F.A.Q- Common questions

What Does CEC stand for?

CEC stands for Clean Energy Council and membership supports the overall work of the Clean Energy Council by  helping advocate for an effective policy and market framework for  clean energy while promoting the industry and its achievements 

What is Clean Energy Council Solar Accreditation

Clean Energy Council Solar Accreditation is a qualification for individuals that shows competence in the design and/or installation of  solar power systems. Solar systems designed and installed by  Clean Energy Council-accredited people are eligible for government incentives and rebates.

Accreditation with the Clean Energy Council gives solar installers and designers access to continuous professional development and technical support to ensure the best possible standard of solar panel installations across Australia. By choosing an accredited installer,  customers can feel confident that their system will be safely installed  by a qualified professional

For more information on CEC go to www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au

How much does a solar electric system cost? 

The cost of your solar investment will vary greatly depending on the size of the system, your location and available incentives. To find out what a Sunrise Solar system will do to your electric bill, request a call or set up a time for a consultation. 

What incentives are available? 

In Victoria, you are eligible for STC’s. STCs, or Small-scale Technology Certificates, are a commodity that you can use for trade. You can obtain these certificates when you purchase a renewable energy system. Currently, when you install solar power, you can claim STCs which are taken up as part of your out of pocket expenses in the quote. The amount of electricity that is generated or displaced by your system will determine the number of STCs assigned to you For more information talk to Sunrise Solar on 1300 917 926 

Can my electric bill really be $0? 

Some solar systems produce more electricity than is used each month, which over the year will contribute to a reduction of up to 70%. Also, seasons will affect how much energy your system can produce for example in the winter in Victoria we get fewer sunlight hours which means some of your usages will still need to come off the grid however in the summer you will produce more than you use. Remember though there is still a minimal connection fee to remain connected to the electrical grid. (We can assist you in answering these questions during our consultation and remember to have a recent energy bill available!) 

What incentives are available to me? Do I get paid for my extra energy production? 

Currently, in Victoria any energy you feedback onto the grid (is governed by a Feed-In Tariff or FIT) which allows you to feed any excess energy you don’t use back onto the grid. In Victoria, it is legislated to be a minimum of 11.3 cents per kWh.

I don't plan on being in my home for 25 years. Why would I add solar?

These days we change homes and businesses on a regular basis however this is life and should not impact your solar decision. A solar system will save you money today and even pay for itself in as little as five to seven years. Even if you move before your solar investment is completely paid off, market feedback shows the cost will likely be returned in added value to your home. And Solar Power may provide you with an advantage when it comes to selling the property over one without. Who doesn't want a home with a guaranteed low electric bill? 

What is the difference between system power output and system energy production?

The AC power output of a solar array, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), is typically given on inverter output displays or remote monitoring sites. It is an instantaneous measurement, determined by the rated DC power output of the solar array, inverter efficiency and system losses, and is proportional to solar irradiance on the array. The AC energy production of a solar array, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is measured over periods of months and years to compare with sizing and long-term performance expectations. Solar kWh energy production is also typically given on inverter output displays or remote monitoring sites and can be compared with a household. Note that for grid-connected PV (Photo Voltaic Solar Panel) systems, the power generated by the solar PV system will first offset any electrical loads in the house, reducing the amount of kilowatt-hours purchased from the utility. 

How many solar panels do I need to offset my electricity consumption? 

The number of solar panels required will depend on how much electricity you consume, what percentage of this electricity is offset, and the amount of sunlight at your site. A great resource for determining system size, annual production, and providing a rough estimate of system cost and savings for your given location to talk with one of our Solar Energy Professionals. We will take into consideration: Your roof position, amount of sunlight across the year in your suburb, how much energy you consume each month and take a look at the activities in your home for example dishwashers, clothes washing etc. why – because if you can cycle them during sunlight it is better than running them at night when you are on the grid or running the house from your batteries (if fitted). 

Why do my solar panels rarely produce their rated power output? Is there a problem with my PV system? 

Solar panels will typically operate at 75-85% of their DC power rating, even in weather conditions that might be considered “ideal”. The power rating of a solar panel is a DC rating measured under factory conditions (cell temperature of 25°C and “perfect sun” conditions of 1000 W/m2). The power output reading seen on an inverter is an AC rating; factors such as DC to AC conversion losses, wiring losses, temperature losses, losses due to shading and dust build-up, and losses due to non-optimal tilt and orientation of the array will affect the instantaneous power output and cumulative energy production of the solar array. Important to understand that there are many brands of Solar Panels, Inverters and Batteries on the market and their outputs and specifications vary a lot. This is why it is critical that you work with solar providers who are CEC Members and only use CEC Accredited Designer/Installers.  Bearing in mind in some instances Solar Energy may not be right for you!