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What makes up a good solar system install?

15/9/2017

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Given the amount of money you are about to spend on your solar system and the lifetime expectancy you want in return, there are a couple of factors you should take into consideration before purchasing your solar system.

If you want your solar system to last and perform its best, any electrical wiring installation should be done by a licensed electrician (as it is required by law). A CEC (Clean Energy Council) accredited installer should also be supervising the install. Ideally the electrician and the CEC accredited installer will be the same person and should have identification to prove such licenses and accreditation.
Below are some examples of good and bad installations:
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​1. The quality of solar panels and inverter will mean little if they are installed incorrectly and not to manufacturer’s specifications. Warranties may be void if the manufacturer’s installation guidelines aren’t followed, leaving you to foot the bill if the solar company is no longer around. For example:
  • Panels need to be mounted so they are not touching each other. All manufacturers recommend a distance of at least 10mm. If they are touching, then there is a possibility of cracking the panel due to thermal expansion as they heat up during the day.
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  • Panels also need to be clamped to the rail generally no more than 400-450mm from the ends of the panel. This is defined by the panel manufacturer and is to ensure the panel maintains its wind loading integrity as too much overhang from the end of the panel can cause too much flex and possible failure. So if you have a tin roof with purlins spaced too far apart, it is necessary to add extra timber inside the roof to ensure adequate fixing points. This isn’t done by some installers as it requires too much extra effort. Tiled roofs don’t normally have this problem because the brackets are fixed differently unless they need to be mounted close to the ridge capping like the picture above left.
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  • Inverters installed on north, north-west & north-east walls without proper shading from the sun can overheat, adding extra stress to the electrical components inside and cause premature failure of your inverter.
2. Another often overlooked but very important part of the installation is the water ingress protection of your roof. If you don’t want any leaks, then it is very important your installer uses best practice and appropriate materials for cable entries and fixing the brackets to your roof.
  • For tiled roofs, it is best practice to grind the lip away on the tile sitting above the new solar bracket and also the back of the tile, so the bracket can sit flush without putting pressure on the tile below causing it to crack. (this takes more time and is not done by some installers). Grinding the tile ensures the tile can sit flush with neighbouring tiles to maintain their water protection.
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  • Cable entries through a tile should have a lead or aluminium flashing style dektite that covers the whole tile, not just silicone. Tin roofs should have a standard dektite.
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3. Cable support is another factor that gets overlooked, and some shortcuts can be taken. The cable should be supported at regular intervals, so there is no added stress due to sagging. The method of supporting the cable should be done in a way so that it will last as long as the system, e.g. 20 years. Cables dangling in the breeze and sitting on the roof will ware through their insulation over time.
  • Appropriate methods are the use of stainless steel cable ties as PVC deteriorate very quickly, conduit, cable clips or UV stabilised trunking.
  • Due to the nature of solar power and its DC power, any problems with the cabling can lead to a higher fire risk. Think of a welding machine constantly going where there is a constant arc at very high temperatures.
If you have any more questions or would like to see the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Installer guidelines in full, we will happily provide them on request. Get in touch today to book an obligation free quote - email us at info@perthsolarandbattery.com.au!
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wHat blackout? how solar reliant power grids passed the eclipse test

23/8/2017

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The total solar eclipse that captivated the United States this week was more than just a celestial spectacle (and a reminder to take care of your eyes). It was also a valuable lesson in how to manage electricity grids when a crucial generation source – solar power, in this case – goes temporarily offline.

The last total solar eclipse to pass over the US was in 1979, a year when President Jimmy Carter was in the midst of the energy crisis and struggling with ballooning oil prices. In response, he made a concerted shift to greater energy independence through alternative energy sources such as solar.

In 2017, almost the whole world is grappling with the transformation of the electricity industry and the move to renewable energy. Read more here.
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Western Australians leading the change towards solar energy

8/8/2017

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Over the last few years, Western Australia has become Australia’s leader in the movement towards solar power - and with good reason. With a combination of high electricity prices relative to the national average, and the high levels of sunshine annually (nearly 300 days!), the pay-back for installing solar energy systems is much faster for consumers.

Local businesses are able to source and support consumers and businesses wishing to make the change to solar energy more readily, given that Western Australia is one of the largest producers of lithium in the world - lithium being one of the main materials used to make solar batteries.

​Read more about what the ABC has to say via this article:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-28/wa-to-triple-rooftop-solar-renewables-report-says/8479778
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9 news talks solar power

25/7/2017

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"Households across WA are bracing for more power bill hikes but experts say there are ways to save. Rapidly improving battery systems mean we're on the cusp of a green power revolution."

With the cost of traditional electricity constantly on the rise, many homeowners are looking into the costs of solar and how it will save them money in the long run. Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote to compare your electricity costs. 

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    Perth Solar and Battery Solutions
    ​We're a local, family owned business aiming to help homeowners and businesses save money on their electricity as well as reduce our impact on the environment.

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