FAQs
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What are Small Technology Certificates (STC'S)?
When a house or business installs a solar system, the amount of greenhouse gas emission abatement is estimated by an algorithm set by the regulator of the scheme.
The variables in the algorithm are fairly simple. They break up the country into four zones. Each postcode in Australia has been assessed for how much solar energy and is classified to be in one of the four zones.
Zone 1 represents the sunniest parts of Australia and Zone 4 represents the least sunniest part of Australia.
The equation for calculating the quantity of Small Technology Certificates (STCs) for a 5kW system in Zone 3 is calculated as follows:
#STCs = 5kW (system size) x 9 yrs (deeming period) x 1.382 (Zone 3 Constant) = 62.19
The #STCs is always rounded down so final number is 92 STCs.
Your Choice Solar will offer a point of sale discount if the system owner agrees to assign the STCs to Your Choice Solar.
Large Generation Certificates
Large Generations Certificates (LGCs) are for solar systems greater than 100kW in size.
The method of measuring the quantity is LGCs generated is straightforward as a regular electricity meter is placed on the output of the solar system capturing all of the generation.
Periodically, the energy recorded on the meter is collated to represent LGCs.
Buying and Selling STCs and LGCs
The Goverment has set up the REC Registry to administer the buying and selling of STCs and LGCs.
The REC Registry is an internet-based registry system that supports the Commonwealth Government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) by facilitating the creation, transfer and surrender of certificates.
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What are the components of a solar power system and how do they work?
A standard solar power system is made up of three main components:
Solar panels
A solar PV panel is made up of a series of solar cells connected together. When light strikes a PV cell, the photons from the light are absorbed by the PV cell. Electrons within the cell are dislodged by the photoelectric effect allowing the electrons to flow freely.
This flow of electrons is electricity – DC electricity.
Inverter
For this DC electricity to be of use in a conventional home or business, it needs to be converted to AC power and this is done by an inverter.
The electricity coming out of an inverter is ready to be used in a home or business.
Mounting System
Mounting systems help to keep the solar panels or arrays in place and work as the support structure for the solar modules. Mounting systems are generally made from steel or aluminum supports that can hold solar arrays in pace through extreme loads from wind, snow and frost.
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Is a warranty provided?
Yes. There are 4 types of warranties pertaining to a solar system installation.
Panels – 25 year performance warranty & 15 year product warranties.
Inverters – 10 year warranty
Solar Mounting System – 10 Year limited product warranty & 5 year after sales service.
Workmanship – 5 Year workmanship warranties for all work completed.
In the unlikely event you do require a warranty claim please contact Your Choice solar to handle all warranty lodgements, replacements and repairs.
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What should I do if my solar PV system stops working?
Majority of inverter issues can be rectified quickly and efficiently with a system reboot. The shutdown procedure is located on the front of your inverter.
STEP 1: Turn off the “MAIN SWITCH (INVERTER SUPPLY)” and “INVERTER AC ISOLATOR” These are located in your switchboard and/or adjacent to you inverter:
STEP 2: Turn off the “PV ARRAY DC ISOLATOR(S)” next to or on the underside of the inverter. Note there may be more than one.
START UP PROCEDURE
Follow the reverse of the SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE – i.e. step 2, then step 1.
If the system issue persists please contact Your Choice Solar for further assistance.
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How much will I save?
Solar energy can help you dramatically reduce the running costs of your property, especially in sunny Australia. To find out how much money you can save with solar energy, there are a number of factors that need to be considered:
Your average energy consumption
Usage patterns
Your feed-in tariff rate
The size of the solar energy system you install
Where you live
Contact Your Choice Solar and we will customise a solar savings plan to your needs.
GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLAR?
Solar can be confusing, but we make it easy by answering your questions and explaining everything in plain English (and without the sales pitch). It starts with finding out how much you can save.