FAQ Solar Power

By getting both solar hot water and solar power you can take advantage of both technologies, especially when roof space is limited.

Solar power systems use photovoltaic (PV) cells to produce electricity. When sunlight hits a solar panel, direct current (DC) electricity is produced. This is converted into 240V alternating current (AC) using an inverter. This electricity can be used immediately within the home or fed into a battery or the National Electricity Grid (grid).

The National Electricity Grid is the network of wires that delivers electricity from generators to homes and businesses around Australia. When you install a solar power system you become a generator of clean renewable energy.

An inverter is an electronic device that converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power at the correct voltage for supply to the grid. It also provides equipment protection and safety features.

Electricity generated by a solar power system is used to offset or replace the power that would normally be purchased from your electricity supplier – thereby reducing your power bills and saving money. This solar-generated energy also avoids the harmful pollution caused by generating electricity from the burning of fossil fuels.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide energy storage for solar self-consumption, load shifting, and backup power. They charge during the day using electricity generated from solar panels or from the grid when utility rates are low. The stored electricity can then be used to power your home in the evening when the sun is not shining or when electricity rates are higher.

Solahart’s experienced dealers and accredited installers are perfectly positioned to provide expert advice on Battery Storage systems and recommend the right configuration for your situation. Whether you’re looking to combine a battery with a new or existing Solahart Solar Power system, by booking a free Solahart In-Home Solar Assessment, we’ll show you the best way to reduce your energy costs and lead a more sustainable life.

The savings on offer are very attractive and will go on for years. The amount you save will depend on your household’s current electricity usage, the size of the solar system being installed, orientation and inclination of the solar panels and the feed-in tariff offered by your electricity supplier. We can assess these factors and give you an estimate of your savings.

Yes, because the inverter will only produce power when it is connected to the grid supply.

Solar power systems work best on an unshaded north facing roof. It is also possible to install a solar power system on an east or west facing roof, however this will reduce the performance of the system.

If you have sufficient roof space and additional capacity in the inverter you could increase the size of your system. If room permits, you could add a second system to your roof.

Solar power systems only produce electricity when they are exposed to sunlight; they do not produce electricity after dark. At night you will use electricity from the electricity grid or battery, if one is available. The performance of the solar power system is affected by cloud. When there is not enough light to produce electricity, you will use electricity from the grid, or from a battery.

In the event of a blackout, your solar power system will stop producing electricity. This safety measure is mandatory and has been put in place to protect anyone working on the blacked-out grid system. As soon as the grid is back online, your solar system will restart automatically. If you have a battery with back-up capabilities you will be able to provide power to some appliances.

We recommend having your solar power system serviced every 2 years, the service is $220 and includes cleaning the panels, check roof top isolators are still weather proof, check DC cables, check anti islanding -shut down within 2 seconds, check start up is 60 seconds, test system open circuit voltage and short circuit current

Solar panel technology has improved significantly over the past few years. Many manufacturers that were selling panels of questionable quality are no longer in business. Solahart only uses PV components of the highest quality – including the Solahart Silhouette panel which is manufactured in Korea.

Payback periods may vary depending on the applicable feedin tariff, householder electricity usage profile and size and cost of the PV system installed. We will be able to provide an estimate of the payback period for your system.

Solahart offers a conditional 12 year warranty on Solahart Silhouette panels and up to 12 years warranty on inverters used on Solahart systems. For full warranty details refer to the Owner’s Guide and Installation Instructions.