What kind of accreditation does Choice Energy have?
Choice Energy has a Clean Energy Council accreditation for design, installation and retail. The Clean Energy Council accreditation is a qualification that demonstrates a business' commitment to responsible sales and marketing activities, and competency in the design and installation of stand-alone and grid-connected solar PV systems.
By choosing an accredited retailer, designer and installer, you can feel confident that you will receive a high quality, safe and reliable solar PV system.
Choice Energy is also a Registered Electrical Contractor and our REC number is 28163.
We are also a proud Fronius Service Partner.
When will my system be installed and what steps need to occur?
Your installation will largely depend on the timeline associated with all necessary approvals, which are handled in-house by our team.
For larger installs, this process can take some months, which is why we always recommend as prompt a sign off as can be managed, so we can get your installation started as soon as possible.
Your project manager will keep you updated on the estimated time frame and anticipated steps.
The next steps will involve arranging a time for installation to occur, which will fit around your business needs. Your project manager will discuss any requirements, such as safe access to the roof, and if power to the site will need to be shut off for a short period of time.
How do I know if my solar system is working right?
The screen on the front of the inverter will give details to the system status and if it is working correctly.
There are three main ways to check that your system is working correctly:
Your system inverter should feature a screen that gives you details on what energy has been produced, and how much it is producing now. This is a direct indicator of your system working correctly. If there is an issue you may see a red light or an error code, or see that the system is not producing.
If your inverter screen is showing nothing, including no lights, this may also indicate the system is not functioning correctly.
Likewise, your energy bill should give you an overall indication that your system is functioning correctly, as you should see
If you are experiencing any issues contact your Project Manager directly.
Can Choice Energy help with any other part of my energy use or expenditure?
We certainly can! As a fully fledged energy management firm, we specialise in not only providing business with high quality solar, but also energy management solutions that lower the cost of your grid energy use, including energy procurement, tariff and demand assessment, and metering and monitoring.
I don’t understand my post-solar bill. How does it work?
Your post-solar installation bill may now look a little differently, as it reflects any benefits you receive from your solar feed-in (the power from your solar system fed back into the grid). Typically this is in the ‘usage’ section on your bill.
If you can’t locate it, send your latest electricity bill to your Project Manager and they’ll confirm for you.
How does seasonality affect my system’s performance?
As your system relies on sunlight to function at its best, seasonal change can affect the output of your system. As a result, many see a higher output in summer and lower in winter. Thankfully there are many ways output in colder seasons is enhanced, including:
Solar optimisers, which assist the system in output by making up for performance that would previously be lost if one panel was compromised by shade, coverage or damage.
Cooler weather with bright sunlight is ideal for solar panels, and reduces the risk for overheating issues. As a result, modern panels see a great output in winter while the sun is shining.
Likewise, modern solar panels can still perform on cloudy days, as UV is able to penetrate light cloud cover. This is a situation more unique to Australia which has less ozone protection. So while we slip slop slap to avoid the sun here, it is great news for our solar panels!
There was a power outage and my system turned off, what do I do?
By law, and for the safety of linesmen working on the grid, your grid-connected solar system will be shut off during a power outage to ensure no power is fed back into the system and potentially put them at risk.
Sit tight during the power outage, and check on your system again once power is restored: Your system should then automatically turn on again.
For further assistance, contact your Project Manager.
We are moving premises, what does this mean for my system?
Great news - High quality solar panels are actually mobile, and can be moved from site to site. However, if you own the building it may be more beneficial for your business to sell the building with it in place and install a new system at your new site.
If you are moving to a new premises or have queries on this, get in contact with your Project Manager.
I’ve noticed my first bill is similar to the last one, what does this mean?
This could be caused by a range of factors including:
Your first bill does not reflect the period of time when your solar system was producing energy
Your bill is dominated by other charges and not just energy usage, including high tariff and demand charges
There may be an issue or fault with your system.
If you suspect the third, we recommend you check your inverter for any error codes. If you require further assistance, contact your Project Manager.
Can storms or severe winds damage my solar panels?
While your high quality installed solar panels are designed to remain as secure as possible, and can even assist in protecting your roof from hail or storm damage, it is possible for a severe weather event to damage your system.
If you notice or suspect damage, please contact your Project Manager.
Will solar cover my whole energy demand / usage?
Unless you have a battery installed and are completely “off the grid” or not connected to the main energy grid, no.
Remaining connected to grid energy is essential for ensuring your business can rely on power on demand, no matter the circumstances. While your solar system will do the heavy lifting for you during daytime hours, there may be times when you require the grid as your back up.
For example:
Unexpected up-turns in energy requirements may see you need more energy than what your panels can provide.
Poor weather conditions may reduce your solar system’s output by comparison to your needs.
A fault or issues with the solar system would leave you without access to power
You may require energy during the night, for night shifts or security and lighting.
There are elements to your energy bills that reflect connection charges to your account, that do not correlate to your charge. Meaning, even if you do not utilise grid energy in that period, you are still subject to some fees.
With the average commercial system reducing energy bills by an average of 40 - 70%, solar is a feasible and cash flow positive option for many businesses that is a great benefit in correlation with other energy management services.
Have a question?
If you are an existing client and your question is not listed above, please contact your Project Manager or our general installations team on 1300 304 448 or by emailing installs@choiceenergy.com.au
If you are interested in exploring solar with Choice Energy please call our team on 1300 304 448, email us at info@choiceenergy.com.au or complete an enquiry here.
