Power anywhere you need it! No blackouts, No powerlines, No bills!
Remote area power systems (RAPS) are especially suited to properties where mains power does not go to… or is too expensive to even consider! Let those ugly powerlines and endless power bills be a thing of the past and invest in a solar power system that can be especially designed for you, and become self sufficient.
All Natural Energy will assist you in the design, supply and installation of your remote energy system. We not only sell renewable energy products – we install them too and so we know what we are talking about! Operating under full BCSE Accreditation and electrical license, All Natural Energy has the experience and knowledge to handle your system from start to finish. Enjoy the ease of dealing with the same people the whole way through. We also assist you with all your solar rebates.
Questions to Ask when obtaining a quote for a Remote Area Power System - HERE
Customised and Tracked packages are also available on request.
SOLAR POWER Your Questions Answered
HOW DO THEY WORK? 1. What is the difference between solar panels (power) and solar hot water? Solar panels take light from the sun and make electricity. Solar hot water systems take heat from the sun and heat water. It is easy to remember: * Heat from the sun heats the water. * Light from the sun turns on the lights.
2. How do solar power systems work? Solar power systems convert the energy from sunlight into direct current (d.c.) electricity. An inverter then converts this direct current to alternating current (a.c.), to make it compatible with grid electricity. Solar power systems should be oriented to the North and tilted in order to generate as much electricity from the sun as possible.
3. Why use solar power? *It is quiet, clean and reduces electricity bills. *It avoids the impacts of fossil fuel power stations such as greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. * It avoids the need for ugly and expensive powerlines to carry electricity from large power stations to your home. * It can add value to your house, and make an interesting and unique architectural feature. * It avoids blackouts during storms.
4. If I have solar panels, does that mean I will not have electricity when it is dark, cloudy or raining? Solar panels do need light to produce electricity. However, the electricity can be stored in batteries, which will accommodate for days of bad weather.
5. Are Solar Power Systems Reliable? Some early solar power systems were unreliable, just like early models of mobile phones, computers, radios, TVs, microwaves etc. Today, solar power systems are covered by Australian standards and installed by trained professionals. Typical warranties are 25 years for panels and 5 years for electrical components - better than most household appliances.
5. Are solar power systems reliable? Some early solar power systems were unreliable, just like early models of mobile phones, computers, radios, TVs, microwaves etc. Today solar power systems are covered by Australian standards and installed by trained professionals. Typical warranties are 20 years for panels and 5 years for electrical components, better than most household appliances.
6. Are the batteries reliable and how long will they last? Yes. Batteries are generally very reliable and will last 10-15 years provided you look after them properly, they are sized correctly (according to your energy assumption) and you purchase a quality battery bank from a reputable battery manufacturer.
7. How reflective are solar panels? Solar panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible to generate the maximum amount of electricity. Therefore the materials typically have no or low reflectivity.
INSTALLING A SYSTEM 8. How many solar panels do I need to run my house? This depends on how much power you use. The average Australian home consumes about 7,400 kWh of electricity each year and this would need about 40 panels (which would take up a lot of roof space). However, most Australians can dramatically cut their energy use by being Energy Smart and would require a much smaller more affordable system. A typical rooftop solar power system (1.2 kW) has an area of about 7.6 square metres (approximately 12 x 80 watt panels) and generates around 1,600 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This is enough to power: * 5 compact fluorescent light bulbs * A 4-star 250L refrigerator, a 4-star top loading washing machine * A stereo * A medium sized television
9. Do I need a Development Application (DA) to install solar panels? What About Heritage Listed Areas? It depends on the council's regulations, so it is best to check with your local council.
10. Do I need home building insurance to install? No, but Home and Contents insurance is a good idea if you have solar panels. As with all major household purchases, make sure that your solar power system is included.
11. What if my roof does not face north? North-facing roofs are ideal for solar power, but most systems can work up to an angle of 45 degrees off North. Ground mounted tracking systems can be installed to overcome roof problems. These systems will also produce more power as they track the sun all day.
12. Are solar panels made in Australia? The silicon used to make the solar panels is imported, and the only panels manufactured and assembled in Australia are BP Solar.
13. How much does it cost? A solar power system can cost anywhere between $6,000 and $60,000. The cost depends on the technology you choose, the size, your roof, and what extras you get and the amount of power you need.
14. Is it more expensive to fit an old house than buying a system for a new house? The cost would be about the same if the roofs were the same shape. If you are building a new house you can make sure the roof is optimally shaped and oriented for solar power. If you are building a new house, the relative cost of the solar panels compared to the overall cost of the house will be small.
MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY 15. Will solar panels damage my roof structure? Your roof has been designed to carry a lot of weight and most roofs will hold panels without need for reinforcement. Solar panels can be heavy and are attached to the rafters of the house so that the load is ultimately borne by the roof structure not the roof material(e.g. tiles). We will design your solar power system to take account of the roof structure. Solar panels are placed over the top of any roof penetrations, and all penetrations can be waterproofed so the roof will not leak.
16. Are they easily maintained? Yes. Solar panels are designed so that they need little maintenance. Dust typically reduces output by 5% but since solar panels are sloped, the rain keeps them clean. You will just need to hose them down after long periods of little rain.
17. Will my solar panels survive a hailstorm? Yes. Solar panels are made of tough laminated glass and are generally indestructible. They are also sloped so hail slides off.
SOLAR POWER TECHNOLOGY 18. Do solar panels produce enough energy to recoup the energy it took to make them? Yes. Modern solar panels will make approximately enough electricity in 4 years to cover the amount of energy that was used in manufacture. Solar panels have a 25 year warranty.
19. How efficient are solar panels in comparison to other renewable energy technologies? . In terms of covering a renewable resource to energy, solar panels are less efficient (15%) than other renewable energy technologies such as wind farms (30%) or hydro generators (40%). Solar panels require the least maintenance since there are no 'moving parts' as in other technologies.
20. How many greenhouse gases would be saved with solar panels? A typical 1 kW solar power system would roughly save 1.4 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year (a tonne of CO2 is enough to fill a family home!).
30. Can you recycle old solar panels? Since the silicon is treated with various chemicals (doping) to make the surface more receptive to light, it is difficult to manufacture into new products.
MORE INFORMATION Contact Our Office: (02) 4578 8808 or 0409 323 443
