Indigo Shire Guide - A4.pub
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1. SEES lt lt lt MS IRR TIZIA ANS TSI TT 5 nea 1 SE See i i ap cz NEL d aa E yan LZ _ n T sf i da gt 2 MN a A 4 94 kW solar panel system was installed on the roof of the Kiewa Bowls Club at Coulston Park Tangambalanga The saving from the system will be shared by all of the user groups at the complex 28 Case Study Public Hall Wahgunyoh School of Arts System Size 4 2 kilowatt peak kW Annual Production approx 6 439 kilowatt hours 1 533 kWh kW CO2 Emissions saved 4 5 tons per annum Panels used ET Solar ET M572190 Communication technology Sunny Webbox mit Bluetooth Inverter Sunny Boy 4000TL 20 The Wahgunyah School of Arts Public Hall had a 4 5 kW system installed as part of the solar North East Community Hub Program in 2012 It was jointly funded by the Committee of Management for the hall and Indigo Shire Council The system was installed and connected during the period when the Transitional Feed in Tariff was offered and being under 5kW in size it was considered eligible for the tariff The Committee of Management receives 25 cents per kilowatt hour for excess electricity fed back into the grid The annual cost savings are estimated to be 1 378 On top of this an estimated annual credit of 551 will be accumulated on their electricity bill from excess energy exported to the grid The majority of the Hall s electricity usage occurs in the ev2. ETE hm Lis cc id D is berea auri bir mam mire im caria at is EE Tx merid wl pics Watery hor Foo Flan eot ams imde pe en na MSL CF a eut und vee morati wnat ainsi oo Marina Babes acad iai pesare ung wer eid LI nr iem repan avos aie oe Pilar ma score nd a carga M A urs ma i arma im quos Dens y Nob TOT NCTE D BC BIB PUT Dipa Pip TECH e dn L 1 DTI drin e RATE AR PEE 5 ee LI Certificate of Electrical Safety CES Electrical Work Request EWR Step 3 Provide access to an Electrical Inspector Once the installation is complete an Electrical Inspector will need to check the system is installed correctly and sign the Certificate of Electrical Safety Step 4 Check that your installer has sent all the appropriate forms to your current retailer Once your system has been installed and inspected your installer should send both the Certificate of Electrical Safety and the Electrical Work Request to your retailer eg TRU Energy Red Energy AGL by email or post This will trigger your retailer to request SP AusNet to come and connect your solar power system to the grid It is important to chose an installer with a strong customer service policy with regard to document completion submission and follow up This may save time and ensure that the entire connection process flows smoothly 23 S
3. Clean Ener Step 2 Provide access to the property to install the PV system The installation of an average sized domestic solar power system will usually take place during one working day Two documents should be left with you or in your meter box by the installer which are crucial to the connection of your system Certificate of Electrical Safety CES Electrical Work Request Form EWR In addition there are two forms which you will need to sign SP AusNet Solar Interconnection Agreement Form Any applicable forms to take advantage of relevant rebates or incentive schemes For example Small scale Technology Certificate s STC s 22 CERTIFICATE OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY for Prescribed Electrical Installation Work LEET GATIT A we a eli Parere Fam Soe ria REIR Cl LDENTIDHAL Baai Oenaamei rne QR HA Privo Vni to Comma Ji 1 peo ip ere paoli emi VLL MI eee pene NAL see co eect vL il wn HEEB paso e Cesa tinti OO OmU Lom FT we OU pr eom mat inni mlhi penal Dea Cc OTe gegio DI mC urca DI a L mC E zm Erba Dem coi ee icon or eir Ge AA Pring ia PETER recs Lh gw Q rpm Fer Ha Tees nepos Tuc eR ma Ge api ml irs oe V y I My ee amm eee sot iun ee Conan Ll e wen ne DUM Cups Ks pesa me rca FOT il doi Die Corer aucta in perdo sima 1
4. of between 10 and 15 years ELECTRICITY TO HOUSE is INVERTER METER Panel technology Not all solar PV panels are the same A wide range of products are available and it is extremely important to scrutinise the quality performance and durability of various technology and brands There are three main types of panels 1 Monocrystalline 2 Polycrystalline 3 Amorphous silicon panels or thin film Monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels sandwich silicon crystals between a top layer of tempered glass and a tough ethylene vinyl acetate material underneath Each cell of a monocrystalline panel is made from a thin slice of a large single silicon crystal hence the name mono crystalline L a Monocrystalline Panel Polycrystalline panels have a speckled appearance as a result of the multiple small crystals that make up each cell on the panel gt gt Amorphous silicon panels also known as thin film technology may be less efficient but do have some advantages They can be applied as a film to low cost glass or plastic in a variety of sizes Some types are less Polycrystalline Panel susceptible to hail damage than glass covered panels due to a more flexible upper coating Also photovoltaic glass which is a thin film sandwiched between glass is available for direct incorporation into buildings Thin Film Technology Solar panel angle and orientation solar PV panels have t
5. wires and substations which delivers electricity from a generator to a consumer Distributors fix faults such as black outs and damaged electricity lines SP AusNet is the distributor across Indigo Shire Generators produce electricity from coal or gas and renewable sources such as solar hydro and wind A retailer buys electricity from a generator and sells it to a consumer Retailers set their own prices for consumers Changing retailer will not change your distributor or affect the reliability or quality of your supply Section Solar Technology amp Energy Generation How does a typical grid connected solar PV system work Sunlight creates a flow of electrons through the solar cells of a photovoltaic panel This direct current DC travels to the inverter where it is changed to an alternating current AC Alternating current is what is used in your home and in the electricity grid In general solar electricity will be set up to supply your property s needs first Any surplus power not used at the time of generation will flow into the electricity grid where you may receive a feed in tariff When your electricity requirements are greater than the PV output for instance overnight when the cells are not active electricity can be purchased directly from the grid Once a solar PV array is fully installed they require little maintenance and can be expected to last 20 years or more Inverters have a shorter life expectancy
6. generates 2 kilowatt hours during that Same period The meter will advance 8 kilowatt hours on the total usage register the difference between import and home generation 11 Section 2 Understanding your Electricity Consumption An important first step before you install solar electricity is understanding what information is provided on your electricity account and where power is used in your home With this material you can 1 Recognise consumption patterns and 2 Explore options to reduce demand using both technology and modified behaviour By improving energy efficiency and using less power you can consider a smaller sized solar system to meet your needs This will lower your capital outlay Top tips to reduce your electricity demand V Where possible look for non electrical means of heating water and living areas v If you are using mechanical heating and cooling reduce the area being targeted and dress appropriately Set thermostats between 18 20 C in winter and 25 C or above in summer Every degree warmer or cooler can increase energy use by up to 1096 SS Increase the insulation in your home and reduce draughts v Reduce standby loads and switch off lights and appliances that are not in use v When replacing appliances look at star rating and purchase efficient models v Replace light fittings with LED or compact fluorescent equivalents 12 Monitor your usage There are a number of ways
7. install panels so they are slightly elevated from the roof surface This will allow for air to circulate underneath and keep the panels cooler Selecting an inverter The inverter is an expensive component of your solar PV energy system Just like solar panels not all inverters are the same and replacement of a failed inverter can be a considerable cost It is extremely important to consider the quality performance and longevity of the inverter Research brands and manufacturers to source inverter equipment with a strong reputation and low failure rates Micro inverters are also available They are fitted at numerous locations across the solar array rather than having one central inverter The key benefit of this type of inverter arrangement is that failure or reduced performance of one panel will not affect the energy production across the entire system Ideally inverters should be installed in a shaded position with good air flow A home monitor or web based program can obtain power generation and usage data registered by your inverter This allows you to easily track the solar system s electricity production and the propertys consumption pattern ouch information can highlight opportunities to reduce electricity demand and promptly respond to any irregularities with the system This German made SMA SunnyBoy inverter left includes a Sunny Beam monitor above 10 Battery supported grid connect systems Grid connected bat
8. the impact a solar PV system has on your electricity account These include Roof design and aspect Budget Energy consumption e oystem size lime of use Feed in tariffs These elements will influence whether you will be able to offset some or all of your electricity needs and whether exporting excess electricity to the grid is a viable option Installers should indicate the average daily amount of electricity in kilowatt hours per day kWh day that systems will generate If they do not offer this information ask them to provide it You can use these daily output figures to compare against your electricity consumption which will help you choose a system that best meets your needs To assess options arrange for a number of solar installers to conduct a site inspection and provide a quote for your project The representative should inspect your meter box roof area pitch orientation and determine any shading limitations They should also undertake a billing analysis to determine your usage and discuss sizing solutions When this information has been collected and assessed a quote can be issued for your consideration 15 IMPORTANT your electricity bill has a fixed component sometimes listed as a Supply Charge which you will be charged even if your solar system offsets all of your electricity use If you want to obtain a 0 bill or a credit you will need to install a system that produces more electricit
9. to examine your electricity use at home You can analyse information provided on your energy bills regularly read and record you electricity meter and if you have a smart meter you may be able to access web portals that provide real time data on your property s consumption Calculating your average daily power usage from your energy bills The average daily domestic electricity consumption measured in kilowatt hours per day kWh day varies widely from household to household Electricity use will normally vary between summer and winter depending on heating and cooling requirements How do determine my average daily usage in kilowatt hours kWh Look at your most recent electricity bills ideally electricity bills that cover a 12 month period bills are generally issued monthly or quarterly 1 Note your average daily use in kWh for each bill Each bar for the last 12 months on the bar chart of your most recent bill OR the average daily use listed on each bill over a 12 month period see page 14 2 Calculate your average annual daily use in kWh by adding together the monthly or quarterly figures then dividing by 12 monthly or 4 quarterly depending on billing cycle In the example shown on page 14 starting from Dec 10 the annual daily average is calculated as 9 9 8 0 13 4 16 2 11 9 kWh 4 This is the amount of electricity used on site each day averaged across a whole year You will then be able to gauge the likely
10. A guide to installing solar electricity Table of Contents Introduction CAI 3 SOS SAY siria ito irta 4 Section 1 Solar Technology amp Energy Generation 5 Section 2 Understanding Your Electricity Consumption 12 Section 3 Solar PV Installation amp Grid Connection 17 Solar North East Project SUMMAFYy 28 Case Study Public Hall Wahgunyah School of Arts 29 Helpful RESOUFCES i 30 Introduction Welcome to the Solar Panel Installation Guide This guide is designed to provide Indigo Shire residents with an understanding of the process of installing solar to generate electricity The first section provides information about solar technology and energy generation This is followed by a section aimed to improve understanding of energy consumption and electricity account data Section three summarises the installation and grid connection process outlining what is required at each step along the way and provides some helpful tips to minimise obstacles The benefits of going solar Producing your own renewable energy by installing solar photovoltaic PV panels is a great way to reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint Making an investment in solar may secure your future energy needs and protect your property from the uncertainty of rising electricity costs over the long term Electricity
11. AILERS to take advantage of a particular offer it is wise to wait until after your system is connected to the grid by SP AusNet change well before you install your solar PV system The connection of your system to the grid requires a flow of paper work between your retailer and SP AusNet Introducing another retailer can confuse the process and cause considerable delays Feed in Tariffs Additional electricity that is not consumed by the property at the time of generation can be fed back to the grid where it may be eligible for a feed in tariff These tariffs can offer a financial return for surplus renewable energy Feed in tariff delivery and pricing should be fully understood in order to maximise return on your investment A variety of feed in tariffs have been available over time The structure of these tariffs often influences the way people choose to size their system and consume energy at the home In general if a feed in tariff EXCEEDS the price you are paying for electricity it is an advantage to export as much solar power as possible to the grid Alternatively if the feed in tariff is e LESS than the price of the electricity you purchase from the grid it is wise to consume your solar electricity at home as it is being generated rather than paying the higher import rate from the grid 26 Existing solar customers subscribed to the Transitional Feed in Tariff closed to new applicants on 31 De
12. aken Electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions DU efpek m peek o greenhouse gas 20 T 5 Average daily use kWh I Thisaccount 1623 20 Same time last year 13 72 Average cost per day 4 16 a Total greenhouse gas emissions 1 Tonnes this account 1 97 ergy 1 Peak Energy For more informatiog f nt Charges including GST Indicates a GST applicable supply Please refer to all pages of this invoice Please note ths Your next meter reading is planned to occur during 25 Dec 2011 4 Jan 2012 Please ensure safe and clear access to the meter If your meter is not accessible an estimate is taken Electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions O offpeak J peak greenhouse gas emissions 20 T 25g Average daily use kWh i This account 16 23 207 Same time last year 13 72 Average cost per day 4 16 u Total greenhouse gas emissions 108 Tonnes this account 1 97 Average Daily Usage kWh i For more information visit 0 5 www climatechange gov au To reduce your greenhouse gas emissions call us on 133 466 to find out how you can support green energy 14 Sizing your solar power system Once you know how much electricity your property uses and you have addressed any opportunities to reduce your power use you should think about what you want to achieve from your solar PV system A number of factors will affect
13. allation and grid connection process Check that your chosen installer will provide trouble shooting assistance and complete the required forms and certificates for your They can advocate on your behalf with your retailer and power distributor during the installation and connection process to ensure the appropriate paper work has been received and actioned by the various parties This includes A Solar Interconnection Agreement Form to be sent to your distributor SP AusNet 20 A Certificate of Electrical Safety CES from an independent Electrical Inspector and An Electrical Work Request EWR Form Accepting a quote Once you have chosen the system that is right for you check that all details such as size system components warranties deposit and payment terms are correct before accepting the quotation The best payment option to ensure your system is installed correctly and in a timely manner is to pay a deposit once you have accepted the quote and placed an order The balance can then be paid once the system has been installed the Certificate of Electrical Safety has been signed by an Electrical Inspector and the system is connected to the grid Note Conditions of payment will vary with different installers Once you have accepted the quotation the installer should then be able to give you an indication of the approximate installation date Lead time to installation may be 6 8 weeks depending on demand
14. cember 2012 and the Premium Feed in Tariff closed to new applicants on 29 December 2011 are reminded that any additional panels added to their systems after the relevant scheme closure dates will forfeit eligibility to the respective scheme Additionally if you are considering a change of retailer before swapping clarify if the new retailer will offer the same feed in tariff or will a new rate apply How do I claim credits from my excess energy It is important to understand how any surplus renewable electricity exported to the grid will affect your account Different retailers have their own specific terms and conditions for feed in tariffs and methods for crediting you for excess energy exported to the grid Some will pay your credits automatically if you are in credit at the end of the year while others will only pay you credits if you request them to do so some retailers will extinguish unclaimed or unused credits if you do not use them on your power bills or redeem credits within a given time frame Others only allow credits to go towards your electricity usage and will not transfer to cash Once you have a contract with your retailer and a smart meter installed you will be generating electricity and offsetting part or all of your usage You ll also be part of a growing group of households and businesses who are generating renewable energy Welcome to Energy Independence Step 7 Add your solar system to your home in
15. e they will be in full sun for the greatest proportion of the day Shading changes the flow of electricity through the panel Even a small amount of shade from objects such as trees roof ventilators or antennas can significantly affect panel output This may impact the entire array Shading of panels from the projecting roof line will and not just the shaded cells affect the system s generation capacity Cleaning your panels Over time accumulation of dust and dirt may shade the panels and affect their output efficiency Rain will lightly wash the panels but you may wish to clean your panels occasionally to maintain efficiency particularly during dry dusty periods of low rainfall How does temperature affect solar panel output J oolar panels operate best during clear conditions and at ambient temperatures up to 25 C As the ambient temperature increases above this level panels can experience varying levels of reduced efficiency Ensure you receive a panel technical specification sheet when you are provided with a quote Specifications will provide a temperature co efficient that will help you determine the percentage of reduced efficiency per degree rise in temperature This will enable you to obtain a clearer picture of the variation in generating capacity for different types and models of panels The lower the number for the temperature coefficient the better the panel will work in higher temperatures In addition
16. enings This allows a large percentage of the solar electricity generated during the day to be exported to the grid to collect the feed in tariff 29 Helpful Resources Information in this guide is derived from the following sources which can be visited for more detailed information and advice Clean Energy Council s Consumer guide to buying household solar panels www cleanenergycouncil org au cec resourcecentre Consumer Info solarPV guide html Compare electricity retailers at the Victorian Government s Your Choice website www yourchoice vic gov au Compare your energy usage to other households at Switch On www switchon vic gov au Australian Government 2010 Your Home Design for Lifestyle and the future Technical Manual www yourhome gov au technical index html Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries 2013 Energy webpage www dpi vic gov au energy Alternative Technology Association s Solar panel buyers guide www ata org au wp content renew 101 solar panel buyers quide pdf oolar electricity and renewable energy is a dynamic field that is constantly evolving Review new technologies relevant government legislation and best practice thoroughly before making any decision Indigo Shire Council would like to thank Zen Home Energy and Indigo Shire residents who supplied photos and assisted in the development of this document Disclaimer Indigo Shire Council has a
17. he capacity to generate the greatest power when they are pointed directly at the sun Peak sun hours vary throughout the year and from region to region As a result it is important to individually consider each unique location and install panels so they receive maximum direct sunlight To optimise yield in Australia A northern orientation is preferred for fixed PV systems A minimum angle of panel tilt of 10 is recommended to maximise self cleaning by rainfall In Indigo Shire a 20 30 angle of tilt is recommended to maximise annual power production When roof pitch is not ideal installers can provide mounting frames usually at an additional cost to improve positioning Ask your installer to advise of possible differences in output efficiency for different angles and orientations sun tracking systems are also available Panels are mounted on a motorised stand alone frame which follows the suns path across the sky Frames used on a flat roof to correct tilt Sun tracking 4 3kW system installed at and orientation Wangaratta s Eco Living Centre Panel performance tolerance Solar PV panels are rated at a specific output range for example 200W with a output tolerance This means that in the case of a 200W panel with an output tolerance of 3 it is possible that the true panel output could be 194W to 206W with an average of 200W Shading on panels Solar panels should be located wher
18. impacts of any proposed solar system on your daily consumption 13 Your electricity usage and service calculation Account number Service address NMI Billing period 29 Jun 2011 to 26 Sep 2011 gt Tariff Meter Bill Current Previous Total Charge Ex GST Inc GST TRUenergy Go for More number days reading reading kWh Usage Rate Go for More Peak 7602936 89 004272 003555 77 Gofor More Off Peak 7602936 89 000000 000000 0 Go for More Off Peak 7602936 89 004268 003540 728 Generated PV Off Peak Energy 7602936 89 000814 000744 70 KWH Generated PV Peak Energy 7602936 89 002367 002149 218 KWH Details 29 06 11 to 26 09 11 89 Days Go for More Peak Charges Rate Band 1 717 kWh 0 2397 kWh 171 86 Go for More Off Peak Changes 728kWh 0 1433 per kWh 104 32 Gofor More Quarterly Supply Charge 71 18 Go for More 3 Discount 10 43Cr Generated Photovoltaic Peak Energy 1 218 kWh 0 66 per kWh 143 88Cr Generated Photovoltaic Off Peak Energy 70 kWh 0 66 per kWh 46 20Cr Current Charges 146 85 Total Current Charges including GST 180 54 An indicates a GST applicable supply Please refer to all pages of this invoice Please note that the total Service Charges may include non GST applicable items Next meter read Your next meter reading is planned to occur during 25 Dec 2011 4 Jan 2012 Please ensure safe and clear access to the meter If your meter is not accessible an estimate is t
19. ion and the connection process on track understand the steps outlined on page 17 of this guide Printed on 100 recycled paper July 2013
20. our retailer to measure electricity consumption at your house or business and is shown on your power bill A system with a low up front cost which performs relatively poorly can be a worse investment than a more expensive system with a higher yield The effect is amplified when you multiply the yield difference over the life of the equipment typically 25 years or more 18 ii Return On Investment The return on your investment ROI is closely linked to e up front cost the annual energy yield annual panel degradation over system lifespan maintenance requirements energy consumption patterns and any applicable feed in tariffs You may simply consider a higher system yield in relation to the up front cost as the better theoretical return on investment However this one dimensional measure does not take into account the quality longevity of the equipment Poor quality systems can have significantly greater maintenance costs and shorter operational life which will diminish your investment value For example if a higher product failure rate is experienced in a cheaper system the replacement cost of an inverter for example such systems may not present such an attractive investment The replacement cost and loss of yield during a fault may increase the overall lifetime cost dramatically As a result there will be many factors to consider when determining the return of investment of a system such a
21. prices usage and greenhouse gas emissions Electricity prices in the North East Victoria SP AusNet distribution area increased 40 from 2006 to 2012 according to the Victorian Essential Services Commission Such price rises have placed a strain on budgets and encouraged people to rethink the way they use and generate electricity There are a number of reasons why we are paying more for grid supplied electricity 1 Network costs Upgradesto the ageing network that delivers electricity to your property infrastructure such as substations poles wires 2 Increase in the wholesale cost of electricity 3 Electricity retail profits and cost increases Essential Services Commission May 2013 http www esc vic gov au getattachment 18cdbfc 4 107b 497a ab59 6cce797957c7 Electricity Retail Margins Discussion Paper pdf Installing solar electricity can greatly reduce the demand for grid electricity and your properties carbon emissions Glossary W kW kWh Distributor Generator Retailer A watt measures the rate of energy conversion or transfer 1 watt 1 joule per second 1 kilowatt 1 000 watts For example a 3 kilowatt size solar system 3 000 watt system Kilowatt hours is a measure of energy usage over time 1 kilowatt hour 1 kilowatt used for an hour It is commonly used as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers by electricity retailers The business that owns the power infrastructure poles
22. ranty documentation They should also instruct you on how to operate your system to maximise returns and offer trouble shooting and maintenance tips Network distributors also advise owners of embedded generating systems such as solar electricity to check and maintain systems regularly SP AusNet recommends that a basic anti island safety check be conducted annually Contact your PV installer or SP AusNet if you have any questions Step 6 Choosing an energy retailer shop around to determine which retailer offers the best solar rates to suit your expected pattern of use Have a clear understanding of o What tariffs are available for those connected to solar and how they operate For example peak off peak fixed time of use TOU What are the service fees or supply charges per month or per day Are there any discounts available or fees to be paid when entering or exiting a contract What feed in tariff is paid for surplus solar electricity exported into the grid How will any surplus electricity exported to the grid be applied to my bill Can it be claimed as credit or cash PPiiBcreensnot hom wuwyourcnoiceviegoveu ot from www yourcnoice vic gov au Home Electricity and Gas Choose a Retailer Search for Electricity or Gas Offers What utility do you want to compare Electricity Ges IMPORTANT TIP The process of changing retailers can take a long time If you are thinking about CHANGING RET
23. s available budget quality warranties and overall performance It is wise to spend time researching your options before finalising selection Photo courtesy of ZEN Home Energy Systems 19 iii Production amp Installation Warranties Find out who is responsible for servicing the warranty the installer or the system component manufacturer and what exactly is covered by the warranty Are these people easy to contact and close by if something goes wrong with your system Look for an installer who will service the warranties themselves and who operates nearby for prompt servicing Not only does this support local businesses it also gives you some security in having a local contact should a problem arise You may even like to find out how long the installer has been in business in your area and their financial capacity and stability This may help you to assess whether they are likely to remain in business through the duration of your warranty period in case you need to make a claim Check if the inverter panels and installation workmanship are all covered under the warranty e Does the warranty cover replacement of faulty components How long are the warranties for each of the components Inverter warranties are typically around 5 years often with an option to pay extra to extend the warranty period iv Installer Customer Support A good installer should provide clear communication and support during the entire inst
24. surance policy Ensure you call your insurer to have your new PV system included on your homes insurance policy 27 Solar North East Project Summary The Victorian Sustainability Accord funded Solar North East project ran for 18 months between 2010 and 2012 During its operation the project employed a full time project manager solar ambassadors at each of the seven participating councils and a number of local contractors The key objectives of Solar North East were to raise community awareness about renewable energy and demystify the technical and legislative aspects of installing solar panels Indigo Shire residents embraced the Solar North East project with enormous enthusiasm This was evident with 133 of the total 345 rooftop systems installed across the seven councils occurring within Indigo Shire In total 459 61kW of solar power was installed in Indigo Shire as part of the project which amounts to 868 7 tonnes of CO emissions saved annually Four community buildings in Indigo Shire received solar panels funded by a 50 000 grant from Council as part of the Solar North East project These sites included Wahgunyah School of Arts Chiltern Football Club Tangambalanga s Coulston Park and Baarmutha Park in Beechworth _ ____ a a 4 E E T n Pe ENG dimi b pre Pa m gt 2 EJ P4 EI 22222 22222 i Ce az d ty A d A I a RE E E SAGA P x MEE aa Kes z shhh Cis 66 6
25. tep 5 Check that your retailer has forwarded your Electrical Work Request Form to SP AusNet To have your solar system connected to your property s grid electricity supply you will need to have a bi directional or smart meter fitted to your house If you do not already have one your current retailer will order the installation of a bi directional meter from SP AusNet for your residence or business The cost of this will be charged to your electricity account by your retailer Check that your retailer has forwarded the Electrical Work Request form to SP AusNet to ensure the connection request will be processed as soon as possible Installation of a Bi Directional Meter The lead time for getting a bi directional meter installed can often be 8 weeks or longer An installer with a good customer service policy should act as your advocate during this time to ensure a meter is installed in a timely manner dea dina The installer can confirm your retailer has received the correct documentation and that a valid electricity account exists Once your bi directional meter is installed your system will be tested and switched on The easiest way to tell whether your meter has been installed is to check your inverter as it will register any electricity being produced by your solar PV system Bi directional or Smart meter Panel 24 Operation of your System Your installer should supply you with a user manual and war
26. tery storage systems are also available They allow the storage and use of surplus energy generated by domestic renewable energy systems Batteries can also be charged from the grid during off peak times for use during peak tariff periods These storage systems have the potential to secure continual supply by providing energy to your home during a grid power outage The cost of battery connect systems are becoming more affordable as technology improves Off grid stand alone systems For properties that are not connected to the electricity grid network battery storage systems are available Such systems offer significant advantages for users independent of the electricity grid however they do require careful battery management Ask installers for options suitable to your scenario Net Metering Net metering applies to grid connected energy systems that feed excess power back into the grid This means that energy generated by your solar installation will be consumed first at the property Any surplus energy generated will flow back through your meter where it will be measured as it is exported to the grid and may be eligible to receive a feed in tariff The meter will only record exported kilowatt hours kWh if the electricity generation exceeds your consumption during a particular time interval Export is calculated every half hour For example your home consumes 10 kilowatt hours during a time interval and your solar installation
27. ttempted to ensure that information in this guide is as accurate and up to date as possible at the time of publication The authors have no control over the contents of websites listed which may change over time While every effort has been made to produce a useful publication it may not be error free and appropriate for all purposes 30 Notes Wa N ANAA Wow AN RAN WSN WANAKA SS N RN X WIIG MOE Thinking about installing solar electricity Installing a solar power system is a long term investment When choosing your system devote time researching options it could pay off in the long run Determine your daily energy usage Consider ways of reducing power use and calculate the impact solar electricity can have on your typical consumption Look for a Clean Energy Council accredited installer Compare quotes from a number of solar PV installers to be sure you are getting the best value for money power output system longevity and warranties available for your budget Refer to the Clean Energy Council s Consumer Guide to buying household solar panels to help with the decision making process Check if your electricity meter will need to be upgraded to receive a feed in tariff for any excess energy fed to the grid Shop around for an electricity retailer that offers the feed in tariff and electricity rates that best suit your needs To keep your installat
28. y than your electricity consumption to cover this supply charge Depending on the available feed in tariff this option may or may not be attractive and can significantly impact payback periods for your PV investment sae Better Build TOO kit om 3 NEW HOME GUIDE A ga 16 Section 3 Solar PV Installation amp Grid Connection 17 Step 1 Accept a quote and pay a deposit There are many solar installers in the marketplace with widely varying products price ranges system quality warranty terms and conditions payment options and levels of customer service It is important that you shop around and do your research so you are as informed as possible to compare all aspects of each quote Be sure to obtain a number of quotes from reputable installers to compare against each other Check that the installer has Clean Energy Council Accreditation and that the sales representative that visits your home is an Accredited Designer When comparing quotes from different installers consider the following System Yield ii Return On Investment iii Product amp Installation Warranties iv Installer Customer Support i System Yield The annual electricity yield that a PV system can produce under normal real world operating conditions is called the system yield It is one of the most important characteristics to consider for return on investment Yield is measured in kWh kilowatt hours which is the same unit used by y
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