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General - Solar Power Generation
1. How much will i save with a 1.5 Kw system?
This depends upon a few factors, such as geographical location, shadow, angle of array panel and inverter, cable effiencies etc, However, we will assume based in Toowoomba, with a clear, true north-facing array, you will produce approximately 7-7.5kW per day of power on average over the year. Therefore, your saving would be estimated to be 365 days x 7kW x $0.18843 (cost per kW on Tariff 11 (Domestic) from Ergon) = $482. This assumes that you do not sell any power back into the grid. Most people who are not at home during the day will.
2. What is the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
A solar power system uses silicon cells and light to produce electricity. a traditional solar hot water system uses black pipes and the suns heat-to-heat water. mind you, the new evacuated tube technology also uses light. Generally speaking, it is easy to remember.
3. How long have solar systems (photovoltaic) been around?
Modern solar panels were developed during the 1950's. In fact, the panels are warranted for at least 25 years.
4. what is a grid connected solar power system?
When the solar panels on your roof are connected to your existing commercial electricity supply, the system is said to be grid connected. If you are not connected to the grid, it is known as a standalone system.
5. How does a grid connected solar power system work?
The system acts as your own mini power station. Solar panels (photovoltaic cells) on your roof capture energy from the sun as direct current (DC) electricity. A device called an inverter converts the DC power into conventional 240 volt 50Hz AC power, as used in the home. This supply is then connected into your home's normal power supply at the switchboard. Any difference between the power required in your home and the power generated by the system is provided through the main grid. If the system generates more solar power than your house needs, the excess is exported back to the main grid. Moreover, if your power usage does increase, you still have to ultimate backup generator- the electricity grid.
7. Will my grid connected system provide in the event of a blackout?
For safety reasons your solar PV system will automatically and immediately turn off. This is because we do not want anybody who is working to fix the blackout problem being electrocuted by the system, which will still be providing power to the grid. The inverter will automatically shut down in such an event.
10. Does roof orientation really matter?
Most certainly, For example, a system with solar panels facing in a westernly direction will generate far less than one with a northerly aspect. The ideal orientation for panel arrays is true north, which in Toowoomba is 10.375 degrees east of magnetic north.
11. Does roof pitch really matter?
Most certainly. The ideal pitch for a solar panel array is equal to that of the lattitude of the location of the installation. For Toowoomba this is a pitch of 27 degrees.
12. Is my building suitable for a solar power system?
Several aspects will need to be evaluated to determine if your home is a good solar site, such as orientation, space available, shadows on the space available and your current electricity usage. The best site will be one with adequate north facing roofs that have no shade. Variations on that will cut into the productivity of the system. We at Excel Solar will always conduct a site vist. | 
Solar Neighbourhood
