Frequently Asked Questions
About Grid Connect Solar
Solar power is clean, renewable energy captured from the sun. In Australia, solar operates under a “net export” arrangement, which means that solar energy generated by your system will feed directly into your home as it is being generated.
You save money by using your solar where you would otherwise be paying for grid power. Any excess solar generation over and above your home’s energy demand will be fed back into the grid (you may be able to get a feed-in tariff from your retailer for this).
At night, when solar is not generating, or during the day if solar is not able to meet the demand of your home, the grid will supply you with the additional power you need.
About Grid Connect Solar, with Storage
A grid connect battery system still operates as a net export system, however with the addition of batteries you can store your excess solar generation for later use, rather than export it to the grid. Your solar generation will still feed your home’s demand first.
Any solar that is being generated over and above your home’s demand will be fed into the battery, and if there is excess power AND your batteries are full, then the excess power will feed back into the grid.
Power is supplied to your home firstly from the solar (if available at that time). If not enough solar is available, then your power will come from your batteries, and if not enough power is available from your solar & batteries combined, then you will draw power from the grid to make up the difference.
About Smart Meters
When installing solar power, you also need to have a meter replaced in your main switchboard.
Previously, we could do this as part of a solar installation but recently the process has changed, and this is now the responsibility of your energy retailer.
For most solar customers energy retailers will install a smart meter for free but we highly recommend contacting your retailer beforehand to check if it will be free for you.
What are STCs?
STCs or Small Scale Technology Certificates (formerly known as RECs) are created by the installation of renewable energy power sources such as solar power, on eligible premises.
These Certificates are a tradable commodity and can be used to obtain a significant discount off the price of a solar system. Here at Harelec, our prices are calculated with all STCs assigned to us, and we will ask you to sign an STC form when we install your system.
If you wish to retain your STCs, please speak to our staff about a quote, as our prices will be different.
What is Export Limitation?
All solar systems need to be approved by the appropriate DNSP (Distribution Network Service Provider). In our local area, this is Essential Energy.
We prepare and submit an application on your behalf, and this application needs to be approved before we can proceed with an installation. In some cases, particularly in rural areas, Essential Energy may approve an application but impose export limitation conditions.
This means that any installation at the premise must either be sized below the export limit or include equipment that limits the amount of power that can feed back to the grid.
What does solar cost?
The price of a system varies based on your choice of panels & inverter, and also on requirements specific to your installation, such as the type of roof you have, and where the inverter is to be installed. Other factors, such as export limitation may also apply.
For this reason, we usually like to send one of our experts out for a site-visit prior to giving you a quote that is tailored to you. It's not always crucial that we do a site-visit, but in most cases in ensures that we have all the right information we need to provide you with an accurate quote and a hassle-free installation.
If, however, you just want an idea of what a system might cost... please give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss this with you.
