Question 1

What is causing my light globe to keep blowing?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of reasons your light globes may be blowing: the globes are of poor quality, the centre pin of the light fitting may not be making clean contact, the transformer may need to be replaced, or there may be a possible faulty connection.

Question 2

What does it mean if my safety switch keeps tripping?

Accepted Answer

A safety switch that keeps tripping could mean a number of things. You have a faulty appliance, which is the most common cause and is most likely to be a heating appliance, fridge, or an item exposed to water. Or you have a faulty circuit, or a faulty RCD.

Question 3

What is off peak and what appliances can I run off peak?

Accepted Answer

Off peak is electricity charged at a reduced rate; however, it is only available at certain times during the day. Those times are decided by Ergon and can change. You can put any appliance on off peak that can be hard-wired, for example air conditioners and the pool.

Question 4

What size system do I need?

Accepted Answer

The size of the system you require will depend on whether you would like to reduce your electricity bill or wipe it out completely. For example: while you are at work all day and the only things running are your fridge and your appliances on standby, your household will consume approximately 2kw during that time. On a sunny day a 1.5kw system may generate up to 9kw a day. 2kw of that electricity has fed your house and the other 7kw is sold to Ergon at 8 cents per kw.

Question 5

How much roof space do I need?

Accepted Answer

The size of the roof space required depends on the size of the system you require. A general rule of thumb is approximately 12m2 of roof space for a 1.5kw system, however there are many different factors involved, so it is best to contact your installer/designer to arrange an inspection and proper design before committing to a system.

Question 6

Where on my roof would the panels go?

Accepted Answer

The ideal position for your solar system is a north-facing roof that has no shaded areas. If this is not possible, a north east or east facing roof would be the best alternative.

Question 7

What maintenance is required?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you inspect your panels every quarter to ensure there is no substantial build-up of dirt or debris, as this can decrease their performance. In most cases, in the Far North, the rain will generally keep the panels clean. If we have a dry spell they may need a light spray with your garden hose. If further cleaning is required, please ensure all safety equipment and measures are used.

Question 8

Can I upgrade my system in the future?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your system may be upgraded by adding extra panels to your existing ones. This will mean you will have to upgrade your inverter unless you allowed for future upgrades at the original time of purchase. However, if your panel configuration changes from the time of install, this may affect your ability to upgrade.

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