Our accredited designer will custom design a system to suit you personally; either during or after visiting you at your home. Suitable roof space, desired energy outcome and budged get mixed together to find the best system for your needs. We are highly focused on end results (yield of energy) and we will build your system to generate more.
Our module range is headed by Sunpower (Australia's highest efficiency panels) Sharp, and Trina. Inverters include SMA & Fronius. With this in mind allow us to advise and recommend the ideal system for your situation. We will ensure you get the most electricity output possible. Of particular note is the difference between 'rated capacity' and 'energy yield'. Refer to the tips below for further explanation.
Every system we build comes with a digital display to tell you the exact energy generation. This can be expanded to include coffee-table displays, computer interface, remote web interface &'public display units.
Our framing systems are purpose built for solar, are of a modular design and are made to last as long as the panels (30+ years). High quality extruded anodised aluminium and marine grade stainless steel components are backed by an industry leading 20 year warranty.
We assist with completion of all rebate paperwork to ensure smooth, efficient turnaround times. This also includes REC's, and ETSA meter upgrade forms.
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Some useful tips for choosing a Solar system...
1) Number of panels vs. rated capacity:
It can be very misleading to purchase a system based on the number of panels – a smaller number of high efficiency panels can have a greater capacity than many inefficient panels. All panels sold in Australia have been rated by a Standard Test Condition (STC). Using STC to compare systems will only reveal an 'apples for apples' rated output only - yield over time is far more important.
Example of 3 '18 panel' systems:
18 x 60W thin film = 1.08kW (only 5 Sunpower panels needed)
18 x 175W crystalline = 3.15kW (only 14 Sunpower panels needed)
18 x 225W Sunpower high performance = 4.05kW
(STC is an international standard for rating a panel: 1000W/m2 irradiance, 1.5Am, 250C Cell temperature).
2) Rated capacity vs. Energy yield over time:
Different technologies and diverse brands of panels can have a similar rating (STC), however they will deliver varying amounts of energy over time. This is not something that can be readily tested in a lab. Only real time data logging out in the field will reveal variations in energy yield. A small difference per day will be enormous over 25 years. Eg; a tiny 200 watt hour variation output per day between 'similar' systems will become 1825kWh over 25 years – that's 2 tonnes of CO2 saved from going into the atmosphere.
3) Accredited Designer and Installer:
Only people can be accredited; companies or businesses cannot! Some companies have an accredited person sitting in an office or interstate location signing off on your installation, without ever setting foot on your property. Your SOLAR-MAN representative will be pleased to show you his certificate of accreditation and discuss his experience with you when he visits your home.
Years of study and field training is required to gain know-how and accreditation as a competent designer and installer. Local knowledge and proficiency is critical to the long term performance of your system. You may want to enquire as to the experience level of your salesperson.
Visit Clean Energy Council for more information about accreditation.
4) Warranties:
Be wary of the "25 year" warranty splashed about so often in advertising. This is only relating to the panel output, not the panel itself or the complete system.
The individual component warranties are much more important;
Most panels are warranted between 1 and 5 years. By contrast, we include up to a 10 year warranty on the entire panel, including workmanship and manufacturing defects.
Likewise, most inverters are warranted between 1 and 5 years. Again, we include up to a 10 year warranty on the entire inverter, including workmanship and manufacturing defects.
Most companies offer no warranty on framing. Our framing is warranted for 20 years.
We also offer an unconditional 5 year warranty on our workmanship – most companies only provide a 1 year warranty on labour (the minimum required by law).
5) Service:
A local company who is based in or regularly services your area is a great start.
Personal service begins with accurate on-site inspection, discussion of your needs and various system options. A single contact person for the entire project can provide peace of mind and not make you feel like a number if you have a query.
A trained specialist can calculate the annual daily average output figures (be wary of quotes using peak summer output) for your particular site; especially important if there is reduced output due to panel position, dust or shading. These figures should be in writing.
A thorough explanation of the recommended system, with an itemised quotation detailing individual components and comprehensive warranties should be provided. Photos of other similar installations in the area can help build the concept for you.
We will provide you with an accurate time line to complete the work; part of which includes liaising with ETSA for connection approval, your energy retailer for your meter upgrade, and government rebates that are applicable.
Completion of the installation; detailed explanation of you system operation should be provided upon start up. Paperwork including all warranties, serial numbers, and wiring diagram should be provided shortly after installation.
After install service is also important; if you have a question about your system or related aspect, SOLAR-MAN's personal service wins again.
The alarm bells should start ringing if you are being pressured to sign today! I often hear of the 'today only' deal; if they are genuine they can let you sleep on it. I have seen the quotes from this type of business and they are always over priced and don’t give details about what you are buying.
Companies who sell 'over-the-phone', internet or request for you to send in some photos so they can 'design your system', using Google Earth to "inspect" your roof is a joke – if they can't be bothered to come and see you why would you give them your business?
6) Framing:
Solar panels need to be mounted to a frame which is in turn fixed to your roof. A well built solar mounting frame should last 25-30 years. Choice of framing materials is critical as substandard materials can shorten the lifespan of the system. Other consequences include corrosion of your roof.
Zinc-plated or galvanised steel is very strong, however when drilled into or cut the coating is lost and corrosion will occur. The aluminium frame of a solar panel can also cause electrolysis when in contact with these metals, accelerating corrosion.
Aluminium angle and tubing lasts longer than zinc or galvanised steel. However, they must be mechanically isolated from other metals using appropriate materials (critical for a metal roof because of electrolysis). Fixings are also important; standard hardware store grade screws, nuts and bolts will have corrosion issues over time.
Poor layout and design can lead to excessive amounts of aluminium being used, leaving a larger than necessary energy footprint as well as an unappealing installation.
A SOLAR-MAN purpose built Anodised Aluminium-alloy Framing System employs only the best techniques and standards. Custom made feet secure the railing to your roof (metal roofs are also fully isolated to avoid electrolysis), extruded railing engineered for solar panels ensure superior strength while using minimal amounts of aluminium (as much as 80% less!). All bolts are marine grade stainless steel.
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