Element Energy - Premium solar power at affordable prices

Solar Power Basics

1. What is PV?

   PV is short for photovoltaics (photo=light, voltaics=electricity). PV is a semiconductor-based technology used to convert light energy into direct current (DC) electricity, using no moving parts, consuming no conventional fuels, and creating no pollution.

2. How long has PV been around?

   The photovoltaic effect was first recognized by Edmund Bacquerel, in France, in 1839. Scientists made solar cells of selenium in the 1880s. And, modern PV technologies were developed at Bell Labs and RCA Labs in the mid 1950s.

3. What is the difference between solar power and solar hot water?

   Solar panels take light from the sun and make electricity. Solar hot water systems take heat from the sun and heat water. It is easy to remember:

   Heat from the sun heats the water, Light from the sun turns on the lights.

   
   

4. How does electricity get stored for use after sun goes down?

   Two options are an off-grid/RAPS (Remote Access Power System), or a grid connect system. Grid connect systems direct excess electricity produced during the day back into the local electricity grid. This turns your electricity meter backwards in the process. You then receive credit for any power that you put back into the grid. At night time, you automatically use electricity straight from the grid. RAPS systems store energy produced during the day in deep cycle batteries for use as required.

5. What happens with grid connect systems during a blackout?

   The grid connect inverter will automatically shut itself off within a few milliseconds of a blackout, to avoid the potential of a dangerous "brown-out" in your home and to prevent back feeding into the grid. Therefore even though you have a solar system during a blackout you will not have power available. A generator is the best option for back-up. If you want to keep on having electricity available during a blackout then you would need to have back up batteries installed as well, which will dramatically add to the cost of the system. This backup system does not at any stage feed into the grid.
   

    

   
   

6. Can you retro-fit battery backup into a grid connect system?

   Yes, battery backup systems require additional components similar to an Off grid system, such as, solar regulator, batteries, and off grid inverter and the right grid connect inverter that is compatible with the off grid inverter.There are only a few manufactures that offer this system e.g. SMA and Selectronic - this process does cost a lot more. This system does not feed into the grid  when switched over to battery backup (batteries do not feed into the grid at any stage).

7. Will I need to re-roof my house?

   In most situations, the PV panels can be easily removed and reinstalled, with minimal, if any, changes to your roof.

8. Is my building suitable for a solar system?

   Several aspects will need to be evaluated to determine if your home is a good solar site, such as orientation, space available, shadows on the space available and your current electricity usage. The best site will be one with adequate unshaded northerly facing roofing. Variations on that will cut into the productivity of the system.

9. Can solar panels work in the shade?

   The output of any panel will be reduced or cut off if shaded. However, some solar panels do work better than others in the shade. If a single cell is heavily shaded, that cell is cut off.

   
   

10. What about the energy it takes to produce a solar power system?

    Although solar electricity is pollution-free, PV systems require a certain amount of energy, which must be'reimbursed' before they can be considered as renewable and clean. This is known as "embodied energy". An assessment from the International Energy Agency concluded in mid 2006 that roof-top solar PV systems recover their energy content (from manufacturing and recycling) within 1.6 to 1.8 years in Australia. 

    Once they have reimbursed their initial energy input, roof-top PV systems can avoid the emission of 40 tonnes of CO2, depending on their location and on the local electricity mix available. Roof-top PV systems in Australia during their 30 year lifespan are expected to produce around 17 times the amount of energy needed for manufacture, installation and dismantling.

     

11. How much of a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions will I achieve?

    Using a comparison to a car, the average vehicle in Australia travels 20 000 km per annum, which is equivalentto 3.3 tons of carbon dioxide discharge annually. A 2kw grid connected systemwill prevent 3.3 tons of carbon dioxide being generated through coal fired powergeneration - so it's the equivalent of taking a car off the road each year. 

     

     

    
    

Solar Power Installation

1. Can I self install a solar power system?

   No, installation must be completed by a Clean Energy Council Accredited installers and wired by a licensed electrician.
   

   
   

2. Are there special mounting requirements?

   For most homes and businesses there are no special requirements. Flat roofs will need a tilt frame which does cost more, all of our framing is cyclone rated.
   

   In our region cyclone rated framing is a must. Ask for certification that your framing is cyclone rated.

   Ground mounting is also an option, although more expensive.
   

Grid Connect Solar Power Systems

1. Should I choose monocrystalline, thin film or polycrystalline solar panels?

   Monocrystalline silicon is the most efficient and produces the smallest solar cells, and therefore the smallest panels. Monocrystalline solar panels are also the most expensive. They need far less surface/roof area than polycrystalliane or thin film.

   Polycrystalline(or multi-crystalline) silicon produces the next most efficient type of solar cell. Polycrystalline solar panels are less expensive than monocrystalline solar panels,because of the way the silicon is made. Basically, the molten silicon is poured into a cast instead of being made into a single crystal. Although molding and using multiple silicon cells requires less silicon and reduces the manufacturing costs, it also reduces the efficiency of the solar panels. There are some recent expetions to this, however, with some multicrystalline panels (e.g. REC solar)  outperforming some of the best monocrystalline panels in different weather conditions.
   

   Thin Film These panels have a lower efficiency of 5-6% so panel is typically nearly double the size than the other panel varieties. They do respond better in low light and do not de-rate on hot days.

   Types of Thin Film
   

   Thin film solar products commonly contain cadmium telluride (CdTe). Cadmium is a heavy metal that accumulates in plant and animal tissues. Cadmium is a 'probable carcinogen' in humans and animals. While cadmium telluride doesn't pose a threat while the panel is in service, disposal of this toxic waste when the product reaches the end of its life comes at large cost and suitable facilities are not present in Australia currently.

   Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Thin Film (CIGS)

   Amorphous silicon Thin Film panels (a-Si)
   

2. What is a grid connect solar power system?

   Grid connectsystems, often located in built up areas, supply solar electricity through an inverter directly to the householdand to the electricity grid if the system is providing more energy than the house needs.When power is supplied to the mains grid, the home owner usually receives acredit or a payment for that electricity. This is called a feed in tariff.

3. If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system?

   Yes. Additional solar panels can be added at any time to increase generating capability but you might have to upgrade to a larger inverter. Alternatively you could purchase a larger inverter when installing the system initially and then plan to add some extra solar panels later.

    

   
   

    

   
   

4. What can affect the amount of solar energy received?

   The strength of the solar energy (radiation) available depends on the time of year, the time of day, and the latitude of the generation point. The amount of energy generated can be further affected by the amount of dust and water vapour in the air, the amount of cloudcover and any shading of the solar panels.

5. Does roof orientation really matter?

   Most certainly. For example, a system with solar panels facing in a westerlydirection will generate far less than one with a northerly aspect.

6. How much does a grid connect solar power setup cost?

   Prices vary according to size and quality - contact us today for a free quote.
   

7. What is a feed in tariff and how much will I get paid?

   A feed in tariff is whereby a grid connect system owner is paid for the electricity their system generates by a utility or government agency. There are two different types of tariffs, gross and net. A gross feed in tariff pays apremium on all electricity produced whereas a net feed in tariff only pays onsurplus energy created by the system. In QLD we have a net feed in tarriff paying 44cents for every kwh fed into the grid. For more information visit the Queensland Government's Clean energy website.
   

8. What size system will I need to power my home?

   That entirely depends on your energy usage and your geographical location. A 1.5kW system is currently the"entry point" for grid connect and attracts the most rebate. We have many customers where this has powered thier entire home and others where it would only reduce the bill by 15%. Contact us today and we can help you work out what you will need.
   

    Any size grid connect solar power system will reduce your yearly power consumption and your power bill. Naturally the bigger the system, the bigger the benefit.

   To make the most of solar power, the key is to implement simple energy efficiency strategies. It is easy to conserve energy by using appropriate lighting and efficient appliances. Running high power appliances such as electric bar heaters, electric hot water systems and air conditioners etc. is really not economical. 

   Instead of considering a very large solar system it is advisable to invest in energy efficient heaters, solar hot water and design features such as strategically placed vents or insulation to avoid heat entering the house in the first place. In summary- all your energy can be supplied by solar power and your budget and daily energy usage will determine the size of your solar power system.

    

   
   

9. How does a solar system connect into current house power?

   The solar system is wired into your existing fuse box via a circuit breaker.

10. How long will my grid connect solar power system last?

    Solar modules have been tested in the field showing small reductions in power output after 20 years, mostly because the glass surface becomes a bit dull and reflects more light. All our solar panels carry an output warranty of 25 years. There are solar panels delivering power in Australia today that were installed more that 30 years ago. The electronic components such as inverters, being the most sensitive, will last 10-15 years.

    
    

11. What type of warranty is supplied with the system?

    Solar Panels: 20 - 25-year warranty to produce 80% of rated output (manufacturer)

    Inverter: 5-year warranty. Can be extended to 10 years for an additional charge (manufacturer)

    Mounting System: 10-year product warranty (manufacturer)

    Workmanship: 5 year warranty on workmanship (installer)

12. What can affect the costs of installing a grid connect system?

    Additional costs will be incurred for a flat or tiled roof; any equipmentupgrades and extended warranties. These will all be stated clearly on your itemised quote from Element Energy.
    

13. Can I insure my grid connect system?

    Most insurers will allow you to include the system under your home andcontents insurance, but please check with your insurance company first.

    Be sure that you have certification for your framing to be cyclone rated or this may affect any future cliams.
    

14. What happens on cloudy days?

    In  a grid connect system, as you are still tied to the mains power supply, any deficit will come from the mains grid.

15. How reliable will my system be?

    Element Energy systems are designed to not only meet Australian Standards, but we consistently install systems that are top performers. Visit our REC and SUNTECH pages for more information.
    

16. Is a solar regulator necessary in a grid connect system?

    No, the inverter handles the incoming charge and converts it to ACelectricity for use in your home.

17. Will I need a new switchboard and/or meter?

    In order to install a grid connected solar power system at your premises, you will need to have a compatible switchboard and meter. To help you determineif your meter and switchboard are compatible and approximate pricing for upgrades if required, contact us.
    

18. Where do you place the inverter?

    Usually the inverter is placed alongside fuse box. The inverter is silent and has a display to show the electricity generated and other data optionssuch as total electricity generated since installation, are available.

     

    
    

19. How much roof space is needed?

    1.0 KW system needs approximately 10m2, a 1.5KW system needsapproximately 15m2 and so forth.

20. What is the weight of the solar system on the roof?

    The system weighs approximately 27 kilograms per square meter (a 1KW system is approximately 10 square meters).