Frequently Asked Questions
At Click Control Systems we understand that there may be questions you want to be answered especially about Solar and Hybrid services in Bendigo, Gisborne Castlemaine, and surrounding areas. So, we have compiled a list of questions and answers that we often get from the public.
Questions About Solar
HOW DOES SOLAR POWER WORK?
Solar PV panels on the roofs of homes and businesses generate clean electricity by converting the energy into sunlight. The solar panels contain photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. When sunlight falls on the cells they convert the sun’s energy into DC (direct current) power.
In most cases, solar panels are connected to the mains power supply through a device called an inverter.
WHAT IS AN INVERTER?
An inverter converts the energy from the DC Power (direct Current) from the solar panels to 240V AC (alternating current), the type of electricity used in your home. The Solar Inverter is the heart of any Solar System. There are many Solar Inverter Manufacturers in the market but only a very limited number stand out. On some inverters, the digital display provides statistics on how much power is being generated throughout the day. Click Systems use only the best quality inverters because we want the system to last and produce the best possible outcome.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE POWER I DON'T USE?
Once your solar system has powered all of the load (what power your house is using) It will be exported to the electricity grid where. Depending on your retailer and feed-in tariff, you may be given a credit towards your electricity bill. Talk to us about how we can make this work for you.
WHAT ARE FEED-IN TARIFFS?
When installing a solar system an agreement is made between you and the electricity retailer on the rate ($) at which you are paid for exporting excess electricity generation back to the grid.
WILL I REQUIRE A NEW METER?
That depends on what meter you currently have. A bi-directional smart meter is needed to support solar. These are very common in Victoria. In most cases, Click Control Systems can organise this for you.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE CLEAN ENERGY COUNCIL (CEC) ACCREDITED INSTALLER?
Click Control Systems are a fully qualified CEC Accredited Installer. To obtain the accreditation, first of all, we must be a licensed electrician. Then we have our electricians complete a certified training course and pass assessments under the National Training Scheme. We then had to submit case studies and complete ongoing professional development to retain accreditation. We also must have public liability insurance.
WHAT STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED FOR SOLAR INSTALLATIONS?
Every installation carried out by an accredited installer is required to meet the following Australian Standards:
- AS477 Grid-connections of energy systems via inverters
- AS/NZS 3000 Electrical wiring rules
- AS 1768 Lightning protection
- AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind loads
- AS/NZS 5033 Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays
- Clean Energy Council Guidelines must also be followed. Installers are required to install the system in accordance with the Clean Energy Council’s Installation Guidelines for Accredited Installers and Supervisors. These guidelines are updated regularly to reflect current industry best practices.
ARE THE PRODUCTS WE USE APPROVED BY THE CLEAN ENERGY COUNCIL?
Yes, all accredited solar installers must use products that meet Australian Standards. The CEC has compiled a list of approved products – including solar PV modules (panels) and grid-connect inverters – that meet these standards. In order to qualify for government incentives for the solar PV system, installers must use equipment approved and listed by the Clean Energy Council.
WHAT SIZE SOLAR SYSTEM SHOULD I INSTALL?
This will always depend on your situation and needs. As a checklist of your solar PV system will depend on:
- The physical unshaded area available for the installation of your panels
- How much you are prepared to spend
- What portion of your electrical consumption you wish to generate?
Before we talk to you about a system one of our representatives will go through the following checklist with you:
- We analyse your household’s daily electricity consumption
- We will analyse your monthly or quarterly electricity bill which measures your household’s electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours
- From here, we can help you calculate your average daily electricity consumption, and the average amount of electricity your solar PV system needs to produce to cover your electricity needs
This process will be completed by us in the design and specification stage, as part of our load analysis.
For Questions About Click Control Systems Click here…
For Questions About Solar Hybrid Click here…
We have applied our 40 years of experience from the electrical and general construction industries to provide excellence in solar development and construction services.
Business/Office Address:
48-50 Vains Street, Bendigo, 3550.
Postal Address:
PO Box 2619, Bendigo Delivery Centre, 3554.
Phone: 1800 664 078
Phone: (03) 5441 6124
Email: click@clickcontrol.com.au
REC: 14028
ABN: 22 089 088 120