Selecting the right system
What size system should I install?
This varies from customer to customer and is dependent upon several criteria. What roof space you have available, what your budget is and what electrical load you want to cover. What do you want to achieve?
Do I want to reduce my bill or totally wipe it out? What size system will I need to do either?
You can either have a system that will cover your day-time consumption or a system that will allow for excess to be stored in batteries for night-time use. This is dependent upon your requirements.
How much is the feed-in tariff in my state and how much extra do I receive from my electricity retailer?
This depends on the contract you have with your retailer. The retailers offer the feed-in tariff. The average rate is between 9 and 12c/kwh at the present time.
How long will it take to pay off my system?
Systems are usually paid back between 3 to 4 yrs, although this will depend on how much you will use directly in your home, how much will go back to the grid, what the current STC (rebate) price and Feed In Tariff is at the time of application.
Can you show me what affect the system will have on my bill?
Yes, we have various test cases dependent upon the size of the system, your consumption and the price you pay for power.
Is shading going to affect my production? If so, by how much?
A string solar system will be affected by shade, as shading will affect the generation on that particular string. DC Optimises can be utilised to allow each panel to operate independently and reduce the shade effect.
Is roof pitch an issue?
Yes, usually a pitch of 20 to 40 degrees is preferred.
Can you produce a roof plan to show me where my panels will be placed?
Yes, this is done on every job.
What direction will the panels face and what affect will this have on production?
Usually north facing for maximum daily output, as the panels will be in direct sunlight for the most hours of the day, however North West/ East directions are also suitable.
Can the inverter take more panels if I’d like to increase the system size in the future? How many extra panels could I fit?
Yes, if an oversized inverter is fitted on original installation. The total solar input will depend on the total inverter capacity.
What equipment should I use?
What brand of panels and inverter will I receive? Can you point me to 3rd party reviews or tests of them?
Different types of equipment suit different types of installations.
We currently use different types of panels and different types of inverters depending on the site situation. All are tier 1. We have extensive experience in what works in Australian conditions. There is a big difference between cheap and good quality.
Where are the components made?
Panels- components are made in all parts of the world and assembled mainly in China.
Inverters- Germany, Austria and Australia.
Do the panels have a negative or positive power tolerance?
All of the panels have a positive power tolerance which is one criteria we insist upon.
Does the panel and inverter manufactures have an office in Australia?
Yes, as this is important for Australian consumer law and warranty.
If the panels are installed on different roof areas facing different directions, will you use an inverter with an input for each difference facing section?
Yes, this is called a dual MPPT inverter.
What maintenance is involved with the system?
Your LJW Solar System requires minimal maintenance, cleaning and inspection periodically. We offer Health Checks and servicing for all types of Solar Systems
Does the inverter have communication software?
Yes, if requested on purchase.
Will I be able to add an off-grid storage battery to this system in the future? If so, can you manage this for me and what is involved?
Yes, this is called BATTERY READY. Each job has its own considerations which is addressed with every client.
Choosing LJW Solar
How long has your company been around?
35 years
How many systems have you installed?
We have installed thousands of grid, off-grid and hybrid systems over 35 years. Ranging from 1.5kW up to commercial and industrial systems.
Do you have a physical office I can visit?
Yes, we have a Head office located in Dural, Sydney and our western regional office located in Dubbo.
Can you provide me with references in my area?
Yes.
Do you handle all the rebate paperwork for me so I just have to pay the difference?
Yes, this is part of our service.
What documentation will I receive both before and after the install?
1) Acknowledgment of signed quotation and initial deposit
2) Network application outcome
3) Works schedule
4) Full handover; System Manual and Warranty
Am I responsible for organising connection to the gird?
No. All Applications for your connection to the Grid are submitted by LJW Solar prior to work commencing. The meter installation can be handled by LJW Solar; your Retailer or your Builder.
If so do you provide the necessary paperwork for my new Meter?
All LJW Solar Systems come with a Certificate of Compliance and Permission to Connect to the Grid.
Who installs your systems?
All installation staff are employees, we do not use subcontractors.
How much is a new meter?
This is dependent upon many factors such as location; Electrical factors and Energy Retailer.
Off-grid
Do you design your systems from scratch?
Yes, we have been designing and installing off-grid systems for 35 years.
What types of Off-Grid systems do you supply?
All sizes from one panel for small sheds, all domestic systems, commercial and three phase systems.
What sort of batteries do you recommend?
We use all types of storage technologies. Different loads require different technology.
How long will my batteries last?
This is dependent on the battery life design, correct design will give 10-12 years life span.
Do you install as well as design and supply?
Yes, we do the whole job from initial design through to final commissioning.
Can you put panels in other places when the roof space is limited??
Yes, we supply and install roof; pole; ground and tracker mounting systems.
Do I need a generator?
Yes, all off-grids require a backup power supply for continued inclement weather
Can you help regarding generator?
Yes, we can either supply the recommended generator or advise on where to go and who you need to speak to.