Yes! Most solar systems are connected to the grid and surplus energy flows naturally back the grid. Rather than being wasted (like an overflowing water tank), this energy is allowed to be 'sold' back to the power companies. From 1st October 2012 a feed-in tariff of 8 cents per kWh is offered, which is better than nothing, and helps to monetise the surplus energy. The way to design a perfect system is make sure most of the solar generation peaks are utilised by your home when possible with appliances such as air-conditioning. This way - your appliances are truly solar powered and running free of charge.
Feed-In Tariffs?
We have a comprehensive pricelist available upon request. Prices range from just over $3000 (Aug 2013) for a 2kW, basic system to $50,000 for a top-of-the-line 10kW system which would be for rural or semi-industrial, grid-connected properties. Our average system hovers around $6000 to $12000 depending on the season.
Return on investment?
Payback time is only one way of measuring the effectiveness of your investment. Other measures are environmental contribution and peace of mind knowing that you are an electricity generator, somewhat independant of the power companies. But one of the things you want to know is this; if I spend X on a solar system, how long until I have saved X on my power bills? The answer depends on the size of the system, the quality level you choose, your household energy profile. Solar Essence uses a customised calculator to get this figure for you. The answer is usually 'well under ten years'.
Costs?
When you install solar - yes - changes are required to your electricity supply account. This is handled by your electricity retailer (TRU, AGL etc), although the paperwork is submitted by Solar Essence. Due to the co-incidental rollout of the smart metering scheme - you may end up with a smart meter which may correspond to a different billing plan (read: may be more expensive).
Metering charges?
FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
A Solar Essence commercial-scale system offers
you the most important feature of all : Certainty.
Yes! There are still up-front rebates for solar installations. Rebates are to the tune of 'a couple of thousand dollars', and are applied by us if that is your wish. They are based on an underlying federal government renewable energy incentive scheme involving the MRET (Mandatory Renewable Energy Target) and STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates). Best to call us for further information.
Rebates? RECs? STCs?
Solar systems are bought and sold according to their kW. This measure, say 1.5kW or 3kW or 4.6kW, is a measure of the system's peak power producing capacity. It is a different figure to how much energy the system provides over the course of the day. The difference depends a lot on the panels chosen and the inverter used and of course the orientation of the system. Also, importantly, the system can be installed less than perfectly by wrong product choice. We are here to guide you in these issues.
Kilowatts? Per hour?
Energy use is measured in units called 'kWh'. All electricity is billed in such units. Correspondingly your solar system produces energy in kWh. The average home uses anywhere from 12 kWh to 30kWh. This is highly dependant on the household, the devices running, heating and cooling, insulation etc. The lowest we have seen is 4 kWh. The highest we know of for residental use is 120 kWh.
Average energy use?
Maintenance?
No. There is no serious maintenance required for a solar power system, i.e. no servicing required. Over time your panels may become dirty and this dirt can effect panel performance and also hold moisture. It is best make sure panels are clean and free of debris. Do this only if you are safe and feel safe on your roof, or hire a professional to do the work.