Commercial Solar FAQs
Why Should I Install Solar?
- Your electricity bills rising and you want to reign in the expense.
- You care about the environment and want to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- You have an ESG Policy and this is a great way to be more sustainable
What Rebates Are Available?
There is only one rebate available, the federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) program.
How do I know if I’m eligible for a Rebate?
- The STC rebate is not means-tested and is accessible by everyone. The solar PV system or product you purchase in order to receive STCs must adhere to the Clean Energy Council (CEC) design and install guidelines, only use panels and inverters on the CEC approved list, comply with the relevant standards (like AS 4777), and be installed by a CEC accredited installer. Green Sky Australia only uses CEC accredited installers, and we ensure we only use quality, CEC approved panels, inverters and batteries.
How do I apply for a rebate?
- As part of our service, we take care of the paperwork relating to the STCs. All you will need to do is assign over the STCs to us, which we will explain upon completion of the installation.
What size system will I need to run my business?
How long is a piece of string? Every business is unique with both their electricity usage as well as their roof design. We always look at your historic usage to ensure that you get the right sized system for YOUR needs.
How much does a typical commercial solar system cost?
There are generally three different pricing levels, which depends on the brand you chose, as well as the system type. Also, the larger the system you install, the more expensive it will cost. A commercial solar system can be as little as $5,000 or as much as $50,000.
How much roof space do you need?
Similar to the previous question, that depends! Some customers want to fill their roof with as many panels as possible, while others want to minimise the look of their panels. We will work with you to provide a design and layout that you are happy with.
How long does it take to install Solar?
Systems with straight forward layouts usually can have about 20 panels installed per day. For trickier roof layouts, the installation will likely take extra time.
How much money will I save on my electricity bill?
Given that most businesses are open during the day only, and therefore the majority of their electricity usage is during daylight hours, we typically expect business owners to be saving 70%-90% off their electricity bills.
How long do Solar Panels last?
Most Solar PV manufacturers give a 25-year product warranty, and then a 30 year linear performance warranty. This means that there is expected minimum degradation of the performance of the panels over the 25-year period that the manufacturer will guarantee.
Will installing Solar panels really help to reduce carbon omissions?
Absolutely! Solar power reduces CO2 emissions by providing a clean and renewable source of energy. The panels that are installed on your commercial property collect energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity. This process does not rely on fossil fuels or other products and none of the energy is wasted because it can be stored on the grid for future use.
Moreover, solar energy reduces water pollution because PV panels do not need water to operate as other manufacturing processes do. Sunlight is converted into electricity without the need for local water supplies and solar energy doesn’t pollute our waterways like fossil fuels do.
By switching to solar powered energy, you can drastically reduce your Businesses’s carbon footprint, which is the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by your Businesses.
Does roof orientation matter?
It does. North facing panels are going to be exposed to the sunlight for most of the day. If you don’t have a Northern oriented roof line, that’s ok. Panels installed facing West or East will also generate plenty of electricity. You can read more about different orientations here.
Will a Solar System add value to my Business property?
If you own the property you are working from, it definitely will add value. Rent can be increased since the tenant will be paying less for utilities, and thus your overall resale value increases.
What is a “feed in tariff” and how much will I get paid?
Solar feed in tariffs are a rate paid for electricity fed back into the electricity grid from a designated renewable electricity generation source such as a rooftop solar panel system. In Victoria, the current rate paid depends on your retailer, but the base rate from 1 July 2024 is 3.3c/kWh.
What type of warranty comes with the system?
There are four types of warranties: Solar Panels, Inverter, Mounting Kit, and Installer. They will differ by manufacturer, but broadly speaking you get the following warranties:
- Solar Panels: 25-year product warranty, and a 30 year linear performance warranty.
- Inverters: 10 years
- Mounting Kits: 10 years
- Installer: 10 years
If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system?
Depending on the system initially chosen, there may be capacity to increase the size of the system. The main factor is the brand and initial size of your inverter. If needed, we can always upgrade your inverter with the new panels.
How do we store electricity for use after the sun goes down?
The only way to store electricity is by having a battery installed alongside your solar PV system. If you are considering installing a battery, we recommend you do it at the same time as you install the solar PV system.
Can I insure the system?
Most business insurance companies will cover the solar power electric system as part of your business insurance. We recommend that you call your insurance company prior to having the system installed to notify them and have it added to the insurance.
What happens on cloudy days?
Solar panels rely on energy from the sun. Cloudy days will reduce the available energy for panels to convert, so expect to have a lower output on these days.
Will I need a new switchboard and/or meter?
If you have older facilities, with an old switchboard/meter, then it is quite possible one or both will need to be upgraded before a solar PV system can be installed. This is why we ask for a photo of your switchboard and meter before we proceed, so that we can let you know what is needed up front, rather than surprise you with extra costs after you have signed up.
What happens with grid connected systems during a blackout?
A grid-connected solar power system won’t work during a blackout because the inverter will automatically disconnect from the power supply to avoid electrocution. It means you won’t be able to access electricity or send power to the grid.
What is the difference between solar power and solar hot water?
Solar power is a series of solar PV panels that are directly connected to your switchboard to help power your house. Solar hot water is a series of different solar panels that are used exclusively to heat your water tank only.
Is there any maintenance required?
We recommend that your give your system a service and clean every 2-3 years. Regular maintenance of your solar panel system will ensure:
- solar panels are clean, secure and free of defects.
- no parts have deteriorated/corroded.
- vents are free of debris.
- switches do not have any defects.
- wiring has not been damaged/has not deteriorated.
- electrical checks to ensure all components are operating as intended.
- confirming fittings and cables are securely attached.
- reviewing the inverter display panel for recorded faults.
- checking that access to the isolator switches has not been impeded, and/or
- making sure the emergency procedures for shutdown and isolation are clearly displayed.