Category: Maintenance

Helping the Environment by Going Solar

Solar Systems Hervey Bay

As the climate becomes an increasingly more important topic across social, political and educational arenas, the interest in cleaner and greener energy is growing by the day. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly more accessible and those who are investing or taking advantage of these sources are reaping the benefits. Particularly in Australia, a country that receives more sunlight than most, the shift to solar energy has been a gradual but effective process. Solar energy is one of the most renewable sources of energy with just relying on panels to harness the energy from the sun’s rays and using it to power homes and businesses. In places like Queensland, which has an abundance of warm, sunny days, the installation of solar systems in Hervey Bay and surrounds have had businesses and residents not only reaping huge benefits from going solar but also being happy that they are helping to contribute to the environment. Energy sources like gas and electricity may be effective but they are also creating emissions that are harming the environment. Whether you run a business or own property, you can do your part for the environment by contacting GCR Electrical services to install solar systems in Hervey Bay properties. With the ability to generate enough power for your needs, you will soon be saving money as well as the environment therefore look into solar today to contribute to a cleaner and greener future.

Plenty of Sunshine in the Sunshine State: Solar Systems Hervey Bay

There is a lot of scepticism out there about solar panels being able to generate enough power for your day to day needs but if you are considering solar systems in Hervey Bay, you have no grounds to be sceptical. Residing in the Sunshine State and in one of the warmest countries in the world, there is no shortage of sunshine. You will be surprised just how far solar power can stretch and with most systems having an electrical back-up thus you need not worry about running out of power. Once a solar system is installed, the panels are able to generate power and it run it through your home. With the average temperatures in Hervey Bay still being over twenty degrees and averaging less than a combined week of rainfall a month, solar systems in Hervey Bay will be able to have their fair share of sunlight to harness. If you are in the Sunshine State, consider switching to solar. Not only is it better for the environment and better on your electricity bill in the long run, the Sunshine State has the perfect climate for solar systems. With the abundance of sun, technology like an electrical back up and options of installing brand new technology like the Tesla power wall, you can rest assured that you will not be left short changed in the power department when you make the switch to solar energy in your home or business.

How Going Solar Boosts Your Business Efficiency

Deciding to make the switch to solar systems in Hervey Bay businesses is definitely a smart choice that will lead to greater efficiency for your business. Testimonials from clients of GCR Electrical services speak volumes of how they are reaping the benefits of making the switch to solar. One of our clients, Condy Park Kindergarten who rely on having efficient power, left us a wonderful testimony about how upgrading their system to solar has been amazing for their premises. Going solar can play a big role in reducing your operating costs. Making the investment into installing a solar system will definitely give your business incredible returns. Not only will you able to have access to clean energy, as you are generating your own power, you will see that difference reflected in your business electricity. More money in the pocket is always a positive for any business, regardless on the price of the initial outlay. As cleaner and greener energy is being increased in the public consciousness, having a business that has invested in solar systems in Hervey Bay will show current and potential customers that the environment and sustainability is a value of your business, which in turn creates a positive impact socially. This does not just benefit the environment, it will benefit your business in the long run as well.

Solar Systems Are Increasingly Popular

Solar Systems Hervey Bay QLD

With climate change a powerful force within the media, political arena and embedded in socio-cultural attitudes, going solar with effective solar systems is a wise choice. Environmental friendliness is highly-important in contemporary society and Australia’s climate has been changing over the years. In certain states such as the Sunshine State of Queensland, there is ample opportunity to harness the energy from the sun. Solar systems are the way of the future at present along with wind and hydro energy systems generating electricity. GCR Electrical Services are a premium company when it comes to solar systems for both residential and commercial properties. If you utilise electricity predominantly during daytime hours, the majority of your energy consumption will be fuelled by the sun’s energy. Our valued client, Condy Park Kindergarten had an outdated system outdated and our team completed a 16.7km solar system and we achieved superior quality workmanship as reflected on our Facebook page. Another valued client, Helen Ison said ‘Yipeeeee! Solar went on today, 6.4 KW 19 WINAICO panels and Fronius inverter. Looks lovely on our newly painted roof. Love the app, it’s night when I looked but excited to see what happens tomorrow on a sunny day. In Hervey Bay, Qld and GCR Electrical did the install. Thank you to everyone on here when I was researching what to do! Advice was invaluable!’ Another successful install was for home owners in Urangan with a powerful Tesla Powerwall II. This solar system works by the solar panels and collectors gaining energy from the sun’s rays and thise is then harnessed to power your home or business. When the sun is limited, your solar system often then relies on the electrical grid, however not with the Tesla Powerwall. This solar system allows you to capture the sun’s energy and store it for use later in the day during the evening and night time.

Going Solar For Your Business

Nowadays it isn’t just the home owners that are going solar but more and more businesses are choosing the option of solar systems based on the environmental-friendliness and energy-efficiency. It’s a great marketing attribute to say that you are environmentally-conscious and engaged in sustainability as many consumers respect that in a company in modern times. Depending on your usage of electricity and what you need to generate energy for – appliances, equipment and general requirements like lighting and security – will influence the number of solar panels you require and the connection to the electricity grid. Our valued client, B&S Classic Doors operate on heavy duty manufacturing operations which consumes a hefty amount of power, however after engaging the services of GCR Electrical Services, they were able to obtain a conducive solar system that GCR was able to tailor specifically for their requirements so operations can continue but with reduced electricity grid consumption. Director Gary Radke of GCR Electrical Systems stated ‘the issue with energy costs is the highly common inability to perceive its value into a measurable form’ yet what we achieved for B&S Class Doors means that their savings and energy use could be easily measured and monitored and no downtime.

Premium-quality Supply And Installation

At GCR Electrical Services, we are proud of our achievements and our ability to supply and install premium-quality solar systems to help home owners and businesses save money on energy bills. Sometimes this means paying extra care and attention to different aspects of roofing styles and for one savvy investor, we installed a 6.6km solar system on their investment property despite a combination of tile roof and double-storey building. We utilise quality solar systems such as WINAICO solar module manufacturers and suppliers, Sungrow which is the second biggest inverter manufacturer in the world and Fronius which are leading the way in solar system inverters and battery storage. There are options with solar systems including on-grid, off-grid and hybrid solar systems and it all depends on your usage and how you wish to pursue the advantage of solar energy today.

The Importance of Only Using Licensed And Insured Electricians

Perhaps there are times where you’ve looked at an electrical job and wondered whether you should use a licensed electrician, or do it yourself. On the surface, the attraction of ‘saving a few dollars’ may seem rather attractive.

With the help of Google and a YouTube video or two, you’ll even find all the instructional videos you need, that appear to give you what you need to know.

However, there are some important factors to consider, when entertaining who should be the one to work on your electrical repairs and installations.

Otherwise, what appeared to be a saving, could well become the opposite.

Safety For Yourself and Others

Electricity provides us with many modern conveniences, but handled poorly, can be extremely dangerous. Part of this danger, is that problems can be ‘invisible’ until they’re an issue. Sadly, some of those ‘issues’ can at a high cost to property or life.

To prevent potential issues, licensed electricians, follow a well-defined set of safety standards, procedures and regulations. Many of these are accompanied by legislation, which imposes penalties for non-compliance. This ensures that all electrical work should be not only safe for the home occupants, and done in a predictable way. This also protects other electricians and tradespeople you may call to work on your home in future.

You do a lot to ensure the safety of your family in so many other areasâ€Ķ electrical works are not an area to compromise on their safety.

The Benefit of Your Electrician’s Expertise

Like many areas, the trouble with attempting DIY electrical work is, “you don’t know, what you don’t know”. What may seem like a good or logical way to do things, could create inefficiencies or problems with overloading circuits, etc.

From selecting the right electrical equipment for your current and future needs, helping you prevent tripping circuits and early identification of potential hazards, your electrician’s expertise can help you save a lot of distress and wasted money in the long run.

Ensuring You’re Protected by Insurance (and not voiding yours)

Using a qualified electrician, provides additional benefits for you when it comes to insurance. As part of their licensing, your electrical contractor must be insured. This is to protect you, your property and anyone who uses the electrical systems or equipment on your property, in the event something goes wrong.

Further to this, your home insurance policy, likely requires that all electrical work be conducted by a licensed and insured electrician. In the event of a fire or accident, if the cause was linked to electrical work which wasn’t completed by a licensed electrician, your policy could potentially be voidâ€Ķ leaving you effectively uninsured and out of pocket for the repairs.

In the event of a fire or accident, if the cause was linked to electrical work which wasn’t completed by a licensed electrician, your policy could potentially be voidâ€Ķ

How to be Sure Your Electrician is Licensed and Insured?

To help ensure the electrical contractor you’ve got working on your home is suitably licensed, you can use the QLD Government’s Worksafe website.

This site also provides examples of what work requires which types of electrical license.

You can ask your electrician for their insurance certificate of currency. Particularly if your electrician does commercial work, this is something they’ll be asked for reasonably frequently. Consequently, they will likely be happy to provide the details on request.

In terms of GCR, we’re committed to ensuring that you receive quality electrical works and advice. If you’ve got any questions, we’d much rather a phone call, then have you unnecessarily risk the safety of you or your family.

Stay safe, be smart, and enjoy the peace of mind of only using a suitably insured and licensed electrician for your property.

What to do when the safety switch goes off

It always seems to happen as you’re rushing to get ready for work or when dinner is on the go, the safety switch goes off and most the electrical appliances in the house shut down.

Suddenly, the fridge clunks to a halt, the air conditioner switches off, and the TV goes blank. Something has tripped the safety switch, which, even though it doesn’t seem like it when you’re running out the door in a half ironed shirt, is actually a good thing.

It means this essential home electrical safety device has potentially prevented a fatal accident. Safety switches activate in around .03 of a second cutting the supply of electricity to the circuit fast enough to prevent serious harm from an electric shock.

Reasons your safety switch might trip

The safety switch is triggered by a detected change in the flow of electricity through the circuit it is fitted to (in most homes it’s fitted to the power point circuit). Many problems can cause this change in flow, common issues can include:

  • overloaded power sockets or power boards
  • an appliance fault
  • faults your home wiring
  • water in the walls or ceiling affecting the power circuit – Usually after heavy rain,  a leaking pipe in a wall cavity or sometimes even a sprinkler hitting an outdoor power point.

What to do

The safety switch tripping can be a nuisance but the fix is usually fairly straight forward.

  1. Try to reset the switch by flicking it back to the ON position. Sometimes the issue is temporary and the safety switch will reset easily. However, if the problem is recurring get a licenced electrician to take a look at it.
  2. If the switch does not reset unplug all the appliances (if on the power circuit) or turn off all lights (if on the light circuit). Appliances must be unplugged, simply turning off at the power point is not enough. Don’t forget the hidden power points like the one behind the fridge, washing machine, or dishwasher as well as any outdoor appliances which may be plugged in.
  3. Reset the switch. If the safety switch still fails to reset avoid touching it and any electrical systems and call a licenced electrician as soon as possible.
  4. Once the switch is reset, plug your appliances back in one at a time. Usually, the faulty appliance will cause the safety switch to trip once it’s plugged in and turned on clearly identifying the culprit.
  5. Make sure that power points that could be experiencing overload are not reconnected. Spread the appliances across several sockets or ask your electrician to install a new power point.
  6. For your safety do not use the faulty appliance until it has been checked and fixed by an appliance repair technician.

As we mentioned above if your safety switch trips regularly get it checked out by your electrician to ensure it’s working correctly and providing protection for your family from electrical accidents.