Buyers Guide VIC
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Solar Buying Guide – please read your 20 point solar buyers guide
In this document we hope to educate you on the benefits of solar in your state. This information is only a guide and is designed to aid
in your decision to go solar. It does not replace, doing your own research when deciding if solar is right for you. The information provided
is general by nature and individualised circumstances may vary. Your individualised report, with calculations and estimated potential
savings would have been attached in the same email you received from us.
Solar Energy in Australia
Household use of solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems has grown significantly in Australia this decade. This has been due to the
increases of electricity bills and government incentives to reduce carbon emissions. Solar power systems are now an affordable option
for Australian households looking to reduce their power bills and generate their own clean electricity. With the increased range of
products and suppliers on the market, being an informed consumer has never been more important. This guide provides an
introduction to solar PV systems so you are better equipped to make choices about a solar product that may be right for you.
1. HOW DOES SOLAR PV WORK?
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels are generally tted on 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. This conversion takes place within modules of specially fabricated materials that make up
the solar panels. It is a relatively simple process that requires no moving parts. In most cases solar
panels are connected to the mains power supply through a device called an inverter. Currently there is
more than 1 million solar panel systems safely and reliably delivering clean electricity across Australia.
2. GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR PV SYSTEMS
Most suburban homes in Australia are connected to the electricity grid, which uses alternating current
electricity (AC). But the electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC). That means grid-
connected (GC) solar PV systems need an inverter to transform the DC electricity into AC electricity suitable
for ordinary household needs. Houses with solar systems use solar power rst before sourcing electricity
from the grid.
When the panels are not producing electricity at night, electricity is supplied from the existing electricity
grid.
3. HOW MUCH POWER DO THEY GENERATE?
The output of a solar PV system depends on its size. The table below shows the average daily production
of some common grid-connected systems throughout Australia. A typical Australian house consumes
around 18 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day so a 1-2kW system displaces an average of 25-40% of your average
electricity bill. Solar panels produce more energy in summer than they do in winter.
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION
CITY 2.0 KW SYSTEM 3.0 KW SYSTEM 4.0 KW SYSTEM 5.0 KW SYSTEM 6.0 KW SYSTEM
Adelaide 8.4 kWh 12.6 kWh 16.8 kWh 21 kWh 25.2 kWh
Alice Springs 10.0 kWh 15.0 kWh 20.0 kWh 25 kWh 30 kWh
Brisbane 8.4 kWh 12.6 kWh 16.8 kWh 21 kWh 25.2 kWh
Cairns 8.4 kWh 12.6 kWh 16.8 kWh 21 kWh 25.2 kWh
Canberra 8.6 kWh 12.9 kWh 17.2 kWh 21.5 kWh 25.8 kWh
Darwin 8.8 kWh 13.2 kWh 17.6 kWh 22 kWh 26.4 kWh
Hobart 7.0 kWh 10.5 kWh 14.0 kWh 17.5 kWh 21 kWh
Melbourne 7.2 kWh 10.8 kWh 14.4 kWh 18 kWh 21.6 kWh
Perth 8.8 kWh 13.2 kWh 17.6 kWh 22 kWh 26.4 kWh
Sydney 7.8 kWh 11.7 kWh 15.6 kWh 19.5 kWh 23.4 kWh
The rated output is that achieved in perfect laboratory conditions. The CEC design summary software takes these deratings into ac-
count when predicting average for any given system.
4. HOW MUCH DO SOLAR PANELS COST?
The cost of solar panels has continued to change over the past decade behind dierent government
incentive schemes and increased diversity in the panels, inverters and suppliers on the market.
Being an informed consumer is increasingly important. Similar to buying a car or a computer, you’ll want
to be sure that your system is a sound investment that best meets your needs at a reasonable price.
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It is important to be clear on what you want from your solar PV system. Are you after a system that will
partially oset your energy consumption for 5-10 years before requiring a system upgrade? Or do you
want a system that will completely oset your household’s electricity use for the next 25 years?
The table below shows an approximate guide on price range for grid-connected solar PV systems in the
major capital cities. Government rebates such as Renewable Energy Certicates, Solar Credits and Feed-in
Taris are included in these gures.
ESTIMATED SYSTEM PRICE
SYSTEM SIZE ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE
1.5 kW $2,900 - $4,000
2 kW $3,500 - $5,000
3 kW $5,200 - $6,800
4 kW $6,300 - $8,200
5kW $7,500 - $10,000
Please note these prices are a guide only, the actual price you are offered for a solar PV system may vary. Figures are estimates
based on market conditions as at May 2013 and may change due to changed market settings. Prices are inclusive of GST.
5. AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
It is important you ask your accredited installer to provide proof that your panels meet Australian standards.
6. WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES
Solar PV panels generally come with a performance warranty that can last up to 25 years and a guarantee
lasting ve to ten years. Additionally, panel material warranties and workmanship guarantees generally
span 5-10 years.
It is important to know who is providing the warranty – the manufacturer or the importer. In the absence of
a manufacturer, the importer is responsible for the warranty. However, if the importer changes their
business name or sells their business, their warranty obligations towards you cease. Ask your installer
who is providing the warranty.
A system manual that provides operation, maintenance and safety information should be provided by
your installer. This must also include a system energy output (kWh) estimate.
It is important to ensure you obtain written conrmation of statements made by your installer, including
performance claims, guarantees and warranties. Documentation will be essential if you need to make
warranty or insurance claims.
7. WHAT GOVERNMENT SCHEMES ARE IN PLACE TO LOWER THE COST OF PURCHASING
A SOLAR PV SYSTEM?
There are currently three types of nancial assistance oered for solar PV systems in Australia:
• Small-scale Technology Certicates (STCs)
• Solar Credits
• Feed-in taris
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8. SMALL-SCALE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATES (STCS)
Small-scale Technology Certicates (STCs) are an electronic form of currency created by the Renewable
Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (also known as the RET scheme). One STC is equivalent to one megawatt hour
of electricity generated by your solar PV power system. The price of STCs changes according to market
conditions. As an owner of a solar PV power system, you can register, sell, trade or surrender STCs for
systems up to 100kW.
There are two ways you can be paid for your STCs
The level of subsidy will depend on a number of factors, including the location (also known as the zone) of
the solar PV system, the size of the system and the price of STCs at the time the system was installed.
The Australian Government has capped the price of STCs at $40 but the actual value of an STC varies
from day to day. STCs are traded on the STC market meaning the Volume 21: 19 December 2012
Consumer guide to buying household solar panels (photovoltaic panels) around $25 to $35. The Clean
Energy Council website displays a current STC price on the homepage at cleanenergycouncil.org.au
Australia is divided up into various zones based on how much renewable energy can be generated by a
solar panel in a given area. So the same sized system installed in Melbourne or Hobart (Zone 4) receives
fewer STCs than those installed in Sydney (Zone 3) or Darwin (Zone 2) because Melbourne and Hobart
have less sunshine so less solar energy is produced. The table below shows the level of nancial support
available from STCs on solar PV systems in the major capital cities of Australia.
SMALL-SCALE TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATES – LEVEL OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
CITY ZONE RATING SYSTEM SIZE DEEMING
PERIOD
TOTAL STC
ENTITLEMENT
TOTAL SUBSIDY
Adelaide 3 1.382 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 31 $1128.4 (31 STCs x $36.40)
Brisbane 3 1.382 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 31 $1128.4 (31 STCs x $36.40)
Canberra 3 1.382 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 31 $1128.4 (31 STCs x $36.40)
Darwin 2 1.536 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 34 $1237.6 (34 STCs x $36.40)
Hobart 4 1.185 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 26 $946.4 (26 STCs x $36.40)
Melbourne 4 1.185 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 26 $946.4 (26 STCs x $36.40)
Perth 3 1.382 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 31 $1128.4 (31 STCs x $36.40)
Sydney 3 1.382 x 1.5 kW x 15 (years)= 31 $1128.4 (31 STCs x $36.40)
Zone Rating x Rated Power Output (1.5kW) x Deeming Period (15 years) = Total STC Entitlement. Figures based on the $36.40 STC rate as
at 6 May 2013.This is an approximate rate and the STC price will vary
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1. Assign your STCs when you purchase your solar
PV system to a registered agent in exchange for
a nancial benet which may be in the form of
a delayed cash payment or upfront discount on
your solar PV panel system (most consumers
take this option); or...
2. Create the STCs yourself by nding a buyer
and then selling and transferring them in the
Renewable Energy Certicate (REC) Registry.
ZONE MAP
9. FEED-IN TARIFFS
Several states have introduced, or are in the process of introducing, feed-in taris. A feed-in tari pays you
for electricity generated by your solar PV system.
Under a net feed-in tari, a premium is paid for any solar energy that goes back into the grid from your
house. So if you have surplus energy generated by your solar panels, you get paid for it; and if you use all
of the energy you generate it will be oset against your normal electricity bill.
You need to apply to your electricity retailer to receive the feed-in tari. When signing an agreement with
your electricity retailer, you need to be informed. In particular, you should check with your electricity retailer
about any tari changes that will occur as a result of installing solar and carefully weigh up the advantages
and disadvantages before making a decision. This should be considered before you install tari changes.
Important questions to ask about your feed-in tari agreement include:
• What price will they pay you for your electricity (in cents per kWh)?
• What is the cost of the electricity you purchase from
them (in cents per kWh)?
• Will you lose your lower o-peak rates by moving onto
a higher Time of Use (TOU) tari?
• What will be the form of payment for electricity you produce?
It is likely you will receive the feed-in taris you earn by default as
a credit on your electricity bill rather than cash.
• What will be the form of payment for surplus electricity you produce?
Will it be cash, cheque or EFT on request?
Other important questions to ask when signing an agreement with your electricity
retailer are discussed in further detail later in this document.
Please note that many of the schemes described have caps, end dates and/or are subject to change and
as such you will need to check on the availability of these oers when you apply. It is also important to
note that some electricity retailers may, depending on the tari structure you are on, oer higher or
lower rates for solar energy you produce to oset your bill and/or export to the grid. In States where
solar oers are voluntary, there is no obligation to provide a solar oer although in most cases oers
do exist and those represented on the table are indicative of common rates. Some States have oers
that are a combination of voluntary and mandatory rates. Eligibility rules apply in virtually all circumstances
and you will therefore need to ensure you are eligible before proceeding.
Please note that whilst we have endeavoured to provide a sound indication of typical situations around
Australia, your individual situation is likely to dier from these and you should consult with your electricity
and service providers to ascertain your particular outcome. These rates are residential oers only and do
not relate to oers available for commercial customers. For more information on feed-in taris contact your
relevant state government department:
STATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
STATE DEPARTMENT CONTACT
ACT Department of Environment, Climate Change, Energy & Water 13 22 81
NSW Department of Industry & Investment 1300 136 888
NT Department of the Chief Minister 08 8999 5511
QLD Office of Clean Energy 13 25 23
SA Sustainability & Climate Change 08 8204 2999
TAS Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources 1300 135 513
VIC Department of Primary Industries 136 186
WA Office of Energy 08 9420 5600
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10. WHAT SIZE SOLAR PV SYSTEM SHOULD I INSTALL?
The size of your solar PV system will depend on:
• the physical unshaded area available for the installation of your panels
• how much you are prepared to spend
• what portion of your electrical consumption you wish to generate.
To work out what size solar PV system you require, you need to analyse your household’s daily electricity
consumption. Your monthly or quarterly electricity bill measures your household’s electricity consumption
in kilowatt hours. From this gure, you can calculate your average daily electricity consumption, and the
average amount of electricity your solar PV system needs to produce to cover your electricity needs.
This process will be completed by your accredited designer during the design and specication stage, as
part of their load analysis.
11. WHAT SIZE PANELS SHOULD I BUY?
Solar PV panels come in different wattages.
The main issues are your budget and whether
the solar panels will physically fit in the space
you want to install them.
Each solar panel is approximately 1.6 metres long
and 0.8 metres wide. A 1kW solar panel system will
require around 8-10m2 of roof space, and a 1.5kW solar
panel system requires 13 around 12 m2. This will vary
depending on the type of panel installed on your roof.
12. WHAT SORT OF PANELS SHOULD I BUY?
There are three main types of solar panel available, each with their own benets. During the design
and specication stage, your accredited designer will help you choose which type is the best to suit
your needs:
1. MONO CRYSTALLINE (MONOCRYSTALLINE C-SI)
These panels are a proven technology that has been in use for over 50 years.
They are commonly used where space is limited, or where there are high costs associated with installing
large panels.
They have a very slow degradation, generally losing 0.25 - 0.5% per year.
2. POLY CRYSTALLINE (POLYCRYSTALLINE C-SI)
These panels are similar to Mono Crystalline panels, but the silicon used is Multi-Crystalline which is easier
to make.
They are comparable to Mono Crystalline in performance and durability. Slightly more panels are required
to produce a given amount of electricity.
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3. THIN FILM
Thin Film panels have been in commercial production for over ten years. These panels are typically
moderately larger than the other panel varieties.
In comparison with other panel types, their eciency does not drop signicantly on hot days.
The most common varieties of Thin Film panels are:
• Cadmium Telluride Thin-Film panels (CdTe)
• Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Thin-Film panels (CIGS)
• Amorphous silicon Thin-Film panels(a-Si)
Consumer guide to buying household solar panels (photovoltaic panels)
13. WHAT IS AN INVERTER? WHAT SORT SHOULD I BUY?
Solar PV panels produce low voltage DC electricity. The inverter converts this into the AC electricity needed
to supply power for standard appliances.
The eciency of an inverter is measured by how well it converts the DC electricity into AC electricity.
This usually ranges from 95% to 97.5% for most models. Check the inverter’s specications before
you purchase.
Inverters are sized according to the power (watts) they can supply.
14. AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
It is important to ensure that your grid connect inverter complies with Australian Standards. This is
required to be eligible for the REC’s and Solar Credits.
Ask your accredited installer to provide proof that your inverter meets Australian standards. The Clean
Energy Council has published a list of all grid connect inverters that meet
15. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY METER AT HOME?
When your solar PV system is installed you may need to have a new meter installed.
If you have a traditional accumulation meter (with a spinning disk) this will need to be replaced with an
interval meter or smart meter. This is because an accumulation meter does not record the energy you
export to the grid or the electricity you import from the grid. An interval meter or a smart meter provide
half hourly readings of the electricity you consume and the surplus electricity you generate.
The states and territories have committed to the progressive rollout of smart metering across Australia
from 2007. While a smart meter is similar to an interval meter in that it records electricity usage in
30-minute intervals remotely to your electricity company, smart meters have a range of additional
capabilities. So if your new meter is an interval meter, it will need to be replaced again with a smart
meter when this rollout occurs.
Depending on where you live, your interval meter may be a gross meter or a net meter.
If you are on a gross feed-in tari scheme, your gross meter separately measures the total electricity
consumed by your household and the total electricity generated by your solar PV system.
Your electricity company reads the meter and determines the total amount of electricity generated by
your solar panels, regardless of whether it goes into the grid or is used by your household. If you
are on a net feed-in tari scheme, your net meter measures your household’s electricity and the
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electricity generated by your solar PV system together. Your electricity company reads the meter and
calculates any surplus electricity fed back into the grid.
Your new meter must be installed by a relevant qualied professional This may be organised by your
accredited designer/installer; or your electricity retailer; or electricity distributor. Ask to nd out who will
organise this for you.
The installation of a new meter may aect your electricity billing rates:
• The new meters are provided by your electricity distributor. The cost of this is
passed from the electricity distributor to your electricity retailer. Generally, this cost
is recovered by your electricity retailer through increased network charges on your
monthly electricity bill.
• You may move from an o-peak tari to a time-of-use (TOU) tari. A TOU tari
is a pricing structure that changes depending on the time of day you consume power.
In peak demand periods (day), charges will be higher than consumption during lower
demand periods (night). So while electricity is most expensive during the day, this will
be oset by your solar PV system producing energy during this time also.
• If you move from an o-peak tari to a time-of-use (TOU) tari, this will particularly
aect your dedicated o-peak loads, such as hot water, space heating and air- conditioning.
You should check with your electricity retailer about any tari changes that will occur as a result of
installing solar and carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. This
should be considered before your install your solar PV panels.
Quotation / Contract
Following the design and specication you may request a quotation for the design and installation of
the system.
The quotation could provide specications, quantity, size, capacity and output for the major
components, including:
• solar PV modules
• mounting frames
• structure
• inverter
• any additional metering
• data-logging
• travel and transport
requirements
• other equipment needed
• any trench digging
• a system user manual.
The quotation should also specify a total price, together with proposed start and completion dates.
The quotation should form a basis for your contract with the designer/installer.
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In addition, a contract for the supply and installation of the power system should be included with the
quotation.
The contract should include:
• an estimate of the average daily electricity output (in kWh)
• the estimated annual production
• the estimated production in the best and worst months
• the responsibilities of each party
• warranties and guarantees, including installer workmanship schedule of deposit
and progress payments.
• who is responsible for connecting your solar PV system to the electricity grid
• who responsible for your meter changeover
• who is responsible for organising you to move to a premium feed-in tari
• how you will receive your REC’s and/or Solar Credits
16. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DESIGNER / INSTALLER
When signing a contract with your designer/installer, you need to be informed. Important questions to
ask include:
ACCREDITATION
• Is the designer accredited?
• Is the installer accredited?
• What are their accreditation numbers? Ask to see their accreditation photo ID card
• Will your system be designed and installed by an accredited individual?
• Check the list of accredited installers on the Clean Energy Council website to
conrm solaraccreditation.com.au
• Contact the designer/installer’s former customers to nd out if they were
knowledgeable, easy to work with, and took the time to explain the systems
operation. Also nd out if their systems are working well, if there have been
any problems, and, if so, if they returned to x them. Ask for the designer /
installer business references, and check them, especially if the company’s
reputation is unknown.
EXPERIENCE
• How many systems has the designer/installer completed?
• How many systems similar to your system has the designer/installer completed?
• When was the last time the designer/installer completed a system?
New products are constantly entering the market. A designer/installer who
has completed several recent installations will probably be up-to-date on the
newest products and the latest regulatory issues.
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QUALITY OF PRODUCTS – AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
• Do the modules you use meet the Australian Standards? Check the Module List
on the Clean Energy Council website to conrm - solaraccreditation.com.au
• Do the inverters you use meet the Australian Standards? Check the Inverter
List on the Clean Energy Council website to conrm - 19 solaraccreditation.com.au
• Do some research on the other balance of system components that your
designer/installer suggests, such as the mounting hardware. Do the products
meet industry standards?
• If you know of other people who have used these products, ask for their
feedback: Are they satised? Have they had problems?
WARRANTIES
• What kinds of warranties come with the products?
• Which warranties are your responsibility and which are the manufacturer’s?
• How long have the equipment manufacturers been in the PVindustry?
Long warranties are meaningless if the manufacturers aren’t around in ve years.
• If you have to deal with the panel or inverter manufacturer in the future,
do they have an Australian oce?
SERVICE AGREEMENTS & PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES
• What performance guarantees do you get for the system as a whole?
• How will you know if your system is performing to its maximum potential on
a day to day basis?
• Does the designer/installer provide some kind of optional service agreement?
• If problems arise with your system, what services will the designer/installer
provide and for how long?
• Will the designer/installer be readily available to trouble shoot and x problems?
• If something goes wrong, who is responsible for repair or replacement costs?
• Who is responsible for maintaining the system?
• If you are responsible, what kind of training will the designer/installer provide?
• Will basic system safety issues be explained?
PAPERWORK
• Does the designer/installer handle organising all the necessary metering changes?
• Does the designer/installer organise all the paperwork for your local electricity
supplier to move you to a premium feed-in tari?
• Does the designer/installer handle all the REC paperwork for you?
REFERENCES
• Contact the designer/installer’s former customers to nd out if the they were
knowledgeable, easy to work with, and took the time to explain the systems
operation. Also nd out if their systems are working well, if there have been
any problems, and, if so, if they returned to x them. Ask for the designer /
installer business references, and check them, especially if the company’s
reputation is unknown.
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QUOTE
• Does the price quoted include or exclude money received from RECs?
• Does the price quoted include all the necessary metering changes and
paperwork for my local electricity supplier?
• Does the quote include all labour, transportation and inspection charges?
• Does the designer/installer give an accurate estimation of system production
with their quotes?
PAYMENT TERMS
• What are the payment terms?
• Is there a deposit? When is it required? Is it refundable?
• Do you need to pay the whole amount or just the dierence after
the RECs and/or Feed-in Tari?
TIME FRAMES
• What is the lead time from your payment to getting electricity from your
solar PV system?
THE FINAL DECISION
By installing a solar PV system, you need to take responsibility for it and learn
the basic safe operation and proper maintenance of your systems. You should
think carefully before selecting a designer/installer. Online and mail- order
solar PV system suppliers who never visit your home may have diculty
recommending the most appropriate equipment. A comprehensive, on-site
solar and load analysis and two way interview can help ensure a thoughtfully
designed and well-planned installation.
17. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY SOLAR PV SYSTEM HAS BEEN INSTALLED?
Entering into agreement with your electricity retailer. After your solar PV system has been installed
and if you wish to opt-in to a feed-in tari, you will need to enter into an agreement
with an electricity retailer. Not all electricity retailers oer solar friendly policies so it is best to
check and compare the following items prior to entering into an electricity trading agreement.
18. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ELECTRICITY RETAILER
• What price will they pay you for your electricity (in cents per kWh)?
• What is the cost of the electricity you purchase from them (in cents per kWh)?
• Will I lose my o-peak rates once my meter has been changed? Will this be
replaced with a time-of-use (TOU) tari?
• Are you signed onto a premium feed-in tari rate or a standard feed-in tari rate?
If your electricity retailer signs you up to a standard feed-in tari agreement you
will receive less money for the excess electricity you feed back into the grid.
• What will be the form of payment for electricity you produce? It is likely you will
receive the feed in tari’s you earn by default as a credit on your electricity bill
rather than cash.
• What will be the form of payment for surplus electricity you produce?
Will it be cash, cheque or EFT on request?
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• Penalty clauses (termination costs)
• Billing / payment periods
• Are there any other administration fees?
• Do you organise all the necessary metering changes? If no, refer to ‘Questions
to ask your Electricity Distributor’ (below). If yes – the following questions apply:
- Is your new meter an interval meter or a smart meter? If it is an interval meter
it will need to be replaced with a smart meter when the rollout occurs.
- Can you have a smart meter, rather than an interval meter, installed to avoid
unnecessary meter exchange costs when the smart meter rollout occurs?
- Will your new meter continue to measure o-peak power use?
- Is your new meter a gross meter or a net meter?
- What is the cost of your meter?
- Is it supplied free of charge?
- Is there an up front cost?
- Is the cost recovered through increased network charges on your monthly electricity bill?
- What is the cost of installing your meter?
19. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTOR
• Do you organise all the necessary metering changes?
• Is your new meter an interval meter or a smart meter? If it is an interval meter
it will need to be replaced with a smart meter when the rollout occurs.
• Can you have a smart meter (rather than an interval meter) installed to avoid
unnecessary meter exchange costs when the smart meter rollout occurs?
• Will your new meter continue to measure o-peak power use?
• Is your new meter a gross meter or a net meter?
• What is the cost of your meter?
- Is it supplied free of charge?
- Is there an up front cost?
- Is the cost recovered through increased network charges on your monthly electricity bill?
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20. SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Following the installation of your solar PV system, safety inspections may be carried out by your
relevant electrical authority. Depending on which State you live in, these inspections may be mandatory
or may occur on a random audit basis. It is the responsibility of either your installer or your relevant
electrical authority to organise these inspections if applicable in your state. For more information, please
contact your relevant electrical authority from the table below.
The Clean Energy Council, the Department of Climate Change and Energy Eciency and the Clean Energy
Regulator also conduct its own inspection program. This applies to installations completed by accredited
designers and installers. It occurs on a random basis and aims to ensure that solar PV systems meet
the Australian Standards and Accreditation Guidelines.
STATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
STATE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY CONTACT
ACT ACT Planning and Land Authority 02 6207 1923
VIC Energy Safe Victoria 03 9203 9700
TAS Oce of Electricity Standards and Safety 03 6233 7851
SA Oce of the Technical Regulator 08 8226 5500
QLD Electrical Safety Oce 07 3225 2000
NT NT Worksafe 1800 019 115
NSW Oce of Fair Trading 13 32 20
WA Energy Safe WA 08 9422 5200
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APPENDIX
Information provided has been sourced from a number of government and industry websites, including the
Clean Energy Council of Australia.
For more information visit http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/
