Are Your Switchboard and meter Solar System Ready?

 Connecting your solar power system to your home’s switchboard is an important part of every solar system installation process. But all the Australian switchboards are not solar system ready. Our solar expert team at Vista Electrical Controls has found out numerous switchboards, that aren’t suitable for solar panels. Once you read this blog, you’ll be amazed to know their condition.

Let’s find out if your switchboard is solar system ready?

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 What’s the role of a switchboard?

Your switchboard is usually located nearby the front part of your house mostly on the outer wall and it’s responsible for administering the power all over your household. Within it, there’s a row of on-off switches which control your main power supply and other power circuits like lighting, fans, etc.

Solar power system and Switchboards:

Your switchboard will also hold the main switch for your solar supply- it is added at the time of your solar system installation. But following problems may get in the way:

1. No space for an extra switch.
2. Your switchboard might not handle an increase in the electricity supply.
3. Your switchboard might be old or damaged, making it dangerous.

So, Now how to Get Your Switchboard Solar system Ready?

Homes that are built in a period of the last 20 years must configure a switchboard that’s suitable for a solar PV system. If it’s so, you should be fine! But if it’s not suitable, then you must make some upgrades.

The following common scenarios can happen:

•       There is space in your switchboard– So it’s possible to install a small circuit breaker.
•       There is no space in your switchboard– You can install extra housing next to the switchboard.
•       Your switchboard is not safe– If your switchboard is too old or too damaged, then your switchboard will require a major upgrade in order to comply with solar system regulations.

It’s really very important to have a safe switchboard for your home especially when you’re planning to install a photovoltaic system as well as to protect you and your family. Vista EC recommends you select a solar installer who has years of experience in electrical services since they need to work with dangerous electricity circuits and an expert solar installer will ensure that the switchboard is safe and solar system ready.

Along with the switchboard, your meter also needs to be compliant with a solar system.

Find out how Meters should also be compliant with solar?

You’ll need a bi-directional or a two-way meter in order to utilize the complete energy produced by your PV system. This meter not only reads your energy consumption but also the amount of energy you’re sending back to the utility grid. When you install your solar power system before the bi-directional meter meanwhile any excess energy you produce will rotate your present meter backward i.e. you’ll receive credit based on the present market rate.

But keep in mind, the rates can differ according to the state and the network provider. Vista EC will assist you in meter changeover arrangements. 

We are the best solar installers in Perth and have served numerous homeowners in Perth on all types of electrical jobs for over 15 years. Want to know whether your switchboard is solar system ready? Contact our solar experts in Perth today.

Are solar panels waterproof? Or Can Water Damage Solar Panels? Know everything!

 

The lifetime of the PV panel is 25 to 30 years and they spend their entire life span outside in nature i.e. residential solar panels or ground-mounted solar panels are always exposed to changing weather conditions like wet weather, rainy weather, or very hot weather therefore they need to be waterproof so that they can keep generating electricity for their lifetime.

 

So, all the solar panels are produced to be waterproof. 

 

Since PV panels are always outdoors for many decades, it’s important to manufacture them to be water-resistant and also resist potential water damage. All residential solar panels are waterproof and on rare occasions, they’re damaged by water but despite that, you’re always secured by the warranties from your solar panel manufacturer.

 

Solar cells present in the PV panels generate electricity. This electricity is trapped by wiring inside the solar energy panel. But in the first place, all the wiring and other electronic components inside solar PV panels are more vulnerable to water and they could get damaged by the water. For this reason, the PV panels are manufactured in such a way that safeguards these delicate components.

 

Various components are used to make solar panels waterproof like in the majority of cases, solar energy panels are covered in a thin glass sheet and they’re secured by a sheet on the back, which is normally composed of long-lasting, polymer-based material. These layers are coupled with a metal frame and special bonding glue, which makes solar energy panels waterproof and also blocks the water from getting to the solar cells as well as wiring.

 

During rare cases of water damage, solar panel warranties can protect you.

 

Defects in solar panel construction are very rare and such solar energy panels might not be completely waterproof but fortunately, the majority of solar manufacturers provide two different types of warranties in order to secure your investment in solar panels i.e. Production warranty and equipment warranty.

 

A solar equipment warranty offers protection against issues related to the quality of solar energy panels and it covers – manufacturing defects, premature wear, and tear, environmental problems, etc. as mentioned earlier, if your solar energy panels aren’t waterproof and if water damages your solar panels, then at that time, equipment warranty will protect you. Sometimes the solar manufacturer may not pay for a new solar panel but he can cover the shipment and re-installation of your solar panel. Solar equipment warranties last 10 to 12 years.

 

If your panels are underperforming then solar panel’s production warranty can protect you.

 

Similar to other electronic devices, solar panels also degrade over time, and due to which the amount of electricity that it generates decreases slowly.

Solar panel production warranties generally guarantee 90% energy production at 10 years or 80% at 25 years i.e. your solar panels ought to be producing around 90% of the energy they generated at the time when they’re first installed.

 

If a solar panel is not waterproof then it can get flooded with water and might cause less amount of sunlight to hit the solar cells or might even break the individual solar cells. In such a situation, your PV panels will likely not generate the ample amount of energy required to avail of their production warranty agreement. In this case, your solar manufacturer will replace the panel damaged by the water.

 

Along with being waterproof, solar energy panels also withstand changing weather conditions- they withstand harsh weather conditions. If your property is in a cold climate, then there’s no need to worry about snow; PV panels can bear the considerable weight that too without falling off.

 

 

Also, energy production is boosted up in colder weather. In fact, solar energy panels aren’t affected by extreme incidences like hail storms and hurricanes; because an accurate solar racking system stops strong winds from imposing damage as well as the strong glass coating on the majority of panels sustains strong hail storms.

 

Vista Electrical Controls offer the best solar quotes for premium quality solar panel installation Perth.

 

Irrespective of where your property is situated, investing in solar panels is always great for homeowners. Solar energy panels are always manufactured to sustain rain, snow, and storms. If you’re looking for the best warranty terms on solar panels simply drop us an email @ info@vistaelectricalcontrols.com.au

Solar Power For Better Tomorrow

Introduction: Solar power is on its way to take over the energy sector. The rate at which Australia’s solar energy utility spiked was classically spectacular. Solar is the best energy alternative and it couldn’t be more true! Undoubtedly, solar adoption across the globe is at an all-time high, you might wonder, how solar will shape further? What’s the future of solar energy in Australia? It’s going to be gloriously brighter! Let’s learn more about it in this post. Solar energy future strengthening factors: Lesser costs: Solar panel prices are affordable now, unlike back in 1978. Not only panels but also the rest of the equipment in a solar system has a competitive price. Why? Because solar technology is evolving by the day, demand is tremendous.There are plentiful manufacturers offering quality products, all these parameters resulting in declined solar cost. Identical to businesses and corporations, Australian homes are welcoming the energy change and embracing sustainable living. Federal and state’s lucrative solar rebates, curated finance options by the solar installation companies, descending cost ratio — and many other determinants have escalated solar panel installation in Australia. Rapid tech development: As for cells, silicon photovoltaic solar cells are the leading cell technology in PV panels. Based on the silicon cell structure, there are two primary categories of panels available in the market: Polycrystalline panels and mono-crystalline panels. Mono panels offer better efficiency over poly as mono panels’ manufacturing process employs a next-generation cell purification method. Ongoing research on solar technology improvisation has a new name called Metal Halide perovskites. It’s a new silicon cell technology shaping up in the laboratories. The perovskites are under the test phase. The said advancement may probably be cost-effective and more efficient than photovoltaic cells. Scientists are experimenting with this new technology and achieving success by adopting the piggybacking method with halide perovskites on existing PV cells (perovskite-silicon tandems) to grow efficiency and output. Different solutions for different needs: PV system solutions have a range of designs to serve distinct needs from solar buyers. Solar systems are further equipped using solar batteries to free people from grid electricity. Solar batteries store excess power for later use. Presently, Battery storage majorly adopts lithium-ion technology, offering excellent efficiency. Tesla Powerwall is a remarkable product by Tesla. The tech giant is popular and widely preferred for revolutionary design and performance. It can provide mass storage with up to ten-battery attachments. Tesla Powerpack is another product from the storage battery lineup for commercial solar requirements. Fast-paced growth: Australian solar facts are but astounding! Let’s give a dekko at Australia’s glorifying solar implementation. Clean Energy Council shows how solar has progressed to be a crucial clean energy providing source for Australia. More than 6% of Australian households now have solar power installation. Since 2012, commercial solar installation in Australia rose at a rapid rate. The University of Queensland is the first of its kind to have a fully operating solar farm called Warwick to power up the institute’s operations. Australia is unconditionally utilizing its characteristic to be a sunshine country, apparent from the above few examples. Furthermore, Australia has the potential and resources to go overboard with solar adoption in the future. Thus, the future of solar energy in Australia is promising. Upgrading together with technology: Vista feels obliged to blend the latest trend in its offering for quality assurance. Vista persistently monitors and modifies their solar system packages in Perth to resemble closely with demands. Vista’s experienced technical team studies the latest happenings in the solar industry and design solutions to keep the services upgraded. There are fully-installed PV systems and customized PV systems on sale for commercial and residential needs. Conclusion: Clean energy will be a key factor in the future. A tremendous amount of electricity will come from renewable energy especially solar. Vista Electrical Controls offering you to contribute to Australia’s Renewable Energy Target [RET] by acquiring residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial solar solutions. Vista offers all sorts of small, moderate, and large solar system installation aiming for quality and satisfaction. Solar is that abundant, clean and free energy resource that not only power up our living but also contribute to preserving the environment. The higher the solar installation, the lower the pollution and greenhouse emission effect. Solar is going to go grand and record mammoth growth in the future. If you are in dilemma about solar — simply know that solar is right!

Are you looking for the best solar company in Perth? We are here to serve you!

  

Residential solar panel installation

We need energy for everything. Energy – conventional or non-conventional is at the core of human race development on the earth. 

The bad news is – we are overusing non-renewable energy at an alarming rate, so much so, that we are on the verge of depleting it completely.

Is there an alternative? Of course, there is!

Let’s understand the importance of utilizing renewable energy, especially solar energy.

Solar energy – Time to make use of the abundant form of renewable energy.

Solar energy is an undying source of energy, and with technological advancements, it’s possible to cultivate this power source to produce clean electricity. In Australia, more and more households are turning into solar homes. Not just the residential sector but the commercial buildings even the farms are going solar in the wake of this critical energy crisis. 

Vista Electrical controls – ‘VEC’ is a renowned solar company in Perth, which is out there for providing renewable energy solutions to a variety of energy needs. 

Let’s understand the benefits of going solar:

·         A capital saver: It allows you to save money on electricity bills. 

·         Doesn’t ask for much space: If you opt for rooftop solar panels, they don’t require any extra space. The system sits comfortably on the roof. (For both commercial – residential)

·         Low maintenance: Very reliable on the maintenance part. There’s a pretty long service life of panels, and with a little bit extra care, they cause no maintenance cost.

·         Reduces carbon footprint: Electricity produced from solar radiation is the pure form of energy. It does not emit any harmful gases in the atmosphere in any way, which subsequently reduces the carbon footprint on the earth.

·         Increases real estate value: You solar equipped house will be on many clients’ mind when you want to sell it. So even in the resale, you will get a good value for your house. 

How you benefit from going solar with us?

• Cost-effective solutions
• Easy operation
• Quality-oriented services
• Local Personnel for post-installation help
• Client feedback for reference
• Financing

If you are looking for funding for your solar system installation in Perth, we share a strong relationship with solar finance companies. They can help you allocate the funds for the project.

Why Vista Electrical Controls?

We, at Vista Electrical Controls Pty Ltd, are experienced professionals who strive to provide quality service through customer-centric approach and dedication. Vista Electrical Controls holds ‘Clean Energy Council Accreditation for Design and Installer of Grid Connected Solar Systems A3591619’ and is a WA Licensed Electrical Contractor EC13384.

Vista Electrical Controls is the best solar company in Perth. What makes us the best? We work with you to understand your needs, give optimum solutions by putting your needs and convenience first. 

Conclusion

We are responsible for the energy crisis, and we only can fix it. One excellent solution is to welcome the revolutionary change – solar power. Solar energy is currently giving and will continue to give us the clean and more than sufficient power. 

We, at VEC with our services, are trying to take solar systems to every home. We, together can reduce this dependency on fossil fuels and other conventional resources by going solar.

Let’s join hands. Let’s make the change happen!

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