Tenergy is a member of the Australian Solar Council. They perform very good work in representing solar companies and promoting the uptake of solar energy across a wide range of project sizes.
Tenergy is an Accredited Designer under the Clean Energy Council regulations. Without this accreditation the STCs (Small Technology Credits) cannot be obtained for a pv solar system.
TENERGY's SOLAR BUSINESS PHILOSPHY
Australia is well served with companies providing PV Solar installations and they have different approaches.Tenergy Australia’s approach is based on the following;
1) We are primarily a design company, for Grid Connected PV Solar systems.
2) We specify and supply the key components: the PV modules, inverters, module support systems and isolators.
3) We work with a number of quality installers around Victoria.
4) We look to supply the “right size” system to suit the needs of any business or residence.
5) We only supply quality products to give the lowest possible lifecycle cost for the power supplied, while maximising the power output and life of the system.
WHAT IS NEEDED TO DEFINE YOUR SYSTEM?
As a design orientated company we need to obtain accurate information about your building or structure and your current electricity demands and expected changes in the future.
To work out the best design to suit you the following is needed;
a) A site visit will be carried out. This will identify the roof area that is suitable, any shading issues that are present, any concerns with the structure or roof cladding, and to understand any aesthetic concerns and personal requirements that need to be considered.
b) A recent power bill is essential. Having your last years’ power bills would be preferable. But the ideal information is in fact the half hourly smart meter readings going back for one or more years. This information is the perfect starting point for defining your needs. To get this data you can request it from your power supplier. This data is usually supplied in a special file format called a CSV file. It is similar to an excel spreadsheet format. Your supplier can usually supply this data within 10 days, and it would need to be sent to your email address.
c) What is your objective? We need to understand if you want a system which can be expanded in the future, or is sized to minimise export back the grid, or is intended to be coupled with batteries in the future, or is part of a programme for energy saving or optimising measures. There are a range of considerations; we need to know what is driving you, what changes are anticipated in the future.
WHAT DESIGN FEATURES ARE IMPORTANT?
Tenergy’s strategy is to provide a reliable, quality system that can perform well during its entire lifetime, of nominally 20 to 25 years. We will provide the following;
PV Modules to Suit Your Site.
The modules (or panels) are the key components of the system. Tenergy will normally only select Tier 1 panels. This category has; the highest manufacturing quality, warranty periods of 10 years or more and acceptable degradation characteristics over their life. Tier 1 panels normally guarantee a performance for 25 years. (NOTE: After 25 years most Tier 1 panels will still provide around 80% of their as-new performance.)
Inverters to give System Flexibility and Maximise Power
The inverter(s) convert the DC power from the modules to AC power for you to use and/or export. Tenergy will firstly look for solutions that use Microinverters instead of using string inverters. Microinverters (that is one inverter per panel) are fast becoming the preferred solution for PV systems because they offer flexibility in sizing systems and the best power output for sites that may have shading issues or complicated roof spaces.
Safe and Secure Module Support Structures (racking systems)
Often overlooked components of PV systems are the structures that hold your modules to your roof. These are called racking. Your roof cladding, purlins and rafters must be in good condition before installation. A system shouldn’t be installed over cladding, or attached to a roof element which will not last longer than the system. Depending on your location and orientation the wind loading over your roof will need to be considered to ensure the right racking system is installed. Some roofs may dictate additional module supporting due to wind loads or the number of modules or the location of the modules on the roof. Tenergy can supply a wind loading report with each system.
Safe and Secure System Isolation
Tenergy will specify high quality rooftop isolation switches to minimise problems during operation and any maintenance that is undertaken during the life of the system. Safe operation and safe maintenance are fundamental attributes of a quality PV system.
What Tenergy WON’T Do For You?
There is a lot to consider and evaluate in order to provide a quality system. Correct and accurate information is essential in order to quote and supply a system. Tenergy will not quote for a system based on just a Google map review. Only an estimate with a +/-10% variance can at best be given. Also Tenergy will not design and supply a system based on using sub-standard modules or inverters.
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF PV SOLAR
PV solar is not a perfect solution to providing energy independence. You need to be aware of some key facts about PV solar;
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It is not cheap. You must be prepared to spend between $1.40 to $2.20 per Watt for a quality system. And it may be more if you have complex needs. Also smaller systems cost more per kilowatt (Kw) than larger systems, so a 2Kw system may cost $5000($2.50/Watt) and a 5Kw system may cost $8500($1.75/Watt). BEWARE OF CHEAP SYSTEMS--THEY WILL NOT LAST 25 YEARS AND THEY WILL NOT PRODUCE THE POWER THEY PROMISE.
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Maintenance is important. PV solar systems need maintenance, such as cleaning of the modules, periodic checks of the entire system and potentially replacement of some items after 10 years. Maintenance activities and their costs need to be factored into your routine and annual budgets. PV Solar systems add a complexity to your house or business which you need to consider in order to get the best from the system. THINK OF YOUR PV SOLAR SYSTEM AS A VERY LARGE HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE.
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A system will not meet all your power needs, unless you invest in batteries and a generator as well. Ordinarily a typical system will meet around 40% to 60% of a typical household’s needs and be able to export as well. A business may achieve a higher utilisation due to their high power needs during the day, and business systems should be sized to consume 100% of the generation. Right sizing of the system is the key to getting the best from it.
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Big is not always better. A large system will usually mean more power is exported at the feed in tariff of 6c/kwhr—this is not at all economical and could result in a long payback period. (NOTE: The LCOE (Levellised Cost of Electricity) indicates that for a domestic situation the actual cost of producing 1KWhr is between 8c to 12c. So there is absolutely no benefit in exporting power, other than getting something for excess power. (Your costs for producing power will always be more than your income from exporting power.)
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It is not necessary to have a North facing roof. East and West facing roofs are fine. In fact a combination of panels on all or some of these orientations may better meet your demand, especially if using air conditioning late in the afternoon.
HOW TO START THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING PV SOLAR
The design starts with you. You need to provide the key data to set the scene. Where to start and what information do you need to gather;
1) Copies of power bills, for at least one year.
2) If possible talk to your power provider and get an electronic copy of your smart meter half hour readings (in CSV file format) for as long as your meter has been installed or for at least one year.
3) Ask your provider about the conditions that may apply to your agreement and rates if you install PV solar. Note that some distribution companies charge excessively for allowing export, you need to enquire carefully about all the charges that apply.
4) Agree on what part of your roof is not suitable for panels to be installed for aesthetic reasons or whatever. Inspect your roof, or get it inspected, is it in good condition? Tenergy can inspect your roof as well.
5) Agree on your long term strategy as regards using renewable energy. Is this the only decision you intend to make about using PV solar, or is this the first step in a process of reducing energy use and increasing uptake of renewable energy.
6) Contact Tenergy when you are ready, call Geoff on mobile 0450-224-284 , or send an email to geoff@tenergyaustralia.com.au