FAQs Performance

1. Which factors can affect the amount of solar energy received?
Strength of the radiation available depends on the season, time of day, and latitude of the generation point. Generation is also affected by dust, cloud cover, shading and panel efficiency.

2. Does roof orientation really matter?
A system facing South will generate less than one facing North. However, East-West installations can be a good option depending on the installation scenario.

3. Is there any maintenance involved?
SOLARfied is responsible for the first 7 years of your system’s maintenance. The Clean Energy Council suggests a qualified electrician check every 2 years thereafter.

4. How long will my solar system work for?
Modules show small reductions in power output after 20 years, mostly because the glass surface dulls and reflects more light. Solar panels have a minimum 10 year product warranty and 25 year performance guarantee. Inverters have a 5-10 year warranty and there is a 1 year warranty on workmanship.

5. What happens on cloudy days?
As you are still tied to the mains power supply, any deficit will come from the mains grid.

6. How does electricity get stored for use after the sun goes down?
During the night you draw power from the grid and your meter measures your consumption.

7. What happens with grid connect systems during a blackout?
The inverter will automatically shut off within milliseconds of a blackout, to avoid the potential of a dangerous ‘brown-out’ in your premises and to prevent ‘back feeding’ to the grid. Even though you have a solar system you will not have power available to your premises during a blackout.

8. What about the energy it takes to produce a solar power system?
In Australia roof-top solar systems recover their energy content (from manufacturing and recycling) within 1.6 to 1.8 years. During their lifespan they’re expected to produce ~17 times the amount of energy needed for manufacture, install and dismantle.

9. How much of a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions will I achieve?
Using a comparison to a car, the average vehicle in Australia travels 20,000 km per annum, which is equivalent to 3.3 tons of CO2 discharge annually. A 2kW system will prevent 3.3 tons of CO2 being generated through coal fired power generation.