What is Solar Power

Solar power is clean, renewable energy captured from the sun.

A solar power system uses photovoltaic (PV) technology to harness the sun's rays, converting sunlight photon energy into electrical current. As solar power panels produce energy from daylight, they still produce electricity on cloudy or overcast days. The Canberra climate has both extreme cold and extreme heat conditions. We strongly recommend panels that suit these conditions, so your system is effective all year round, not just over the warmer months.

Solar panels are connected to the mains power supply through an inverter. The inverter transforms DC solar panel voltage into AC power that is suitable for use by regular appliances. The inverter is technologically the most important component in a solar power system, that's why all our systems come with a SMA Sunny Boy - renowned as the world's best.

While solar power does require an initial investment, it doesn't take long for you to start seeing the savings. By generating power at your home, you're protecting yourself from imminent rises in electricity costs.

Trina solar panels info -  Trina solar panel specifications  SMA Sunny Boy inverters -  SMA 1200 - 3000 series or  SMA 3000 - 5000 series

The ACT solar market and installation requirements are unique so it’s important to talk to a local fully accredited solar specialist before investing in a solar system. We can also talk you through the massive product range on the market and the difference in price, product and most importantly we can help you design the right system for your home, budget and Canberra climate.

Feed in tariff

The ACT's solar feed in tariff for home solar power systems has been one of the most generous incentive schemes in Australia. ACT and NSW electricity retailers are no longer required to give a fixed price tariff. NSW's electricity retailers are currently offering between 7c per kWh to 10c per kWh, and ActewAGL will give 7.5c per kWh. As net metering will apply, all kWh's are initially fed into the home and consumed during daylight hours and any excess fed back to the grid. For households that consume electricity during daylight hours, solar is still the best way to reduce electricity costs.

Rebates

Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC), formally known as RECS are like shares and traded through brokers. Their value changes frequently. From 1 January 2013, STC's rebates reduced to '1 X multiplier' and from mid 2014, STC trading will cease and only point of sale discounts will be applicable.

Conditions apply - solar specials*. Includes installation on a single storey house with tiled roof, free off any shade. It includes ACT Government inspection and Actew connection fees. STCs must be signed over to our wholesaler. Extra charges may apply to double storey houses, tilting frames, metal roof, meter board upgrades or alterations.