Call Kirk: 0476 479 835
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose an NETCC Approved Seller? i
The NETCC “New Energy Tech Consumer Code” has been through a rigorous public consultation process and received authorisation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The program aims to give you the confidence to purchase new energy tech by ensuring you are well protected and dealing with providers committed to transparent, quality service.
To become a New Energy Tech Approved Seller, a retailer must demonstrate it meets the NETCC standards. For example, a retailer must demonstrate it produces fair, detailed quotes and uses T&Cs which reflect the service standards and refund provisions of the NETCC.
The NETCC’s standards cover everything from sales and marketing practices to after-sale service, providing consumer protection standards throughout the customer journey.
K.A.W Electrical & Solar are proud to be a New Energy Tech Approved Seller, we are committed to ensuring our customers get fair and quality service when purchasing new energy tech, such as rooftop solar, battery storage and EV chargers. As an Approved Seller we meet the consumer protection standards.
How does Solar interact with my home and the Electricity grid? iv
Majority of solar customers choose a mains grid-connected system for the reliability that such a system offers, as your home can draw electricity from the grid when insufficient electricity is being generated by the solar panels.
Any electricity produced by the solar power system but not needed by your house at the time it is produced is simply fed into the mains grid, with a feed-in tariff paid to the system owner.
Check with your energy distributor that your household will be able to feed excess energy into the grid.
Can you explain the Solar Rebates and interest free loans?
Solar Panel Rebate plus the option of a interest free loan:
The Solar Homes Program provides rebates of up to $1,400 towards the installation of solar panel (PV) systems, to eligible customers in Victoria.
These rebates are offered to Victorian's with:
- Existing homes.
- Homes under construction.
Who can apply?
- A customer applying for the first time, who meets the eligibility criteria.
- A customer who have previously received a rebate and have moved house.
- A customer who's system is over ten years old, can apply to replace or upgrade their system.
To further reduce installation costs, eligible Victorian's can apply for an interest-free loan for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount. The loan is required to be repaid over four years or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum.
Solar Battery interest free loan:
Solar Victoria offers a solar battery loan to eligible Victorian's to help reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar battery, with repayments made over a four-year period.
The application process is completed in two stages:
1: An initial eligibility check
2: A financial check.
There are 4,500 interest-free loans of up to $8,800 available in 2023-24.
What Warranties do I get for my Solar Power System?
Panel performance warranty – typically 25 years (Industry standard)
Panel product warranty – typically 25 years.
Inverter warranty – typically 10 years.
Installation warranty - 5 years.
What can I do to keep my Warranties valid? vi
Following the below recommendations may help keep your Warranties valid.
- No abusive use, misuse or lack of proper maintenance.
- Any work conducted by unskilled, untrained, or inexperienced technicians, tradespeople or other unqualified persons as instructed by the customer that are not a solar agent or appropriately skilled, trained and experienced A grade electricians, could affect your warranties.
- Any components, materials or workmanship supplied by the customer may affect the warranties.
- Any damage or defects caused by the Solar PV System dealt with in any way which is inconsistent with any directions or use published by K.A.W Electrical & Solar or the Manufacturer, could affect your warranties.
- Solar cleaners or others who advertise similar services may be cheaper than an electrician, but the work they do to your system could be a safety risk or may void your warranty
References
i - NETCC - NETCC | Consumer protection standards for solar, batteries & more (newenergytech.org.au)
ii- SolarVictoria>Home>Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide>
Section 7: Finding the right installer and steps to installation
Section 7: Finding the right installer and steps to installation | Solar Victoria
iii-Clean Energy Council how does solar work
How does solar work? | Clean Energy Council
iv-SolarVictoria >Home >Solar for Business Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide >Section 3: Grid-connected solar explained
Section 3: Grid-connected solar explained | Solar Victoria
v-SolarVictoria>Home Solar Battery Buyers Guide>Section 3: Solar battery systems explained
Section 3: Solar battery systems explained | Solar Victoria
vi-SolarVictoria>Home>Solar panel maintenance: What you need to know
Solar panel maintenance: What you need to know | Solar Victoria
What Accreditations should my solar installer have? ii
The person who installs your system needs to be accredited. Grid-connected and stand-alone solar systems with 230 volt wiring have to be installed by a Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer.
Systems with batteries require a CEC Accredited Installer with either an additional battery endorsement, or stand-alone installation accreditation.
Solar Victoria also requires installers to hold an unrestricted Class A Electrical Licence registered with Energy Safe Victoria.*
How does Solar Panels produce energy? iii
When the sun is out, solar panels convert sunlight into DC (direct current) electricity. The solar inverter converts this electricity into AC (alternating current) power for use in your home.
Your home appliances use this power instead of drawing power from the electricity grid.
What is a Feed in Tarif in regards to Solar?
When your solar system generates more power than you’re using in your home, the leftover solar energy is sent back into the electricity grid.
A feed-in tariff is a payment you’ll receive for this unused energy. The solar feed-in tariff appears as a credit on your electricity bill and is paid to you from your electricity retailer, usually at a set rate per kilowatt hour.
The amount you can feed-in might be limited by the ability of the electricity grid in your area to take it. In some places, no feed-in is allowed.
Check with your energy distributor that your household will be able to feed excess energy into the grid.
Is Solar worth it if I am not home during the day?
During the day, your solar power system provides electricity to your house, reducing the amount of energy you buy from your electricity provider.
A lot of consumers are away from their home during the day. "So how can I get the most savings out of my system?"
You can buy efficient timers that you can set through the day that will run heavy electricity using appliances. Like dishwashers, washing machines or dryers. Alot of these newer appliances also have this feature built in.
For further advice call Kirk today!
What does Battery with back up capabilities mean?v
When you have a battery coupled with a solar PV system, the excess solar energy not used at home during the day is first used to charge the battery, before exporting any excess to the electricity grid.
There are various battery products available that have a wide range of functionality and performance. Some batteries can be charged from grid electricity during off peak times (e.g. overnight).
When the power grid goes down. Your battery will kick in and back up the circuits you have chosen to be most essential.
What if my home isn't facing north?
There's a misunderstanding that if you don't have north facing positions on your roof, then you shouldn't get solar.
Yes setting a solar panel north will generate the greatest amount of electricity. However, it's not always practical or it just simply can't be done due to roof area constraints.
Solar panels facing west will generate more energy later in the day, closer to peak use times. Peak use times are when your electricity retailer will charge the most per kwh for the electricity that you use. Peak electricity hours happen around 4pm, which is about the same time that household usage starts to increase. If your aim is to produce the electricity that you use, then west-facing solar panels can help you meet your goal.
East Facing Solar panels generally produce most solar energy in the morning hours. East-facing panels are ideal for those whose electricity consumption is greater during morning hours.
Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria
Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide | Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria - Find an authorised solar retailer
https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/find-authorised-retailer
Minimum feed-in tariff review 2023–24 | Engage Victoria
Engage Victoria Minimum feed-in tariff review 2023–24
NETCC Consumer Information Products>Installing Solar -
NETCC-Consumer-Information-Product-Installing-Solar-Power.pdf (amazonaws.com)
NETCC Find an approved seller
https://www.newenergytech.org.au/find-an-approved-seller
Useful websites
