Solar energy systems act like a mini power station on your roof generating electricity from the sun.
The solar photovoltaic panels are connected to your normal power supply for your business use. If you need more power than the solar system generates, it comes from the electricity grid. If your solar system generates more power than you need, the excess goes into the electricity grid.
The Queensland Government's Do the Bright Thing website has more information on the benefits of solar power.
What to consider before you buy a system
You should consider the following before you buy a solar system:
- Size. There are various solar system sizes to choose from. The output and cost of the system will depend on the size. It's a good idea to have a look at your business electricity bill and compare your energy consumption (kilowatt hours used per day) with what each system can generate.
- Cost. The cost of a solar system will vary depending on size, type of panels, installation type and equipment used.
- Location. The location of your premise will obviously have an effect on the performance of the solar system. Areas of frequent rainfall will naturally receive less sunshine hours and system output will be reduced.
- Roof specifications. For optimum system output, a north facing roof is most ideal. Other things to consider are the pitch of the roof and what the roof is made out of (for example, a tile roof may incur a higher installation charge than installing a system on a tin or corrugated iron roof).
- Your building. Does your building contain asbestos? If so, the supplier/installer will need to know as special precautions will need to be taken. You will also need to let them know if the premise is more than 1 storey to allow for safety requirements. The location of your switchboard also needs to be considered as the inverter needs to be mounted as close to the switchboard as possible.
- Shading. Is there any shading on the roof area from trees or buildings? If so, this will affect the performance of the solar system.
Where can I buy a solar power system?
If you're looking to install a solar power system, you'll need to contact a solar power system supplier. Many suppliers are able to offer upfront discounts thanks to solar credits under the Australian Government's Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
#We recommend that, whichever supplier/installer you choose, you choose one who is accredited by the Clean Energy Council Accreditation Scheme.
Small-scale Technology Certificates or STCs
Small-scale Technology Certificates or STCs are an electronic form of currency that have replaced Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Basically, when you install a solar power system, you may be eligible for a certain number of tradable STCs for the years that your system will generate energy.
Many solar power system suppliers will purchase the STCs associated with your installation in the form of an upfront discount. The good news is that the solar credits under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), means your business may be eligible for an increased number of STCs for the first 1.5kW of a system's output. Generation from capacity above 1.5kW may still eligible for the standard 1:1 rate of STCs creation.