FAQ’s

Reduce your carbon footprint

Solar is a clean and green natural occurring renewable energy source. Meaning it produces no waste or pollution and will never run out. It is classed as green energy because zero emissions are released when converting it back to electricity.

Savings on your electricity bills

In the majority of cases, solar will save you money in two key ways. It will help to reduce your electricity bill by reducing the amount of power you need to purchase from the grid. Secondly through the feed in tariff you receive for selling back the excess power you make. The exact amount depends on many factors including the size of the system, the location of your system, local electricity rates, your average energy consumption and your usage patterns.

Freedom from energy price increases

Mainstream electricity relies on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. Not only are they destroying our environment but they are not renewable meaning they are limited resources. Anything limited creates an unstable and volatile market, which can alter energy prices dramatically.

Solar derives clean and pure energy from the sun. Making it the cleanest, greenest and most viable form of energy available, which produces no waste or pollution. Installing solar panels on your roof helps combat greenhouse emissions, inturn not contributing to global warming and reduces our reliance on non-renewable energy sources such as coal-fired power stations. Solar power is completely renewable meaning is will never run out. The two largest environmental benefits include, reduced air pollution and reduced water usage.

Ask yourself: What is your main reason for investing in solar? 

Is it to reduce your carbon emissions for a greener future?  If yes, then solar is right for you. Solar will dramatically reduce your pollution impact on the environment, as solar power produces zero emissions and no waste or pollutions.

Is it for the financial benefit? Solar power saves you money by reducing your reliance on the grid and paying you for the excess energy you produce. Solar combined with energy saving solutions for your home or business and smart decisions around your usage patterns will indeed save you money.

Your roof space can determine if solar is an option for you: The orientation of your roof (degree to north) and your pitch (although tilts can combat this) can also affect your solar eligibility. The amount of shade around, the condition of your roof and even your type of roof can also impact your decision.

The pay back period of a solar system today is less than you think! Obviously it has many variable factors including:

• The price of your system
• The size of your system
• Your usage patterns
• The price you receive for your feed in tarriff
• The price your energy provider charges you for power and to be connected to the grid

Utilising these factors the system usually can pay for itself within 3-5 years.

If you have got multiple quotes, you may have noticed large price differences for what is supposedly the same product. This can be quite confusing for consumers, let us break it down for you.

There is a lot to think about when choosing a supplier. If the price seems very expensive then you are probably paying to maintain a big company. Also if you find a system that is too good to be true, it usually is, you should find out the quality of the products you will be getting. And if the install is actually carried out by qualified accredited professionals.

Prices will vary due to the cost and quality of the materials.

1. Cost of the panels: Panels can vary from $150 each to $400+ each. They might both have the same KWs rating but efficiency levels and build quality vary, you get what you pay for and quality matters.
2. Cost of inverters: Inverters can range from $500 to $3000 for a 5KW inverter. Again quality matters.
3. The cost of the mounting systems and isolators vary depending on what brands you buy.
4. The price can depend largely on the size of the company. Larger companies have more overheads. They pay sales teams, phone consultants, door knockers, pay rent on warehouses and office buildings. Using a smaller family run business means we can forward these savings directly onto you as we have less overheads to pay.
5. And then there is the cost of labour. You pay for your technicians skills and education. Our team is dedicated, qualified and highly skilled. They are paid above award wages and this means we get quality results.

In choosing your solar installer you should consider the following:

• Ensure you choose a ‘Clean energy council accredited’ installer
• The price of the system (is it all inclusive?) and the quality of the products used
• Are there any additional charges?
• The size of the system they are offering and will it cover your needs?
• How long will it take to get your system installed?
• Whether or not the installer uses accredited products and workmanship (do they sub contract work out, are their employees accredited electricians and solar trained?)
• Warranties on the products and on the workmanship itself.
• Level of service, has the company designed you a complete custom system to ensure the best return on your investment?
• Craftsmanship, read their testimonials and reviews, look at their previous work and make an informed decision
• After sales service, what kind of aftercare does the installer supply?

JB Electrical and Solar offer a 10-year workmanship guarantee on all their work. Solar panels come with 12-25 years product warranty. Inverters come with a 5-10 years warranty.

In the majority of cases, solar will save you money in two key ways. It will help to reduce your electricity bill by reducing the amount of power you need to purchase from the grid. Secondly through the feed in tariff you receive for selling back the excess power you make. The exact amount depends on many factors including the size of the system, the location of your system, local electricity rates and your energy consumption and your usage patterns.

Solar costs vary dramatically for a variety of reasons including:

• The size of the system
• The quality of the product, two different panels both emitting the same KW can vary up to $300+ each
• The size of the company, larger companies have more overheads in turn higher prices, they have to pay sales teams, door knockers, telemarketers, rents on warehouses and office buildings etc these costs are then added onto your price
• Is your roof tin or tile? Is it one or two storey?
• Is their excess travel involved?
• The design of the system

Yes, we offer independent finance through Brighte.

Solar incentives “rebates” are government initiated programs that encourage citizens to utilise solar technology by giving you an upfront rebate or saving on the purchase of your solar system, literally saving you thousands off the total price.

Solar ‘rebates’ are not usually called rebates by the government but instead seen as a subsidy or financial incentive.

Solar incentive programs in Australia began in 2017 and reduce by 1/15 each year until they will ultimately be phased out in 2031.

To qualify for these incentives your panels must be approved by the Clean Energy Council, your installer must be CEC Accredited and you must claim within a year of your install.

To claim there are two ways, the easiest way is to claim through your chosen installer. Most installers will quote your solar system already including the rebate so it is less upfront for the customer then they will claim the rebate themselves. Secondly, you can rebate through the website by filling out the online application.

The actual installation process for residential installs should only take 1 day.

Larger commercial installs will vary depending on size. Your application can take up to a week to be approved before installation.  If your meter needs to be changed there can be a delay of a few weeks between the installation of the system and the changing of the meter, this process is soley reliant on your specific electricity supplier.

Are you ready to contact JB Electrical and Solar? Click here to fill out the contact form on our website, send us an email or give us a call. You can also contact us on our socials –Facebook or Instagram!

Put simply;

Sunlight activates the panels – The panels are grouped in ‘arrays’ on rooftops or large open areas. The solar cells within the panel absorb sunlight during daytime hours producing an electric current and converting it to DC electricity.

 The electricity is converted – Your solar panels are working proficiently creating DC power (direct current) however, unfortunately this electricity won’t power your home. This DC electricity needs to be converted into AC (alternating current) electricity; this is done by an inverter.

The converted electricity powers your home – The AC electricity now runs through your electrical panel being distributed to the electrical appliances within your home.

A meter measures your usage – A meter is used to measure the electricity you are producing and using, any excess energy is sent back into the grid as your feed in tariff in which your energy supplier will compensate you for.

In sunny Australia its easy to see why solar can be a smart investment, Clouds and rain are an obvious concern but rest assured, Yes, your solar system will still work on a cloudy or rainy day as sun rays penetrate through rain and clouds. However because sunlight is limited so to is production.

If professionally installed by a qualified technician, with high quality components your solar system is perfectly safe. Solar systems are considered just like any other electrical component in your home or office and can be at risk to certain dangers. However, no more danger than a refrigerator or air conditioner brought into your building. Solar panels and inverters sold in Australia must comply with a range of standards that maximise their safety and reliability. All products used must be listed on Australia’s approved list of products to be utilised here in Australia.