Question 1

Can I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, yes! Just reach out, and the team will happily provide a detailed quote tailored to your needs.

Question 2

How much does solar installation cost?

Accepted Answer

This one’s a bit trickier since costs can vary depending on a few factors. Here are a few things to consider:
- Your budget: It’s wise to invest in the biggest system you can afford. Why? Because solar capacity is expected to double in Australia by 2030, with a jump from the current 41.64GW to 80.41GW! Plus, as EVs become more common, a larger solar setup could save even more on future energy costs.
- Maximising savings: With a bigger system, you can feed excess power back to the grid and take advantage of Ergon’s feed-in tariff, giving you financial benefits for that extra energy.
- Quality of materials: Investing in durable, high-quality materials means better long-term value. After all, you want the best return on your investment.
- Experienced tradespeople: The team at RJ Warren takes pride in their work. They live and work in your community, They have the proper qualifications and certifications to ensure a reliable, high-quality installation.

Question 3

What size solar system do I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends! To make the best recommendation, they’ll need to know about your energy use and goals. While they’ll tailor your system to maximise your investment, here are a few typical setups:
- 6.6kW system with a 5kW inverter
- 10.5kW system with an 8.5kW inverter
- 13.3kW system with a 10kW inverter
By adding a battery, you may increase the size of your rooftop PV array by up to two times the inverter’s capacity, or as per the manufacturers data sheet. Each situation is unique, and government rebates may be greater if you add battery storage to your solar system.

Question 4

How long does it take to install solar?

Accepted Answer

Typically, they can get you up and running within 6 to 8 weeks from your deposit date. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- An initial site visit, design, and proposal
- Deposit payment on acceptance of the proposal
- Final design submitted to Ergon for approval
- Ordering materials and equipment
- Scheduling the installation date
- Once things get going, there will be a progress payment
- The final balance payment is due within 7 days of completion

Question 5

Can I go fully off-grid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but there are some considerations here too! Going off-grid means you won’t receive Ergon’s feed-in tariff, so you won’t have an income stream to help maintain or upgrade your system. You’ll also need:

- A generator and fuel for backup power
- Good weather for consistent solar output
- Some level of expertise in managing solar technology

While it's possible to go completely off-grid, it's often more practical and cost-effective to use a hybrid system that combines grid-tied solar with battery storage. This allows you to draw power from the grid during peak demand or when solar energy isn't available.

Question 6

Is solar power a good investment for my property?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, solar power is a smart investment. With government incentives, lower energy costs, and environmental benefits, solar can significantly reduce your energy expenses and increase the value of your property. Additional benefits come from rebates from the excess solar your home or business produces that gets fed back into the grid.

Question 7

What types of roofs are suitable for solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Both tile and metal roofs can accommodate solar panels. The RJ Warren team can assess your specific roof and design a system that suits best.

Question 8

How does shading affect solar panel performance?

Accepted Answer

Shading can reduce the efficiency of your solar system. However, advanced inverter technology can help mitigate the impact of shading. The RJ Warren team will evaluate your property to determine the ideal system design to minimise shading effects.

Question 9

How long does a solar system last?

Accepted Answer

High-quality solar panels and inverters can last for 25 years or more. Regular maintenance can further extend their lifespan, ensuring continued energy savings and environmental benefits.

Question 10

Can I use solar power during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

Standard grid-tied solar systems are designed to disconnect from the grid during a power outage. However, higher-quality inverters, such as Fronius, offer more built-in options to handle power outage situations.
Options for Power During Outages:
1) PV Point (without batteries) - This option provides power to a dedicated lighting or power circuit, delivering up to 3000 watts of available energy when the sun is shining, even if the grid is offline.
2) Battery Backup System - By installing a battery system, you can store solar energy for use when the grid is down. This setup can power critical loads, such as lighting, refrigeration, and security systems, ensuring continued operation during outages.

Question 11

Are there government incentives for solar power?

Accepted Answer

Government financial incentives are still available for all residential and commercial customers who install systems under 100KW. There is a lot of misinformation about this in the industry. Clever marketers like to tell you the rebate is ending to entice you to buy now, but the facts are that the rebate is slowly reducing in amount (0.65%) each year until 2030.

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Get more back from Ergon

Can I get a quote?

How much does solar installation cost?

What size solar system do I need?

How long does it take to install solar?

Can I go fully off-grid?