Solar
January 20, 2022

The demand for solar energy has soared over the years, topping the 100 gigawatts energy count. Solar energy accounts to more than 20% of total energy generation in Victoria. Harnessed through solar panels, there are a lot of factors that determine the solar output at your property. To make sure which panels will work the best to meet your needs, you should know everything about the efficiency and costs.

What Actually Is Solar Panel Output?

The amount of energy generated by solar panels is known as solar panel output. The ratings are generally based on the energy wattage they produce.

Energy consumption is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Translating the solar panel power output from watts to kWh tells us what capacity of energy they can produce.

Factors To Consider Based On Solar Panel Output

  • Your Energy Usage

Almost every homeowner can give a brief idea of how much energy they consume per month by reviewing their electricity bills. By determining the approximate kWh that your residence uses annually, you can figure out which capacity of solar panels will work the right for you.

  • Your Environmental Footprint

Based on your residential usage, you can easily determine if you should reduce your footprint or just go off the grid. By calculating the upfront costs, you can choose rooftop solar panels or off the grid ones. The latter are comparatively costly.

  • Your Energy Efficiency

To reduce your energy dependency, you can consider investing in energy efficient appliances. This will decrease your energy usage and lower the number of solar panels needed, thereby minimizing the costs.

Is There Any Reduction In Solar Panel Output Over Time?

In most cases, solar panel output decreases over time with an annual drop of 0.5 percent. There are many reasons that contribute to this, including degradation, extreme weather conditions and soaring temperatures. Rooftop solar panels go through harsher conditions compared to the ground ones.

Though typical solar panels offer warranties that last for around 20-30 years, it’s better to maintain them every year to prevent efficiency reduction.

Now that you know what solar panel output is and the factors associated with it, it’s the best time to make up your mind about going solar. Online Air and Solar is a trusted solar panel installation company in Melbourne proudly assisting households and businesses in going solar.

Solar
December 3, 2021

With the ever increasing electricity costs and pledge to net zero emissions by 2050, more and more homeowners are turning towards renewable sources of energy. Though entire Australia is opting for solar energy, Victorians are taking a major initiative in this solar revolution. Thousands of Victorians have replaced traditional electricity sources with solar energy, so much that, if the solar panels installed in Victoria are laid end-to-end, they’ll stretch all the way from Melbourne to Jakarta.

 Lily D’Ambrosio, the Minister for Solar Homes, Victoria, announced the latest figures of rooftop solar panels installed under the Solar Homes Program to be more than 3.16 million. Also, more than 180,000 homes and small businesses that have already applied for solar rebates of $334 million are urged to join this figure.

 She said, “Victorians continue to embrace renewable energy – they know solar is good for jobs, it’s good for the environment and good for bringing down power bills.”

 Switch To Solar For Low Cost Bills

 Since summers are on the way, energy requirements are going to touch the sky. So, it’s better to get prepared to tackle the hot weather with low cost renewable energy sources that saves you with money and resources in the long run.

 Now is the right time for the Victorian residents to consider investing in solar powered systems and take advantage of the $1,400 rooftop solar panel rebate decided by the Solar Victoria along with a $3500 solar battery rebate or up to $1,000 solar hot water rebate.

 In the recent announcement, the Victorian Government announced a $1000 rebate for upgrading old heaters with energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners. In addition, individuals switching to a zero-emission vehicle gets a $3000 subsidy.

 Leaders In Climate Action & Renewable Energy

 With a $1.6 billion amount allocated for Clean Energy Package, Victoria has managed to become a global leader in climate action and renewable energy development. In the financial year 2019-20, the state connected 1.6 gigawatts of solar panels that are more than any other state in Australia.

 Till date, there are 21+ renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 2,619 MW in progress and are getting commissioned shortly.

 Help Achieve Net Zero Emissions Target- Go Solar

 Victoria is leaving no stone unturned to achieve its goal of reducing emissions to half by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Residents are going to play a significant role in this feast. With a number of solar rebates offered by the government, it’s the best time to take advantage.

 If you want to install solar panels on your household or business premises, Online Air and Solar is here to assist you. Talk to our accredited solar panel installers to discuss your goals and get started with the rooftop assessment and consultation. We are trusted by hundreds of Victorian residents and businesses for quality solar system installations that meet compliance. Our team will be more than happy to assist you.

Solar
December 22, 2020

Victoria Confirms Continuation of Solar and Battery Rebates

Following on from the Victorian Budget announcements, it has been confirmed that the Solar Homes rebates and interest free loans will maintain their current level until 30 June 2021.

To further reduce installation costs, householders can apply for an interest-free loan for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount. The loan is required to be repaid over four years or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum.

The rebates amounts are as follows: 

  • Solar PV – Rebate of up to $1,850 + option of an interest-free loan up to approved rebate value. 
  • Solar for rental properties – Rebate of up to $1,850 + option of an interest-free loan up to approved rebate value. 
  • Solar battery rebate – Rebate of up to $4,174. Note: interest free loans are not available under the Solar battery rebate program. 
  • Solar Hot Water rebate – Rebate of $1,000. 

Applicants must understand their eligibility for a rebate application and can then contact us. 

Am I Eligible?

Victorian households are eligible to receive a rebate for installing a solar PV system if they meet the following criteria: 

  • they are the owner-occupier of the property  
  • the owners have a combined household taxable income of less than $180,000 per year (based on last year’s Australian Tax Office Notice of Assessment) 
  • it is an existing property, valued at under $3 million 
  • they do not have an existing solar PV system*.

Once you are confident that you meet the above requirements, please contact us on 1800 289 665 or info@onlineairandsolar.com.au

* Early adopters who installed their system prior to 1 November 2009 are eligible to replace or expand their existing system. However, those receiving the Premium Feed-in Tariff should consider whether they will be better off if they replace their existing system.  

Interest Free Loans

To further reduce costs, owner-occupiers can apply for an interest-free loan, for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount.  

An interest-free loan, matching the rebate amount, is also available for most solar panel (PV) applications.  

In line with the existing rebate, the new interest-free loan can be applied up to an amount of $1,850. If your total system cost is less than $3,700, there will be no upfront cost.  

The loan is required to be repaid over four years, or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum. 

Rebate Release Dates for the Remainder of 2020

Rebates for Solar PV, Battery and Rentals will be released fortnightly in line with the dates and times outlined at Solar Homes Program key dates. All rebate releases will occur at 12pm.

Solar Hot Water rebates are available on an ongoing basis and will not be subject to fixed released dates at this stage. 

Solar
November 22, 2020

A Guide to Buying Solar Panels in 2021

If you’re sick of rising electricity prices and feeling like a slave to energy companies, then you’ve probably given solar energy more than a passing thought. We understand that the decision to go solar can be a tough one, especially without the right kind of research. It can also be a confusing one. That’s why we’ve gathered the following information to help you make an informed decision on what’s right for you!

Coming from solar industry experts ourselves, there has never been a better time to go solar. With electricity prices rising in recent years and decreasing solar costs, over 2 million Australian households are now enjoying clean, reliable energy – straight from the sun.

So what are the benefits of going solar?

For most people, the advantages of solar energy are obvious. In a global sense, harnessing the power of the sun’s rays to power our home is certainly better for the environment than other coal-generated forms of electricity.

From a financial perspective however, solar energy needs to be thought of as an investment. There’s certainly an upfront cost involved but the long-term benefits are clear. By using solar energy to power your home for all the sunlit hours of the day, you’re not drawing energy from the main grid and therefore, saving on your electricity bill.

On the other hand, if your home is producing excess energy, it gets sent back to the main grid and you receive a feed-in tariff from your energy company. The feed-in tariff pays you for excess electricity generated by your solar system which is not used in your home. This way you don’t have to worry about any excess energy your system produces because you will get back for it. 

To sum up, You may not be completely wiping out your energy bill in the first few months, but you’ll certainly be reducing it considerably allowing the system to pay for itself over time. 

How does on grid solar work?

On-grid solar means powering your home with solar energy for the hours in the day when the sun is shining. Without battery technology, an on-grid solar installation can only power your home while it is actually producing energy from the sun. Think of it like riding a bicycle on a flat stretch of road: while your legs are pedaling to produce energy, you keep on moving. If you stop producing that energy, you come to a stop.

Fortunately, unlike a bicycle with no backup system, your home is still connected to the main energy grid. So, at night time, or other times when your solar system isn’t producing energy, you can still power everything in your home. This is the energy consumption you’re still charged for by your energy provider. However, this sort of solar set up also comes with a feed-in tariff, which means your energy provider will actually pay you for the excess energy you produce and don’t use. This helps to off-set the cost of power you use when your solar system isn’t producing energy.

Let’s understand parts of a solar installation!

The most important component of any residential solar panel system is the array of panels up on your roof. During the daytime, your panels absorb the sunlight and convert it into clean electricity. Most people assume that it’s as simple as that, but don’t go forgetting the important role your inverter plays.

You see, to be used in the home, sunlight needs to be converted into the right type of electricity. An inverter takes direct current (aka DC) from the solar panels and turns it into alternating current (aka AC). This allows your solar energy to be used by the appliances in your home. The inverter usually sits on the exterior wall of your house or inside the garage.

Solar systems can be on-grid or off-grid. On-grid systems are connected to the electricity network. Off-grid means that your home produces and consumes electricity separate from the national network. If your solar energy system is connected to the grid, you can export your excess electricity to the grid and get rewarded for the contribution.

On the other hand, if your home is using more power than your panels can produce, you will draw power from the grid. That is why a smart meter is a necessary and important component. It measures how much electricity is exported and imported, so your energy retailer can provide an accurate quarterly bill.

You can also generate power during the day and save it for later or use it at night time. For this, you’ll need a battery. Recently, home batteries have become increasingly popular. With the advent of the Powerwall, energy storage has opened homeowners up to a world of possibilities when it comes to saving power. Visit our solar battery page to get a free consultation on https://onlineairandsolar.com.au/solar-battery-storage/ Visit our Tesla Powerwall page to buy the most advanced solar battery storage Tesla Solar and Powerwall Cost – Tesla Home Battery Installation (onlineairandsolar.com.au)

I. PANELS

Solar panels come in two forms – monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Both are perfectly fine for Australian conditions. The solar panels are installed, generally on your roof, and are used to capture the solar energy you’re going to use in your home. 

Several factors influence the efficiency of your solar panels such as positioning, shadowing, dirt and dust. But what if it’s going to rain? Do solar panels work on a cloudy day? The answer is yes. However, with a large number of types and efficiencies of panels, it can be hard to decide what is best for your house. If you require any help with making this decision, do not hesitate to give us a call on 1800 289 665.

II. INVERTER

Most people’s interest stops at the quality of their solar panels, but a high-quality solar system requires more than a high output array.

The power that comes from your solar panel is known as a DC or direct current.

To make solar work for your home, you need an inverter that transforms direct current into a 240V alternating current (AC), which is usable in the home. Without the inverter, your solar system wouldn’t be able to power your home. Our in house solar experts will help you decide which inverter is best for you. 

III. METER

If you choose to direct your excess energy back to the grid, you’ll need a meter.

Net metering, NEM, or Net Energy Metering is a process of buying and selling solar power between you and your electricity provider.

Using this system, if your solar panels produce more energy than you need, you can choose to feed the excess into the grid and receive a credit on your account.

And if you consume more power than your solar is capable of producing, you can use the electricity from the grid.

IV. SOLAR BATTERY STORAGE

To save your solar energy for later use, you will need to store it in a home battery. As little as five years ago, home batteries seemed like an unrealistic option for most homeowners. But today, thanks to reduced costs, better technology, and greater demand, batteries are more affordable than ever.

Basically, the battery makes the solar panel work for you 24/7, even at night, when the sun is no longer out. It will also provide energy during blackouts!

Online Air and Solar sells solar panels and battery storage systems for your home. We are also a certified Tesla installer. To buy the best and most efficient solar battery to save your energy for later use, please contact us on 1800 289 665 or email us at info@onlineairandsolar.com.au

How Do Rebates Work?

To find out more about how rebates work and how you can take advantage of government incentives, please visit our blog Solar Victoria Rebate Scheme – Solar Homes Program | Online Air & Solar (onlineairandsolar.com.au) to find an in-depth explanation of how rebates work.

How to Choose an Installer for your Solar?

Once you’ve decided it’s time to go solar, it’s time for choose the right installer.

Solar is an investment so it’s important to get your money’s worth. But not all solar companies are worth your attention. According to the ASIC liquidated companies register, over 520 businesses which include the word ‘solar’ in their company name have gone into liquidation—that is, they’ve gone under—since 2011.

  1. Are you dealing with a sales company or solar company? After the government announced that there would be solar rebates, the industry was flooded with solar companies looking to make a quick buck. So ask yourself: Are you dealing with a company that is only focused on taking your money and leaving the rest to outsourced installers? Make sure that your chosen installer is a solar company like Online Air and Solar before anything else. Buying from Online Air and Solar, means working with people who understand how solar works, but more importantly, who understand your needs as the homeowner. 
  2. Who is going to install your system? Using subcontracted labour instead of having their own crew is dangerous and therefore, the result can be dangerous and the quality impossible to guarantee. At Online Air and Solar, all our in-house installers are thoroughly trained, have years of experience and are accredited by Clean Energy Council. All our technicians are licensed plumbers and A Grade electricians.
  3. How long is your warranty? Poorly designed solar systems may fail, while dangerously installed components may lead to the fires or structural damage to your house. A company such as Online Air and Solar that is confident on our own abilities and skills provides you with a 10 year workmanship warranty as well as guaranteed quality and services.
  4. Is your company 100% Australian owned and operated? With many solar companies outsourcing their operations to international firms, it is becoming harder for Australian families to find a company that understands their needs and requirements. Online Air and Solar is a 100% Australian owned and operated company. This means that all our staff members are located in Melbourne so we understand your solar needs and what’s best for your family. 

Find a reliable and reputable solar installer. Online Air and Solar is one of the best solar energy companies in Melbourne, We understand that the safety of your house and family come first. Choose a knowledgeable and experienced team such as our Clean Energy Accredited in-house installers and licensed plumbers and electricians. If you want to request a call back with a price beat guarantee and free consultation, please fill out this form How can we help? (quotientapp.com)

Solar
July 6, 2020

To help you make the best decision for yourself and your family, here are six reasons more and more people have decided to go solar and why it would be wise for you to say yes, too.

Read More
Solar
July 6, 2020

In this article, we will examine the Victorian Solar Rebate Scheme (updated on 29 June 2020). All information in this article is from the official Solar Victoria page.

Read More

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 Online Air & Solar
  
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 third sendemail 
 
December 14, 2022.
 
 
  
 
Fantastic work been done at my place today. Very professional job they have delivered and they are happy to answer all your questions if you are not sure about. Very high recommend to anyone looking for solar job be done with confident.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 David Mile 
 
 
 David Mile 
 
December 7, 2022.
 
 
  
 
Despite some technical issues and delays, my experience dealing with people was always present and professional.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Ian A 
 
 
 Ian A 
 
December 1, 2022.
 
 
  
 
They did a fantastic job with the installation and showed us how to get the mobile app working and explained everything perfectly. They took all the packaging away so we didn’t need to dispose of anything and even vacuumed up after they finished and everything was installed very neatly. Considering the amount of work required on the roof, only two roof tiles broke but they replaced them with new ones and even left us a couple of spares. Overall we’re very happy with the job they did.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Kim Barter 
 
 
 Kim Barter 
 
December 1, 2022.
 
 
  
 
Had the pre installed check yesterday, lovely chap inspected our place, did a good job and look forward to the install. They did also installed a unit on the house next door and they were happy with the work.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Rob S 
 
 
 Rob S 
 
November 17, 2022.
 
 
  
 
The team arrived on time as communicated with me, performed a fantastic solar install and explained the system. Highly recommended!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Colin Power 
 
 
 Colin Power 
 
November 15, 2022.
 
 
  
 
Great service, everyone was friendly and helpful. The installation was smooth and they did an excellent job. Will highly recommend to all my friends and family. And to anyone looking for a solar system I highly recommend Online Air & Solar
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Karen Oliver 
 
 
 Karen Oliver 
 
November 15, 2022.
 
 
  
 
The team from Online Air and Solar were really terrific
They arrived when they said they would and worked with the rather trying weather conditions to get the job done and were so polite and professional throughout the entire process and very neat and tidy also
I am very pleased with the work they have done and have even already recommended them to my sister who is looking at having similar work done and will happily recommend them to anyone else
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Chiskins 
 
 
 Chiskins 
 
November 12, 2022.
 
 
  
 
Brett and his team turned up on time, we had a quick discussion on how the installation process would play out and where I would like the inverters and cables leading to them.   Following their departure there was no trace of them being here, everything was left clean and tidy.
I would highly recommend them.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Brett Tisdale 
 
 
 Brett Tisdale 
 
November 7, 2022.
 
 
  
 
So professional we are very happy. We were stepped through the whole process and everything was done as we were advised. They even called our energy provider so we didn't have to follow up on anything ourselves. The installer who did the install cleaned up afterwards and took all the rubbish with him. So happy it was such an awesome experience to have professional people sort it all out for us. Would give them 10 stars if I could.