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 has received authorisation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
The program aims to give customers the confidence to purchase new energy tech by ensuring they 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. This is because of 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 to find out if your household will be able to feed excess energy into the grid.
Can you explain the Solar Victoria 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 of up to $8,800.00 to eligible Victorian's to help reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar battery.
The solar battery loan repayments are paid back monlthy over a four-year period.
What are STCs?
STCs stand for Small-scale Technology Certificates. They are effectively a payment made to a purchaser of an eligible small-scale renewable energy system, for the value of the emissions reduction they create.
An STC is equal to 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generated or displaced by eligible systems.
A new solar PV system is eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The quoted price of a new solar PV System from an accredited installer, will almost always have the STC discount included in the final price.
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 5 -10 years.
Installation warranty - 5 years.
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-NETCC Consumer Information Products>Installing Solar -
NETCC-Consumer-Information-Product-Installing-Solar-Power.pdf (amazonaws.com)
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 must hold an unrestricted Class A Electrical Licence registered with Energy Safe Victoria and be accredited under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme with Solar Accreditation Australia.
Systems with batteries require an accredited installer to hold an additional battery endorsement, or stand-alone installation accreditation.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) managed the accreditation program for over 16 years. On the 29th of February 2024, a new accrediting body was appointed called the Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
How does Solar Panels produce energy? iii
When the sun is out, solar panels convert it's light into DC (direct current) electricity. Then, a solar inverter converts this electricity into AC (alternating current) power.
Instead of drawing power from the electricity grid, your home uses this solar power that has been generated.
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 - such as dishwashers, washing machines or dryers. Alot of these newer appliances also have this feature built in.
For further advice call Kirk today!
What if my home isn't facing north?
There's a common misconception that you shouldn't get solar if you don't have north facing positions on your roof.
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 around the same time that household energy 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 the morning hours.
What can affect or void my Warranties? vi
Following may affect a Warranty. K.A.W Electrical & Solar highly recommends reading T&Cs on all contracts & warranties.
- Abusive use, misuse or lack of proper maintenance.
- Any work conducted by unskilled, untrained, unqualified or inexperienced technicians, tradespeople or other unqualified persons as instructed by the customer.
- Any components, materials or workmanship supplied by the customer may affect the warranties.
- Any damage or defects caused by the Solar PV System/ Solar Battery Storage System being dealt with in any way which is inconsistent with any directions or use published by A Retailer 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.
Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria - Buyers Guide
Solar Panel (PV) Buyers Guide | Solar Victoria
Solar Victoria - Find an authorised solar retailer
https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/find-authorised-retailer
NETCC
https://www.newenergytech.org.au/
NETCC Find an approved seller
https://www.newenergytech.org.au/find-an-approved-seller
Useful websites
