News & Information

When you install a grid connected solar panel system you are required to have an Import / Export meter installed by ETSA to monitor the power leaving your property.

1 Phase: If you have one installed at the time of building then it will save you approximately $395 + GST.
(N.B: This meter will also do J Tariff for electric hot water)

3 Phase: If you have one installed at the time of building then it will save you approximately $595 + GST.
(N.B: This meter will not do J Tariff for hot water so a second meter for your electric hot water will need to be installed. This will affect what size meter box is used on your property)

It is wise to also consider the amount of roof space required for the system size chosen. The optimum pitch and direction is 30 degrees and facing due north.

Grid connected solar can also be installed in other directions and pitch but will be slightly less effective in its output.

When you install a Solar Hot Water System it is wise to consider the weight. It may be necessary to have an extra truss put in to handle the weight if the system has a tank on the roof.

It is wise to also consider the amount of roof space required for the system size chosen. The optimum pitch and direction is 30 degrees and facing due north.

Solar Hot Water can also be installed in other directions and pitch but will be slightly less effective in its output. Give us a call and we will be more than happy to help with the best advice for your particular house design.

Insulate your home. Keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer by installing insulation in the ceiling and walls, and by plugging any gaps around windows or doors.

Choose the right hot water service. When choosing a hot water service, consider a solar unit. The up-front cost may be higher, but the long-term savings will make up for it.

Use gas instead of electricity. If it is an option use gas for cooking, water heating and space heating is cheaper than electricity and greatly reduces your CO2 emissions.

Use shades and blinds. Shades or blinds keep the sun out and your house cool. On cold nights, do the same to keep heat in.

Use energy-efficient lighting. Not only do energy-efficient lights, such as compact fluorescent bulbs, last longer than conventional light bulbs, they can cut the amount of electricity used for lighting by up to 80%.

Buy energy-efficient appliances. When shopping for new household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines, look for a five or six-star rating. Such appliances will save energy and be cheaper to run.

Avoid excessive use of energy-intensive appliances. Appliances such as clothes dryers and fan heaters use a lot of energy. Where possible, use alternatives such as a clothesline or gas heater.

Install an AAA-rated showerhead. A water-efficient showerhead can reduce both your electricity and water bills at the same time, and save about a tonne of CO2 per year

The following tips can help you make your home more energy-efficient to further reduce your electricity bills and help the environment. When combined with a Solar SA Solar Energy system, energy efficient home can have little or no greenhouse gas emissions

Heating and cooling

• Insulate your home. Keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer by installing insulation in the ceiling and walls, and by plugging any gaps around windows or doors.
• Use gas instead of electricity. Using gas for cooking, water heating or space heating is cheaper than electricity and greatly reduces your CO2 emissions. 


• Use shades and blinds. On hot days, use shades or blinds to keep the sun out and your house cool. On cold nights, do the same to keep heat in. 


• Don't overheat or overcool. Heating or cooling your home by an additional 2ºC adds about 10% to your energy bill. 


• Replace air-conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the air conditioner less efficient, increasing electricity use

• Use energy-efficient lighting. Not only do energy-efficient lights, such as compact fluorescent bulbs, last longer than conventional light bulbs, they can cut the amount of electricity used for lighting by up to 80%. 


• Buy energy-efficient appliances. When shopping for household appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines, look for a five or six-star rating. Such appliances will save energy and be cheaper to run. 


• Replace refrigerator seals. Leaky seals on a refrigerator waste energy and can cause food to spoil. 


• Avoid excessive use of energy-intensive appliances. Appliances such as clothes dryers and fan heaters use a lot of energy. Where possible, use alternatives such as a clothesline or gas heater.