Solar Panels Can Generate a Great Deal of Energy For Your Canberra Home
With an abundance of sunlight, solar panels can generate a great deal of energy for your Canberra home. The excess electricity that isn’t used is fed back into the grid.
This power is then used by households and businesses. The ACT has a 100% renewable energy target that it appears to be on track to meet.
Feed-in tariffs
In the ACT, electricity prices are low, and households that install solar power can save on their bills. The ACT government doesn’t offer a set feed-in tariff, so owners of new rooftop solar must rely on electricity retailers offering a fee for energy exported back to the grid. Our consultants can help you determine if your household is eligible for the FIT and the best retail plan to maximise savings.
Many Canberra residents can increase their FIT rate by setting appliances, pool pumps and dishwashers to operate during the day when they’re not at home. Other ways to maximise self consumption include using a timer for air conditioning, and using DC optimisers to limit the effect of shading.
The ACT is a good place to install a solar power system, because its comparatively cold winters mean that rooftop panels can generate a significant amount of electricity. Furthermore, Canberra residents can take advantage of the federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC) rebate, which is a discount on the purchase price of a solar energy system.
Rebates and incentives
The ACT government offers several rebates and incentives for households who install solar energy systems, battery technologies, air conditioners and hot water heat pumps. These are aimed at encouraging householders to reduce their electricity consumption and lower their power bills.
Depending on the system you choose, the ACT may also provide a rebate for the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) that your solar system creates. These are credited to your account and sold back to the grid by your electricity retailer. This is a significant up-front discount on the cost of a system and will be shown in your quotes.
Alternatively, you could be eligible for a low-interest loan from Brighte to help you install a battery system and use the energy it produces during the day. This can save you a lot of money on your power bills and help the ACT reach its target of net zero emissions by 2045. To qualify for this loan, you must be an Australian Government pensioner concession card holder and live in a household that consumes 3600kWh or more of electricity per year.
Off-grid systems
Whether you want to become energy self-sufficient or just reduce your electricity costs, an off-grid system can be an ideal solution. It is also a good option for remote homes and businesses. These systems use solar panels to generate power and store it in batteries. They also come with a charger to prevent overcharging the battery, which can damage it.
It is important to find a Canberra-based installer with a valid ACT licence. This way, you can rest assured that the solar installation will be done in accordance with the ACT government regulations. You should also check that the company has a good reputation in the industry.
Getting rebates from the local and federal governments can greatly reduce your upfront costs. These rebates are based on the number of Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) your system produces. You can calculate your STCs using a free online calculator. You can also receive feed-in tariffs if you send your excess electricity to the grid.
Solar hot water
During the day solar panels convert direct current (DC) sunlight into alternating current (AC) energy. This power can then be used by the home, and any excess is exported back into the grid. Many Canberrans save significantly on their electricity costs with solar systems.
Taking steps to minimise your electricity consumption during daylight hours and switching appliances to electric can also help cut your carbon footprint. Many ACT households with concession cards can claim significant rebates when installing a rooftop solar system.
Entry-level residential systems in Canberra cost around $4500. They can generate up to 6.6 kilowatts of electricity per day, enough for most homes. To maximise solar production, it is recommended that your panels be oriented north. Some installers will offer tilt frames to increase the angle of the panels if they are positioned on a west-facing roof aspect. This increases the electricity production in the afternoon. A 6.6kW system is suitable for most Australian households, though you can size yours up or down based on your household’s electricity consumption and roof space.
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