Going Solar

Reduced Energy Bills

Why aren’t you using the free energy offered by the sun to save yourself money now and in the long run?

Your Solar Systems produces electricity during the day which significantly reduces your need to purchase electricity from your power company. Your power bills then subsequently reduce as you are no longer forced to pay the 18-38 cent per kw price charged by your power provider.

Citisolar provide an easy to follow guide entitled 'Getting the most out of your Solar System'. With solar panels installed and used as suggested within this guide, maximum benefit and savings are ensured for consumers using a Citisolar system. (Saving money, reducing electricity consumption, etc.)

By participating in Citisolar's Government accredited Power Purchase Agreement plan for $0, consumers actively support Australia's renewable energy industry.

Environmentally Friendly

Installing a solar PV system reduces your carbon footprint, assists in greenhouse gas reduction, supports numerous Australian local jobs and naturally reduces your electricity costs.

But first of all what is your carbon footprint and why should you reduce it?

Normally the electricity powering your home is produced here in Australia via a coal powered generator, burning low grade coal to produce power. This results in large quantities of carbon dioxide gas being emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide emissions account for more than 80% of greenhouse gases largely contributing to global warming and atmospheric pollution. By using the power produced by coal powered generators you are increasing your 'footprint' (those things you can control) on the environment. Hence your 'carbon footprint' is the term used.

By embracing Solar power you negate your contribution to those carbon emissions dramatically. Hence you are reducing your carbon footprint.

Improved Property Value

Solar will increase your property value should you decide to sell. Approximately 80% of surveyed home buyers believe a Solar system definitely increases the value of a house and are willing to pay a higher price for a property equipped with a Solar system.

Energy efficiency is important to both home owners and potential buyers with real consideration given to financial savings and environmental responsibility,

Water saving fittings, energy efficient appliances and Solar roof panels were the three most desirable features for would be purchasers considering all properties for sale.

Rental tenants are also prepared to pay higher rents if there is a demonstrable reduction in electricity bills. Properties with Solar panels are more desirable to tenants and easier and faster to lease.

How Solar PV Systems Work

What are Solar Photovoltaic Panel Systems?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels are generally fitted to the roof in a northerly direction and at an angle to maximise the amount of sunlight that hits the panels.

Solar PV panels on the roofs of homes and businesses generate clean electricity by converting the energy in sunlight to electricity.

This conversion takes place within modules of specially fabricated materials that make up the solar panels which are connected to the mains power supply through a device called an inverter. It is a relatively simple process that requires no moving parts.

Grid-connected solar PV systems

Most homes and businesses in Australia are connected to the electricity grid, which uses alternating current electricity (AC) however; the electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC).

This means grid-connected (GC) solar PV systems need an inverter to transform the DC electricity into AC electricity suitable for everyday power needs. Homes and businesses with solar systems use solar power first before sourcing electricity from the grid.

Solar Panels at Night

When the panels are not producing electricity at night, electricity is supplied from the electricity grid by way of your power provider (i.e. Energex). For systems with a battery backup (optional), the inverter allows the batteries to store excess solar power produced during the day. The electricity stored in the batteries can be used at night or during blackouts.

Power Output

The output of a solar PV system depends on its size. The most common household systems are generally 3-5 kilowatts (kW), although this is completely customisable and depends on individual situations, some property owners have installed systems of 10 kilowatts plus.