https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GQ3TA0PSKQ
Your solar power system is now installed and the installation program has set off. Discover what you check and how you can make sure that you continue to sink your power supply calculations for decades.
Nach installation checks
If you spend 10 minutes with the following checks, you can save years of headache. If you are affected by one of these problems, call your installer to correct the situation.
Inverter
Is your solar inverter exposed to the sun? A little morning sun is not a problem, but afternoon rays are an inverter (and sometimes a guarantee) killer. If it is in full sun, you have to keep your installer the shade over the inverter again. There are certain products such as solar covers and FC inverter covers, or a cheaper awning that is available in important hardware stores, does the work.
AC -isolators
Your isolators mounted with wall should come from below and not on the top of lines. Water follows gravity and you do not want rainwater to get into your electrical system.
Inverter cable
This should be neat and tidy and not hang loosely. Loose cables not only look terrible, but are just waiting to snap something.
Liver on the roof
The use of exposed channel is not desirable, but is sometimes needed. However, it has to be a rigid lines of UV, not flexible, as this deteriorates over time.
Solar panel orientation
Your panels should straight and just. Crooked panels usually mean a rushed installation.
“Diving board” is stuck
In the middle of the frame, the table terminals mean that the solar panel bends and cracks.
Example of the clamping of the solar panel “diving board”
Solar panel shading
If something like trees, stink pipes or satellite dishes throw shadows on their solar collectors, the installer would have pre -installed and made them aware of the overall performance.
Paperwork!
Make sure that the installation program gave you everything, including guarantee documentation and user manuals.
You can find a complete list of all documentation that should be provided to you. This is important stuff, so do not hesitate to follow the installer.
Crazy upgrades measuring device
As soon as your installer has confirmed that everything works as it should, he must switch off the system. This is because your electricity measuring device needs upgrading or new configuration and this is not in the hands of the installation. Much to their (and their) frustration.
“This is not the job of her installer,” says Finn Peacock, founder of Solarquotes. “It is due to the electricity company or in Victoria, your network provider. And let’s just say that you don’t move exactly at the speed of light.”
And the associated costs will do some energy companies what needs to be done free of charge. Some may calculate a small fee and others the full whack (300 US dollars or more).
Maximize your sun savings
It’s only about when you use your strength. Each kilowatt hour of solar power you use in your house is up to 10 times more than what you get to send it back into the network (the feed tariff).
Self -consumption is the name of the game.
For example, put your strength-hungry devices on a timer and try to cool or heat your home during the “solar window”. Also change your pool pump or the electric hot water system to the day.
When you speak of solar savings, remember what appears on your electricity bill, * is only * for the feed -in tariff, not all the money you save by not buying any power supply from the network. What your electricity company cannot see. But take a look at your general use. Assuming that you have fairly consistent power consumption patterns, the number of kilowatt hours (kWh) should be smaller on average on your invoice compared to the same period in the previous year.
However, if you mainly use electricity at night, this may not be the case. This is also a question of use of time -replacing devices where you can. Another situation could be complacency if solar collectors are installed.
If your first post-solar calculation that covers the complete period that the system has operated, call your installer. A good installer consists of with you and explains the effects of the system on your electricity bill. If you do not see a solar feed-in-tariff tariff credits on your account, you will get into your energy supply company, as this can be a problem at your end.
System performance problems
Another problem that confuses many new solar owners is the system that does not (or rarely) evaluate its top performance * power *. We explained this in a recent blog post about how solar systems work.
What really matters is how much *energy *1 it produces it over time. A very simple way to determine whether the system works satisfactorily is to use the solar quotas -solar computer and compare the numbers it issued.
“Seriously, 99% of cases, if people do and check this, their system works exactly as it should,” says Finn. “But if your numbers are more than 10% on what you should be and you have no obvious problems like shadows, then give your installer a ring.”
Should you clean solar collectors?
In most cases (unless you live particularly dusty or dirty) and provided that your solar collectors are more than 10 degrees, you do not have to clean them – let the rain do the work. Even if you clean them, you will probably only get out of the system a few percent more. This is not worth the effort or the risk of falling from the roof.
However, if your panels are laid flat, you have to clean them about four times a year or accept a reduced performance of 15 to 20% due to the structure of the dirt. For security reasons, do a specialist to clean him. There are solar -oriented services, and even most window narrowing should be able to do the job.
System inspections
Stop small problems to grow big. Each weakness in a system is reinforced over time by the effects of use and exposure to the elements. But even with a perfect installation, you have expensive devices in the weather around the clock. For this reason, you have to regularly receive a proper inspection of solar systems from an accredited installer – Finn recommends every 5 years – and this is mandatory in Victoria, South Australia and the Law.
Let your original installer execute if possible because he knows the system. If you are no longer nearby, solar quotes can connect you to someone who is trustworthy.
Beyond the solar
Number one tip – if you really want to crush your bills, make your house less “leaking”. Add gaps, glazing and insulation. You will make your home comfortable all year round and reduce the use of heating/air conditioning systems. Learn more about thermal efficiency at home.
What about adding batteries?
The national discount of the state battery is at a good time to install a home battery, but there may be a long repayment period, depending on your circumstances. Ask your installer to make mathematics, or use the Solarquotes battery calculator.
Consider a heat pumping water system
Heating water is usually the most energy -intensive activity for households. Finn seriously recommends that you replace your existing system with a heat pump system.
“You are super efficient and the cheapest way to heat your water,” he says. “The energy that is saved every year with a heat pump can supply the typical EV with electricity.”
.. and in this note:
Electric cars
If you believe that you will receive an EV in the future, check whether your solar system is big enough to process the charging of an EV * and * your house.
“That’s why I upgraded 6 kilowatts of solar to 20 kilowatts,” says Finn, whose budget has two electric vehicles (previously).
In addition to this article and the video above, you will find more information and diagrams in Finn’s complete guide to possession of solar power systems. Incidentally, take a look at everything you need to know about understanding, buying and possessing solar and battery systems (and at home eV load) in the extremely popular solar 101 guide series from Finn.
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