Going Solar?

Solar power or ‘photovoltaic’ systems are a proven renewable energy technology available to homes, businesses, apartment buildings and organisations. They convert light energy from the sun into electricity using solar panels mounted on your roof.

The electrical charge is transmitted to an inverter and fed into the main electricity grid. Inverters convert the direct current into a form which your property can then use to power lights and appliances.

For Solar Bondi, Green Solar Group is installing solar power panels made by Suntech, the largest and worldwide leader in design and manufacture of solar panels.

To find out more about Green Solar Group’s solar power products click here.

Installing a solar power system? Things to consider

1) Is your roof right for solar panels?

Solar power systems do not suit all homes or sites as they ideally require un-shaded, north-facing roof space (although other orientations can work with tilted installations). Most solar power companies, such as Green Solar Group, offer a free roof assessment to check whether it is possible to fit solar panels on your roof in terms of type of roof, available roof space and orientation to the sun.

2) What size and type of system?

The size of a system (in watts for output capacity) affects the amount of energy it will generate and the actual physical size of the panel e.g. a 200 watt panel will produce double the amount of energy than a 100 watt one and will also be larger in size. So when choosing a solar power system that is best for your roof, it is a good idea to check how much capacity it has, how this will translate into power for your appliances, and whether this size system will physically fit on the roof area you wish to install it.

It’s a good idea to FIRST cut down the amount of energy you use in your home or business by switching appliances off when not in use, or installing energy efficient lights, as this will reduce the size of the system you will need.

Remember you can also add more panels to an existing system, depending on what you can afford at the initial installation and over time. Check on this with your solar power provider.

There are currently 3 main types of solar cells which differ in efficiency and size:

  1. Mono-crystalline silicon is generally the most efficient and produces the smallest solar cells, and therefore the smallest panels.
  2. Poly-crystalline (or multi-crystalline) silicon produces the next most efficient type of cells.
  3. Amorphous (or thin-film) silicon uses the least amount of silicon and also produces the least efficient solar cells. This means thin film system take up more area.

The Solar Bondi Project will be using Suntech monocrystalltine solar panels which are the most efficient commercialised panels available on the market.

3) How long will my system last?

The longer the solar power system is on your roof generating clean, green electricity, the more environmental benefits and cost savings gained. Reputable solar panels will have often have a warranty period of 20 – 25 years (and guaranteed performance at 80% over 25 years).

4) Do I need to lodge a Development Application?

In the Waverley Local Government Area, the installation of solar panels or photovoltaic systems for generating electricity can be classified as ‘Exempt Development’ and does not require a development application or Council approval, provided that certain basic requirements are met. These requirements are fully detailed in State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

A summary of the ‘Exempt Development’ requirements for installing solar panels is provided below:

  1. The system is integrated into the building or is flush or parallel with the surface of its roof; and
  2. The development does not reduce the structural integrity of, or involve structural alterations to the building; and
  3. The development does not necessitate the removal of trees from near the building to ensure that solar energy is available for the system; and
  4. On average, over any 5 year period, at least 75 per cent of the electricity generated by the system in a 12 month period is used in or for the building; and
  5. The system is not located on a building that is a State or local heritage item or is in a heritage conservation area.

If a system is not ‘Exempt’ but considered ‘Complying Development’, a formal development application is not required. A certifier can approve the proposal. A certifier is either a private certifying company or Council can also be a certifier. You can choose your certifier.
A Development Application (DA) is required where the proposal does not fit the Exempt and Complying Development controls (e.g. the building is heritage listed or in a conservation area). If a DA or Certifier is required, Council waives associated fees for solar power and solar hot water installations.

Further advice can be obtained from Council’s Duty Planner who is available for public consultation at Waverley Customer Service Centre 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or by phone 8305 8484. You can check heritage areas and items in Waverley Council’s heritage map and list here.

5) How much does a system cost?

Upfront costs can vary depending on type, brand and size of system, available discounts or incentives as well as other factors such as warranty period. In general, solar power is becoming cheaper.

Luckily, there’s never been a better time to go solar than now as solar power is more affordable with the high level of financial assistance currently available from the State and Federal Governments:

  • Federal Government Solar Credits Scheme – The new solar ‘rebate’ can cover up to half the cost of a system. Most solar providers will administer this for you and deduct from price.
  • NSW Gross Feed-In-Tariff – As of January 2010 all the electricity that is generated by a solar power system is paid by utility companies at 60 cents per kilowatt (4 x times current standard electricity rate) irrespective of whether that power is used by the homeowner or generated as surplus! People who have a 1kW system could be paid up to $1000 from the feed-in tariff each year, guaranteed for 7 years!

With the current incentives, a system will pay itself off within 4-5 years with the added benefit of
reduced or no energy bills for you.

  • Federal Government Green Loans – Assists householders to install green products like solar power systems without the upfront cost. Residents have access to loans of up to $10,000 interest free for a period of 4 years maximum. Contact Green Solar Group to find out about how you can apply for a Green Loan

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