Grid-Connect Solar Energy

Solar Energy for Home And Business Connected to Country Energy

Anyone connected to mains power can install a solar system to produce their own electricity. These systems are different to solar hot water systems that directly heat water. You can produce you own electricity to run all you appliances such as fridge, TV, power tools etc.

How it Works

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity (can still produce electricity when its raining though not as much). If your using power during daylight hours you will use the energy your panels create. If your not using power you will supply clean green energy to your neighbours and get credits on your country energy meter these credits are deducted from your bill or if you produce a surplus you could receive a cheque. You can produce all or a percentage of your electricity requirements. Most people choose to produce a percentage of their power and take advantage of the $8000 rebate.

Looking at ways to reduce you energy consumption/greenhouse gas production is always a part of site assessment.

How long will my system last?

Our solar panels come with a 25-year (limited) warranty. Originally designed and still used to power satellites they are extremely durable, reliable and expected to produce clean energy well in excess of 30 years.

How long will it take to recoup the cost of my system?

At current electricity prices and solar rebates the pay back period is in excess of 15 years.

Solar power is a long term investment and future energy costs must be considered to work out a pay back period. How much do you think power will cost in 5, 10 and 15 years while your panels are still well within their 25 year warranty.

The price of coal power is expected to rise sharply in the very near future as a carbon tax must be enforced in Australia to join the rest of the world in preserving the place we live.

Almost all of my grid connect customers make this investment to make a stand against global warming. Increasing the value of their property and insulating themselves against inevitable energy price rises are also important considerations.

Australia has the cheapest power in the western world (in 1984 when I started my electrical apprenticeship electricity cost around 10 cents per KWH and petrol was about 20 cents a litre. Power now it costs 16 cents per KWH and petrol $1.50). The environment has been paying the cost of cheap electricity. As we set our abundant coal reserves on fire to produce power our atmosphere pays the price. The atmosphere is 1/500th the volume of our oceans and is very vulnerable.

2.8kw system at the Bellingen Environment Centre

Solar System Pricing

Bellingen Solar can custom design a system to suit your needs. The standard systems (listed below) do not include a back up power source when the grid fails (discussed below). Rebates apply see below.

(We stress) Pricing is ball park only. Please call for a free quote. Prices includes standard installation and is what you pay after rebates

Rebates

The following rebates have been deducted from the above pricing:

• Government grant  $8 per watt capped at $8000.00
• RECS $0.90 per watt.

Standard Installation

Typical single story residence with North facing roof. Local area.

Additional costs may be incurred if roof pitch is very steep.

The existing meter panel must have enough space to install a solar supply circuit breaker and accommodate a 2-way meter to be installed by Country Energy

Additional cost for pitching frame if required $80 per panel. (For flat roofs).

Battery back up

Standard grid-connect systems do not produce energy when mains power has failed. This is  to protect Country Energy line workers. To take advantage of your solar energy when mains power has failed a  battery back-up system can be installed. Prices for a battery back-up system start from around $8K on top of standard grid-connect packages.

All-in-one Grid Connect Solutions To Suit Your Home

A flexible design

The Solar Energizer has been designed to suit a wide variety of needs and situations. It is available in a range of sizes, from 1,000 watts up to 5,000 watts, and is expandable as your demand and budget grows.

The innovative mounting system allows the system to be fitted to corrugated metal or tile roofs and to a variety of roof shapes, quickly and simply.

Everything you need

The Solar Energizer kit includes the following:

• Complete accessory kit, savin you time and money and ensuring safety and code compliance, including warning labels, DC isolators and quick connect plugs and sockets.
• A range of power sizes to match your electricity demand and budget.
• High quality, certified aluminium mounting structure, which is fast and easy to install to corrugated metal or tile roofs. Optional cyclone rated fixings kits are also available.
• Efficient and fully approved grid connect inverter.
• A wireless display (SolarSight), to view your solar systems performance from inside your home (optional).
• Detailed manuals, including an eas to read owner's manual and a technical manual for installers.

How much electricity will I generate?

The peak generation of power is on a cool, clear day when the sun is perpendicular to the solar array. Clouds, seasonal changes in the angle of the sun, array soiling, roof orientation, and any incidental shading may impact on the performance.

For example, a typical energy efficient home is defined as consuming 7.5kWh per day, and would require a 2kw system to cover some or all the energy consumed.

A typical conventional home consumes 18kWh per day and would require a 5kw system to cover all the energy consumed.

A system can be installed to produce all or a percentage of the energy you consume.