FAQs

A solar system is made up of the following components:

Solar Panels – the panels absorb the sunshine and convert it into DC electricity

Inverter – The inverter converts the DC power into AC power to use within the property. The inverter may be a grid connected inverter (which feeds excess electricity into the grid), a microinverter (multiple small inverters which feeds excess electricity into the grid) or a hybrid inverter (connected to a battery bank).

Optimiser – The latest technology systems will include an optimiser on each panel so they can operate as an individual system reducing the effects of issues such as shading.

Battery: A Solar Power Battery will store excess power you generate rather than sending in to the power grid in exchange for a feed in tariff. This power can then be used after the sun has gone down rather than purchasing power from the grid.

Mounting Equipment and Cabling

The amount of solar power generated by your system depends on a number of factors including the time of year, the time of day, and the latitude of the generation point. Generated power can also be affected by atmosphere, for example how much dust is in the air, the amount of cloud cover versus the amount of sunlight on a particular day and any shading of the solar panels

Once an installation is complete, Energy Assist send the retailers the documents required in order for them conduct alterations for the meter to be bi-directional. This is done by either remotely updating the software within an existing smart meter, or by installing a new smart meter with the updated software. This update allows any electricity being sent into the grid to be recorded for the agreed feed-in tariff rate, as well recording the electricity being drawn from the grid into the home.

In addition to choosing the right Solar System you also need to ensure that you have the right retailer. State Government has regulated the feed-in tariff for Victoria. For more information please visit their web site: www.dpi.vic.gov.au. At present there is both a 'flat rate' Feed-in Tariff and a time of use Feed-in Tariff. It's up to your electricity retailer to determine whether they offer one or both options.

A solar system is usually sized to each individual's property. Many factors must be considered when deciding the correct size and design for your system.

For example, the size of your roof area, your electricity usage and your expectations from the solar system are vital in deciding the right system for you. Energy Assist can help you through an assessment over the phone, at an obligation free site inspection or at our showroom and testing facility to ensure you receive not only the correct product and price information but also set up your expectations accordingly.

Most solar systems will show a small reduction in power after 20 years, ordinarily due to the glass becoming slightly faded and reflecting more light.

Solar Panels: minimum 10-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty. Our panels have a warranty ranging from 10 years to 40 years for product and performance.

Inverter: minimum 10-year warranty.

Mounting System: 10-year product warranty

Whole Of System: 5-year warranty

Additional solar panels can be added to your system in the future if there is enough roof space and your inverter has the capacity. Most inverters can be oversized by an extra 30%. However, at times when increasing the system size the inverter may also need to be upgraded

A solar power system requires daylight to produce power. Therefore, on a dull day the system will still produce power but not as much as a clear day.

The solar power system is made up of an array of panels that absorbs the energy from sunlight and converts this energy into DC current.

The array is mounted on rails which allows the panels to be securely installed onto the roof. This design also provides the correct aspect and elevation for the array so as that the maximum amount of available sunlight in received and converted as well as enough insulation required by the panels.

The inverter will convert the DC power from the panels to AC power which can then be used within the property or sent out to the grid. Most inverters also provide information including total energy production, daily energy production, and instantaneous power.

In order to ensure your system is performing at it's peak it is recommended to have your system serviced every 12 – 18 months however this is not a requirement.

Energy Assist offers our Maintenance Plus Package to ensure your system is working at its best for you.

With a grid connect system the excess electricity produced during the day is fed back into the electricity grid.

You will then receive a credit (known as the feed in tariff) for the power you supply to the grid. During the night, you draw power from the grid and this usage is measured by your meter and you are charged for this.

If you are over producing during the day and use most of your power of an evening when the system is not producing power, a battery bank may be worth investing in. This way excess power fills up the batteries first which then supplies power back to your home when you need it, instead of buying back your own power.

All grid connect inverters will automatically shut down in less than a second when there is a power outage in the grid. This is a legal safety requirement for all solar systems to ensure that any person working on power lines in the area during the outage are not at risk from electricity being fed into the grid. Therefore, your system does not generate power during a blackout. Solar batteries and a hybrid inverter would need to be installed for your system to remain on in the event of a blackout.

Yes, there are multiple ways to set up your solar system to ensure it is “battery ready”. Our inverters allow you to add a battery controller and a battery bank in the future.

YES. No 2 solar systems are the same and no two properties are the same. Each system needs to be designed specifically for the property, roof area, and specifically to the usage profile.

For example, you do not want to over or under size your unit, and you need to install your system to peak at the time of day you use your power most.

Once your deposit is paid, Energy Assist will submit any required pre-approval paperwork to your distributor.

Installation will take place and paperwork is to be signed and completed by the electricity account holder and final payment is made.

The independent inspection is booked and once completed the inspector will sign the certificate of electrical safety and send a copy to Energy Assist.

All paperwork is submitted to your retailer and distributor to reprogram your meter to be bi directional to begin your feed-in tariff