consumer guide Consumer guide to buying household solar panels (photovoltaic panels)

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1 cnsumer guide Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Husehld use f slar phtvltaic (PV) panel systems has grwn significantly in Australia this decade behind increased awareness f the risk f dangerus climate change, the reduced cst f systems and a range f gvernment incentives t encurage use f the technlgy. Slar pwer systems are nw an affrdable ptin fr Australian husehlds lking t reduce their pwer bills and generate their wn clean electricity. With the increased range f prducts and suppliers n the market, being an infrmed cnsumer has never been mre imprtant. This guide prvides an intrductin t slar PV systems s yu are better equipped t make chices abut a prduct that is right fr yu. Twards the back f the guide there are a series f questins yu can ask yur installer, electricity retailer and distributr t ensure yu have all the infrmatin yu need t make smart decisins. This guide is intended fr peple wh will be cnnecting their system t the electricity grid. Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

2 Cntents Installatin checklist 2 Hw des slar PV wrk? 3 Hw much pwer d systems generate? 4 Hw much d slar panels cst? 5 Australian Standards 6 Warranties and guarantees 6 What gvernment schemes are in place t lwer the cst f purchasing a slar PV system? 7 Small-scale Technlgy Certificates (STCs) 7 Slar Credits 8 Feed-in Tariffs 9 What des the design and specificatin f my system invlve? 13 What size panels shuld I buy? 13 What srt f panels shuld I buy? 14 What angle shuld the panels be n? 15 Shading/Dirt 15 Temperature 15 What is an inverter? What srt shuld I buy? 16 What will happen t my meter at hme? 16 Qutatin/Cntract 18 Questins t ask yur designer/installer 19 What happens after my slar PV system has been installed? 21 Questins t ask yur electricity retailer 22 Questins t ask yur electricity distributr 23 Safety inspectins 23 Dispute reslutin 24 What shuld I d if the cmpany has gne ut f business? 27 Appendix 28 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

3 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Installatin checklist A step-by-step prcess t having yur slar PV system installed 1. Yu cnduct yur wn research int the benefits f having a slar PV system installed. In particular, yu shuld ensure that yu understand what will happen t yur meter, yur electricity tariff and yur electricity bill befre yu agree t have a PV system installed. 2. Yu cntact several CEC accredited designers/installers t arrange fr a qute. A list f CEC-accredited designers/installers in yur area can be fund at slaraccreditatin.cm.au 3. By asking infrmed questins, (see Questins t ask yur Designer/Installer ), yu then select a CEC accredited designer/installer. 4. The CEC accredited designer/installer designs a PV system t meet yur requirements (see What des the Design and Specificatin f my Slar PV System invlve? ) 5. Yu, r the CEC accredited designer/ installer, apply fr any applicable rebates (see What gvernment schemes are in place t lwer f cst f purchasing a slar PV system? ) 6. Yu, r yur designer/installer, cmplete the cnnectin and apprval prcess fr yur electricity retailer and electricity distributr. This prcess varies between states and territries (see Flwcharts fr the Cnnectin Prcedures f each State and Territry at cleanenergycuncil.rg.au 1 ) 7. The CEC accredited Designer/Installer cmpletes the installatin f yur slar PV system 8. The designer/installer cntacts yur electricity retailer r electricity distributr t arrange fr yur new meter t be installed (see Questins t ask yur Electricity Retailer r Questins t ask yur Electricity Distributr ) 9. An apprpriate qualified prfessinal installs yur new meter 10. Yur slar PV system is nw ready t prduce electricity. 11. Yu enter a Feed-in Tariff Agreement with yur Electricity Retailer (see Questins t ask yur Electricity Retailer ) 12. Depending n which state yu live in, yur lcal electrical authrity may cnduct a safety inspectin f yur slar PV system NB: Please nte this prcess may vary slightly between the states and territries. 2 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

4 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Hw des slar PV wrk? Slar Phtvltaic (PV) panels are generally fitted n the rf in a nrtherly directin and at an angle t maximise the amunt f sunlight that hits the panels. Slar PV panels n the rfs f hmes and businesses generate clean electricity by cnverting the energy in sunlight. This cnversin takes place within mdules f specially fabricated materials that make up the slar panels. It is a relatively simple prcess that requires n mving parts. In mst cases slar panels are cnnected t the mains pwer supply thrugh a device called an inverter. Slar panels are different t slar ht water systems, which are als munted n husehld rf-tps but use the heat frm the sun t prvide ht water fr husehld uses. The technlgy t cnvert sunlight int electricity was develped in the 19th century, but it was nly in the secnd half f the 20th century that develpment accelerated behind the need t prvide reliable supplies f electricity in remte lcatins frm satellites in space t utback Australia. Slar panels have been installed n the rftps f huses and ther buildings in Australia since the 1970s. Currently there are mre than 600,000 slar panel systems safely and reliably delivering clean electricity acrss Australia. Grid-cnnected slar PV systems Mst suburban hmes in Australia are cnnected t the electricity grid, which uses alternating current electricity (AC). But the electricity generated by slar panels is direct current (DC). That means grid-cnnected (GC) slar PV systems need an inverter t transfrm the DC electricity int AC electricity suitable fr rdinary husehld needs. Huses with slar systems use slar pwer first befre surcing electricity frm the grid. When the panels are nt prducing electricity at night, electricity is supplied frm the existing electricity grid. Fr systems with a battery backup (ptinal), the inverter regulates the charge f batteries. The electricity stred in the batteries can be used at night r during blackuts. 3 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

5 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Hw much pwer d they generate? The utput f a slar PV system depends n its size. The mst cmmn husehld systems are either 1 kilwatt (kw) r 1.5 kilwatts, althugh sme prperty wners have installed systems f up t 10 kilwatts. The table belw shws the average daily prductin f sme cmmn grid-cnnected systems thrughut Australia. Data Surce: PV-GC spreadsheet based n the CEC GC Design Guidelines Average daily prductin City 1 kw system 1.5 kw 2.0 kw system 3.0 kw system 4.0 kw system system Adelaide 4.2 kwh 6.3 kwh 8.4 kwh 12.6 kwh 16.8 kwh Alice 5.0 kwh 7.5 kwh 10.0 kwh 15.0 kwh 20.0 kwh Springs Brisbane 4.2 kwh 6.3 kwh 8.4 kwh 12.6 kwh 16.8 kwh Cairns 4.2 kwh 6.3 kwh 8.4 kwh 12.6 kwh 16.8 kwh Canberra 4.3 kwh 6.45 kwh 8.6 kwh 12.9 kwh 17.2 kwh Darwin 4.4 kwh 6.6 kwh 8.8 kwh 13.2 kwh 17.6 kwh Hbart 3.5 kwh 5.25 kwh 7.0 kwh 10.5 kwh 14.0 kwh Melburne 3.6 kwh 5.4 kwh 7.2 kwh 10.8 kwh 14.4 kwh Perth 4.4 kwh 6.6 kwh 8.8 kwh 13.2 kwh 17.6 kwh Sydney 3.9 kwh 5.85 kwh 7.8 kwh 11.7 kwh 15.6 kwh The rated utput is that achieved in perfect labratry cnditins. The CEC design summary sftware takes these deratings int accunt when predicting average fr any given system. A typical Australian huse cnsumes arund 18 kilwatt hurs (kwh) per day s a 1-2kW system displaces an average f 25-40% f yur average electricity bill. Slar panels prduce mre energy in summer than they d in winter. 4 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

6 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Hw much d slar panels cst? The cst f slar panels has cntinued t change ver the past decade behind different gvernment incentive schemes and increased diversity in the panels, inverters and suppliers n the market. Being an infrmed cnsumer is increasingly imprtant. Similar t buying a car r a cmputer, yu ll want t be sure that yur system is a sund investment that best meets yur needs at a reasnable price. It is imprtant t be clear n what yu want frm yur slar PV system. Are yu after a system that will partially ffset yur energy cnsumptin fr 5-10 years befre requiring a system upgrade? Or d yu want a system that will cmpletely ffset yur husehld s electricity use fr the next 25 years? Like buying a secnd-hand car as ppsed t a brand-new sprts car, these tw slar PV systems are bth sund investments depending n yur needs, but will vary significantly in price. The price f yur slar PV system can als be affected by variables including: Gvernment rebates and supprt schemes (these vary in each state) Lcatin Number f panels Orientatin f panels Type f panels Type f inverter System design and cnfiguratin Shipping csts fr equipment and parts Cntractr installatin csts Remval f trees r ther shading Type f rfing (fr example, tiled r tin) Height f rf Site preparatin needs (fr example, cnditin f rf r grund) Structural engineering, architectural, and ther prfessinal services (fr cmmercial systems) Keeping in mind the variables mentined abve, the table belw shws an apprximate guide n price range fr grid-cnnected slar PV systems in the majr capital cities. Gvernment rebates such as Renewable Energy Certificates, Slar Credits and Feed-in Tariffs are included in these figures. Estimated system price System size Estimated price range 1.5 kw $ $ kw $ $ kw $5000- $ kw $ $12,000 Please nte these prices are a guide nly, the actual price yu are ffered fr a slar PV system may vary. Figures are estimates based n market cnditins as at June 2012 and may change due t changed market settings. Prices are inclusive f GST. 5 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

7 Australian Standards It is imprtant yu ask yur accredited installer t prvide prf that yur panels meet Australian standards. The Clean Energy Cuncil has a frequently updated list f all slar panel and inverter mdels that meet Australian standards. T see the list, please click here 2. Slar PV systems must als cmply with The CEC Design and Installatin Guidelines. Warranties and guarantees Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Slar PV panels generally cme with a perfrmance warranty that can last up t 25 years and a guarantee lasting five t ten years. Additinally, panel material warranties and wrkmanship guarantees generally span 5-10 years. It is imprtant t knw wh is prviding the warranty the manufacturer r the imprter. In the absence f a manufacturer, the imprter is respnsible fr the warranty. Hwever, if the imprter changes their business name r sells their business, their warranty bligatins twards yu cease. Ask yur installer wh is prviding the warranty. A system manual that prvides peratin, maintenance and safety infrmatin shuld be prvided by yur installer. This must als include a system energy utput (kwh) estimate. It is imprtant t ensure yu btain written cnfirmatin f statements made by yur installer, including perfrmance claims, guarantees and warranties. Dcumentatin will be essential if yu need t make warranty r insurance claims. What shuld I d if a prduct is faulty while still under warranty? The Clean Energy Cuncil deals with cmplaints invlving a breach f the Clean Energy Cuncil accreditatin guidelines, accreditatin Cde f Cnduct r relevant Australia Standards. Hwever, we are nt empwered t handle issues f a cmmercial nature, such as warranties. As f 1 January 2012 the new Australian Cnsumer Law came int effect which creates a range f new prtectins fr cnsumers in relatin t warranties and faults. T find ut mre abut whether yur slar installatin is cvered by the prvisins f the new law yu shuld visit their website: Failing that, shuld yu have an issue with any slar PV prduct whilst under warranty, yu shuld first cntact the supplier in rder t have the prduct replaced r repaired. If yu are unable t cntact the supplier, yu shuld cntact the manufacturer. Cntact details shuld be prvided n the warranty dcumentatin. If this is unsuccessful, yu will need t ldge a cmplaint with the relevant Fair Trading ffice (smetimes called 'Cnsumer Affairs') in yur state r territry (see list f cntact details n page 24). The Office f Fair Trading can negtiate n yur behalf and arrange mediatin where necessary. 6 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

8 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) What gvernment schemes are in place t lwer the cst f purchasing a slar PV system? There are currently three types f financial assistance ffered fr slar PV systems in Australia: Small-scale Technlgy Certificates (STCs) Slar Credits Feed-in tariffs Small-scale Technlgy Certificates (STCs) Small-scale Technlgy Certificates (STCs) are an electrnic frm f currency created by the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (als knwn as the RET scheme). One STC is equivalent t ne megawatt hur f electricity generated by yur slar PV pwer system. The price f STCs changes accrding t market cnditins. As an wner f a slar PV pwer system, yu can register, sell, trade r surrender STCs fr systems up t 100kW. There are tw ways yu can be paid fr yur STCs: 1. Assign yur STCs when yu purchase yur slar PV system t a registered agent in exchange fr a financial benefit which may be in the frm f a delayed cash payment r upfrnt discunt n yur slar PV panel system (mst cnsumers take this ptin); r 2. Create the STCs yurself by finding a buyer and then selling and transferring them in the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Registry. Fr a list f registered agents, cntact the Clean Energy Regulatr 3. STCs may be created fr slar PV systems in batches f either ne, five r 15 year deeming perids. At the beginning f each successive ne r five year deeming perid, the Regulatr (frm the Clean Energy Regulatr) must be satisfied that yur slar PV system is still installed and is likely t remain functinal fr the next deeming perid. In rder t claim STCs fr the full 15 year deeming perid upfrnt which is the mst cmmn ptin - yur designer/installer must be accredited by the Clean Energy Cuncil. Mre infrmatin is available in the RET prcess fr Owners f Small Generatin Units (SGUs) guide published by the Clean Energy Regulatr click here 4. The level f subsidy will depend n a number f factrs, including the lcatin (als knwn as the zne) f the slar PV system, the size f the system and the price f STCs at the time the system was installed. The Australian Gvernment has capped the price f STCs at $40 but the actual value f an STC varies frm day t day. STCs are traded n the STC market meaning the price will vary accrding t supply and demand. Over the past year the price f STCs has ranged between 7 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

9 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) arund $25 t $35. The Clean Energy Cuncil website displays a current STC price n the hmepage at cleanenergycuncil.rg.au Australia is divided up int varius znes based n hw much renewable energy can be generated by a slar panel in a given area. S the same sized system installed in Melburne r Hbart (Zne 4) receives fewer STCs than thse installed in Sydney (Zne 3) r Darwin (Zne 2) because Melburne and Hbart have less sunshine s less slar energy is prduced. The table belw shws the level f financial supprt available frm STCs n slar PV systems in the majr capital cities f Australia. Small-scale Technlgy Certificates Level f financial supprt City Zne Rating System Deeming Perid Ttal STC Ttal Subsidy Size Entitlement Adelaide x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 31 $992 (31 STCs x $32) Brisbane x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 31 $992 (31 STCs x $32) Canberra x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 31 $992 (31 STCs x $32) Darwin x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 34 $1088 (34 STCs x $32) Hbart x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 26 $832 (26 STCs x $32) Melburne x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 26 $832 (26 STCs x $32) Perth x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 31 $992 (31 STCs x $32) Sydney x 1.5 kw x 15 (years)= 31 $992 (31 STCs x $32) Zne Rating x Rated Pwer Output (1.5kW) x Deeming Perid (15 years) = Ttal STC Entitlement Figures based n the $32 STC rate as at December 2012.This is an apprximate rate and the STC price will vary. Fr mre infrmatin, cntact the Clean Energy Regulatr 5 Slar Credits As f 1 January 2013, this sectin is nly relevant fr custmers wh meet the requirements as utlined belw. Only slar PV systems installed prir t 1 January 2013 are eligible t receive the slar credit multiplier. If an agreement was entered int prir t 16 Nvember 2012, yu have until 30 June 2013 fr yur system t be installed and still receive the slar credit multiplier. Further details n slar credits can be fund n the Department f Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website 6. The Australian Gvernment sets the level f the slar credits multiplier and reduces it ver time reflecting reductins in the csts f rftp slar panels. Changes are shwn in the table belw. 8 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

10 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Multiplier fr certificates fr small generatin units Installatin perid Number f multipliers 9 June 2009 t 30 June x 1 July 2010 t 30 June x 1 July 2011 t 30 June x 1 July 2012 t 31 December x 1 January 2013 nwards 1 (ie. n multiplier) Fr example, Adelaide has an STC entitlement f 31 STCs fr 1.5kW capacity (see Smallscale Technlgy Certificates Level f financial supprt table n page 8). Under the slar credits multiplier, the first 1.5 kw is multiplied by 2 (31 x 2 = 62) and then an additinal 31 STC s is given fr the remaining 1.5kW capacity ( =93). The table belw shws the level f financial supprt that yu wuld receive fr installing a 3kW system using the current apprximate STC price f $32 bth with, and withut, the slar credit multiplier. Apprximate level f supprt fr 3kW system 2 x Slar Credits multiplier (systems installed up t 31 December 2012) N Slar Credits multiplier (systems installed frm 1 January 2013) City STCs Apprximate supprt STCs Apprximate supprt Adelaide 93 $ $1984 Brisbane 93 $ $1984 Canberra 93 $ $1984 Darwin 103 $ $2208 Hbart 79 $ $1696 Melburne 79 $ $1696 Perth 93 $ $1984 Sydney 93 $ $1984 Surce: Department f Climate Change and Energy Efficiency 7. Based n the STC price f $32 as at December 2012 Feed-in tariffs Several states have intrduced, r are in the prcess f intrducing, feed-in tariffs. A feed-in tariff pays yu fr electricity generated by yur slar PV system. Under a net feed-in tariff, a premium is paid fr any slar energy that ges back int the grid frm yur huse. S if yu have surplus energy generated by yur slar panels, yu get paid fr it; and if yu use all f the energy yu generate it will be ffset against yur nrmal electricity bill. 9 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

11 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Under a grss feed-in tariff yu get paid fr every unit f electricity generated by yur slar panels, regardless f whether it ges int the grid r is used by yur husehld. Yu need t apply t yur electricity retailer t receive the feed-in tariff. When signing an agreement with yur electricity retailer, yu need t be infrmed. In particular, yu shuld check with yur electricity retailer abut any tariff changes that will ccur as a result f installing slar and carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages befre making a decisin. This shuld be cnsidered befre yu install tariff changes. Imprtant questins t ask abut yur feed-in tariff agreement include: What price will they pay yu fr yur electricity (in cents per kwh)? What is the cst f the electricity yu purchase frm them (in cents per kwh)? Will yu lse yur lwer ff-peak rates by mving nt a higher Time f Use (TOU) tariff? What will be the frm f payment fr electricity yu prduce? It is likely yu will receive the feed-in tariffs yu earn by default as a credit n yur electricity bill rather than cash. What will be the frm f payment fr surplus electricity yu prduce? Will it be cash, cheque r EFT n request? Other imprtant questins t ask when signing an agreement with yur electricity retailer are discussed in further detail later in this dcument. The table belw shws the feed-in tariffs intrduced, r in the prcess f being intrduced, in the varius states, and the savings that culd be made n a 1.5 kw system. These savings are an estimate nly and may vary depending n the size f yur slar PV system, the prducts used, lcatin f the system and hw much electricity yur husehld cnsumes. The actual savings yu make may als vary depending n the electricity retailer yu are with. Fr a mre accurate estimate, yur accredited designer/installer will be able t calculate yur ptential savings as part f their lad analysis. 10 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

12 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Lcatin Victria Suth Australia Queensland* Queensland Queensland Western Australia Western Australia Western Australia Australian Capital Territry Nrthern Territry Tasmania New Suth Wales New Suth Wales Scheme name New Standard FiT FiT and FiT Premium Slar Bnus Scheme* Slar Bnus Scheme Slar Bnus Scheme Hrizn FiT + REBs Synergy FiT + REBs Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBs) Net metering Grss Generatin Rate Net metering Maximum Benchmark Minimum Benchmark Scheme type Net exprt FiT Net exprt Net Exprt FiT Net Exprt FiT Net Exprt FiT Net Exprt FiT Net Exprt FiT Net Exprt FiT Net 1:1 FiT Grss Exprt FiT Net 1:1 FiT Net Exprt Net Exprt 1.5 kw system under the feed-in tariff schemes* Scheme 2012/2013 Based n 5% f Based n 25% f nature scheme rate electricity being electricity being fed int the grid fed int the grid Annual FiT value Annual FiT & ffset value Annual FiT value Annual FiT & ffset value Based n 50% f electricity being fed int the grid Annual FiT value Annual FiT & ffset value Mandatry 8c per kwh $8 $433 $39 $375 $79 $303 Mandatry 26c per kwh $30 $613 $148 $609 $297 $604 Mandatry 44c per kwh $51 $605 $253 $691 $506 $798 Mandatry + Vluntary 16c per kwh $18 $573 $92 $530 $184 $476 Mandatry 8c per kwh $9 $564 $ 46 $484 $92 $384 Mandatry + Vluntary 50c per kwh $60 $664 $301 $778 $ 602 $920 Mandatry 25c per kwh $30 $634 $151 $628 $301 $619 + Vluntary Mandatry 8c per kwh $10 $614 $ 51 $528 $101 $419 Vluntary 18c per kwh $21 $421 $105 $421 $ 211 $421 Vluntary 22c per kwh $523 $523 $523 $ 523 $523 $523 Vluntary 25c per kwh $24 $485 $121 $485 $242 $485 Vluntary 13c per kwh $9 $566 $43 $483 $85 $379 Vluntary 5c per kwh $5 $563 $27 $467 $53 $347 * This rate is nw clsed t new applicants Disclaimer: The abve table prvides an indicative example f the value frm exprted and ffset energy that culd be expected in average cnditins, based n average rates, fr the Average Australian huse. Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Vlume 21: 19 December

13 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Slar generatin statistics are in accrdance with Clean Energy Cuncil estimates fr the regins described but can be expected t vary depending n yur precise lcatin and situatin. Feed in tariffs are in accrdance with latest published data as at August 2012 frm varius prviders. Please nte that sme electricity prviders may prvide mre r less than the rates described in the table. Electricity ffset savings are based n 2012/2013 price data frm the Australian Energy Market Cmmissin (AEMC), r State bdies where significant variatins t rates ccurred subsequent t the publicatin f the AEMC reprt. Please nte that a significant and cnstantly changing variety f ffers fr electricity prices exists and may affect the utcmes represented in the table All electricity rates exclude GST and daily charges which will have an impact n the utcmes. Husehld energy cnsumptin is based n the Average Australian level f 17kWh/day, based n the AEMC reprt. Please nte that many f the schemes described have caps, end dates and/r are subject t change and as such yu will need t check n the availability f these ffers when yu apply. It is als imprtant t nte that sme electricity retailers may, depending n the tariff structure yu are n, ffer higher r lwer rates fr slar energy yu prduce t ffset yur bill and/r exprt t the grid. In States where slar ffers are vluntary, there is n bligatin t prvide a slar ffer althugh in mst cases ffers d exist and thse represented n the table are indicative f cmmn rates. Sme States have ffers that are a cmbinatin f vluntary and mandatry rates. Eligibility rules apply in virtually all circumstances and yu will therefre need t ensure yu are eligible befre prceeding. Please nte that whilst we have endeavured t prvide a sund indicatin f typical situatins arund Australia, yur individual situatin is likely t differ frm these and yu shuld cnsult with yur electricity and service prviders t ascertain yur particular utcme. These rates are residential ffers nly and d nt relate t ffers available fr cmmercial custmers. Fr mre infrmatin n feed-in tariffs cntact yur relevant state gvernment department: State Gvernment Departments State Department Cntact ACT Department f Envirnment, Climate Change, Energy & Water NSW Department f Industry & Investment NT Department f the Chief Minister QLD Office f Clean Energy SA Sustainability & Climate Change TAS Department f Infrastructure, Energy & Resurces VIC Department f Primary Industries WA Office f Energy Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

14 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) What des the design and specificatin f my Slar PV System invlve? Accredited Designers / Installers T be eligible fr gvernment rebates, the designer and installer f yur slar PV system must be accredited by the Clean Energy Cuncil. The Clean Energy Cuncil s accreditatin scheme ensures that accredited designers and installers f slar PV pwer systems: have undergne the necessary prfessinal training fllw industry best practice adhere t Australian standards rutinely update their skills and prduct knwledge. Fr a list f accredited prfessinals, please see slaraccreditatin.cm.au. An accredited designer/installer will prvide yu with a slar PV system design and specificatin. This will include things such as: establishing yur electrical lads ver an average day using a lad analysis determining the type f panels determining the size f yur slar PV system deciding the type f inverter establishing the lcatin f slar panels in relatin t angles, available sunlight, shading and temperature. What size slar PV system shuld I install? The size f yur slar PV system will depend n: the physical unshaded area available fr the installatin f yur panels hw much yu are prepared t spend what prtin f yur electrical cnsumptin yu wish t generate. T wrk ut what size slar PV system yu require, yu need t analyse yur husehld s daily electricity cnsumptin. Yur mnthly r quarterly electricity bill measures yur husehld s electricity cnsumptin in kilwatt hurs. Frm this figure, yu can calculate yur average daily electricity cnsumptin, and the average amunt f electricity yur slar PV system needs t prduce t cver yur electricity needs. This prcess will be cmpleted by yur accredited designer during the design and specificatin stage, as part f their lad analysis. What size panels shuld I buy? Slar PV panels cme in different wattages. The main issues are yur budget and whether the slar panels will physically fit in the space yu want t install them. Each slar panel is apprximately 1.6 metres lng and 0.8 metres wide. A 1kW slar panel system will require arund 8-10m² f rf space, and a 1.5kW slar panel system requires arund 12 m². This will vary depending n the type f panel installed n yur rf. 13 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

15 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) What srt f panels shuld I buy? There are three main types f slar panel available, each with their wn benefits. During the design and specificatin stage, yur accredited designer will help yu chse which type is the best t suit yur needs: 1. Mn Crystalline (mncrystalline c-si) These panels are a prven technlgy that has been in use fr ver 50 years. They are cmmnly used where space is limited, r where there are high csts assciated with installing large panels. They have a very slw degradatin, generally lsing % per year. 2. Ply Crystalline (plycrystalline c-si) These panels are similar t Mn Crystalline panels, but the silicn used is Multi-Crystalline which is easier t make. They are cmparable t Mn Crystalline in perfrmance and durability. Slightly mre panels are required t prduce a given amunt f electricity. 3. Thin Film Thin Film panels have been in cmmercial prductin fr ver ten years. These panels are typically mderately larger than the ther panel varieties. In cmparisn with ther panel types, their efficiency des nt drp significantly n ht days. The mst cmmn varieties f Thin Film panels are: Cadmium Telluride Thin-Film panels (CdTe) Cpper Indium Gallium Selenide Thin-Film panels (CIGS) Amrphus silicn Thin-Film panels(a-si) 14 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

16 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Fr mre detailed infrmatin, please visit the Desert Knwledge Australia Slar Centre at The Desert Knwledge Australia Slar Centre is a live research facility run by Desert Knwledge Australia that tests the perfrmance f different types f slar panels accrding t type and installatin, including thse mentined abve. What angle shuld the slar panels be n? Slar PV panels prduce mst pwer when they are pinted directly at the sun. In Australia, slar mdules shuld face nrth fr ptimum electricity prductin. The rientatin f the panels will ften have a greater effect n annual energy prductin than the angle they are tilted at. A minimum tilt f 10 is recmmended t ensure self cleaning by rainfall. Fr grid-cnnected slar PV pwer systems, the slar panels shuld be psitined at the angle f latitude t maximise the amunt f energy prduced annually. Mst Australian hmes have a rf pitch f 20 t 30. If yur rf s slpe is nt ideal, yur accredited designer can create an apprpriate munting frame t crrect the rientatin and elevatin f yur panel. Failing this, the designer can advise yu n the difference in energy utput fr different tilt and rientatin. Hw much sunlight shuld the panels receive? The amunt f energy in sunlight that a slar PV panel receives ver a day is expressed in peak sun hurs. As the amunt f energy generated by a panel is directly prprtinal t the amunt f energy it receives frm sunlight, it is imprtant t install panels s they receive maximum sunlight. Yur accredited designer will calculate the amunt f energy generated by the slar PV panel frm the peak sun hurs available. Peak sun hurs vary thrughut the year. Shading / Dirt Slar PV panels shuld ideally be in full sun frm at least 9am t 3pm. They shuld nt be placed in shaded areas and be kept free frm dust and dirt. Even a small amunt f shade - frm things like trees, rf ventilatrs r antennas - will have a large impact n the utput f a panel, as it changes the flw f electricity thrugh the panel. Shading r dirt n just ne f the cells in a slar panel results in a lss f pwer frm many cells, nt just the ne that is shaded. Temperature The amunt f electricity a slar PV panel can generate is reduced as temperatures increase. Slar panels perate best at ambient temperatures up t 25 C. Hwever, if the ambient temperature is higher, the panel s utput declines. 15 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

17 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) What is an inverter? What srt shuld I buy? Slar PV panels prduce lw vltage DC electricity. The inverter cnverts this int the AC electricity needed t supply pwer fr standard appliances. The efficiency f an inverter is measured by hw well it cnverts the DC electricity int AC electricity. This usually ranges frm 95% t 97.5% fr mst mdels. Check the inverter s specificatins befre yu purchase. Inverters are sized accrding t the pwer (watts) they can supply. Australian Standards It is imprtant t ensure that yur grid cnnect inverter cmplies with Australian Standards. This is required t be eligible fr the REC s and Slar Credits. Ask yur accredited installer t prvide prf that yur inverter meets Australian standards. The Clean Energy Cuncil has published a list f all grid cnnect inverters that meet Australian standards. T see the list click here 9. Manufacturer guarantees range frm 5 t 15 years. What will happen t my meter at hme? When yur slar PV system is installed yu may need t have a new meter installed. If yu have a traditinal accumulatin meter (with a spinning disk) this will need t be replaced with an interval meter r smart meter. This is because an accumulatin meter des nt recrd the energy yu exprt t the grid r the electricity yu imprt frm the grid. An interval meter r a smart meter prvide half hurly readings f the electricity yu cnsume and the surplus electricity yu generate. The states and territries have cmmitted t the prgressive rllut f smart metering acrss Australia frm While a smart meter is similar t an interval meter in that it recrds electricity usage in 30-minute intervals remtely t yur electricity cmpany, smart meters have a range f additinal capabilities. S if yur new meter is an interval meter, it will need t be replaced again with a smart meter when this rllut ccurs. Depending n where yu live, yur interval meter may be a grss meter r a net meter. If yu are n a grss feed-in tariff scheme, yur grss meter separately measures the ttal electricity cnsumed by yur husehld and the ttal electricity generated by yur slar PV system. Yur electricity cmpany reads the meter and determines the ttal amunt f electricity generated by yur slar panels, regardless f whether it ges int the grid r is used by yur husehld. If yu are n a net feed-in tariff scheme, yur net meter measures yur husehld's electricity and the electricity generated by yur slar PV system tgether. Yur electricity cmpany reads the meter and calculates any surplus electricity fed back int the grid. Yur new meter must be installed by a relevant qualified prfessinal This may be rganised by yur accredited designer/installer; r yur electricity retailer; r electricity distributr. Ask t find ut wh will rganise this fr yu. 16 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

18 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) The installatin f a new meter may affect yur electricity billing rates: The new meters are prvided by yur electricity distributr. The cst f this is passed frm the electricity distributr t yur electricity retailer. Generally, this cst is recvered by yur electricity retailer thrugh increased netwrk charges n yur mnthly electricity bill. Yu may mve frm an ff-peak tariff t a time-f-use (TOU) tariff. A TOU tariff is a pricing structure that changes depending n the time f day yu cnsume pwer. In peak demand perids (day), charges will be higher than cnsumptin during lwer demand perids (night). S while electricity is mst expensive during the day, this will be ffset by yur slar PV system prducing energy during this time als. If yu mve frm an ff-peak tariff t a time-f-use (TOU) tariff, this will particularly affect yur dedicated ff-peak lads, such as ht water, space heating and aircnditining. Yu shuld check with yur electricity retailer abut any tariff changes that will ccur as a result f installing slar and carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages befre making a decisin. This shuld be cnsidered befre yur install yur slar PV panels. 17 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

19 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Qutatin / Cntract Fllwing the design and specificatin yu may request a qutatin fr the design and installatin f the system. The qutatin culd prvide specificatins, quantity, size, capacity and utput fr the majr cmpnents, including: slar PV mdules munting frames structure inverter any additinal metering data-lgging travel and transprt requirements ther equipment needed any trench digging a system user manual. The qutatin shuld als specify a ttal price, tgether with prpsed start and cmpletin dates. The qutatin shuld frm a basis fr yur cntract with the designer/installer. In additin, a cntract fr the supply and installatin f the pwer system shuld be included with the qutatin. The cntract shuld include: an estimate f the average daily electricity utput (in kwh) the estimated annual prductin the estimated prductin in the best and wrst mnths the respnsibilities f each party warranties and guarantees, including installer wrkmanship schedule f depsit and prgress payments. wh is respnsible fr cnnecting yur slar PV system t the electricity grid wh respnsible fr yur meter changever wh is respnsible fr rganising yu t mve t a premium feed-in tariff hw yu will receive yur REC s and/r Slar Credits 18 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

20 Questins t ask yur designer / installer When signing a cntract with yur designer/installer, yu need t be infrmed. Imprtant questins t ask include: Accreditatin Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Is the designer accredited? Is the installer accredited? What are their accreditatin numbers? Ask t see their accreditatin pht ID card Experience Will yur system be designed and installed by an accredited individual? Check the list f accredited installers n the Clean Energy Cuncil website t cnfirm slaraccreditatin.cm.au Cntact the designer/installer's frmer custmers t find ut if they were knwledgeable, easy t wrk with, and tk the time t explain the systems peratin. Als find ut if their systems are wrking well, if there have been any prblems, and, if s, if they returned t fix them. Ask fr the designer/installer business references, and check them, especially if the cmpany's reputatin is unknwn. Hw many systems has the designer/installer cmpleted? Hw many systems similar t yur system has the designer/installer cmpleted? When was the last time the designer/installer cmpleted a system? New prducts are cnstantly entering the market. A designer/installer wh has cmpleted several recent installatins will prbably be up-t-date n the newest prducts and the latest regulatry issues. Quality f Prducts Australian Standards D the mdules yu use meet the Australian Standards? Check the Mdule List n the Clean Energy Cuncil website t cnfirm - slaraccreditatin.cm.au D the inverters yu use meet the Australian Standards? Check the Inverter List n the Clean Energy Cuncil website t cnfirm - slaraccreditatin.cm.au Vlume 21: 19 December

21 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Warranties D sme research n the ther balance f system cmpnents that yur designer/installer suggests, such as the munting hardware. D the prducts meet industry standards? If yu knw f ther peple wh have used these prducts, ask fr their feedback: Are they satisfied? Have they had prblems? What kinds f warranties cme with the prducts? Which warranties are yur respnsibility and which are the manufacturer's? Hw lng have the equipment manufacturers been in the PV industry? Lng warranties are meaningless if the manufacturers aren't arund in five years. If yu have t deal with the panel r inverter manufacturer in the future, d they have an Australian ffice? Service Agreements & Perfrmance Guarantees Paperwrk What perfrmance guarantees d yu get fr the system as a whle? Hw will yu knw if yur system is perfrming t its maximum ptential n a day t day basis? Des the designer/installer prvide sme kind f ptinal service agreement? If prblems arise with yur system, what services will the designer/installer prvide and fr hw lng? Will the designer/installer be readily available t trublesht and fix prblems? If smething ges wrng, wh is respnsible fr repair r replacement csts? Wh is respnsible fr maintaining the system? If yu are respnsible, what kind f training will the designer/installer prvide? Will basic system safety issues be explained? Des the designer/installer handle rganising all the necessary metering changes? Des the designer/installer rganise all the paperwrk fr yur lcal electricity supplier t mve yu t a premium feed-in tariff? Des the designer/installer handle all the REC paperwrk fr yu? 20 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

22 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) References Qute Cntact the designer/installer's frmer custmers t find ut if the they were knwledgeable, easy t wrk with, and tk the time t explain the systems peratin. Als find ut if their systems are wrking well, if there have been any prblems, and, if s, if they returned t fix them. Ask fr the designer/installer business references, and check them, especially if the cmpany's reputatin is unknwn. Des the price quted include r exclude mney received frm RECs? Des the price quted include all the necessary metering changes and paperwrk fr my lcal electricity supplier? Des the qute include all labur, transprtatin and inspectin charges? Des the designer/installer give an accurate estimatin f system prductin with their qutes? Payment Terms Time Frames What are the payment terms? Is there a depsit? When is it required? Is it refundable? D yu need t pay the whle amunt r just the difference after the RECs and/r Feed-in Tariff? What is the lead time frm yur payment t getting electricity frm yur slar PV system? The Final Decisin By installing a slar PV system, yu need t take respnsibility fr it and learn the basic safe peratin and prper maintenance f yur systems. Yu shuld think carefully befre selecting a designer/installer. Online and mailrder slar PV system suppliers wh never visit yur hme may have difficulty recmmending the mst apprpriate equipment. A cmprehensive, n-site slar and lad analysis and tw way interview can help ensure a thughtfully designed and well-planned installatin. What happens after my slar PV system has been installed? Entering int agreement with yur electricity retailer After yur slar PV system has been installed and if yu wish t pt-in t a feed-in tariff, yu will need t enter int an agreement with an electricity retailer. Nt all electricity retailers ffer slar friendly plicies s it is best t check and cmpare the fllwing items prir t entering int an electricity trading agreement. 21 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

23 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Questins t ask yur electricity retailer What price will they pay yu fr yur electricity (in cents per kwh)? What is the cst f the electricity yu purchase frm them (in cents per kwh)? Will I lse my ff-peak rates nce my meter has been changed? Will this be replaced with a time-f-use (TOU) tariff? Are yu signed nt a premium feed-in tariff rate r a standard feed-in tariff rate? If yur electricity retailer signs yu up t a standard feed-in tariff agreement yu will receive less mney fr the excess electricity yu feed back int the grid. What will be the frm f payment fr electricity yu prduce? It is likely yu will receive the feed in tariff s yu earn by default as a credit n yur electricity bill rather than cash. What will be the frm f payment fr surplus electricity yu prduce? Will it be cash, cheque r EFT n request? Penalty clauses (terminatin csts) Billing / payment perids Are there any ther administratin fees? D yu rganise all the necessary metering changes? If n, refer t Questins t ask yur Electricity Distributr (belw). If yes the fllwing questins apply: Is yur new meter an interval meter r a smart meter? If it is an interval meter it will need t be replaced with a smart meter when the rllut ccurs. Can yu have a smart meter, rather than an interval meter, installed t avid unnecessary meter exchange csts when the smart meter rllut ccurs? Will yur new meter cntinue t measure ff-peak pwer use? Is yur new meter a grss meter r a net meter? What is the cst f yur meter? Is it supplied free f charge? Is there an upfrnt cst? Is the cst recvered thrugh increased netwrk charges n yur mnthly electricity bill? What is the cst f installing yur meter? 22 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

24 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Questins t ask yur Electricity Distributr D yu rganise all the necessary metering changes? Is yur new meter an interval meter r a smart meter? If it is an interval meter it will need t be replaced with a smart meter when the rllut ccurs. Can yu have a smart meter (rather than an interval meter) installed t avid unnecessary meter exchange csts when the smart meter rllut ccurs? Will yur new meter cntinue t measure ff-peak pwer use? Is yur new meter a grss meter r a net meter? What is the cst f yur meter? Is it supplied free f charge? Is there an upfrnt cst? Is the cst recvered thrugh increased netwrk charges n yur mnthly electricity bill? Safety Inspectins Fllwing the installatin f yur slar PV system, safety inspectins may be carried ut by yur relevant electrical authrity. Depending n which State yu live in, these inspectins may be mandatry r may ccur n a randm audit basis. It is the respnsibility f either yur installer r yur relevant electrical authrity t rganise these inspectins if applicable in yur state. Fr mre infrmatin, please cntact yur relevant electrical authrity frm the table belw. The Clean Energy Cuncil, the Department f Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the Clean Energy Regulatr als cnduct its wn inspectin prgram. This applies t installatins cmpleted by accredited designers and installers. It ccurs n a randm basis and aims t ensure that slar PV systems meet the Australian Standards and Accreditatin Guidelines. Electrical Authrities State Respnsible Authrity Cntact ACT ACT Planning and Land Authrity VIC Energy Safe Victria TAS Office f Electricity Standards and Safety SA Office f the Technical Regulatr QLD Electrical Safety Office NT NT Wrksafe NSW Office f Fair Trading WA Energy Safe WA Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

25 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Dispute reslutin Clean Energy Cuncil The Clean Energy Cuncil deals with cmplaints invlving a breach f the Accreditatin Rules, Accreditatin Cde f Cnduct r relevant Australia Standards. Fr example, this may invlve: Faulty r pr wrkmanship, such as incrrect wiring, incrrect labeling r damage t yur huse during installatin Use f mdules and inverters that d nt meet the Australian Standards It des nt extend t include Slar PV retailers. It nly applies t individual tradespeple wh hld a Clean Energy Cuncil Slar PV Accreditatin. If yu have a cmplaint f this nature, the Clean Energy Cuncil will require yu t prvide the fllwing infrmatin via the Clean Energy Cuncil nline dispute frm 10 : Full cntact details f all invlved parties A descriptin f the prblem that has led t dispute All relevant infrmatin n any dispute Any actins taken t reslve the dispute Full detail f all interactin with the accredited persn. The Clean Energy Cuncil may decide t appint an investigatr. Where the dispute cannt be immediately reslved, a tribunal will be established t determine the apprpriate actins required t deal with all issues t the satisfactin f the parties invlved. The Tribunal may decide t: 1. Dwngrade r extend the designer/installer s accreditatin t prvisinal; r 2. Suspend the designer/installer s accreditatin; r 3. Put the designer/installer n a year s prbatin; r 4. Cancel the designer/installer s accreditatin either fr a specified perid r fr life. 24 Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

26 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) State and Territry Offices f Fair Trading/Cnsumer Affairs If yu have a cmplaint abut a cmmercial matter, yu can cntact the Office f Fair Trading (smetimes called 'Cnsumer Affairs') in yur state r territry. Examples f cmmercial cmplaints include: Disputes t d with price Disputes ver warranty Disputes t d with the terms and cnditins f the agreement with yur electricity retailer Disputes ver the level f service prvided by yur designer/installer Disputes abut the quality f wrk prvided (excluding safety issues) Disputes t d with the verselling f benefits The Office f Fair Trading can negtiate n yur behalf and arrange mediatin where necessary, but it des nt have the pwer t frce yur designer/installer t fix the prblem. State Bdy Cntact ACT Office f Fair Trading (ACT) NSW Office f Fair Trading (NSW) NT Cnsumer Affairs (NT) QLD Office f Fair Trading (QLD) SA Cnsumer and Business Affairs (SA) TAS Cnsumer Affairs and Fair Trading (TAS) VIC Cnsumer Affairs (VIC) WA Cnsumer Prtectin (WA) Electrical Authrities If yu have cncerns abut the safety and technical cmpliance f yur slar PV system, yu can cntact the electrical authrity in yur state r territry wh may arrange fr yur slar panel system t be inspected. State Bdy Cntact ACT ACT Planning and Land Authrity VIC Energy Safe Victria TAS Office f Electricity Standards and Safety SA Office f the Technical Regulatr QLD Electrical Safety Office NT NT Wrksafe NSW Office f Fair Trading WA Energy Safe WA Vlume 21: 19 December 2012

27 Cnsumer guide t buying husehld slar panels (phtvltaic panels) Small claims curts and tribunals If yu have been unable t reslve yur dispute t yur satisfactin with assistance frm either the Clean Energy Cuncil r the Office f Fair Trading, yu can take yur cmplaint t the apprpriate Small Claims Tribunal r Curt in yur state r territry. Yu shuld seek independent legal advice abut whether this ptin is available and suits yur circumstances. State Respnsible Authrity Cntact ACT Small Claims Curt NSW Cnsumer, Trader & Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) NT Lcal Curt (Small Claims Divisin) Limit is $5,000 and claims must be ldged within 2 years f the event QLD Small Claims Tribunal The limit n small claims is $7, SA Magistrates Curt - Small Claims Deals with disputes f up t $5, TAS Magistrates Curt - Minr Civil Claims Divisin Any dispute claiming $5000 r less VIC Victrian Civil and Administrative Tribunal N limit t the amunt yu may claim WA Magistrates Curt Vlume 21: 19 December 2012