How Long do Lithium Solar Batteries Last

how long do lithium solar batteries last
Solar batteries are the most valuable and rewarding addition to your solar setup. Among many kinds of solar batteries available in the market, like lead-acid and flow batteries, Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the superior choice. The return on investment in Li-ion batteries is promising, which is why many solar battery companies and EV companies are gravitating towards it.
Now the question is, how long do lithium solar batteries last? Generally, Li-ion batteries are capable of providing you with sufficient backup for 5 to 15 years, depending on the brand, build, and how you have been treating the battery. So, it’s safe to assume once you invest in high-quality solar batteries, you can expect them to be by your side for a minimum of 10 to 12 years on average.
If you are wondering about battery backup in case of a power outage or a blackout of several days, then there are many attributes to take into account in this instance. How big the battery is and what you plan to run using the battery is what will shape the figure in hours of battery backup.

Brief Discussion on How Li-ion Batteries Work

For your ease of understanding, let us discuss the battery on a cellular level in its simplest form. So, in its simplest form, Li-ion battery, the anode (negative side) is made out of graphite, and the cathode (positive side) is made of lithium metal oxide, which is the essence of this battery. Both the anode and cathode are submerged in an electrolyte which in this case is lithium salt. Also, there is a separator in between, which helps in the exchange of electrons.
how long do solar batteries last
While the entire system is up and running, positive ions of lithium flow through the electrolyte to the negative side of the system to the anode to form a bond with the carbon of that side. While this is happening, an electron gets released in the cathode side as a reaction to what’s happening as a whole. So, the lithium metal oxide is now a lithium-ion, metal oxide, and a stray electron. This is what happens at the cellular level when you are charging the lithium cell.
Now let’s see what happens when you discharge electricity from it, AKA using the battery. At this stage, the electron flows in the opposite direction, which is basically what electricity is. A load is connected at this point of discharge, and the flow of electrons keeps the battery working.
Li-ion batteries are generally considered better despite being a tad more expensive than others because they are-
  • Smaller in size
  • Easy to maintain
  • Has a greater DOD (Depth of Discharge)
  • Offers more generic cycles to go through
  • Has a longer lifespan
  • Capable of fast charging

How Long Do Lithium Battery Last in a Blackout – Solar Battery Backup

On average, every Australian household that opts for a solar battery goes for no less than a 10kW battery backup option, which can provide your family with sufficient electricity for an entire day during a power outage. Here is a breakdown of the exact kilowatt-hour usage of a lithium solar battery if used strategically throughout a 24 hours span. Click here.
But if you opt for a battery even bigger, you can go for longer without a grid connection. Off grid homes are the epitome of an example of how a battery backup, along with solar panels, works in synchronization to run a household without any utility grid connection. The battery is charging as you use it or not to form a seamless flow of electricity in such cases.

Factors that Influence Solar Battery Lifespan – Dod

solar battery lifespan
Every battery on the market has a Dod (Depth of Discharge) percentage that the manufacturer advises. Dod is the maximum amount of solar battery that can be used before it has to be recharged. The more Dod, the longer you can go without charging the battery. If your 10kW solar battery, for instance, has a 95% Dod, you may consume around 9.5kW of the electricity before plugging it back in.
You can use the entire battery at once, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it in excellent condition and extend its lifespan. Otherwise, this costly investment won’t provide the greatest results possible.
More and more individuals are converting to home batteries as technology improves because they are capable of storing excess energy that is produced by fully green sources like solar panels, hydropower, and wind. Being self-sufficient with a home battery is the best approach to eliminating your carbon footprint and becoming totally energy-independent.
By selecting the get help tab down below, you can schedule a free consultation appointment with one of our solar professionals to learn more about your energy usage pattern and how you can also become energy independent.

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Federal Government Announcement – 50% Increase in Power Prices

Federal Government Announcement – 50% Increase in Power Prices
We thought we would give you an update on the 2022 Federal Budget released last night. It’s not often the government releases estimations on energy prices but due to the current energy crisis we are facing the expectations are that residential customers will face a significant increase in energy prices in the next 12 months of 50%.
20% is scheduled to hit before the end of 2022 with a further 30% scheduled for 2023.
Coupled with inflation the government has announced no subsidies will be handed out to residents to help cover this cost as it will further fuel inflation. The best way that you can cover yourself is by reducing your dependency to the energy grid with Solar and or Solar & Battery.
The winners will be the ones who get solar before the STC Federal Solar rebate drops off on 1st of January 23 almost 2 months away (and the system must be installed before that date in order to obtain the rebate).
The Australian Financial Review reports that “Treasurer Jim Chalmers flagged an aggressive regulatory crackdown in the energy market after the budget revealed households would be whacked with a 56 per cent increase in power bills over the next two years, leaving Labor’s promise to cut electricity bills by $275 all but dead.”
Electricity and gas will rise sharply as the cost is passed on to households, the budget said, with power bills set to rise 20 per cent in the second half of 2022 and a further 30 per cent in 2023-24.
graph
The wholesale energy market reported by AEMO (the energy regulator) currently looks as follows with no expectations that this will decline as everyday Australian foot the bill for a slow uptake in national renewable energy sources and an increase cost in fossil fuel generation.
Regardless of whether you were putting off Solar before now, hesitated, or can’t find the funds to get started, it’s time to re-think.
We have competitive fixed interest rate Greenloans for customers wishing to take up renewable options with no penalty to pay off early and in most circumstances these repayments will be lower than the amount you will save with a system before we even take in to consideration the rising costs of energy.
Resources below:
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/australians-will-feel-the-pinch-later-this-year-with-the-treasurer-revealing-one-key-date/news-story/86f3e0ddb9c7753ca8726ccdb622a4cc
https://www.9news.com.au/national/federal-budget-2022-power-bills-to-rise-50-per-cent-as-electricity-gas-prices-soar/a8c42449-3a24-4e7b-990b-85a056539fc8
https://7news.com.au/politics/aussies-hit-with-another-cost-of-living-blow-as-power-prices-tipped-to-rise-by-50-per-cent-c-8657366

Other Benefits of Solar

Other Benefits of Solar

What are other Solar Benefits?

Anytime you can make your own electricity, that’s energy that you don’t have to purchase from your local utility your winning!
As electricity costs continue to increase, especially with longer and hotter summers predicted as our climate continues to warm, making the switch to solar is the best way to lock in decades of predictable energy savings. Go even further and add a battery for extra security when the grid goes down.
off grid solar
If you’re considering solar for your home or business, don’t just stop with the monetary savings as your main source of motivation. It’s also important to consider the following four eco-friendly advantages:

Going solar will reduce greenhouse gas and CO2emissions

Going solar will reduce greenhouse gas and CO2emissions
The average Australian home consumes on average 19 kWh of electricity per day. Even a modestly-sized solar energy system can easily reduce that number by 80% while many can even approach 100%. Even at these levels, the environmental impact of solar is substantial.

Add an electric vehicle (EV)

EV charger
It’s pretty obvious that driving an electric car means fewer if any, visits to the petrol station. Opting for an EV also means offsetting 100% of a traditional car’s harmful C02 emissions. But what many people don’t realize is that if you charge that EV from a non-solar home, all you’re doing is moving the energy cost from the petrol station to your monthly energy bill. A properly designed solar energy system will power your home AND your car while!

Solar reduces water pollution

Solar reduces water pollution
This one is a little less obvious, but certainly one of the biggest environmental advantages of solar. While all manufacturing processes require some water, including those used to make solar panels, the total amount of water needed to generate solar electricity is dramatically less than more traditional electricity sources. Older technologies such as nuclear, natural gas, coal, and hydroelectric facilities, all require massive amounts of water.
With solar energy, there’s almost no risk to local water resources, nor does their operation strain local supplies by competing with agriculture, drinking systems, and other vital water needs.

Solar reduces strain on nonrenewable resources

Solar reduces strain on nonrenewable resources
The global population will continue to grow, but our Earth only has a nonrenewable amount of oil, coal, and natural gas to give up. The sun is Earth’s most abundant energy source, producing a staggering 173,000 terawatts of solar energy every second! That’s more than 10,000 times the world’s total combined energy use and it’s available again and again. In contrast, fossil fuels are dirty and totally non-renewable. At some point, they will simply be gone. Going solar is the best way to hedge against the reality of dwindling resources.

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When Does the Government Solar Rebate End | Update 2022

When Does the Government Solar Rebate End
Under the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET), there are separate schemes to facilitate the solar rebate in order to encourage  consumers into getting a solar panel system. There are federal as well as state incentives in place to encourage the green energy source usage in people’s lives. This way, Australia can transition into becoming one of the leading countries to emit less and less Green House Gases (GHG) in the upcoming years. The government does not plan on continuing the scheme forever. So, when does the government solar rebate end? All the schemes under the RET will be put to an end by the year 2030. So, as time passes, your chances of claiming the rebate reduce bit by bit.
government solar rebate
There are many aspects of the rebate and adjacent facts about it. Under the RET, there are mainly two schemes that provide small-scale solar owners and large-scale solar owners with a financial incentive that helps keep the prices down.
Keep on reading to know more about the government rebate.

Renewable Energy Target

Australia’s federal government established the Renewable Energy Target (RET) in 2008. Two programs under the RET make it easier for owners of small- and large-scale systems to get Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), respectively.
These certificates each represent a megawatt-hour of power that was conserved via the use of renewable energy sources. Prices for LGCs and STCs are determined by supply and demand for the certificates rather than by any one body.

What is STC?

STCs are available to households and small enterprises who have or need solar panel systems with a capacity of 100KW or less. Additionally, the yearly electrical products cannot be no more than 250kW. Within a year of installation, certificates must be generated.
Keep in mind that STCs may only be produced by installers who have been certified by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). Additionally, all three components—panels, inverter, and battery—must be included on the CEC list of permitted parts. They won’t be qualified for the program if they don’t.
solar rebate
With this plan in place, the Australian government is attempting to shift some of the burdens away from non-renewable energy sources, which is the main culprit behind increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Deeming Period

In the year 2030, the government intends to abolish the initiative. The financial incentives or the STCs formation permit rate gradually but certainly decrease with each passing year. The deeming period denotes this timeline.
Essentially, it’s the number that tells you how many years are left before the government rebates end, and it’s used to calculate the number of certificates (STCs) to be generated by the approved installers. Simply put, on that premise, a preliminary estimate of STC is produced.
The first calculation of the number of certificates that may be produced is done by adding the estimated amount of MWh of energy that can be obtained from renewable sources up until the year 2030.
But this figure is impacted by the diminishing deeming period, so the earlier one installs an energy-saving technology, the greater the financial incentives one may receive, and vice versa.
small scale technology certificate

State Solar Rebate

Apart from the federal solar incentives, there are also state solar rebates for specific states that make the transition to the greener source even smoother.
The Victorian government is offering up to a $1400 rebate for PV installation to its residents. With that, there is also an option to claim an interest-free loan of the same amount if the residents are proven to be eligible for such a scheme. A set number of rebates are allocated with each release, and currently, there are 9705 numbers of rebates waiting to be claimed by Victorian residents.
Know more about the Victorian state solar rebate here.
There is also a state rebate scheme going on for the residents of NSW. This initiative offers free 3kWh solar energy systems to low-income homes in a few NSW areas. If you reside in one of the Central Coast, North Coast, South Sydney, Shoalhaven Illawarra, or South Coast low-income household rebate regions, you may be eligible for a free solar system from the NSW government.
However, keep in mind that in order to use the scheme, people must own their property and be content enough to give up their low-income household rebate for 10 years.
Know more about the NSW state solar rebate here.

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What Happens to Unused Solar Power

What Happens to Unused Solar Power
As long as the sun shines on your solar panel system, it will generate electricity, it can be less or more at times, but it’s guaranteed to generate power. Solar panels are versatile pieces of tech that don’t require external assistance to work. That is the reason why there can be times when your panels could generate more electricity than you need to run your everyday chores.
So, what happens to unused solar power? Does it go to waste? Not quite. This power surplus can be directed to many outlets to be stored or exported in a public shared utility grid. Let us explore more on the topic.

Grid Connected Solar System

If you have a solar system that is connected to the grid, you can expect the excessive energy to be transported back to the grid. Solar panels are made in a way that it’s not possible to physically turn them off. So, when the sunlight hits the solar panels, the silicon cells initiate the photovoltaic conversion from sunlight to DC (Direct Current), which eventually gets converted into AC (Alternating Current).
If your solar system yields more energy than your house needs in the case of a grid-connected system, then your solar inverters will dictate the situation smoothly. Your solar inverters determine whether the extra energy should be transported back to the grid or to the battery bank, if any.
off grid solar system
What’s in it for you if the energy gets back to the utility grid? Seemingly it’s electricity generated by your paid system. There is an arrangement in place for situations like these, called Feed-in-tariff (FiT) which compensates solar owners for their contribution to the stream with energy credits.
It is a reimbursement for any extra power that is sent back to the grid. It’s often referred to as a buy-back rate and is typically paid as a credit on your bills at a defined amount per kilowatt hour. The terms and circumstances for your solar rates and your energy rates are different, and it depends on many external factors. Learn more about Fit here.

Off Grid Solar System

It’s quite a straightforward deal when your solar panels are installed off the grid. The surplus of energy, in this case, is stored in a battery bank which is typical for an off the grid solar system. One of the main components of an off the grid system is a battery bank because it’s essential to have excess energy to use at night.
But what happens when the batteries are full?
Previously when lead acid batteries were more common for solar energy storage, it was deemed dangerous to overcharge them. As these sorts of batteries release hydrogen gas, overcharging them poses a higher threat of explosion. However, overcharging modern lithium batteries does not harm them to a great extent. Due to the fact that they don’t normally release hydrogen gas, modern lithium batteries provide a far smaller risk. To guarantee the security of the system, they also contain an integrated computerized battery management system.
Learn more about off grid solar systems here.
off grid solar system

Solar Safety – Know When to Stop Exporting

As discussed above, in an instance where the solar system is tied to the grid, the solar inverter can smoothly determine to export the surplus to the grid. This way, you can benefit from FiT and also help reduce the carbon footprint of the mass. This entire process is automated because of the ease of operation and cut back on redundancy.
However, there are times when people work on grid maintenance; also, solar panels continue to produce potentially fatal DC voltage in the case of a short circuit, fire, or water. These are potentially dangerous situations of which we need to be aware of.
Lastly, a well-designed solar system will produce energy in accordance with your needs. However, it’s always preferable to have more than to lack energy when needed. Either you export the surplus back to the utility grid or store it in a solar battery; it’s a win-win case in both circumstances. But refrain from overcharging the batteries to extend their lifetime.
Claim a free consultation session today with one of our solar experts to discuss your solar needs.

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How Do Solar Panels Help the Environment | 5 Solar Benefits

How do Solar Panels help the Environment

We have approximately 11 years to take action to mitigate the negative effects of climate change before the earth faces the consequences of carbon emission (Source).

What can you do to help? Make sound and responsible choices, of course, one of which is choosing a renewable source of energy, e.g., solar panels, to power your house or office, in short, every premise. There are so many insignificant changes and minor compromises you can make around your life to help the earth, however, for now, I will explain how do solar panels help the environment as a renewable source of energy.

Solar Panel- A Carbon Free Path to Energy

It is such a source of energy that emits zero carbon-di-oxide while generating energy for your home. As mentioned before, solar panels are a renewable source of energy harnessing the power of the mighty sun. As long as this solar system exists, so will the sun as a massive energy powerhouse.
How solar panels work is that they are essentially plates of doped silicon that react when the sunlight hits the panel. Different angles and intensities of sunlight projection result in different levels of energy being produced, but the solar panels will generate energy as long as it gets sunlight, more or less. Then a solar inverter converts it into a usable form of energy, and you get to use it to power your home. This entire process happens without any greenhouse gas emissions; thus, your carbon footprint reduces.
Why is the greenhouse gas AKA co2 at a higher level deemed as dangerous? Because co2 absorbs and radiates heat. Don’t get the wrong idea; co2 is an essential gas for the earth because of its heat absorbing and radiating characteristics, which is what keeps us from freezing; however, the higher the amount of it, the higher the overall temperature rises of the earth thus we experience global warming.
The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Global Monitoring Lab found that in 2021, carbon dioxide accounted for nearly two-thirds of the total heating impact of all greenhouse gases created by humans. So, adopting to solar panels, a renewable source of energy, is one of the ways it helps the environment.
Solar panel a carbon free path to energy

Save Water by Choosing Solar

As one of the horrific effects of global warming soon, we will experience a shortage of fresh water supply. Not only do the non-renewable sources contribute to the issue by emitting GHG (Green House Gas) but also, in order to keep them up and running, it takes a huge amount of water to cool down the system down, transport fuel, and refine it. This is a high price to pay for power indeed.
However, by choosing solar panels, you can help save water. Running the panels won’t require any water at all. You might need to do a yearly cleansing for your panels to boost up the power production but to keep the system going, you don’t need a constant supply of fresh water.

Cut Back on Fossil Fuels

Naturally, if you choose to go solar, you will seldom need to rely on the grid. The electricity we use regularly comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal, and what happens when you do that? You guessed it! It emits co2, and an increased level of co2 undoubtedly heats up our planet resulting in global warming.
That is not the only problem we face when we burn these natural resources to generate electricity. Sun is the only star of our planet, and it’s not going anywhere for millions of years to come; that is why it’s a ‘renewable’ source; however, fossil fuel is not. We have only so much to go through. It is also a matter of concern that we will not have enough fossil fuel to run essential projects in the future.

Solar Panels are Recyclable

Almost 3 million homes in Australia decided to go solar but solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to a maximum of 30 years. Wondering how will they be deposed off? Well, solar panels are one hundred percent recyclable. In fact, we have a solar panel recycling plant in Australia which started its journey in 2021.
But as each panel is assembled meticulously with different parts and materials at the time of manufacturing and is made to last a long time, it also is a problem when it comes to disassembling it properly. The process of taking apart different parts for recycling is tough, which makes recycling the panels expensive.

Reduces Air Pollution Risk

Coal handling and burning are known risk factors for hazards such as inhalation of carbon monoxide and heavy metals in coal ash. Both forms of exposure put utility and power plant workers at risk of developing interminable lung disease. If our dependency on electricity lessens over non-renewables and shifts to solar panel power generation, we can significantly tone down air pollution.
Not only the workers, the general quality of air decreases for coal burning to generate electricity. Solar panels pave the way for you and me to enjoy the power of the sun without risking our environment, and that too for free!
Reduces air pollution risk
So, how do solar panels help the environment, you ask? Solar panels are the most accessible form of widely used source of renewable energy that has the potential to revolutionize our power needs. You can also embark on this journey just by clicking the get help button down below.

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The Dos and Donts of Solar Panels | Solar Panel 101

Dos and donts of solar panel 101
As a homeowner, it’s simple to understand why you should opt for solar power, but to recognize what to look for in your very own solar system is a job that should be left to the professionals.
However, as a smart investor, you should familiarize yourself with the basics of owning a solar panel system along with the dos and don’ts of solar panel before you decide to go solar.
Let’s get to know the basics of owning a rooftop solar panel system for your home.

How Solar Panel System Works – The Basics

You don’t need to know all the nitty-gritty of solar panels; however, knowing the basics of how solar panels work will definingly help you navigate the process with more ease.
Solar panels are made with doped silicon, one of the most abundant materials on earth. Different types of solar panels are made with different alignments and types of silicon. The most popular and efficient type of solar panel is the monocrystalline one which is made with ingots of silicon rather than chunks put together in a panel like the polycrystalline ones.
The solar panels are then connected with a solar inverter which converts the generated form of DC (Direct Current) electricity by the panels to AC (Alternating Current), a usable form of energy for the household.
how solar works
This generated electricity is used in your day-to-day life, and the remaining surge of power goes back to the grid. You get power credits in exchange for your contribution in grid energy, and you can choose to use it at night. If you don’t have enough credits or generated electricity to power your home, a grid-tied system can always get electricity from the grid, just like how it always worked.
The difference is you pay way less for the borrowed energy from the grid instead of a massive electric bill like the old times.

Solar Rebates by the Federal & State Government

We all know solar panels are a great investment towards going green while lowering down your electric bill significantly. They are also quite expensive. So, to help you transition to a greener energy alternative, the Australian government has taken many initiatives of direct solar rebate and interest-free loaning schemes.
There is an ongoing federal solar rebate program available now, known as STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate), which is a part of bigger project called RET (Renewable Energy Target). STCs can be generated against the amount of energy you will generate via renewable sources such as solar panels instead of using non-renewable sources, which is coal energy for the most part.
As the electricity that we use from the grid mostly comes from burning coal, the energy retailers are now subjected to pay for their contribution towards GHG (Green House Gas) emissions. In short, STCs are generated by the approved solar installers, and an amount is paid by the energy retailers against these certificates per financial quarter.
The money that comes from this exchange gets distributed between all the home solar owners or small business owners who have a solar panels system smaller than 100kW in the form of a discount at the time of purchase.
Also, there are state solar rebates provided by the NSW and VIC governments either in the form of straight-up cash, interest-free loan, or installation of a 3kW rooftop solar system for free. To know more about the rebates, click here.

The Basics of Operating Your System

After installation, there can be instances where you might need to power off and turn back on the system for maintenance, especially for a grid ties system. You will also need to know if your panels are operating at their maximum efficiency always. There might be a shading issue hindering your solar yield or any sudden change that requires your attention.
You will get all this information via your energy monitoring system; however, if you are a person who is not very tech-savvy, then I suggest you learn the basics of panel operation.
solar panel

DO Evaluate if You Need Solar Batteries

Right off the bat, solar panels are expensive, there is no argument. But there are instances where having solar batteries can save you more money in the long run. Let’s suppose if you live in a remote area where grid power is unreliable or worse, far away, then you must get a solar battery to get an uninterrupted supply of electricity throughout the day.
In some cases where the grid is quite out of reach, paying for a grid connection is a massive cost in comparison to having solar batteries.
Without even these reasons, solar batteries are something that can have your back even in the darkest of days. Are solar batteries for everyone? No! But if you find yourself in a situation needing one, then it’s an investment worth your cash.

Go with Installers Who are Not Approved by the CEC

For you to enjoy the wonderful government rebates, you need to appoint solar installers who are approved by the CEC (Clean Energy Council). Also, all the components used in your solar system have to be on the list of approved items by the CEC.
rooftop solar

Manage your Expectations

Your solar panels will help you reduce your electric bill significantly; however, they will not become zero overnight. A typical household does not need over a 6.6kW system, which does help immensely, but to have zero electric bills, you either need a bigger system or be completely independent and go off the grid.
If you are a heavy user, living in an area with proper sun exposure, going off the grid can be an option for you. Or, if you see yourself needing more energy soon, upsize your system accordingly. But don’t expect that solar panels will take care of all your power needs from the get-go.

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What Types of Government Rebates are Available for Solar Panels in VIC & NSW

What Types of Government Rebates are Available for Solar Panels in VIC & NSW
There are many Australians sifting through options to go solar, but the cost of solar sometimes don’t tend to match their expectation. If you are one of the prospective solar homeowners, you can totally take advantage of the federal solar rebate and state solar rebate available all across the country.
To address the topic more specifically, I will only highlight what types of government rebates are available for solar panels in VIC & NSW.

Government Solar Rebate (Federal)

The Australian government has always been a prompt adaptor of greener alternatives and choices which are in favor of mother nature. As Australia receives almost 58 million petajoules of solar radiation per year (to put it into perspective, it is almost 10,000 times more than what we need in a year), it’s natural for us to deviate toward adopting solar energy, and the government introduced many funded schemes to help ease us into the process.
The federal solar rebate comes in the form of STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificate). Under the larger project of RET (Renewable Energy Target), the Australian government introduces two scales of rebates; one for residential solar and the other for commercial solar. The residential solar rebate schemes are available as STCs.
stc small scale technology certificate

So, what are STCs?

These are essentially energy certificates generated by authorized solar retailers. For each megawatt of energy saved by the solar, one STC is generated. These certificates serve as a financial inducement for home and small-business owners to adopt different energy-saving techniques, including solar water heaters and solar panel systems.
Is the homeowner responsible for generating these certificates? Do you get a cheque in the mail in exchange for them? No, that’s not how it works. The CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved solar retailer with whom you make the deal with is responsible for generating these certificates and handing them over to the energy retailers.
Why the energy retailers? Because they are responsible for a large amount of GHG (Green House Gas) being emitted into the atmosphere as they generate electricity by burning coal.
The Small-scale Technology Percentage (STP) determines how many STCs the energy provider must submit. And the price against each STC is determined by the demand and supply curve of the financial quarter.
What’s in it for you? Because solar retailers sell these certificates for financial gain and partake in setting the scheme of reducing carbon emission in motion, so you get to have some upfront discount from them as well. These certificates ultimately benefit the end user, such as yourself, to opt for renewable energy sources like rooftop solar by reducing the cost of solar by thousands of dollars.

STC FAQs For Beginners

  • Am I eligible?
If you are a small business of a household that has a capacity of a maximum of 100kW or less, then you are eligible.
  • Price of STC?
The price of STCs depends on the market demand and supply for the quarter. It can range anywhere from $0 to $40 at max.
  • How can I get it?
Reach out to a CEC-approved solar retailer and use CEC-approved products for the installation, and you will get it. Of course, there are other benchmarks to meet to give a definitive answer.
  • Will STC end soon?
Till the year 2030, all the solar retailers will generate certificates, but after that, this scheme will come to an end.

Solar Rebate Victoria (State)

On top of the federal rebate, Victorians get to enjoy a state rebate that will cut down the initial investment cost . Here are two different types of financial incentive schemes for the Victorians at the state level.

Solar Panel Rebate Up to $1400

For the Victorians who did not already have a rooftop solar system, this scheme was set in motion. If you meet all the criteria for availing of this rebate, you can enjoy up to $1400 off your solar panel system. This solar rebate is available for homeowners as well as rental properties.
To benefit from this offer, your chosen solar installers has to be on the list of authorized solar providers, and all the panels and the whole system has to be on the approved product list.

Interest-free Loan

In addition to the $1400 off of the system, Victorians get to enjoy an interest-free loaning option facilitated by the state government. An equal amount of loan will be provided to those who meet all the criteria determined by the state government. You get to have a four-year window at maximum to repay the loan to the government. You can opt for a one-time lump sum payment or choose to give it back in installments.

Eligibility Criteria for Victoria Government Solar Rebate

  • A combined household taxable income of less than $180,000
  • Owner or current occupier of the property of the installation
  • Property valuation of less than $3 million dollars
  • No existing solar PV system
  • Have not taken advantage of the solar homes program yet

Solar rebate NSW

solar rebate
The solar rebate program in New South Wales works a bit differently than it does in Victoria.
There is no actual incentive for those who are looking to just get the benefits of solar at a lower cost of installation and enjoy next to nothing electricity bills in the process.
The NSW government is providing solar rebate to those households who are already struggling to pay their electricity bill that directly comes from the energy retailer or supplier. They already have a program for the struggling household, which is called ‘Low Income Household Rebate’. This program helps them with their electricity bill via concession cards issued by the Commonwealth Department of Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
solar panel rebate
However, the low income household now has the chance to enjoy the benefits of a solar panel system absolutely free of cost.
This rebate swap option is available only to those who are active partakers of the ‘Low Income Household Rebate’ program to begin with. The current benefactors of the scheme will be assessed in certain criteria and submit necessary documents to get a 3kW solar system installed in exchange for zero dollars.

Eligibility Criteria for NSW Government Solar Rebate

  • Already under the ‘Low Income Household Rebate’ program
  • hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
  • Owner of the property
  • No existing solar
In conclusion, there are many available schemes in motion for you to become a proud solar owner . The Australian federal and state government’s combined and separate initiatives are encouraging to those looking forward to lowering their electricity bills while choosing to go green.
In case of any confusion regarding the solar rebates and schemes, reach out to us without any hesitation.

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Do Solar Panels Need Cleaning? Solar Cleaning 101

do solar panels need cleaning
There is supposed debate around the topic, “do solar panels need cleaning?” Some claim that rain is enough for the panels to remain spotless. Or, even if cleaned, it doesn’t make much of a difference in the efficiency rate. I’m here to tell you that, regardless of where you live, your solar panels do need cleaning. But what matters is how often you clean your solar panels; it will vary depending on where you live and the condition of the panels.
It is not personal speculation that solar panels require cleaning; rather, it’s backed by several studies and science that they indeed need to be cleaned.
solar panel cleaning

Why Solar Panels Need Cleaning

To answer this question, let’s first explore how solar panels work.
Your typical solar panel that is found in millions of homes worldwide is made from silicon, the seventh most abundant material in the world.. For its amazing semi-conductorial properties make it the prime material for manufacturing solar panels.
When exposed to the sunlight, the solar panels actively convert it into DC (Direct Current) electricity. The more exposure to light, the more electricity you get. As simple as that. The angle of the sunlight matters, but that is an issue for a deeper discussion on the topic. Let us skip that for now. Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate more energy, and what comes in the way of it? You guessed it! Dirt, grime, bird poop, and so many other things which indeed need to be cleaned for your solar panels to work at their maximum capacity.
how to clean solar panels

The Reason Behind Declined Efficiency Rate

Accumulation of dirt can result in your solar panels losing their efficiency pretty fast. Many reports suggest that you can lose about 25% of the expected energy; in worst cases, up to 30% of energy loss can occur if solar panels are not cleaned. (Source).
Losing 30% of expected efficiency is a huge loss. Your payback period can potentially be pushed back further away. It has been proven that cleaning the panels can jump back your conversion rate almost immediately.

How To Clean Solar Panels

You may second guess cleaning your solar panels because of the involved labour cost. But I am here to tell you that you can clean your solar panels on your own without even having to spend a single dollar. Here are the steps to clean your solar panel-

Spray Water

First and foremost, you have to water your solar panels. You need nothing but simple tap water for it. This way, all the dirt that could be stuck on the surface of the panels will soften. For example, bird feces or accumulated pollen are the ones that are most prone to getting stuck and drying on the surface.

Use Gentle Cleaning Agent

Now spray on or lay down some gentle cleaning agent like diluted dish soap or diluted vinegar onto the panels. You don’t need to use anything fancy or buy anything for this purpose only. Use what you have lying around the house. But refrain from using any harsh chemical or harsh cleaning detergent. That will leave behind permanent damage.

Scrub

With a soft bristle brush, gently scrub down the surface of the panels. A piece of microfiber cloth will get the work done as well. The key here is to use gentle strokes and use a soft vessel for scrubbing.

Rinse

Rinse down the panels after you are done scrubbing. Make sure there is no soap residue left on the surface; otherwise, it will leave behind the gunk and will attract more dirt.

Squeegee

Now that you are done cleaning squeegee down the panels to dry. Water spots are one of the primary reasons why your panels lose efficiency over time.
And that is it! That is how you clean solar panels
cleaning solar panels

Waterless Solar Panel Cleaning

It’s not a myth that cleaning solar panels requires quite a lot of water, and this number accumulates to 20 gallons of water for per megawatt-hour. Your typical rooftop solar will not require so much water, but with that, you get an idea of it. Initially, cleaning solar panels by yourself is the cheapest way to increase the efficiency rate; however, it would be even cheaper if you did not need to use water.
Dry brushing is one of the techniques used to clean the rooftop PV, but I will definitely not recommend this method. It can damage your panels if not done correctly, so unless you are confident about dry brushing, I suggest you not to take that route.
There is another technology that is on the verge of being perfected and commercialized for solar panel cleaning. A team of excellent researchers at MIT are now working on this new piece of tech, which allows the panels to be cleaned without using water or brushes. This new device employs electrostatic repulsion to induce dust particles to separate and almost leap off the panel’s surface.
Read more about the new tech – Here.
Cleaning your solar panels is the single most efficient and economical way to dramatically increase your efficiency rate overnight. Also, cleaning the panels cools down your system, which contributes to increased electricity generation. So, to answer the question, do solar panels need cleaning, I would say yes, they do.

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What are the Best Solar Panels in Victoria and New South Wales

What are the Best Solar Panels in Victoria and New South Wales

The title of “Best solar panel” cannot be categorically given to one particular brand or kind of solar panel. In retrospect, there was a time when solar technology was not as prevalent as it is now in the 21st century. Previously, brands did have the upper hand, but now, there are so many brands and types of solar panels available in the market that no one brand has a chance to dominate.

It is not really the brand name but the technology and execution used in the solar panel manufacturing process that can offer you an amazing 25 years of solar. In different locations and scenarios, different types and brands of solar panels will perform the best. All you have to do is figure out which one is the best fit for your case. You can always ask for our experienced solar experts’ help if struggling.

If you are wondering what are the best solar panels in Victoria and New South Wales or what are the best solar panel in Australia please keep on reading.

best solar panels in NSW

Best Solar Panels in Victoria and NSW

There is no such thing as the best solar panel in the residential solar market. The most suitable solar panel is the one that is best suited to your current needs. Even so, there are some solar panels that check all the boxes that an ideal solar panel should have. Among all those, I have selected three solar panel brands for discussion. They are as follows –

Hyundai Solar Panels (UF Series)

Hyundai is a brand that is mostly known for its cars. But they do also manufacture solar panels, which have been claimed to be one of the best in the Australian solar market. Here are some facts about Hyundai solar panels.

Things I Like

  • The UF series offers solar shingled cells. With this type of solar panel, the inter-solar cell gaps are minimized; thus, more silicon cells can be adjusted onto the panel’s body. This can result in a higher yield of electricity.
  • Protecting the shingled cells, there is a layer of tempered glass. Tempered glass is way less prone to breaking, so you can be at ease with its safety. Also, the body is reinforced with a metal frame.
  • As Hyundai is a renowned global brand, you don’t have to worry about them going out of business for the foreseeable future. This should give you confidence in claiming your warranty of 25 years.
  • To ensure a greater actual yield over the course of the product’s lifespan, LID (light-induced degradation) and PID (potentially-induced degradation) are both completely excluded.
  • With different wattages offered for the UF series, you can enjoy the efficiency of 20.5% to 21.3%, which is easily one of the highest in the industry.
Hyundai-390W-solar-panels

Areas to Improve

  • A higher upfront cost can be considered an area for Hyundai to improve. We all want good solar at an affordable price range. 
  • An extended warranty service.

SunPower (X Residential Series)

If you are going to solely focus on the efficiency rate of the solar panels, SunPower solar panels remain unmatched to this day. Their patented technology of the ‘Maxeon’ solar cell has brought revelation into the solar production arena.
Things I Like
  • With more than 21% efficiency in the X-series of residential solar panels, you can enjoy the freedom of solar at its best. Of course, not every house would be able to reap the same benefits; just like with any other panels, it depends on your positioning of the house and other factors as well.
  • For some homeowners, even if solar seems like a great idea, they tend to shy away from it because of the looks that it gives their home. This series of SunPower panels have some aesthetically pleasing all-black models which leave your home looking sleek.
  • SunPower solar panels are constructed with a copper frame, which virtually remains unharmed and is proven to be corrosion-free even if exposed to humidity or hail.
  • They offer 25 years of warranty for their panel.
  • All the solar cells are generation 3 Maxeon monocrystalline solar cells. This is their patented technology that boasts the highest efficiency rate in the industry.
sunpower-X-series
Areas to Improve
  • If connection hampers with the inverter and it fails to do the DC to AC conversion, sometimes SunPower panels tend to overheat. This overheating can potentially reduce the conversion rate for the time being.

Ulica

For those who are looking for efficient solar packages on a budget, Ulica solar panel is an excellent option. They are a giant solar manufacturing company that has a capacity of 800 megawatts of production capacity.

Things I Like
  • Ulica solar panels are manufactured in China, and they are a Tier-1 company. Yes, being a Chinese solar company sometimes is not something that a skeptic would appreciate; however, being a tier 1 company, you can be very sure about Ulica as a company.
  • Ulica solar panels offer about a 21.9% efficiency rate which is up there in the big leagues.
  • Even in low light conditions in case of rain or hailstorm, Ulica solar panels perform amazingly. Not my words; it has been tested and proven.
  • They offer additional solar insurance on top of a 12-year product warranty. They also offer 25 years of linear power warranty.
  • In extreme heat, solar panels’ performance tends to deteriorate, but Ulica solar panels passed the anti-PID (potential induced degradation) test. This means they perform well even under extreme heat.
Ulica-370W
Areas to Improve
  • Most solar panel brands offer 25 years of product warranty, but Ulica offers only 12, which is an aspect they can certainly improve.

So, those are a few solar panels discussed above among the top ones currently available in the market. You may also look through our well-thought-out solar packages, which are pre-made bundles of an entire PV system for you to enjoy solar right from the get-go.

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