Grid-Connect Solar Energy

Solar Energy for Home And Business Connected to Country Energy

We encourage everyone connected to mains power to install a grid-connected solar power system.

A grid-connected solar power system may be installed to produce all or a percentage of your electricity requirements.

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. If you are using power during the day you will consume energy from your solar array. If your solar array is producing more than you are using the excess will be exported to the grid and you will get credits on your Country Energy meter. The NSW government has introduced a bill to pay a premium for renewable energy exported to the grid. (see NSW feed in tariff section following)

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.

Note pricing is ball park only. Please call for an obligation free site assessment.

* Performance figures are based on optimum array orientation and sun exposure. No shading.
All prices include GST and are subject to change without notice. Additional costs for pitching frame, if required, $60 per panel. (For flat roofs).

2.8kw system at the Bellingen Environment Centre

Rebates and Benefts

The Solar Rebate

Renewable Energy Credits (or RECs) are the basis for the solar rebate. RECs are a tradeable commodity and the price fluctuates due to supply and demand. The solar rebate is based on 5 x the value of the RECs generated by the system - capped at 1.5 KW. Generation from capacity above 1.5 kW will still be eligible for the standard 1:1 rate of RECs creation.

Value of RECs - 8/10/09 @ $28.

The current value of RECs may be found at here.

Example 1

A 1.5KW system generates 31 RECs.
RECS Rebate   31 RECs x $28 x 5   = $4,340.00

The above formula will only apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts of capacity installed (31 RECs). Generation from capacity above 1.5 kW will still be eligible for the standard 1:1 rate of RECs creation.

Example 2

A 3.1 KW system generates 65 RECs
Assuming RECs are paying $34 each
31 RECs x $28 x 5 =   $4,340.00
plus 34 RECs x $28 = $952.00
Total cash back  $5,292.00.00

If the market fluctuates your rebate will change accordingly.

NSW Government Feed in Tariff

The NSW government has introduced a proposal to pay a premium for exported solar energy. The proposal is due to come into effect Jan 1 2010. The premium will be $0.60 cents per KWH or unit of energy exported. It is proposed that the feed in tariff be available for systems up to 10KW.

A 1.5KW system will produce an average of up to 6KWH of electricity per day.

Households or businesses that use little energy during the day while their solar system is producing energy will get the most benefit from the feed in tariff.

1.5KW System

A 1.5KW system will produce an average of up to 6KWH of electricity per day.

A household that runs a fridge and  little else during the day while their solar system is producing energy may use 2KWH per day and could  export  4KWH per day from a 1.5KW system.

Possible Savings

2 x 21.59 cents per KWH =$0.43 per day
4 x 60 cents per KWH =$2.40 per day
Total $2.80 x 365 = $1022 per annum.

If a household uses all the energy produced by their solar array during the day  this would be a saving of up to  6 x 21.59 cents per KWH =$1.29 per day or $470 per annum.

3KW System

If a 3KW system is installed. Energy production around 12 KWH per day may be achieved.

Household usage during the day is, say 3KWH during the day.

Export would be around 9 x KWH per day.

Possible Savings

3 x 21.59 cents per KWH =$0.64 per day
9 x 60 cents per KWH =$5.40 per day
Total $6.04 x 365 = $2,204.60 per annum.

The feed in tariff will encourage consumers with solar energy systems to use minimum energy during the day while their system is in peak production.

Note: Pricing based on the current Country Energy residential cost of 21.59 inc gst cents per KWH for electricity.

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?

The price of coal powered electricity is expected to continue to rise sharply in the near future, leading to a increase in electricity costs.

The current RECs rebate and proposed feed in tariff solar energy is becoming financially attractive to families and business.

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.

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.