You have invested in rooftop solar panels and are happy with your system’s performance. It is generating the expected amount of solar electricity. It meets your electricity needs even when there is a grid failure because you had the foresight to invest in solar batteries. However, you have planned a holiday and are wondering what’s going to happen to all the solar electricity produced when nobody is at home.

What Happens to Solar Power When Batteries Are Full?

Before diving into the details, let’s first understand how a typical solar power installation works. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity is produced in the form of direct current which is converted into alternating current by the connected solar inverter. This AC power is then supplied to all the appliances connected to the home circuit. 

When you have a solar battery, the batteries are also trickle-charged. This battery charging is done by a device known as a charge controller. 

If you are connected to the grid, the excess power is directed to the grid once the battery is fully charged. In Australia, most energy retailers offer feed-in tariffs which mean you get paid for any electricity you export to the grid. The rates of feed-in tariff vary from one electricity retailer to another.

The feed-in tariff applies only to grid-connected systems. If you are completely off-grid and your battery bank becomes full, the battery system will stop absorbing power as overcharging can harm the battery. The solar panels will keep working and generating voltage but that voltage is not going to be used in any way or stored anywhere unless you use an appliance or there is battery space to store that excess energy.

Are Your Solar Batteries Becoming Full Regularly?

If you have a smart meter, this allows you to keep track of solar electricity production in real-time. It also provides information on battery levels. 

If your batteries are reaching capacity on a regular basis and your system is still generating solar electricity, this means that you have excess solar capacity installed. If you are connected to the grid, the excess electricity can be exported to earn feed-in tariff but the rate of the feed-in tariff is usually only a fraction of the retail electricity price you pay when you take power from the grid.

Many homeowners choose to install excess solar power capacity taking into account their future electricity needs. However, if you do not see any use for the excess electricity your solar power system is generating, you should consider doing some refinements to your system. In an ideal situation, your system should generate enough power to meet your regular needs and to charge the battery for a rainy day.

If the solar battery is becoming full regularly, you should consider the following possibilities:

Excessive Number of Solar Panels

If you have gotten a sweet deal on solar panels and installed a lot more than you need, there is no point in keeping all those panels if you are not going to use all the solar electricity generated. There is actually an active market for used solar equipment. You may consider selling off excess panels to ensure that solar electricity generation is in line with your requirements.

Enhanced Battery Capacity

You may also consider adding to the existing battery capacity. This is especially an option when you haven’t got a big enough battery to fulfil your requirements. If you notice that your solar battery is constantly going from full to empty, and vice versa, it is time to add more capacity. Keep in mind that every time you discharge the battery completely, you are taking away from its expected service life. 

Even though the latest lithium-ion batteries are capable of 10,000 to 15,000 discharge cycles without losing charging capability, you should avoid complete discharge of the battery to maintain its service life. Adding to the existing battery capacity will allow you to keep a bigger buffer and enhance the service life of the existing battery.

Here at GCR Electrical Systems, we have designed and installed hundreds of solar power systems that are running successfully. Our CEC accredited and licensed installers have the necessary training and experience to design and install a rooftop solar PV power system that perfectly matches your needs. 

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Are you looking to go solar but are worried about what happens if something goes wrong? A lot of solar companies offer warranties on their work, but not all do. You might be wondering: why? It’s a big deal because warranties protect your investment and ensure that the company is there for you if anything does break down or stop working properly. In this article, we’ll be discussing solar panel warranties as we tackle the following: 

• What is a solar panel warranty and what does it cover?
• Why should you get a solar panel warranty?
• What are the benefits of getting a warranty with solar panel installation?
• How to know if your solar provider offers warranties
• Other important things to know about solar panel warranties

What Is A Solar Panel Warranty And What Does It Cover?

Solar panels are wonderful because they make your home energy-efficient, having a warranty on the installation and the parts themselves are super important. This means you don’t have to worry about what will happen if something goes wrong! Solar panel warranties cover everything from manufacturing defects and product failure, all the way down to the improper installation of parts or materials.

A solar panel warranty is the amount of time that a company guarantees their panels to be working and supplying power. This usually ranges from 10-25 years, depending on which company you purchase them from. Some companies also offer extended warranties for an extra fee if they are not confident in how long their products will last but most only come with one year of coverage unless requested before purchasing. 

Why Should You Get A Solar Panel Warranty?

A warranty assures homeowners and businesses with peace of mind knowing their investment will last as long as possible without any issues occurring down the line. For example, serious issues could be something like lightning damage or fire spreading through your property because moisture got inside as a result of improper installation work for example. This can potentially result in huge amounts of repairs needed if left unnoticed for too long!

Therefore, a solar panel warranty is a great way to ensure that your investment doesn’t go to waste if something goes wrong. They’re also often cheaper than the upfront cost of an entirely new system which means you can save money down the line.

What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Warranty With Solar Panel Installation?

The benefits of getting a warranty with solar panel installation are endless. Not only can you sleep soundly at night knowing that your panels have been installed correctly and will work for years to come, but it also gives peace of mind in case something goes wrong and saves you lots of costly repair bills down the track. With a solar panel warranty, some important benefits include the following:

• You can recover the cost of replacing panels if they happen to malfunction. 
• Warranty benefits are often transferable when purchasing and selling a home, so this is an investment that could be passed on to future homeowners and increase the value of your property as well!
• Offering of replacement parts as well as general maintenance service during warranty period.

Many people do not think about warranties until they need them. However, forgetting this extra bit of protection could lead to costly repairs down the road if anything goes wrong with their system. Having an extended warranty on their product upfront can help you avoid these issues.

How Do You Know If Your Solar Provider Offers Warranties?

You can find out if your solar provider offers warranties by asking them before you sign any contracts. This will help to avoid a lot of headaches in the future. Knowing about your solar provider’s warranty policy also makes protecting against unforeseen problems easier and more affordable. This is extremely reassuring when there are so many unknowns associated with entering into such a large investment such as a solar system installation. 

As such, if you’re wondering if your solar company offers warranties, here are just a few questions to consider:

• What kind of warranty do they offer? 
• What is the length of their warranties in years or months? 
• How much does it cost for a yearly maintenance fee that will cover any defects and malfunctions with hardware installed during installation? 
• How much does it cost for the solar company to provide limited protection from third party causes such as theft or vandalism?
• If your system needs repairs after the warranty expires, who pays for labour costs and transport charges associated with those repair services?

Other Important Things To Know About Solar Panel Warranties

Solar panel warranties are necessary but can be a little complicated. There are many different types of solar panels on the market these days and there is not one warranty that applies to all models. 

It’s important to know what kind of solar company you’re dealing with when it comes time for your installation so they will provide an appropriate warranty program in return. This should help ensure that no matter where your home or business is located, you’ll have access to power anytime the sun shines!

Solar panels are the energy source of tomorrow, and if you’re considering making a purchase to power your home or office building with solar power, it’s important that you know what is covered by their warranties.

Summary

If you’re considering going solar, it’s important to know what kind of warranty your solar installation company offers. With so many options out there, we recommend checking with the manufacturer before making any decisions about which company is best for you.

Please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 if you have any questions about solar in Hervey Bay, or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

The Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target is driving the growth of solar power and renewable energy in Australia. This means that solar rebates are more important than ever to help you take advantage of this opportunity. However, you may have heard of feed-in tariffs, and are probably wondering how they are different from solar rebates?

In this article, we’ll be talking about the differences between solar rebates and feed-in tariffs by discussing the following points:

• What is a solar rebate?
• What is a feed-in tariff?
• Solar rebates vs. feed-in tariffs
• The pros and cons of each type of solar system
• Which is the best for you: feed-in tariffs or solar rebates

What Is A Solar Rebate?

In the last few years, solar power has become a viable energy system that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. As such, many states offer rebates to help incentivise residents who want to go green or make their homes more efficient by installing new panels on their property.

Solar rebates can take the form of money or tax breaks, which is an amazing opportunity for residential customers looking for ways to save money with current technology!

What Is A Feed-In Tariff?

A feed-in tariff is another system that compensates individuals for the amount of renewable energy they generate by offering an incentive to invest in solar panels, wind turbines and other forms of clean electricity generation. 

With a feed-in tariff, you can be guaranteed profits from selling excess power generated from your renewable energy sources, such as solar power, back into the grid or supplying your local utility with new sources of power. Similar to solar rebates, feed-in tariffs are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint while earning some extra cash!

Solar Rebates vs. Feed-In Tariffs

It can be difficult to understand the difference between solar rebates and feed-in tariffs with all of the jargon that may not make sense at first glance. 

To help break it down, solar rebate policies encourage homeowners or businesses to install systems by offering them monthly payments in return for installing renewable energy technology on-site. The rebate is a one-time payment that can cover up to 30% of your solar installation cost! 

On the other hand, feed-in tariff programs pay an upfront fee as well as offer ownership rights after meeting certain requirements, such as an agreed-upon price per kilowatt-hour of energy produced. 

Nevertheless, both policies are designed with one intention: increasing sustainability by providing homeowners with cleaner electricity at cheaper rates while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels like coal or gas which exacerbate climate change through emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from their use during generation processes.

The Pros And Cons of Solar Rebates And Feed-In Tariffs

There are various pros and cons individually associated with solar rebates and feed-in tariffs. For the pros and cons of solar rebates, some significant examples include the following:

Pros

• Saves you money because once solar panels are installed there is no maintenance cost involved with running your home’s electricity.
• Can cover costs related to the actual installation process.
• Help the environment by switching to renewable energy sources and lowering carbon emissions from power plants.

Cons

• Not all installation costs are covered.
• Can come with extended wait times for installation.

Meanwhile, some of the pros and cons of feed-in tariffs include the following:

Pros

• Encourages environmentally friendly production without giving fossil fuel producers any incentive.
• Can help households save money on energy bills by generating electricity from renewable sources like wind or solar panels.
• Can spur economic activity as well since companies are more likely to invest in manufacturing new equipment such as rooftop solar system, especially if a country has an established policy for encouraging clean energy production with incentives that may include tax credits and cash payments per kilowatt hour produced up front.

Cons

• Criticised for their lack of scalability. Critics claim that as the number of solar panels increases, it becomes more difficult to provide a fixed amount of subsidies per unit generated because they must be divided out among an increasing pool.
• Can cause an imbalance between production and consumption which will result in high costs because some power plants cannot store energy.

Which Is The Best For You: Feed-In Tariffs Or Solar Rebates?

Which is best for you: Feed-In Tariffs or Solar Rebates? While both of these policies require a one-time expense upfront, they each offer their own perks that might make them preferable. 

For example, with feed-in tariffs, the price per kWh will be higher than it would be through solar rebates but then customers are able to resell excess power back into the grid and receive money from those sales on top of their original investment. That makes this option better if your focus is primarily revenue generation instead of saving energy costs over time by installing solar panels yourself which may also take some initial funding as well.

Solar rebates on the other hand can be a good alternative if you’re not serious about your commitment to going green and just want some relief from high energy bills. Solar rebates are available to help you get the equipment at a lower cost and with zero upfront installation fees!

Choosing the best option for you is all about weighing up the pros and cons of each type of service so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to long-term eco-friendly investments such as solar panel installation.

Summary 

If you are interested in making your home more environmentally friendly and saving money on electricity, one of the most important decisions to make is whether to go with a solar rebate or feed-in tariff. If you want to learn more about the differences between solar rebates and feed-in tariffs and which one is best for you, we can help!

Please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 if you have any questions about solar in Hervey Bay, or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Solar energy is a great alternative to traditional fuel sources. However, solar installation in Hervey Bay requires a considerable upfront investment.

Nevertheless, the cost of solar panels has come down significantly over the last few years, and you can now get reliable solar power installed for a reasonable price.

By installing solar panels, homeowners in Hervey Bay can save money on electricity costs while also reducing pollution in our environment. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of solar installation, please continue reading below:

1. Solar Installation Is A Great Way To Save Money 

Solar installation is an easy affordable alternative for traditional electricity. With solar panels on your roof and a battery, you’ll be able make use of renewable energy alongside or instead of fossil fuels for many years to come!

Solar power offers many benefits including increased safety from potential blackouts, lower monthly electric bills thanks to lowered production costs (thanks again), nearly unlimited access 24 hours per day 7 days per week to electricity with no worries about rationing during peak hours like daylight savings time. 

2. Solar Is An Environmentally-friendly Option 

The solar power industry is booming and it’s because of these 3 reasons. First, the global population will increase by 3 billion people over the next 40 years which means that we need to find new ways to produce energy without using fossil fuels or other non-renewable sources. 

Second, climate change has accelerated throughout many parts of our world meaning higher temperatures and more natural disasters like cyclones or floods for example. This can have a destabilising effect on national economies especially in developing nations where food security often depends on weather patterns. 

Thirdly, renewable resources are plentiful enough so do not pose any threat to the environment in the long term.

It is for these reasons that solar is considered an environmentally friendly option so not only are you saving money, you are also doing your little bit to help the environment.

3. Solar Panels Are A Cost-effective Choice For All Budgets

The cost of solar panels is a true bargain. With the average national electricity rate at about 12 cents per kWh, you can save up to $700 on your electric bill each year by installing 6 square feet worth of high-efficiency photovoltaic cells!

Solar energy has never been more affordable than it is now and with so many incentives available from state and federal governments as well as banks, there really isn’t any excuse not to get solar panels installed in your home.

4. Solar Panels Are Durable 

Solar panels are durable as they last up to 25 years with proper care. These solar cells generate power from the sun and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as electrical generation in remote areas in particular.

Solar panels use photovoltaic devices to take advantage of the natural energy provided by sunlight to produce electricity which can then be converted into other forms, like storing it for later use or powering small electronics without using battery life.

This means that once you install your solar system, it will last you for many years to come.

5. Increases In The Value Of Your Home 

It’s important to consider going solar as a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option. Over time, you’ll see the savings of going solar due to lower utility bills on your monthly statement. However, one of the most important things is that it will also add value to your home.

It is important for people in Australia who live in areas that are at least 50km from an electrical substation or transmission line (or any other major power source) to look at installing their own photovoltaic system with battery storage facilities. 

This is so they can generate their own clean energy while avoiding reliance on fossil fuels like coal which come with high costs associated such as air pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions while saving money on the monthly electricity bills.

By creating a sustainable power source in your own home, you can add significant value to your property so this is yet another reason to install a solar power system in your home.

Final Thoughts

One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing solar panels is that they are a long-term investment. Solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years, meaning you will not need to replace your system for at least two decades. 

In addition to this, solar power systems produce electricity without any harmful emissions or environmental pollution so it can be used in residential areas with little disruption or inconvenience to neighbors. 

If you want more information about installing solar energy on your property and would like help from an expert team who has experience helping people just like you, get in touch with us now! 

Please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 you have any questions, or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Imagine this: having a power bill in credit, helping the environment and getting rebates on your power. That is what the reality can be if you invest in an on the grid solar system. Property owners have been taking the note of the advances in technology; solar systems in Hervey bay and surrounding suburbs have been on the rise. Whether your incentive is to save money or to move to a more environmentally-friendly solution, switching to an on the grid solar system is worth researching and looking in to. While there are different types of solar systems, like grid-connected, off-the-grid systems and hybrid, grid-connected solar systems in Hervey Bay and in Queensland are a great choice. Grid-connected solar systems are still connected to utility power so if there is excess electricity, you are able to keep your account in credit so if you need to use the back-up power during the colder months, you have the grid to ensure that you have all the power you need. It is important though when installing solar systems in Hervey Bay that you enlist the right contractors to get the job done. GCR Electrical Systems are a knowledgeable and highly-skilled electricians, who have all the required tools and know-how to ensure that your solar system runs efficiently. Having a strong understanding of the equipment, like a Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI) that regulates the voltage, a Direct Current to convert into an Alternate Current so you can use your appliances and micro-inverters on the rear of the panel. Solar Systems in Hervey Bay are a great investment, especially being in the Sunshine State so take advantage of the natural resources you have available.

Off-The-Grid Solar Systems

Installing environmentally friendly solar systems in Hervey Bay is easy, whether it is with a home or a commercial property. Off-the-grid solar systems rely on the energy generated by your panels and if you have enough panels, you can create enough energy to power your home or commercial property. From appliances, to hot water systems and other electronics use quite a lot of power therefore as long as you have enough panels, you can successfully power you building with off-the-grid solar systems in Hervey Bay. GCR Electrical Systems are also experienced in the installation of off-the-grid solar systems thus the Electricians from GCR will be able to advise you just what your property’s need are.  GCR Electrical Systems will ensure that your property will have enough panels to be able to generate and capture enough sun, a set of deep cycle sealed gel batteries or lithium ion batteries to store any excess power and the other equipment necessary to ensure that your home or property is sufficiently powered. These systems are going to eco-friendly, sustainable and are a perfect long-term investment. 

Solar System Rebates and Incentives

In a country as sun blessed as Australia, especially in the Sunshine state, there are plenty of rebates and incentives available for those looking into solar systems in Hervey Bay. Even though you are guaranteed savings for many years to come with solar systems, the cost of the initial outlay of solar panels can seem a bit intimidating, which is why there are plenty of incentives out there for those looking to make the switch. Out of the incentives, there are two primary incentives available. These are Feed-in tariffs and Small-scale Technology Certificates. Queensland Solar Feed-in Tariffs allow unused electricity to be moved into a shared grid, giving the owner of the system money off their bill. Depending on where you live and sometimes on the time of the day, you can receive various different tariffs for your excess generated energy. Either way, once you receive your bill, the initial cost of your outlay will be worth it as you will start to see the savings. Small-scale Technology Certificates allow those who install solar systems in Hervey Bey, whether it is an electrical system or hot water system, to get various certificates on their system that can be sold and be used to give you a significant discount. Do not be intimidated by the apparent costs of installing solar systems in Hervey Bay, as there are so many incentives and rebates that will not only give you discounts up front but will help you save down the line.

Most of us don’t think about our hot water system functioning… until it doesn’t. Solar hot water systems are increasingly popular but during the cooler months of the year with less sun, they usually need an electric or gas booster back-up. This can increase your electricity or gas bill so one way of helping reduce these costs is to turn the booster off and only turn it on when required. For solar systems in Hervey Bay, Queensland has an abundance of sunshine throughout most of the year so you don’t have to worry about pipes freezing. There are tips for ensuring that you maximise use of your solar hot water system such as cutting back any foliage or trees that cast shadows or block the sunlight from reaching the solar panels. Checking the panels and ensuring that they are maintained and clean is important for driving the collection of sunlight to the optimum and additionally, use the booster only on days which are cloudy or wet. It is wise to use your dishwasher and washing machine during the day while there is some sunshine rather than at night when the solar hot water system won’t be reheated until the next day. With quality insulation, sunlight will still be able to heat your water but keep in mind that diffused light or low sunlight on cloudy days will reduce the capacity for the panels to absorb sunlight and thus heat your water.

Selecting Your Solar System Hervey Bay

If you are looking for solar systems in Hervey Bay, there are factors to consider when selecting the right system for you as well as the service and installation. Deciding on the type of panels you require to suit your household usage and the roof space that you have is highly-integral. If you have limited roof space for solar systems in Hervey Bay, then choosing mono-crystalline solar panels are highly-efficient. Technological advancements made with polycrystalline panels means these can also be efficient for household use and even if you do have enough roof space for plenty of panels, you want to ensure that they are efficient panels otherwise it is a waste of money putting too many inefficient panels over your roof space. Quality solar systems in Hervey Bay are wind-certified so they can withstand storms and high winds; the mounting system of your solar panels is crucial to having a proper structure and set up for solar. To complete the set up aside from the solar panels, you need a power inverter which is connected between the panels and your household electricity so that it converts DC power to AC electricity. The type of inverter will directly impact on the efficiency of your solar system as you don’t want wastage of solar energy. Additionally, another factor to consider is the length of the manufacturer’s warranty; manufacturers of quality solar systems will offer a lengthy warranty and it is reasonable to expect that your solar system in Hervey Bay will last decades. Working out your budget is also integral when seeking a solar system; you want a realistic budget but still to obtain a quality system that will last the time. Seeking recommendations from friends, family, neighbours and colleagues is also a good way to know which company to utilise for your solar system in Hervey Bay and also Google search for reviews. Testimonials tell you a lot about a company. It is also often wise to avoid pushy salespeople and focus on the customer service of the company and representative you are liaising with. Do they appear knowledgeable and competent in the industry? Are they certified and insured? What is their timeframe for delivery and installation? These are all good questions to ask when considering a solar system company.

Cleaning Your Solar Panels

If you have a solar system in Hervey Bay and want to ensure that it is maintained, contact a professional to have them check out if the panels are clean and functioning correctly. Always remember though, safety first. If you need to climb up on your roof, be cautious and only do so in a safe and secure manner. Your handbook or manual that should have come with the solar system will have recommendations on cleaning and it is not recommended to clean during a bright, hot day; pick a cooler day or clean the panels early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Avoid using abrasive products for removing dirt because these can scratch the panels’ glass and this will impact upon their performance. If you live in a highly-polluted area, wash your panels regularly to keep them performing at their optimum. For solar systems in Hervey Bay, contact GCR Electrical Services to assist you with your energy needs.