Frequently Asked Questions
The latest information on developments in the solar PV and smart energy space from the engineers and consultants at Enhar.
Solar panel efficiency has improved by ~6% over the past 10 years. And while they will continue to improve well into the future, for most companies the best time to install solar PV is now for the following reasons; improve the companies sustainability prospects and help achieve net-0, reduce grid-dependance and reliance on energy that has rising costs, current rebates and grant opportunities that are currently available (and may not be in future).
Yes, solar energy systems can be retrofitted to old buildings and integrated with existing energy infrastructure. We have installed systems on the roofs of inner-city and historic buildings and have proven it a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs and improve a buildings sustainability. In cases where installations cannot be roof-mounted, an alternative is to install them on ground adjacent to the building. Our team has extensive experience in connecting these installations with the buildings electrical system and the grid that ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance.
Solar panels can be installed in a number of places. Rooftops are well known, however landfills, car parks, open fields, and industrial sites are also great options. Factors such as location, orientation, shading, and grid access should be considered when selecting a site for solar panel installation.
Implementing solar energy can provide significant long term financial benefits for businesses and communities including; immediately reduced energy costs, increased property value, long-term savings (as the cost of energy rises), money back from selling energy to the grid and in some cases tax incentives and rebates.
With large-scale electrical projects there are number of risks to consider, but thankfully all are easily mitigated by working with experienced consultants that have proven processes. Key risks and minimisation strategies include;
- regulatory risks - overcome by working with experienced solar energy consultants that keep up to date with current policy and provide guidance on compliance.
- performance and financial risks - mitigated by detailed planning and financial forecasting, to ensure the panels are optimally installed.
- physical risks of installer - overcome by working with certified professionals.
- weather related risks (wind, hail etc) - mitigated by using high-quality panels and mounting systems.
Solar panels can be installed in a number of places. Rooftops are well known, however landfills, car parks, open fields, and industrial sites are also great options. Factors such as location, orientation, shading, and grid access should be considered when selecting a site for solar panel installation.
The typical cost and timeline of a commercial solar project varies depending on project type, size, location, complexity of the installation, and equipment used. However, a rough project overview a 2.5MW system could be;
Cost: for the solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, electrical equipment, installation costs, permits, and fees is $3 million to $4.5 million or more.
Timeline: The timeline includes site assessment, design and engineering, permitting, equipment procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning can take between 6 months to a year - and in some cases more depending on factors such as regulation, availability and weather.
It's important to note that these are only estimates and actual project costs could vary greatly. If you have a scope and would like a more detailed estimate please contact us.
The typical cost and timeline of a solar farm project varies depending on project type, size, location, complexity of the installation, and equipment used. However, a rough project overview a 50 MW system could be;
Cost: for the solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, electrical equipment, installation costs, permits, and fees is $80 million to $120 million or more.
Timeline: The timeline includes site assessment, design and engineering, permitting, equipment procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning can take between 1 year to 2 years and in some cases more depending on factors such as regulation, availability and weather.
It's important to note that these are only estimates and actual project costs could vary greatly. If you have a scope and would like a more detailed estimate please contact us.
The typically lifespan of solar installations is around 25 years or more however this depends on a variety of factors including; the quality of equipment, environmental conditions and level of maintenance - which is critically important for both the operational efficiency and longevity of the installation.
Solar PV output is dependant on several factors including panel efficiency, location, weather, orientation and age. In ideal conditions of 15-20% 1 square meter solar panel will generate 150-200 watts of electricity however the actual power output varies dependant on the factors. Enhar uses complex modelling tools to forecast the energy generation and respective financial implications of solar PV installs.
There are a number of general strategies an organisation can use to reduce its dependance on fossil fuels and improve it's carbon footprint. Though each company requires a tailored solution, key strategies include;
- Increase the use of renewable energy sources including; solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. This can be done by installing solar PV and battery technology or switching to an energy provider that uses these technologies to generate it's energy.
- Improve energy efficiency; For old buildings this can be done through upgrading to LEDs, energy-efficient appliances, windows, HVAC systems or finding alternative modes of transportation. New buildings can leverage energy efficient design to reduce their overall need for active temperature regulation (which accounts for the majority of a buildings energy use)
- Implement energy storage solutions such as batteries, or in areas where possible, pumped hydro storage. This gives the energy system the ability to provide energy over greater time period without needing to switch back to grid energy in times where energy generated from solar or wind might not be meeting demand.
- Develop and implement smart grid technologies: Smart grid technologies can help to better manage energy production and consumption, improve grid reliability and resiliency, and enable the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Leverage government policies such as renewable energy mandates, tax incentives for renewable energy investments, and carbon pricing schemes. These can help reduce the financial burden of companies and make sustainable energy technologies more accessible to all.
In Australia, all solar PV systems must comply with a Australian standards to ensure they are legally installed and compliant. Key standards include;
AS/NZS 5033:2021 - Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays: Outlines standard for the installation of PV arrays, including design, installation, and commissioning. It also covers issues such as earthing, isolation, and protection against overvoltage and overcurrent.
AS/NZS 3000:2018 - Electrical installations (known as the "Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules"): This standard sets out the general requirements for electrical installations in Australia, including requirements for wiring, earthing, and protection against overvoltage and overcurrent.
AS/NZS 4777.1:2016 - Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 1: General requirements: This standard sets out the requirements for the grid connection of energy systems via inverters, including requirements for the inverter and the connection to the grid.
AS/NZS 4777.2:2015 - Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, Part 2: Inverter requirements: This standard sets out the requirements for the inverter used in the connection of energy systems to the grid.
Standards are complex and it's important that each project meets all the standards. To ensure compliance, it's recommended to engage solar energy consults and qualified solar installers with proven track records.
There are both national and state funding and grant opportunities for sustainable energy projects. In this ever changing space we recommend looking directly on the energy.gov to identify potential funding opportunities.
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is the governing body of clean energy industry in Australia, and it provides guidelines for the installation of solar PV systems. These guidelines cover issues such as system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
The role of maintenance for solar PV systems is to ensure maximum energy generation and extend the lifespan of the installation. This is done by keeping the panels clean and free of debris in combination with routine health checks. Similarly to servicing a car, performing regular low-cost maintenance helps prevent loss due to decreased production and potentially costly repairs or replacements that may result. Costs typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
Our mission is to raise the standard of the solar and smart energy sector through excellence in project development, engineering and quality management.
