What is causing my light globe to keep blowing?
There are a number of reasons your light globes may be blowing: The globes are of poor quality. The centre pin of the light fitting may not be making clean contact. The transformer may need to be replaced. There may be a possible faulty connection.
What does it mean if my safety switch keeps tripping?
A safety switch that keeps tripping could mean a number of things: You have a faulty appliance – this is the most common cause. It is most likely to be a heating appliance, fridge or an item exposed to water. You have a faulty circuit. You have a faulty RCD.
What is off peak and what appliances can I run off peak?
Off peak is electricity charged at a reduced rate; however, it is only available at certain times during the day. Those times are decided by Ergon and can change. You can put any appliance on off peak that can be hard-wired. For example: air conditioners and the pool.
What size system do I need?
The size of the system you require will depend on whether you would like to reduce your electricity bill or wipe it out completely. For example: While you are at work all day and the only things running are your fridge and your appliances on standby your household will consume approximately 2kw during that time. On a sunny day a 1.5kw system may generate up to 9kw a day. 2kw of that electricity has fed your house and the other 7kw is sold to Ergon at 8 cents per kw.
How much roof space do I need?
The size of the roof space required depends on the size of the system you require. A general rule of thumb is approximately 12m2 roof space for a 1.5kw system, however, there are many different factors involved so it is best to contact your installer/designer to arrange an inspection and proper design before committing to a system.
Where on my roof would the panels go?
The ideal position for your solar system would be on a north-facing roof that has no shaded areas. If this is not possible, a North East or East facing roof would be the best alternative.
What maintenance is required?
It is recommended that you inspect your panels every quarter to ensure there is no substantial buildup of dirt or debris as this can decrease their performance. In most cases, in the Far North, the rain will generally keep the panels clean. If we have a dry spell they may need a light spray with your garden hose. If further cleaning is required, please ensure all safety equipment and measures are used.
Can I upgrade my system in the future?
Yes. Your system may be upgraded by adding extra panels to your existing ones. This will mean you will have to upgrade your inverter unless you allowed for future upgrades at the original time of purchase. However, if your panel configuration changes from the time of install, this may affect your ability to upgrade.
