Solar Installations
What are the main types of solar energy installations?
There are two main types of solar installations. The first and most common system connects your solar energy system with the main electricity grid. This Grid Connect system allows you to feed energy back into the grid through your meter, and be financially rewarded for it by your energy company. See our Feed-In Rewards page.
The other is a 'Stand-Alone' system for remote properties where the cost of connecting to the main grid is prohibitive. The system charges a battery bank, which in turn is used to power a house. A generator is usually kept available to back up the battery system.
Who does the installation and how long does it take?
Solar Choice will provide you a free, immediate and informative Quote Comparison for up to 6 prominent and competitive installers wherever you are in Australia, as well as a shortlist of the products they offer. We are on hand to provide all the impartial guidance and information you need on the various products, prices and installers, so that your selection is an educated and well informed one.
The Quote Comparison will fully disclose your Solar Choice Discount.
Installation of an average sized household system generally takes less than a day.
I live in a residential apartment building. What are my solar energy options?
There's normally plenty of vacant and sunny space on the rooves of apartment buildings. You'll usually need to obtain permission from your body corporate prior to any installation going ahead. Alternatively, your body corporate itself may wish to power the building's common areas and lighting with solar energy.
Fortunately, a body corporate is also eligible for the Solar Credit Discount scheme, as are owner occupiers and tenants of residential apartments. See our Solar Credits and Rebates page.
Where should the solar panels be installed?
Wherever you have maximum sunshine and minimal shade. Normally the solar panels will be installed as discreetly as possible on your roof, but if you prefer they can also be erected free standing elsewhere on your property.
Maximum solar energy in Australia is obtained by having the solar panels face north, and tilted upwards at an angle of 30 degrees.
What is an inverter and where should it be installed?
An inverter converts the DC electricity generated by your solar panels into 240V AC electricity suitable for use in your home.
Inverters are usually smaller than a standard briefcase, and are situated close to your electrical switchboard.
How do I maintain my solar energy system?
Simply by ensuring, every year or as need be, that your solar panels are kept clean. That's all you really need to do. There are no moving parts, and so a good solar system should last you for 20 years or more.
What size solar system will power my household needs?
[The table below is a guide only. Exact household electrical needs vary significantly depending on many factors including household insulation and the energy efficiencies of different appliances.]
| Solar system power size | Household electrical needs |
|---|---|
| 450 Watt | All your lights, TV, DVD player, sound system, microwave and kettle |
| 900 Watt | All the above uses plus your fridge, dishwasher and computer. |
| 1,500 Watt | All the above uses plus either:
|
| 2,250 Watt | All the above needs plus almost everything else typically found in an average 3 bedroom home except air conditioning. You are essentially solar energy self sufficient! |
| 3,000 Watt | Complete solar self sufficiency, including standard use of air conditioning. |
