FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
How quickly will a solar power system pay back the cost of installation?
The average system takes roughly 4 to 7 years to pay for itself. After which, it will make money for the remainder of its life.
How much will I save?
Savings depend on how much you currently pay for electricity and how much electricity prices increase in the future. Our assessors will work with you to see the potential savings for your home.
Do I need planning permission?
Solar does not generally need planning permission. Although, if you live in a heritage building we will need to work with the authorities to gain approval.
Does the system need batteries?
No, the systems we sell are all grid-connect systems.
Can I install the system myself with an electrician to wire it up to the grid?
Our systemds are only designed to be installed by a qualified PV installer. Also, you do not qualify for the RECs if the installation is not performed by a CEC accredited installer.
Have you installed any stand alone panel arrays and have you any experience with tracking systems?
Yes we can do stand-alone. No we do not do tracking (too many moving parts to make it worthwhile on a small scale)
Can I split the panels over multiple roofs?
In some case, yes. Our assessor will be able to advise you on that.
What is the best angle to install PV at?
Approx. 30 degrees from horizontal.
How many square meters are required for a 1kw system?
Approx. 8 square meters, which will produce roughly 1,500kWhs of electricity per year.
What happens if there is a power cut?
Solar electric systems for homes are entirely grid connected. If there is a power cut your system is automatically switched off. This is a safety measure designed to stop electricity leaking on to the national grid, and to protect people who may be working to restore the power supply.
How can the energy benefits of the system be maximised?
Orientation, shading and the temperature of the solar system all impact on the output, and must be considered at the design stage. The best orientation for solar panels in Australia is north facing at 30°. Of course, the more energy efficient the building, the greater the overall benefit of the solar energy system.
Do the PV panels / tiles need direct sunlight to work?
Solar PV works from daylight. Obviously they produce more power when the sun is stronger, as opposed to when it is overcast. Shade is to be avoided.
How long do solar panels take to payback the energy that was used in their production?
Solar panels 'pay back' the energy required to make them in 2 to 4 years (depending on their final location) and are guaranteed to continue making energy for at least 25 years.
Is the energy produced affected if the panels get dirty?
Usually any dust or dirt washes off the panels when it rains, if the panels are installed on a roof of at least 15 degrees. In extreme cases dust may cause a power reduction of about 10%.
Who does the installation and how long does it take?
Installation generally takes one day and will be performed by an electrician certified by the Clean Energy Council.
Does the system require maintenance?
Systems are designed to the highest standard and should provide you with 25 years of free solar power. However, some very basic maintenance is required. For example, solar cells will need to be occasionally cleaned of leaf litter, dirt, and other debris, as this will prevent sunlight from reaching the cells.
I live in a 2 storey house, can it still be installed?
Yes.
I have trees shading the roof, will a solar power system work for me?
The system will work, but will have a reduced output due to the degree of shading. Other obstructions like neighbouring buildings, chimneys, and air conditioning units may reduce system output due to shading.
Your registration forms asks for my email and other personal details. What is your privacy policy?
We will provide your contact details to the electrician who will conduct your installation assessment. We will also need to provide details of your application for the rebate to the government. However, Enviren will never provide your contact details to any other person or organisation. We appreciate your custom and we respect your privacy.