10 Things You Should Consider When Choosing A Solar Installer in Australia

If you’re considering installing solar panels in Australia, choosing the right solar installer is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which installer is the best fit for your needs. Here are ten things to consider when choosing a solar installer in Australia.

  1. Credentials and certifications: Check that the solar installer you’re considering is fully licensed and insured, and that their technicians are certified and qualified to install solar panels.
  2. Reputation: Research the solar installer’s reputation by checking online reviews and ratings. This can help you get an idea of their level of customer service, professionalism, and expertise.
  3. Experience: Look for an installer with a proven track record of installing solar panels in your area. Experienced installers are more likely to have the knowledge and skills needed to complete your installation efficiently and effectively.
  4. Quality of materials: Make sure the solar installer uses high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers. This ensures that your solar panels will perform well and last for many years.
  5. Warranty: Check that the solar installer offers a warranty on their work and the materials used. This can provide peace of mind and protection against any defects or issues that may arise.
  6. Financing options: Some solar installers may offer financing options or payment plans to make the cost of installation more affordable. Check to see if the installer you’re considering offers any financing options.
  7. Customer service: Look for a solar installer that provides excellent customer service, including timely communication, responsiveness, and support throughout the installation process.
  8. Availability: Ensure that the solar installer you’re considering is available to complete the installation within a reasonable timeframe.
  9. Local knowledge: Choose a solar installer who has experience and knowledge of the local weather patterns, building codes, and regulations in your area. This can help ensure that your solar installation is compliant and optimized for your specific location.
  10. After-sales service: Check that the solar installer provides ongoing maintenance and support after the installation is complete. This can help ensure that your solar panels continue to perform at their best and that any issues are addressed promptly.

By considering these ten factors when choosing a solar installer in Australia, you can ensure that you select a reputable and qualified installer who will provide a high-quality solar installation that meets your needs and budget.

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2023 – The Future of Solar Panels

Solar energy is an essential component of the transition to renewable energy. Solar panels are a reliable and cost-effective way to generate electricity, and the technology behind them continues to evolve rapidly. In recent years, researchers have made significant advances in solar panel technology, and the future looks bright for solar energy.

One of the most exciting developments in solar panel research is the advancement of perovskite solar cells. These cells use a special type of crystalline structure called perovskite to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. Perovskite solar cells have the potential to be even more efficient than traditional silicon solar cells, with efficiencies of up to 50%. Additionally, they can be produced using simple manufacturing processes, making them cheaper and more accessible than traditional solar panels.

Another area of solar panel research is the development of tandem solar cells. Tandem solar cells combine different types of solar cells to capture a broader range of the solar spectrum. By using multiple layers of solar cells with different materials, researchers hope to create solar panels that can convert a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of solar panels.

Researchers are also working on improving the durability and longevity of solar panels. Solar panels are exposed to harsh weather conditions and environmental factors that can cause them to degrade over time. Researchers are working to develop new materials and coatings that can protect solar panels from the elements and extend their lifespan.

Another area of research is the integration of solar panels with other technologies, such as energy storage systems and electric vehicles. By combining solar panels with energy storage systems, homeowners and businesses can store excess energy generated by their solar panels for use later. This can help to offset the variability of solar energy production and make it a more reliable source of electricity. Integrating solar panels with electric vehicles can also help to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation by using renewable energy to power vehicles.

The future looks bright for solar energy. As technology continues to improve, solar panels will become more efficient, durable, and affordable. Solar energy has the potential to become a significant source of energy for homes, businesses, and entire communities. With the right incentives and policies, we could see widespread adoption of solar energy in the near future.

One of the most significant barriers to the adoption of solar energy is the initial cost of installation. While the cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past decade, it can still be a significant investment for homeowners and businesses. However, there are many incentives and financing options available that can help to offset the initial cost of installation. In addition, as the technology improves, the cost of solar panels is expected to continue to decrease, making them even more accessible.

Another challenge facing the widespread adoption of solar energy is the variability of solar energy production. Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining, which can make it difficult to rely solely on solar energy for electricity. However, as mentioned earlier, integrating solar panels with energy storage systems can help to address this challenge.

In conclusion, solar energy is an essential component of the transition to renewable energy. As technology continues to improve, solar panels will become more efficient, durable, and affordable. With the right policies and incentives, we could see widespread adoption of solar energy in the near future. Solar energy has the potential to help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, making it an essential part of the sustainable energy mix.

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Seraphim announce 580 W TOPCon solar panels.

Seraphim, one of the leading solar module manufacturers in the world, has announced the launch of their new 580 W TOPCon solar panels. The panels are touted to have an impressive efficiency rate of 22.45%, which is a remarkable achievement in the solar industry. This development is a significant breakthrough in the technology of photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity from sunlight.

In order to create the ultimate cost-effective product, Seraphim launched a new generation of ultra-high efficiency modules, the S5 bifacial series. The new series integrates 210mm silicon wafers, with PERC, bifacial, multi-busbar cell technology and high-density encapsulation. The maximum power output on the front side of the two formats, 60 and 66, have both exceeded 600W. Meanwhile, based on different installation environments, the rear side power generation gain is between 10-30%.
Seraphim S5 Bifacial Solar Panel
 
In order to create the ultimate cost-effective product, Seraphim launched a new generation of ultra-high efficiency modules, the S5 bifacial series. The new series integrates 210mm silicon wafers, with PERC, bifacial, multi-busbar cell technology and high-density encapsulation. The maximum power output on the front side of the two formats, 60 and 66, have both exceeded 600W. Meanwhile, based on different installation environments, the rear side power generation gain is between 10-30%. (source)

In a statement released by Seraphim, the company said that their new solar panel design is equipped with the latest technology, making it more efficient and cost-effective. The TOPCon technology used in the panels allows for higher energy yields, enabling the panels to produce more power with less space. The company further added that their panels have undergone rigorous testing and are rated to withstand extreme weather conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

“We are excited to announce the launch of our new 580 W TOPCon solar panels, which are the result of years of research and development. With our latest technology, we are confident that our panels will help our customers achieve their renewable energy goals and contribute to a sustainable future,” said Polaris Li, CEO of Seraphim.

The new solar panels by Seraphim have set a new benchmark for efficiency in the industry. The average efficiency rate of solar panels available in the market is around 16-18%, while the previous generation of TOPCon panels had an efficiency rate of around 21%. Seraphim’s new panels have exceeded this benchmark by achieving an efficiency rate of 22.45%, making them one of the most efficient solar panels available in the market today.

This breakthrough in solar panel technology is not only significant for the industry but also for the environment. The increased efficiency rate means that less space is required to produce the same amount of energy, resulting in reduced land use and environmental impact. It also means that more energy can be produced using the same amount of resources, which could lead to a reduction in the cost of solar energy.

In conclusion, Seraphim’s new 580 W TOPCon solar panels with 22.45% efficiency are a significant development in the solar industry. The increased efficiency rate and advanced technology used in these panels are expected to contribute to the growth of renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As Polaris Li, CEO of Seraphim, stated, “With this latest development, we hope to lead the way in the solar industry and continue to innovate towards a sustainable future.”

References:

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Solar Panel Efficiency in 2023

Solar panels are a crucial technology for generating clean and renewable energy. Over the years, researchers have been working hard to improve the efficiency of solar panels, with the goal of increasing the amount of electricity that can be produced from sunlight. In this article, we will explore the best research-cell efficiencies in solar panels.

First, it’s important to understand what we mean by cell efficiency. Solar cells are the individual units that convert sunlight into electricity. The efficiency of a solar cell is the percentage of sunlight that is converted into electricity. A higher efficiency means that more sunlight is being converted into usable electricity.

One of the most efficient solar cells currently in development is the perovskite solar cell. Perovskite is a relatively new material that has been shown to be highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. In 2020, a team of researchers in China developed a perovskite solar cell with an efficiency of 25.5%. This is one of the highest efficiencies ever achieved for a solar cell.

Another highly efficient solar cell technology is the multi-junction solar cell. Multi-junction solar cells use multiple layers of different materials to capture different wavelengths of sunlight. In 2021, researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States developed a multi-junction solar cell with an efficiency of 47.1%. This is the highest efficiency ever achieved for a solar cell.

In addition to perovskite and multi-junction solar cells, other highly efficient solar cell technologies include concentrator photovoltaics, tandem solar cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells. Concentrator photovoltaics use lenses or mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, which increases the amount of electricity that can be produced. Tandem solar cells combine two or more different materials to capture more sunlight. Dye-sensitized solar cells use organic dyes to absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.

While these solar cell technologies are still in development, they hold great promise for the future of solar energy. By improving the efficiency of solar panels, we can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight, making solar energy more cost-effective and accessible for everyone.

In conclusion, the best research-cell efficiencies in solar panels are currently being achieved through perovskite and multi-junction solar cell technologies. These highly efficient solar cell technologies are still in development but hold great promise for the future of solar energy. As research continues, we can expect to see even more efficient solar panels in the coming years, making solar energy a more viable and sustainable source of electricity for the world.

Best Research-Cell Efficiencies as per https://www.nrel.gov/pv/assets/pdfs/best-research-cell-efficiencies.pdf

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Rebates for small business commercial solar in Victoria!

The Victorian government have announced a new scheme to help increase small business commercial solar in Victoria – with two different rebates currently available. Let’s take a look at what your company should do if you’re thinking about installing – you can get a rebate of up to $3,500 to help pay it off!

Commercial Solar in Victoria – Solar for Business rebate

Solar for Business rebates (source: solar.vic.gov.au)

According to the Victorian government website, from May 2021 eligible small businesses in Victoria can apply for the Solar for Business Program rebate. The rebate offer includes up to 50% or $3,500 (whichever amounts to less) on eligible solar power systems.

The program is eligible to quite a lot of small businesses, here’s the skinny on the details if you want to apply:

You must:

  • Be the owner of a business which has less than 20 employees     
  • Operate from premises that are not considered residential     
  • Operate from premises that are individually metered    
  • Have your system installed by a Solar Victoria approved solar retailer (click for a search) as detailed on Solar Victoria’s website   
  • Install a solar system with a PV capacity size up to a maximum of 30kW, as detailed on the Solar Victoria approved product list

Solar for business has been a no brainer for quite a while now, so with rebates like this being offered there’s never been a better time to consider installing renewable energy at your small business. If your bills are in the thousands per month you will save money installing solar. To also enjoy a rebate from the government is a very nice sweetener indeed – hopefully we see the scheme being taken up and similar rebates in other states implemented.

To register your interest please click here.

Small Business Energy Saver Program in Victoria

The Small Business Energy Saver Program is another option – providing generous bonuses of up to $2,000 for companies who upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment, such as air-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating pumps. 15,000 solar rebates will be available under the program – these will be doled out over the next three years.

(Very) rough solar installation costs – commercial solar in Victoria

Generally you can budget around $1000 per kilowatt (a little over a dollar a watt) of power on your system (after STCs), e.g. a 50kW system will be around $50,000 (closer to $65k in WA, if you’re thinking about a place to set up commercial solar…). This is obviously very, very rough and you’ll pay a bit more per watt for a smaller system (e.g. 10-30kW) rather than up to 100kW, so don’t quote me on these prices. Please note that the Solar for Business rebate only covers systems to a max of 30kW!

If you do want some help with getting a price guide for commercial solar installation or you’d like someone to go over some quotations with please email us and we’d be happy to help.

You can also get help with some rough savings numbers by using the solar calculator at the Queensland government website.

Registered accredited providers

The Victorian website has an up to date list of accredited providers for the scheme, but if you’re interested in installing commercial solar in Victoria and taking party in the rebate scheme, here’s a list current as per 12.04.21:

Barwon South West

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Gippsland

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Wattly
Patrick Blain
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 878 500
[email protected]

Grampians

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Hume

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

Wattly
Patrick Blain
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 878 500
[email protected]

Loddon Mallee

Energy Makeovers
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
1300 788 776
[email protected]

Expert Group
Peter Brodribb
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
03 9592 9111
[email protected]

Homelab
Mr Jack Labno
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
Upgrade to efficient room reverse cycle air-conditioners
Install energy efficient refrigerator display cabinets
Install energy efficient fridges and freezers
Install energy efficient refrigeration and ventilation fans and motors
Install water efficient pre-rinse spray valves.
1300 781 614
[email protected]

LED Saves
Rob Reyes
Replace inefficient electric hot water systems
Replace inefficient gas hot water systems
03 9088 0285
[email protected]

 

 

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