About Solar PV Installations

For more product information visit Home Green Our Home Solar Products.

Put simply, solar power systems – also called solar photovoltaic (PV) systems – convert sunlight into electricity.

Solar PV systems can:

  • generate electricity for immediate domestic and commercial use;
  • store excess electricity in batteries for later use (off-grid systems), or
  • feed electricity in to the grid to reduce your electricity bill and in some cases generate a payment for the excess electricity generated (grid connect systems).

The components in a solar grid connect system have no moving parts, so you can expect a long and hassle free life from your solar power system.

There are options available in terms of the size of the system you may choose to install; the larger the system, the more power it generates. You will require a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installer to complete the installation of your solar system. All Home Green installers are CEC accredited.

The excess power that your system feeds in to the grid will reduce your power bill or earn you an income via the state regulated feed-in tariff.

Generous government rebates through the Solar Credits Scheme mean you can save thousands on a grid connect system for a limited time!

While the technology behind solar power may seem complex, when broken down, grid connect systems are easy to understand, as they are made up of just a few components.

Solar Power system components:

  1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels & Racking

    Solar PV panels transform sunlight into electricity via a process known as the photovoltaic effect. However that electricity is in a form that is not immediately useful ie low voltage, DC electricity. To make it compatible with our appliances it travels via robust cables to a DC to AC Inverter.

    All racking that is used in Australia to attach solar panels to roofs must be tested and certified to AS/NZ 1170.2, to ensure the system can withstand high winds and other weather extremes.

  2. DC to AC Inverters

    Most inverters do their job by performing two main functions: first they convert the incoming low voltage DC into AC, and then they step up the resulting AC to mains voltage level using a transformer. The resulting high voltage 240V AC electricity is then compatible with both your household appliances and the electricity grid.

  3. Wiring & disconnect switch

    New wiring is required to get your new solar generated electricity into your house and transfer any excess into the grid. Wire placement will be impacted by safety and aesthetic concerns.

    The disconnect switch is needed in case you need to isolate the solar panels for maintenance or if a problem arises. This switch will simply stop the solar system from feeding your house and the grid.

  4. Electricity meter

    Unless you have recently had a smart meter installed, you will need a new electricity meter to cope with importing and exporting electricity to the grid. Your power distributor will install this for you. These new bi-directional or smart meters record the energy sent to the grid as well as the energy consumed from the grid. Your electricity retailer then bills for the energy consumed or makes payment for the excess production.

Choosing the right size system

Choosing the right size system will depend on your available roof space, where you live, your energy consumption patterns and your budget. Everyone’s needs are different, at Home Green we can tailor-design a system that suits your specific requirements.

Your typical residential PV system is between 1Kw – 5Kw.

Your Home Green consultant will help you choose the system that is right for you.

Installing a grid connect solar system

A Home Green a Clean Energy Council accredited designer will provide you with the system design and specification to meet your personal requirements.

Solar PV panels are strategically placed to gain the greatest access to the northern sun. Systems rely on prolonged sunlight, not heat, to generate electricity. They can be placed on the roof, or can be freestanding mounted to frames on the ground.

Solar panels produce most electricity when they are pointed directly at the sun. It is important to install them so that they receive maximum sunlight. Most householders choose a roof mounted solar power system set up to be in full sun at least from 9am to 3pm. In Australia, solar panels should face north for optimum electricity production. Latitude adjustments for grid connected systems in most climates fit within an acceptable roof pitch range. However, in some instances, if your roof’s slope is not ideal, it may be worth angling the panels via an appropriate mounting frame to maximize electricity production.

The inverter placement is not as critical, the main concern is to avoid exposure to the elements.

Home Green’s Clean Energy Council qualified installers are experienced in all aspects of solar power system installation. They are up-to-date with all relevant safety and technical standards and will have your system up and running as soon as possible.

Get your solar quote today!

Home energy efficiency:

Solar power and energy efficiency go hand in hand. At Home Green we can help you maximise the return on your solar investment by reducing your home energy use.

Phone: 1300 013 648

Green News:

Take a look at our news section for all the latest local and international information on solar power and energy efficiency.

Home Green Testimonials

My system was installed on schedule and went exactly as they said it would. Couldn’t be happier with their service. – Paul (Glen Waverley)