your needs, in a manner that we are proud to put our name to. No cutting corners or compromising on quality, reliability or safety. If you liked this blog, you might also find these ones helpful: What size solar power system do I need? String Inverters vs. Micro-Inverters: Which one is better? QLD Solar Rebate: 2022 Beginners Guide #RECSolarPanels #Solarpowersystem #SolarToowoomba #recalphapure #rectwinpeak #solarpanelstoowoomba #rectwinpeak4 #RECtwinpeakvsAlphapure #REC About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).

THE “SUN TAX” – What does it even mean? Over the past few weeks, there has been talk of a new “solar/sun tax” being introduced in Australia. There have been numerous Facebook posts, news articles and radio segments indicating that solar owners are soon going to be charged to sell back/export any excess electricity (instead of getting paid for it as you do now). This obviously created quite a stir within the solar industry as if it was true (spoiler: it’s not), it would impact the economic benefit of solar. How did it all start? Last year the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) allowed network providers (like Ergon and Energex) to charge solar owners for feeding their energy back into the grid at certain times of the day. This was previously banned by the National Electricity Market (NEM) in Australia.  So what does this actually mean? Energy providers like Ergon now have permission to charge customers for exporting back to the grid. They can, but this doesn’t mean they are! At the moment, nothing concrete indicates that energy providers will start charging people for exporting. Ergon/Energex has not released any official statements saying they will implement this in the future.  If it happened last year, why is everyone freaking out now? On June 15, 2022, Newscorp’s Courier Mail published a paywalled article titled “Energy crisis Qld: ‘Sun tax’ looms for solar customers”. The article pretty much said that soon people are going to start being charged for exporting excess solar power back into the grid. It quickly gained a lot of attention with many other news articles, Facebook posts and radio segments being published soon after. No wonder people were starting to panic!  Government officials and industry representatives were quick to make statements to deescalate the situation. “There is no change to solar feed in tariffs in Queensland. The Opposition Leader should apologise for scaremongering at a time when Queenslanders should be encouraged to install rooftop solar.” – Mick de Brenni, Queensland Energy Minister. “There has been no proposal put forward by Queensland state-owned network providers to charge households.” – Stephanie Gray, Deputy Director at Solar Citizens. #Toowoombasolar #Darlingdownssolar #solarsuntax #SolarToowoomba #queenslandsolarnews #qldsolartax #solartax #solarnews #suntax #SEQLD #suntaxaustralia #queenslandsolartax #suntaxqueensland About the author of this blog: Nigel Phillips is a qualified electrician in Queensland with over 30 years experience in the electrical industry. Nigel is Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA and previously Clean Energy Council CEC) accredited in Grid Connected (Solar) PhotoVoltaic systems (GCPV), Grid Connected Battery Storage (GCBS) and Stand-alone Power Systems (SPS).