Panels: the cells on the flat panels, which are the most visible part of the system, convert the solar energy into electricity. They should be oriented to the north (or slightly to the east or west of north) so that they capture as much sun as possible. Panels are usually mounted directly or using angled frames on any suitable roof. They can even stand on the ground. The more panels installed, the more electricity you get.
Inverters: this “box” converts 12-volt DC into 240-volt alternating current (AC) which is the form of electricity we use every day. Up to 5% of the electricity generated is lost during conversion.
Solar photovoltaic, or ‘PV’ cells, convert sunlight to electricity. This electricity is 12 volt direct current (DC). For most households, solar electricity could replace a large part of the electricity produced by fossil fuels.
Since 2000, global PV production has been increasing at around 50% a year.
Central Victoria enjoys on average about four hours of sunlight a day, so a 1 kW PV system can be expected to produce about 4 kWh a day. This is around 30% of average household consumption.
WHY INSTALL PV?
- Once installed and operating, a PV system emits no greenhouse gases. A 1kW system will save about 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year.
- Solar electricity uses less water than generating electricity via fossil fuels.
- The cumulative effect of installing a number of small solar PV systems can soon become significant (at current rates of installation – July 2013 – solar panels will make coal-fired power stations redundant by 2040).
- Generous rebates have been available.
TYPES OF SYSTEMS
GRID CONNECTED SYSTEMS
These systems can operate in areas where buildings are connected to the main electricity grid.
The equipment includes the PV panels, the framing and wiring for the panels, the inverter and an electronic bi-directional digital meter.
During the day, the panels will at times produce more electricity than is needed. The excess is fed into the grid and the electricity meter runs in one direction, reducing the amount of electricity consumption shown on the meter. At night, your electricity will be supplied from the grid and so the meter will run in the other direction. At the end of the billing period customers are billed only for the amount of electricity shown on the meter.
STAND ALONE SYSTEMS
These are usually remote area systems where mains electricity is not available.
In addition to the equipment you’ll need for a grid-connected system, you will need a bank of large storage batteries. Often these systems have a back-up generator, fuelled by petrol or diesel.
The electricity generated by the panels is stored in the battery bank, and because it is stand alone, there is no external metering.
Financial assistance
These details may change at short notice, so always check for the latest information
The Renewable Energy Target (RET)
The RET expands on the previous Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), which was established in 2001. From 1 January 2011 the RET has operated as two parts:
- Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET)
- Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The LRET encourages the deployment of large-scale renewable energy projects such as wind farms, while the SRES supports the installation of small-scale systems, including solar panels and solar water heaters.
Combined, the LRET and SRES are expected to deliver more renewable energy than the previous 45,000 gigawatt-hour target in 2020. Renewable energy will continue to receive support under the RET until the scheme ends in 2030, ensuring long-term support for the industry.
Further information on the LRET and the SRES, including support for households installing renewable energy systems and the Solar Credits mechanism can be found in the Enhanced RET fact sheet.
The Bendigo Bank offers Generation Green (TM) loans to help home owners finance the cost of installing a solar PV system. Call them on 1300 366 666.
CONTACTS
While MASG has made every effort to assess the information, we cannot guarantee the authenticity of the information on every site.
Contacts are provided for private businesses, but MASG does not endorse and cannot be held responsible for the products or services offered by these companies, or for any transactions or business contracts entered into with the businesses listed below.
The list is not exhaustive.
Local Contacts
The Solar Bloke
Rear 27 Lyttleton St
Castlemaine VIC 3450
PH: 5470 5890
General Contacts:
Sustainability Victoria
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
Tel: (03) 8626 8700
Alternative Technology Association (ATA)
www.ata.org.au
Tel: (03) 9639 1500
Clean Energy Council
The Clean Energy Council is an amalgamation of the Australian Wind Energy Association (Auswind) and the Australian Business council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). The Council represents over 400 businesses.
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
Tel: (03) 9929 4100
Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions Inc (BREAZE)
A sister organisation to MASG.
www.breaze.org.au
Tel: 5329 1730
Environment Shop
www.environmentshop.com.au
Tel: 1300 30 58 33
EnergyMatters
www.energymatters.com.au
Tel: 133786
Nu Energy
www.nuenergy.com.au
Tel: 1300 768 225
GridPower
www.gridpower.com.au
Tel: 1800 074 007
M + H Power Systems
www.mhpower.com.au
Tel: 9763 0555
Specific Products or Suppliers:
Conergy (Australia)
www.conergy.com.au
Tel: 1300 266 374
Sunpower
www.sunpowercorp.com.au
Tel: 1800 786 769
Solar Shop
www.solarshop.com.au
Tel: 133 765
Kyocera Solar
www.kyocerasolar.com.au
Tel: 1800 242 118
Ecosouth Solar Electricity
(Mitsubishi)
www.ecosouth.com.au
Tel: (03) 8371 5655
Jaycar Electronics
(Powertech)
www.jaycar.com.au
Tel: 1800 022 888
PV Solar Tile
www.pvsolartiles.com
Tel: (02) 9558 0512
Going Solar
www.goingsolar.com.au
Tel: (03) 9348 1000
Sharp
www.sharp.net.au
Tel: 1300 135 530
Uni-Solar
ARRID
www.arrid.com.au
Tel: 1300 663 563
