FAQ

How does a Grid Connected Solar System Work?

In simple terms, the sun’s radiation hits the solar panel, which turns this energy into Direct Current (DC) electricity then flows via wires to an Inverter, mounted on your house. The Inverter converts the DC electricity into Alternating Current (AC) electricity which then travels via wires into your home’s main power switchboard.

If your state uses the NET EXPORT Feed-In Tariff, your solar electricity is used in your house first and any surplus energy is exported to the grid and credited on your electricity account.* If your State uses the GROSS EXPORT Feed-In Tariff, all of the solar energy is exported for credit on your electricity account.*

*The ability to export electricity is subject to the acceptance by the electricity retailer; the customer may incur additional fees from the electricity retailer in some circumstances. Please contact your electricity retailer or Venergy Pty Ltd for further information.

What are RECS and how do they benefit me?

The key decision regarding capacity is primarily decide by the budget you have set for the purchase of a solar system, as opposed to the amount of electricity you use. Every household uses a certain amount of kilowatt-hours per day, the average being about 20kWh. There are also other factors that come into play like the effect of Net or Gross feed in tariffs and your
differing electricity consumption throughout the day. Your Venergy Consultant can expertly explain to you in accurate detail the different variables that will affect the size and type of system that will best meet your personal and economical requirements.

How Big Is The Inverter?

Inverter size varies depending on the size of solar system. A typical inverter’s dimensions would be approximately 30cm to 73cm High,44cm Wide, and 20cm Deep, with a 20cm 'Air Gap' around it for adequate cooling..

Is It Possible To Upgrade/expand Panels and/or Inverter?

Yes! Due to their modular design, Venergy's Power Saving Systems can be expanded and upgraded as required.

Must I Get A New Electricity Meter?

Some properties may already have the new meters. However if this is not the case for you, then by law you are required to install a new electricity meter. A new meter adds great benefit to you once a Venergy Power Saving System is installed as it gives you the ability to get credit from your electricity provider as it allows you export your generated power.

My meter is near my front door. Do I have to have the inverter near my meter?

Ideally the inverter will be installed in a cool place as close as possible to the solar array. The position can be changed to a less visible location if required before installation takes place. If the inverter needs to be moved after installation there will be an associated charge.

What If I Have A Flat Or Low-pitched Roof?

Venergy will happily solve this problem. Our installers will simply put an angled framing kit on before the panels are installed. This angled framing kit will ensure more efficient performance from the panels as they will capture a greater amount of the sunlight available.

What If My Roof Is Not Facing North?

A north-facing roof is the optimal orientation for a solar install, westerly offering the next best choice, and easterly orientations as final choice. A roof directly facing east (worst case) will have a reduced output of around 16%, which can be compensated by adding another couple of solar panels. Note: Solar panels should NEVER be installed on a southern roof.

What maintenance is required?

We supply fully automatic systems that typically require no human intervention.

All of our inverters have a 5-year guarantee.

Our primary solar panels have a 5-year warranty, with a 25-year power performance guarantee. Our line of premium panels
has a 10-year warranty, with a 25-year power performance guarantee.

Generally, very little maintenance is required on a solar system. We recommend the following procedures to ensure maximum efficiency:

Check the inverter once per week when you take the energy readings from it.

Wash the panels: generally strong downpours are enough to clean the panels. However, once every 6 to 12 months you may wish to give the panels a wash with a mop and soapy water to remove whatever dust/debris layer that may have formed over them.

Venergy systems are designed to give you years of trouble free power.

The Different Solar Panel Technologies

	Mono Crystalline	Poly Crystalline	Thin Film (Amorphous)	Hybrid
Description	The solar panel contains multiple cells. Each cell is cut from silicon ingots that contain a single crystalline structure.	The solar panel contains multiple cells. Each cell is cut from silicon ingots that contain multiple crystalline structures.	An extremely thin layer of amorphous silicon is in effect sprayed onto a surface, usually glass. Which is then framed and wired.	Is one, or more, layers of amorphous silicon applied over either a mono or poly crystalline base.
Module Efficiency	Up to 19%	Up to 16%*	Up to 9%	Up to 17%
Space Efficiency	Excellent	Very Good	Poor	Very Good
Energy Payback Time**	< 2 years	< 2 years	< 2 years	< 2 years

Your Venergy team can tailor the right technology for your home, your needs and your budget.

What is the future of Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy will play an increasingly important role in Australia's energy mix as we move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and secure future energy supplies.

The World Energy Research (March 2010) stated, “Solar Energy is a growing technology with tremendous promise. In 2007, globally it increased production by 50% and has been doubling every two years”.

The solar industry creates 200 to 400 jobs in research, development, manufacturing and installation for every 10 megawatts of solar power generated annually.

Investment globally into the solar sector and renewable energy sector has been significant. In 2008 a total of $155 billion was invested into companies and projects globally, more than a four-fold increase on 2004. This is even in light of the GFC that the world faced at the time.

As a result we will see:

Houses in our suburbs covered with solar panels that not only create electricity to power them but also pump heated air inside to heat them in colder months.

There are also many other energy generating alternatives emerging such as wind, sea, bio-fuels and geothermal technologies.

That is why the Venergy team are constantly monitoring new information and forming new relationships around the world; to ensure we stay abreast of new and emerging technologies that will play a vital role in saving our planet and ensuring our customers have access to leading edge energy saving alternatives.