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Knowledge Centre

A central directory of resources and information

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Solar FAQs

What is the Solar Feed in Tariff and how much is it?

A feed-in-tariff is the amount your electricity retailer pays you for any electricity your solar PV system generates that you don’t use and is instead fed back into the grid.

Below are the prices per kWh in each state. Please note that feed-in tariffs change frequently and may be different to the below prices. Feed-in tariff rates vary per state and electricity provider.

Queensland 

6 to 12c/kWh

New South Wales

4.6 to 5.5 c/kWh

Australian Capital Territory

6 to 12 c/kWh

Victoria 

9.9 to 11.7 c/kWh

South Australia

6 to 13 c/kWh

Western Australia 

3 to 10 c/kWh

Northern Territory

8.3 c/kWh

Is my property suited to Solar?

There are several factors that contribute to ensuring solar is suitable for your home. A roof that is solar ready is one that is free of rust, shade and has enough roof space to fit the solar panels

How long will my solar panels last?

Most solar modules have a product warranty of up to 12 years and have a power output warranty of 25 years. While the output of the solar panel will slightly reduce over time it is expected to still be performing at 80% capacity at year 25.

Does my solar system require any maintenance?

Grid connected solar systems require very little maintenance, however, it is recommended that you have your panels cleaned once a year to remove dust, bird droppings or any fallen debris.

Will the solar panels damage my roof?

If you utilise a quality solar installer your roof should not get any damage. The panels have no moving parts, but like all assets we recommend you have your solar system inspected at least every 2 years to ensure all parts are still intact.

What happens on cloudy days?

Your solar system will still work on cloudy days; however, the production level will be reduced when there is significant amount of clouds. As soon as the sun comes out your system will be working normally. Tier one solar panels will still work in a low-light irradiance environment

What are the Government Rebates for Solar?

You can find more information here.

Energy Storage FAQs

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

Absolutely! You can add a Battery Storage System to your existing solar system however the inverter compatibility will determine whether you choose a DC or AC coupled system.

What are the advantages of a battery?

Solar batteries allow you to store your solar energy to use at night and make you less dependent on grid power. Some batteries can protect you against blackouts as the energy stored can be used when grid connected power fails.

How big should my battery be?

The size of your battery system is determined by how much load you want to run at night and the size of your solar system. E.g. the Tesla Powerwall 2 needs 14 KWH’s to charge the battery. We recommend you get at least a 6kW solar system to run your daytime energy usage and to charge the battery.

If the battery is fully charged, how long will it last?

This depends on how much load your house is using at night time.  For example, if you have 10 KWH of battery storage and your home is only using 1 KWH of power an hour the battery will last 10 hours. However, if you are using air-conditioning your load can be easily at 4 KWH’s in which the battery would only last 2.5 hours.

What’s the life span of a battery?

Most Battery Storage Systems come with a 10 year warranty.

Inverter FAQs

How do I set up wifi monitoring for Sungrow Inverter?

Download the Manual

How do I set up wifi monitoring for Firmer (ABB) Inverter?

Download the Manual

How do I set up wifi monitoring for Goodwe Inverter?

Download the Manual

How do I set up wifi monitoring for Zever Inverter?

Download the Manual

How do I set up wifi monitoring for SMA?

Download the Manual

Videos

What makes Horan & Bird Solar Different

Six main components to a Solar System

https://youtu.be/zWhwsb5PHHQ

How to check your switchboard if your power is out

https://youtu.be/2iSM_FLXhqU

How to check inverter readings on a SMA Inverter

https://youtu.be/NtcqNMJxQtc

How to check inverter readings on a ABB Inverter

https://youtu.be/XKGp9nwlq_s

How to shut down your Solar System

https://youtu.be/coR-F1FEJGM

How to Switch from mains power to generator power in your home.

https://youtu.be/nt_5–taXTg

What to ask your Solar Sales Consultant

https://youtu.be/t-8LoN3k9b8

What is the next big opportunity for landlords?

https://youtu.be/oq0Bmu7mu8Q

How to check a hot water timer

https://youtu.be/FkwRo2V7FlE

What you need to know before hiring an apprentice

https://youtu.be/I4jRxRXQU3c

How do we train our Electricians and Apprentices?

https://youtu.be/a60bPGeHeWI

Blogs

Close up fornt of black electric car charging at home inside a garage

Everything You Need to Know About EVs

We are at a very interesting time in the energy sector and EV take up underpins how rapidly the grid needs to move, along with how much extra solar needs to be installed.

House with solar panels in the rooftop

Is It Time To Upgrade Your Solar System?

Most solar systems that are still receiving the 44c solar Feed in Tariff (FIT) in Queensland are now 10 – 12 years old. 

Age care centre with Horan and Bird car in front of it closing a deal

How Your Business Can Save Up To $15k Per Year By Switching Tariffs

Most business owners are classified as small (use under 100MWh’s a year) or large (use over 100MWh’s a year).;

Home with rooftop solar panels, virtual power plant, vpp

Battery Storage: What Rebates Can You Claim In Australia

If you’re looking to save more on your energy bill, then a solar battery probably seems like the next step on your journey to NetZero.

Person doing calculations on their power bill

Go Green with Green Loans

When starting your NetZero journey, whether that be by installing solar, a battery, energy efficient lighting or upgrading to an electric vehicle, it can be quite the investment for the average Australian family.

Laundry appliances

Appliance Usage Guide With Solar

With the price of electricity at all-time highs, it is critical that you use your solar system correctly to maximize your savings. Just changing some habits can make some significant benefits.

House with solar panels in the rooftop

Why You Don't Need to Save For Solar

Solar is one of the greatest returns on investment there is for homeowners. The best part is, you don’t need to save for it.

Aerial view of a residential Rooftop Solar system

ROI on Your Solar System

With interest rates at an all time low it has been challenging for so many Australians to choose the best locations to put their hard-earned money. 

Mobile Solar system in a farm

What is Net Zero?

Net Zero means that when the amount of energy provided by renewable energy sources is equal or equivalent to the amount of energy used. For the planet to meet the goal of Net Zero, new greenhouse gas must be as low as possible. 

Family against the sun with shapes in each hand once together will form a house

Becoming Your Own Energy Provider

When you install a solar system on a commercial property, you are generating your own power to use and in turn, you can become your own energy provider by on-selling your power to the ‘grid’ that you do not use. We call this community solar sharing.

Electrician installing a solar panel

Product Warranty vs Performance Warranty

For a lot of us understanding the difference between a Product warranty and a Performance warranty on a solar panel can be confusing. It is important to understand the difference and why it is important to select the right solar panel company. 

Townsville Marina with rooftop solar system

Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)?

PPAs have been gaining popularity as Australian businesses look for security of supply, a smaller carbon footprint and more affordable electricity prices – but what are they and how can they help your business? 

Let’s chat

Give us a call and our expert team will assist with any questions. 

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