Solar Power FAQ’s
Answering your questions about solar power is important to us so please call or email us without hesitation.
In the mean time you may like to review our frequently asked questions about solar power.
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Will my new solar power system completely power my house?
Typically no but we can tailor a system to suit your needs. Depending on whether you want match your energy usage or cover the costs of your energy bill we start by reviewing your current energy bill and available roof area and tailor a system to achieve your requirements.
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How much does it cost?
Quality Solar Power systems start from $6850 for a 1.61 kW system. We can design a system to meet your needs and budget.
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Does Solar Power work in shade?
No. Solar power requires sunlight. To work out the maximum solar benefit of your site we use a device called Solar Path Finder. Every location is unique, and our staff use this device to determine the seasons, months and times of the year that your roof will be in shade.
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How long will my system last?
All our panels have a 25 year output warranty. Our mounting system has a 10 yr warranty and a wind rating of 216 km/h. Superior Solar select the highest quality inverters to compliment the panels and mounting ensuring the longest possible reliability and longevity.
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Where and how can my system be mounted?
Superior Solar only use German engineered, Conergy mounting systems with the highest grade materials designed to withstand a harsh, coastal climate.
TILED ROOFS:
Conergy’s Suntop III uses a stainless steel bracket which slips between the overlap of your tiles and is fixed to the roof trusses. This places the load on the strongest point of your roof with no penetration into your roof tiles.METAL ROOFS:
The Conergy Suntop III includes larger screws to ensure the strongest grip on the batons in your roof. This is completely waterproof. These screws work the same as your normal roof screws which are completely waterproof. The Suntop III uses rubber between the aluminium mounts and the roof to prevent corrosion between the different metals.FLAT ROOF:
We install a German manufactured Conergy Famulus, 30 degree tilted frame to ensure maximum energy collection for your system. This is custom fitted to your roof depending on its structure and needs.GROUND MOUNTING:
There are a number of different options depending on the size of the system and the landscape of your property. Contact us for more information on Solar Power ground mounting.
Please review all solar panel mounting information here.
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Will my solar panels be affected by hail?
All our panels have passed a hail test. The Conergy PowerPlus solar panels have the only large hailstone certification in the world, surviving unscathed from billard ball sized hailstones impacting at 120kph. The panels are made of low-iron, toughened glass. In very extreme cases, the glass may be damaged so we recommend you notify your insurance company after installing your system.
Please review all solar panel information here.
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Why do Superior Solar only use European inverters?
Europe has a well established solar industry and have been manufacturing solar power components for many years. Their products have withstood the test of time as they are global leaders in terms of quality and longevity.
Review solar power inverter information
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How many people are switching to Solar?
Solar power installations have been increasing by a staggering 400% since 2007.
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Are there any rebates available?
Yes, there are rebates for both solar hot water and solar power.
For more information, please refer to our solar power rebates page.
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Will Solar Power help my Basix when building a new home?
Yes. The size of the system will determine the impact on your BASIX assessment.
Review more BASIX information for new homes or please call us.
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How do I choose the right solar system for me?
Talk to us. We can explain the solar power systems and tailor a system individually for you.
You may also like to download our Solar Power Checklist to use when comparing systems.
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Will my solar system work in a black out?
No, for safety reasons, in times of blackouts it is a requirement that your solar system is automatically shut off.
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Can you explain the grid connect solar system?
The solar panels are connected via an inverter, which converts solar electricity into electricity which is then fed back into the grid. Your energy provider then buys this from you and pays you per kilowatt hour of energy exported.
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How does solar power help the environment?
Reducing local air pollution: The photovoltaic cells within the solar power systems don’t emit carbon-dioxide, compared to fossil fuels which release carcinogens, carbon dioxide and greenhouses gases. Solar power is a clean and renewable alternative to nuclear power and fossil fuels. Solar cells make no noise while collecting and generating energy. This is the only energy source that is completely silent.
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Will the solar rebate reduce my pension?
Customers on a pension can setup their payment to be a credit on their bill first, if they generate more income than there bill amount this additional will then be deemed as income.
On 14 May 2010, a Media Release by the Commonwealth Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Commonwealth Government clarified the way feed-in tariffs from household solar panels are assessed for the purposes of the pension income test.
The Commonwealth Minister has stated that:
- feed-in tariffs that are paid to pensioners as a credit on an electricity bill will not be assessed as income under the pension income test; and
- power sold back to the grid in return for cash, cheque or a direct deposit is counted as income for social security purposes.
Customers should speak with Centrelink for further advice as to whether the Solar Bonus Scheme payments will affect your pension payments.
