A virtual power plant network helps with grid stability by enabling the distribution of excess power to homeowner batteries at rapid speed to lower the voltage of electricity in the grid during peak times. Additionally, VPPs mean sustainable power can be generated, stored and distributed at optimal levels for the benefit of the whole community - ie more power can be stored during peak sun times for use later when demand is higher than supply.
ViewThe virtual power plant, VPP, is a service provided by an energy supplier. This supplier centrally controls the network of household solar panels and solar batteries using Wifi technology and software that analyses, manages, collects and distributes the available power as required. In return for an agreed amount of access to the homeowner's battery and stored power the energy supplier offers incentives and payments, for example a provider may offer an additional payment on top of the regular feed-in tarrif.
ViewA VPP is a network of residential solar battery systems that work together to form a single power plant. A VPP is a service offered by energy suppliers to harness the solar energy being collected and stored by homeowners with solar panels and battery storage.
ViewAs a part of our free site assessment, our team will determine whether a battery is the best option for you. Solar batteries allow you to use your own solar-generated energy to power your home at night, reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, and protect you against power outages. Even if a battery is not the right decision for you today, our solar energy installations are future-proofed and ready for the addition of a battery when you are ready in the future.
ViewYes! With the price of solar systems decreasing and the increase in money the energy companies will pay you for what you don't use, now is the time to invest in your energy future. There are two ways that a professional solar system can save you money: first by providing free energy for you to use to run your appliances when you are home and the sun is shining; and, secondly, by enabling you to sell excess power back to the energy companies when you are producing more than you need or when you are not home.
ViewSolar panels do need to be cleaned once or twice a year to keep them working at optimal levels. Dust and debris allowed to accumulate on the panels will reduce the amount of light the solar panels can absorb. Use soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to wipe the panels down. If it is not safe for you to do this yourself, contact us about organising one of our team to help you out.
ViewA feed-in tariff for your solar system is the rate your electricity retailer will pay you for any excess electricity produced by your solar system that is fed back into the electricity grid.
ViewThe cost of installing solar solutions is coming down while at the same time the efficiency of the technology is always improving. In most cases, a solar solution installed today will have paid off your initial investment in about five to six years, through savings in power bills. As electric vehicles become more common on the streets, generating free electricity in your home to charge your car could become an added benefit in the future. Of course both of these steps help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on fossil fuel - the ultimate goal for us all!
ViewRechargeable solar batteries store the ‘excess’ electricity generated from a panel array, boosting energy capacity and making power available for use at night time or on cloudy days.
Recent design improvements and price drops in lithium-ion batteries have made solar storage more viable than ever before.
Assess your energy needs before investing in a battery or batteries. There’s no point buying more capacity than you can use — surplus electricity should instead be fed into the grid for a profit.
If all the appliances in your home are electrical, they can be powered by solar.
Battery storage systems are a serious safety risk if incorrectly installed and may have implications for insurance coverage, so when choosing a solar solution make sure to use a reputable installer.
ViewTo keep your solar system working efficiently, panels will need to be cleaned from time to time. Aim to do this at least once a year, preferably twice. At the same time it is a great idea to check if any trees have grown branches that cast shade across your panels. If any components are damaged, always contact a trained professional to inspect your system.
ViewSolar inverters are an essential component of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. They are what converts the direct current (DC) output of solar panels (the energy collected from the sun) into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what is used by the appliances in your home.
Inverters can be monitored via a computer program or device app to check energy generation, consumption and correct operation of the system.
Several types of inverters are suitable for home systems.
ViewSolar panels capture the energy of sunlight and convert it into electricity. This is known as a photovoltaic system, usually called solar PV. Panels come in a range of different wattages and power levels. Numerous brands are available, with new technologies and efficiencies frequently emerging. Although solar panels look similar, levels of power, quality and reliability vary greatly.
A fully-exposed rooftop is ideal for solar. Where that’s not available, make sure the panels are installed in the sunniest location. There is a standard 10-year product warranty for solar panels in Australia, as well as a 25-year performance warranty. Be aware that some manufacturers may no longer be in business one or two decades down the track should you need to make a claim.
ViewHere are some average prices for air conditioning installed in Nowra in 2020 and 2021.
Wall-mounted air conditioning:
Ducted air conditioning:
For standard zoning it can be anywhere from $400-900 installed, depending on how many zones you would like. For our intelligent MyAir zone control system the installed cost is around $2200.
ViewIn general yes, by zoning ducted air conditioning the whole system becomes more energy-efficient - you have the control to turn off the rooms that aren't being used, rather than having to cool/heat the unused spaces. We recommend MyAir air conditioning management system because it is the most intelligent zoning control system available.
ViewFor a simple wall mount split system, it can take around half of a day. For a ducted installation, it can take 1-2 days.
ViewA split air conditioning system is a unit comprised of two halves. One half is mounted on the wall on the inside of your house in the room to be air-conditioned. This is attached to the second half of the system which is mounted on the outer wall of the house. Split air conditioning systems are the most popular in residential houses as they are less costly to install compared to ducted air conditioning.
ViewA ducted air conditioning system operates from a centralised unit that pumps cool air (or warm air in winter!) throughout your house via ducts in the ceiling or floor. The advantages of a ducted system include:
Installation of ducted air conditioning is more expensive than other forms of aircon. An ideal time to consider installing ducted air conditioning is during a new-build or renovation of your home.
ViewThe best air conditioning solution depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Ducted air conditioning is the ultimate heating and cooling solution, being aesthetic, easy to maintain and nearly silent when in operation. However as this solution requiree ducting to be installed all over the home it is not very practical unless in a new-build or a home undergoing full renovation. For this reason, split air conditioning units, which are less complicated and therefore less expensive to install are more popular for most households. When providing a quote for your new air conditioning solution we consider all your needs and circumstances in our recommendations. Additionally, our team are all qualified electricians so all our quotes include electrical wiring to the switchboard.
ViewThere are some simple things you can do every day to reduce your electricity costs. These include:
This may be caused because the fuse has the wrong amperage rating. Have a qualified electrician take a look and check what appliances are attached to that circuit. It is important to have the correct fuses connected as it is the fuse that protects both the wiring and the appliances using that circuit.
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