Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for the different types of of products discussed on this website are available below. For more information about Rebates, RECs and Green Loans, see Government Rebates and Schemes.
Solar Hot Water
How do solar hot water systems work?
Solar collectors installed on your roof capture solar energy to heat water which is then stored in a tank for later use. Depending on the energy resources you currently have available, a gas or electric boost is used to ensure water is hot when required.
Are there different types of solar collectors?
Yes. Most solar hot water systems utilise either flat-plate collectors or evacuated tube collectors.
See Solar Hot Water Systems for more information.
Do I need to have the tank on my roof?
No. The tank can be installed on the ground or in another convenient location, and a small electric pump moves the water to the solar collectors on the roof. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy can be used to run the pump.
What size solar collectors and storage tank should I choose?
The size of the system you require will vary according to your individual circumstances. Factors such as the number of people living in your home, the efficiency of appliances such as dishwashers and showerheads, etc will influence the size of the system required. By reducing your hot water use, you can reduce the size and cost of the system you install. Your supplier will be able to provide advice regarding the system to best suit you.
Can I install the collectors on a flat roof?
Yes. A frame can be used to raise the solar collectors to the necessary angle. Your supplier will be able to provide information about the correct angles and best options for your roof.
Will solar hot water meet all of my hot water demands?
This will depend on the size and model of the system you install and your water use practices. A solar hot water system could provide up to 90% of your total hot water requirements. To make up the shortfall, most solar hot water systems are installed with a gas or electric booster.
What savings can I make by installing a solar hot water system?
Electric and gas hot water systems can account for a quarter of your household's energy costs. Purchasing an energy-efficient solar hot water system can save you money over the life of the system and can provide up to 90 per cent of your total hot water requirements. By switching to solar hot water, an average family can save up to $920 per year on water heating bills.
Do I need a Development Application to install a solar hot water system?
Residents are not required to lodge a Development Application with their local council for solar hot water when the following conditions are met:
- the system is integrated into the building or is flush or parallel with the surface of the roof;
- the system does not reduce the structural integrity of, or involve structural alterations to, the building; and
- it is not located on a building that is a heritage item or is in a heritage conservation area.
If you wish to prune or remove a tree to install your system, please contact your local council. You may be required to apply for a permit to prune or remove a tree.
Your preferred supplier can help you ensure that your new solar hot water system complies with development guidelines.
For further information regarding Development Applications please contact your local council.
Can I install a solar hot water system if I am renting?
You will need to obtain approval from your landlord, either directly or via your rental agency.
Can I install a solar hot water system in a unit?
If your property is part of a strata plan, you will have to obtain approval from the body corporate.
Can I install the collectors on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
What rebates am I entitled to?
You may be eligible for both NSW and Australian Government rebates.
The NSW Government hot water system rebate provides up to $1,200 to switch from an electric hot water system to a solar hot water system.
For more information or to apply, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or phone 1300 361 967.
The Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate provides up to $1,000 for solar hot water and $600 for heat pumps if they are replacing electric hot water systems. For more information or to apply, visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/solarhotwater or phone 1800 808 571. Transitional arrangements have been put in place by the Australian Government for people who have paid for or ordered their hot water systems prior to 20 February 2010.
The rebates may vary between households and systems selected. Contact our suppliers for further details on available rebates.
Solar PV Panels
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on your roof convert energy from the sun into electrical energy. Solar PV panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, which needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) electricity by an inverter in order to power lights and electrical appliances in your house. The whole system is connected to your home at the electricity meter.
What panel capacity do I need?
The average Australian household uses 18 kilowatt hours of electricity per day. A standard 1.5 kilowatt solar PV system will produce, on average 6.75 kilowatts of energy per day, or around one third of your electricity needs.
Ultimately, the capacity of the solar PV system you purchase will depend on your budget, and the area of unshaded space on your roof.
What financial assistance am I entitled to?
Your solar PV system may generate Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme. The number of RECs you receive will vary from system to system, and the value of RECs will fluctuate according to market conditions. Most solar PV installers will offer a point-of-sale discount on the price of installing a solar PV system in return for the RECs your system generates.
The Australian Government has recently launched the Solar Credits scheme, which is available for home owners with systems installed after 9 June 2009 (who have not applied for a rebate under the previous Solar Homes and Communities Plan). Systems installed before 30 June 2012 will be eligible for five times as many RECs as under the existing RET scheme, for the first 1.5 kilowatts of capacity of the system installed.
From 1 January 2010, NSW households with eligible solar PV systems will also be paid 60 cents per kilowatt hour for renewable energy they feed into the national electricity grid under the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme. This scheme is a gross feed-in tariff which means you are paid for all electricity generated from your solar PV system.
Read more about Government Rebates and Schemes.
Is solar electricity cost effective?
Over the lifetime of a solar PV system (25 or more years) the amount of electricity generated by the system will be far cheaper than if that same amount of electricity were purchased from an energy retailer. As coal-fired electricity prices are expected to rise, installing solar PV panels will become increasingly cost effective.
Is my property suitable for solar panels?
If you are considering installing a solar PV system, you will need to have a suitable north-facing roof (on your house, shed or garage) or ground space that is not shaded during the day. The solar PV panels need to be tilted so that they are pointed directly at the sun in the middle of the day (in some instances extra framing can be added to the roof to achieve this). If any part of the solar PV system is in shade the electricity output will be significantly reduced.
Do I need a Development Application to install solar panels?
Residents are not required to lodge a Development Application with their local Council for solar PV panels when the following conditions are met:
- The system is integrated into the building or is flush or parallel with the surface of its roof;
- does not reduce the structural integrity of, or involve structural alterations to, the building; and
- is not located on a building that is a heritage item or is in a heritage conservation area.
If you wish to prune or remove a tree, please contact your local Council. You may be required to apply for a permit to prune or remove a tree.
Your Preferred Supplier can help you ensure that your new solar PV panels comply with development guidelines.
For further information regarding Development Applications please contact your local Council.
Can I install solar PV panels on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
What is the difference between solar hot water and solar PV systems?
Solar PV systems use energy from the sun to create electricity that is then used to power the lights and appliances in your home. Solar hot water systems do not generate electricity, but use energy from the sun to heat water.
Heat Pumps
How does a heat pump work?
Heat pump hot water systems use heat in the surrounding air to heat water, like a refrigerator in reverse.
Heat pumps extract heat from the surrounding air to heat a refrigerant which turns from a liquid to a gas. The refrigerant gas expands and moves to a compressor which increases the temperature and pressure of the gas, a process which generates heat. Heat energy is transferred to the water and the gas cools to a liquid and returns to the evaporator to start the cycle again.
Each system works slightly differently, so check with your supplier for specific information about the system you are interested in.
What size tank do I need?
The size of the tank will vary according to your circumstances. Factors such as the number of people living in your home, the efficiency of appliances such as dishwashers and shower heads, etc will influence the size of the tank required. Also consider how much hot water your household will need in the future, not just how much hot water you use now.
The storage tank of a heat pump can be smaller than those of solar hot water systems as heat pump systems are very efficient and can operate 24 hours a day without a booster.
By reducing your hot water use, you can reduce the size and cost of the system you install. Your supplier will be able to provide advice regarding the system to best suit you.
Does a heat pump system need to be exposed to direct sunlight?
Heat pump systems do not need direct exposure to the sun. Heat pumps use the heat in the air, which is available even when it is cloudy and raining.
Do I need to obtain council approval to install a heat pump system?
Most hot water systems can be installed without council consent. The preferred suppliers will help you ascertain whether a development approval from your local council will be required, or you can contact your local council.
Can I install a heat pump system if I am renting?
You will need to obtain approval from your landlord, either directly or via your rental agency.
Can I install a heat pump system in a unit?
Heat pumps may not be suitable for installation in a unit. These systems require substantial clearances for ventilation and also make a similar level of noise as ducted air conditioning or a pool filter. Check with your supplier.
Can I install a heat pump system on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
What rebates am I entitled to?
The Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate provides up to $600 for heat pumps if they are replacing electric hot water systems. Transitional arrangements have been put in place by the Australian Government for people who have paid for or ordered their hot water systems prior to 20 February 2010. For more information or to apply, visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/solarhotwater or phone 1800 808 571.
Read more about Government Rebates and Schemes.
Rainwater Tanks
What size tank do I need?
There are several factors that will influence the size of the tank you purchase. These include what the tank will be used for, what size tank you can physically fit on your property, your budget, and the amount of water your roof collects.
For gardening, a minimum tank size of 2 000L tank is appropriate. If the tank is connected internally to your house, then you may want to consider a larger tank. A general rule of thumb is to choose the largest size you can afford and fit onto the site.
How do I work out how much water my roof will collect?
All you need to know is the size of your roof. For 1 millimetre of rain falling on 1 square metre of roof you will get 1 Litre of water. For example, if you have a roof of 40 square meters and there is a downfall of 12 millimetres then 480 Litres of water will be collected.
What am I able to use the stored rainwater for?
Rainwater can be used for flushing toilets, washing cars, filling swimming pools and spas, garden irrigation and washing clothes, amongst other things.
In line with NSW Department of Health regulations, we do not recommend the use of rainwater for drinking purposes where there is access to a reticulated water supply.
What rebates am I entitled to?
You may be eligible for a rebates between $150 - $1500 from Sydney Water for the installation of a rainwater tank. Tanks connected to a toilet and-or washing machine will attract the higher rebates. Find out more at www.sydneywater.com.au.
Rainwater tanks internally connected to a toilet and/or laundry may also be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 under the Australian Government's National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative. Find out more at www.livinggreener.gov.au.
In addition, residents in the Lane Cove Council area may be eligible for a rebate of up to $550.
Read more about Government Rebates and Schemes.
Do I need a Development Application to install a rainwater tank?
Residents are not required to lodge a Development Application with their local Council when the following conditions are met:
- The capacity of the tank, or the combined capacity of tanks on the site, does not exceed 10,000 litres;
- Is located behind the building line or in the case of a property containing a heritage in the rear;
- Is not to be located in the “foreshore area” or any other special zone that requires a development application for rainwater tank installation.
Your preferred supplier can help you ensure that your new rainwater tank complies with development guidelines.
For further information regarding Development Applications please contact your local council.
Can I install a rainwater tank on a heritage building?
Possibly. Check with your local council for any specific heritage requirements.
How much water pressure do I get from the tank?
The water in the tank will be forced out by its own weight but this will not be sufficient to run a hose as you would from a mains tap. To get pressure you will require a pump or a header tank with sufficient height. If you choose to have a pump, you will also require a power point.
Does my tank need to sit on a foundation?
It is ideal that all tanks sit on a base of level reinforced concrete. At a minimum we would recommend reinforced concrete pavers.
What shapes and materials do tanks come in?
Most tank shapes are either round or slimline. Round tanks are generally cheaper, however they take up more space. Sacs or bladder tanks which are flexible, inflatable tanks are also available and can be installed under decking.
Tanks are made from a range of materials, including corrugated Aquaplate® steel, polyethylene, concrete and fibreglass. Sacs are made of PVC / geotextile. Your tank supplier will be able to discuss your options with you.
Read more about Rainwater Tanks.
GreenPower
What is GreenPower?
GreenPower is electricity that has been generated by renewable sources, such as the sun, wind, water and waste. This electricity is generated at a range of sites across Australia. It is purchased by your energy company on your behalf and supplied to the national electricity grid, not directly to your home.
What is accredited GreenPower?
Accredited GreenPower meets the stringent rules and guidelines of the Australian Government's GreenPower accreditation program. It is your guarantee that the electricity you buy comes from renewable sources. Accredited GreenPower will display the GreenPower 'tick'. This label will also tell you the amount of accredited GreenPower your energy retailer is purchasing on your behalf, as a percentage of your household's electricity consumption.
Why does GreenPower cost more?
Electricity generated from renewable sources is currently more expensive than electricity generated from fossil fuels as the renewable energy industry is still emerging and does not enjoy the same economies of scale as traditional coal-fired electricity. Further to this, the renewable energy industry also does not receive the same level of subsidies as the fossil fuel industry.
If your budget is tight, our supplier of GreenPower offers 10% GreenPower at no extra cost. You can offset the cost of GreenPower by taking a few easy steps to reduce your electricity bill and make your house more energy efficient. Switch appliances off at the power point instead of leaving them on standby mode, wash your clothes in cold water and use energy efficient light bulbs. You can also purchase an even smaller percentage of GreenPower. Every bit makes a difference.
Is renewable energy reliable?
Electricity from renewable energy sources does not go directly to individual houses and has no impact on reliability. Grid operators will control the level of reliability of electricity supply.
How does GreenPower help the environment?
The average Australian household emits seven tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from its electricity consumption every year. GreenPower Accredited Renewable Energy does not burn fossil fuels and therefore produces no net greenhouse gases. By purchasing accredited GreenPower you will be supporting the renewable energy industry, helping it compete with coal-fired electricity generation.
Where can I find more information?
For more information about the National GreenPower Accreditation Program, visit www.greenpower.gov.au
