- About Solar PV Systems
- How do solar panels work for my home?
- Solar financing terms?
- About solar PV system installation.
About Solar PV Systems
Better for the planet, better for you
Solar panels are made up of multiple solar cells. These solar cells are fixed behind a layer of glass to create a flat panel - turning the sun’s solar energy into emissions-free electricity when laid on your rooftop. Each solar cell contains trillions of silicon atoms, which contain electrons. Electrons direct the sun’s rays and spark the electric current, which passes through your solar inverter to create clean electricity. You can use this directly, store it or send it to the grid.
Solar panels need a solar inverter to turn the energy they generate into usable electricity. There are four main types available in Australia today – string inverters (the most common kind, with panels wired-together linking to central inverter); hybrid inverters (string inverters with a charge controller); micro inverters (small inverters connected to the back of individual panels); and power optimisers (boosters used in conjunction with a string inverter). Your installer will advise on the most appropriate type for your roof. Click Here
Australian energy providers offer customers a solar FiT. This is paid for any electricity the customer generates and sends back to the grid. It is itemised on their electricity bill as a rebate. Feed-in tariffs vary between states and territories. Talk to your electricity retailer about the FiT available to you. Some solar customers prefer to receive a FiT discount for their excess energy. Others choose to install batteries so they can store and use the excess energy themselves.
Solar panels are a wise investment for two main reasons – financial and environmental. That’s why increasing numbers of Australian households are installing Solar PV Systems. Financially, a solar install will help you save money on electricity bills and protect you from rising electricity prices going forward. You can expand your system as your family and energy needs grow. Environmentally, solar power is the ultimate emissions-free energy source. It reduces your carbon footprint, conserves energy and helps counter climate change.
The amount you save with solar energy depends on several factors.
- System size: Larger systems generate more solar energy and larger savings. Click Here
- Variables: Your solar electricity generation is also influenced by system location, roof pitch/orientation and product quality/efficiency.
- Energy prices: As electricity prices climb, so will the amount of your savings.
- Rebates for solar: These reduce overall cost.
- FiT: The higher your feed-in tariff, the higher your savings.
- Using power yourself: Self-consumption savings are usually greater than FiT savings.
Batteries are a great idea for those wanting to be more energy self-sufficient. A solar battery allows them to store excess energy produced during sunlight hours. This can then be used overnight or when the sun doesn’t shine. Self-consumption savings are usually greater than FiT savings. We can advise on battery sizes and costs.
The ultimate sites for solar panels are north-facing rooftops with no shade and plenty of sunlight hours for peak electricity generation. We can however work with a wide variety of roof spaces, finding the best location and pitch for your panels.
Solar panels are extremely durable. You can expect your solar installation to be generating electricity for anywhere between 25 and 35 years. It’s advisable to clean and maintain your system at regular intervals to keep it in peak condition.
During a blackout or outage, your solar energy system is designed to turn off and stay inactive until the power supply comes back. This is a legal requirement ensuring the safety of your system. Without this feature, anyone working on the grid during a sudden blackout could be electrocuted. If an outage occurs, make sure all the switches on your solar installation are in the ‘on’ position. This means your system can immediately kick back to life when the power supply returns.
Shading does affect performance, but there are solutions to boost the performance using micro inverters and other inverters that cover up for shaded area and enable you to contribute your best to the environment and save more.
All Leca solar panels, inverters and batteries are covered by full manufacturing warranties. Panels also come with a performance warranty covering around 25 years for new installations. It’s very important to keep all your product and installation paperwork safe in one place. You will need to provide it in the event of a claim or change of ownership. Warranty cover varies according to brand. Be aware of this when choosing your system type. We are happy to clarify details for you.
Solar quotes can sometimes feel like comparing apples with oranges. That’s because different companies may use panels and inverters of varying types and quality. What’s the use of saving money if you end up with an inferior product? Click Here It’s a good idea to choose an established solar energy company, with a strong track record, for your first quote. Make sure they are Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved. Check their website testimonials for customer satisfaction. Call them if you need to know more. Click Here
How do solar panels work for my home?
Better for the planet, better for you
"Not everyone has the ‘perfect’ solar roof – north-facing with minimal shade and plenty of available space for panels. But that’s okay. Experienced installers are expert at ensuring they get maximum solar output from available roof space. If due north is not an option, installers can angle panels for maximum orientation. They can also deal with less than ideal roof pitch, by installing at an angle anywhere between around 10 to 30 degrees. Ask us for more information."
"Solar panels are a long-term asset. It’s therefore important to check the condition of your roof before installation. Carry out any necessary repairs first, as it can be costly to remove the panels if roof maintenance or repair is needed. Solar panels are extremely durable. You can expect your solar installation to be generating electricity for anywhere between 25 and 35 years. It’s advisable to clean and maintain your system at regular intervals to keep it in peak condition."
"Your solar panels rely on a direct source of sunlight to produce optimum electricity levels. However, some panels are able to produce a small amount of electricity using UV rays, even when it is cloudy. Your electricity generation will vary according to the amount of sunlight available. Seasonal variations should therefore be factored in when considering future electricity production. Orientation also plays a part, with north-facing installations producing the most electricity and south-facing installs generating the least."
"The size of the solar panel system you choose depends on your electricity demands and the amount of sunshine in your area. Use our Solar Calculator to work out the costs and output you can expect with different sized systems. Click Here Compare solar quotes from respected solar retailers to ensure you get the best possible deal. An experienced solar company will ensure you use your available roof space to optimum capacity. We can advise on other options if roof space is restricted. Click Here"
"Our solar calculator is a good way to work out the number of solar panels you will need. By keying in specific details, we can calculate the most appropriate system size and expected output. If you have questions, feel free to call our friendly and knowledgeable team. We can talk you through your energy requirements and provide you with a solar quote. Those with a growing family or large energy bills are likely to need a higher number of solar panels. Click Here"
"The ultimate sites for solar panels are north-facing rooftops with no shade and plenty of sunlight hours for peak electricity generation. We can however work with a wide variety of roof spaces, finding the best location and pitch for your panels. We work closely with you to customise a solar power solution. A site inspection is undertaken to ensure your home is viable and solar output is maximised. We also advise where trees can be cut back to minimise roof shade."
"Don’t worry and check the following before coming to any conclusion: How many kilowatts is your solar PV system generating. You can find this via your inverter app on device or from your installed inverter. This data can be compared in kW that you’ve used in the past, compared with the present by using previous and current bills? If you are using more than usual power, you will end up paying for more. Check the rate at which your electricity retailer is charging you for energy. Has there been any increase in the electricity rates while your consumption has dropped?You may be paying some additional costs per quarter. Check if any tree or any object is blocking the sunlight to reach your panel. AT Leca, we always make it a point to be with our customers at every step of their Solar journey. Do get in touch with us in case you have any queries!"
"The amount you save with solar energy depends on several factors.
- System size: Larger systems generate more solar energy and larger savings. Click Here
- Variables: Your solar electricity generation is also influenced by system location, roof pitch/orientation and product quality/efficiency.
- Energy prices: As electricity prices climb, so will the amount of your savings.
- Rebates for solar: These reduce overall cost.
- FiT: The higher your feed-in tariff, the higher your savings.
- Using power yourself: Self-consumption savings are usually greater than FiT savings."
The panels self-clean themselves but we recommend panel cleaning if there are any dusty conditions around. In most cases, occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production. In case you’d like to get your solar panels cleaned, please do get in touch with us. We’ll be more than happy to assist you!
"Solar panels are remarkably easy to maintain. They are generally self-cleaning if their pitch allows water and debris to run off. It is advisable to carry out occasional cleaning and maintenance, however. This ensures your panels stay in peak condition and generation. Dust and dirt can accumulate on panels due to dusty conditions, mould, bird droppings and leaf litter. Occasional faults can also occur in your solar panels or invertor. LECA offers an affordable cleaning and maintenance service if required."
"Generally, a house with solar panels is viewed more favourably by prospective buyers or tenants than those without. Solar power can therefore be a significant property asset. However, this is only the case if you own the system outright. When selling your home, you should either buy out the lease or negotiate with your finance company to transfer the solar leasing agreement to the person buying your home."
Solar financing terms?
Better for the planet, better for you
"Flexible finance options mean that most people can afford to go solar. While the total cost might seem daunting, you need to consider the ongoing savings on your electricity bill. Every dollar you spend on solar power works hard for you. Click Here Try our solar calculator as a starting point. Once you have a better idea of solar installation size, chat with our friendly team about financial plans and opportunities."
"There are a number of ways to finance your new solar panel system. Don’t worry if you can’t pay upfront. A reputable solar retailer can offer you a tailored residential or commercial finance plan to cover the costs of your solar installation. "A secured solar loan requires you to put up an asset as collateral for money borrowed. This is often your home. Because unsecured loans – without this requirement – are risky for the lender, you pay a higher interest rate. There are many different types of solar loans available and it can be confusing working out the best one for you. Leca has some of the best advisors in the business, so don’t hesitate if you’d like to talk through the options. Click Here Can we help you go and stay solar? Just complete the online form(contact us link) and we’ll be in touch to discuss your options."
A secured solar loan requires you to put up an asset as collateral for money borrowed. This is often your home. Because unsecured loans – without this requirement – are risky for the lender, you pay a higher interest rate. There are many different types of solar loans available and it can be confusing working out the best one for you. Leca has some of the best advisors in the business, so don’t hesitate if you’d like to talk through the options. LINK 1 Can we help you go and stay solar? Just complete the online form(contact us link) and we’ll be in touch to discuss your options.
"All solar energy installations under 100 kW are eligible to receive small-scale technology certificates (STCs). This is available to everyone, whether or not you’ve accessed other rebates for solar. Click Here However, only solar panel systems designed, manufactured and installed in accordance with Clean Energy Council (CEC) guidelines will attract STCs. As a CEC-approved retailer, Leca solar installations meet all STC requirements. You may also qualify for extra solar rebate/subsidy under specific state or territory policy."
"Australian households and small business may be eligible for a benefit under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). When buying an eligible solar panel system, they receive a number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) to help with the cost of purchase. Rather than sell them on the open market, most Solar PV system buyers assign them to their solar retailers installer. They then receive a discount in exchange. Find out more from the Clean Energy Regulator, or ask the Leca team for details."
About solar PV system installation.
Better for the planet, better for you
"The first step is getting your solar quotes and choosing the most appropriate one for you. This will mean discussing the detail of the products, solar plans and financing options on offer. Once you are happy to proceed, your chosen company will carry out a site inspection to determine the optimum size, location and orientation of your solar power system. The retailer will prepare all the necessary documentation and approvals. Most installation jobs can be carried out in one day."
"Solar batteries are an optional extra. Some people are happy to feed any excess electricity they generate back into the grid, receiving a feed-in tariff (FiT) from their energy retailer. This reduces their power bill. Batteries are a great idea for those wanting to be more energy self-sufficient. A solar battery allows them to store excess energy produced during sunlight hours. This can then be used overnight or when the sun doesn’t shine. We can advise on battery sizes and costs."
The North facing panels are exposed to more sunlight as they receive it throughout the day. The east facing panels work the best in the morning and west-facing panels are highly efficient during the afternoon time. Depending upon your energy consumption, you can opt for the panels.
"Panel efficiency helps to compare how much power each panel produces for the space it occupies. The two instances that should prompt you to buy a higher voltage panel are: 1. Low roof space - panels with higher voltage will make the most out of the available space. 2. Shaded roof areas - While higher voltage doesn’t improve the performance of a shaded panel, it does allow you to get more production out of the non-shaded areas."
"The best way to ensure you are buying quality solar products is to purchase from a company who is CEC approved. Leca only fits fully tested and proven solar panels and inverters. All our service technicians are CEC-accredited, guaranteeing you a safe and efficient installation. Click Here Ongoing cleaning and maintenance of your solar energy system is recommended to keep it working in tip-top condition. Combined with full product and performance warranties, you can rely on your solar installation."
"We are always here to help. Leca can meet your full solar panel servicing and maintenance, on a regular or occasional basis. Where applicable, we can guide you through the process of warranty repair or replacement. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can discuss your problem, gather more detail and work with you to find practical solutions. Whether it’s to do with performance, operation, regulations or finance, we are expert trouble-shooters - ensuring our customers receive premium service all year round. "
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