Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Using Our Solar Panels:

• How will I use the electricity from a Modern Solar energy system?
• The electricity generated by a Modern Solar energy system works just like the electricity delivered by your local utility. After passing through a component called an inverter, the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panels is converted to alternating current 240 Volts (AC), the type of electricity that you normally access through the outlets in your home or business facility. This AC electricity is either fed into your home for your use, or is fed back into the electricity grid if you are generating more than you are consuming. Speak to a Modern Solar specialist to learn how you can benefit.

• Do I need batteries for my Modern Solar Grid Connect system?
• No, excess solar energy generated on your roof is automatically fed back into the electricity mains via your inverter. Your solar system also automatically sources electricity from the grid when you are not generating sufficient electricity from your solar panels. Therefore, you effectively are using the grid as your battery.

• What happens at night?
• Solar photovoltaic panels require sunlight to produce solar electricity, no solar system will produce electricity during the night. With a Modern Solar Grid Connect system, your local utility will continue to supply your electricity at night.

• What happens on cloudy days?
• Since solar photovoltaic (PV) technology requires sunlight to produce electricity, the bulk of your solar electricity production will take place in bright sunny conditions. The amount of solar electricity produced by your panels is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight available at any given moment. Solar systems can still generate around 50% of their peak output under bright overcast conditions but heavy clouds which significantly reduce brightness during the day will further reduce performance.

• What will happen during a blackout?
• By law, any solar electricity system without generator backup must shut down until utility power returns in order to assure a safe working environment for utility line workers. Therefore, your solar systems will switch off until mains electricity is restored.

• Why do I still need electricity from the mains?
• You still need electricity from the mains because your solar panels may not produce enough electricity to supply your household's needs every day. This obviously depends on the size of solar system you choose and your consumption of electricity. In addition, even if your solar system can generate enough power for you during the day, because the system only generates power when the sun is shining, you will need mains supply electricity whenever there is insufficient sunlight. For example for supply of electricity at night.

• Is Grid Connect solar power the same as solar hot water?
• No. Solar hot water uses heat from the sun to heat your water. Your Grid Connect Modern Solar photovoltaic System generates free electricity directly from the sun providing a renewable and clean energy source.

• Can I hook this up to my pool?
• Pools are usually heated with solar hot water panels. These are like hot water systems and the water runs through the solar panels and is heated by the sun. If you want your pool to be heated by a Modern Solar photovoltaic system, you will need your pool heated by electricity and you can use your new Modern Solar system to provide that electricity.

• How does it work in conjunction with 'solar heating' inside my home?
• Your Modern Solar Grid Connect photovoltaic system will provide solar power to your home. This solar electricity can be used by any appliance in your home so it will work together, with your solar hot water service to reduce your reliance on mains supply and reduce your electricity bills.

• Where else can the solar panels be placed other than my roof?
• Solar Panels can be placed just about anywhere there is a constant source of sunlight with no shade. That is why your roof is often the best place to put the solar panels. The solar panels should be angled so that they face the sun for as much as possible during the day. That is why the North facing side of your roof is ideal. Of course, solar panels can be mounted on pergolas, sheds and verandas too, so long as they can support the solar panels safely and it's a sunny spot where the solar panels can be angled towards the sun.

Investment & Rebates:

• Are there any ongoing costs with a Solar Power Grid Connect System?
• There are no ongoing costs after the initial investment price of the system except replacement of components outside the warranty period. The solar system generates free, clean electricity from the sun with minimum maintenance required (wash solar panels occasionally).

• My home has gas & electricity, is there a difference to set up & cost?
• No, if your home has gas heating or a gas stove, your Modern Solar photovoltaic system just assists you even more by reducing even further, your existing electricity bills . There are no additional set up costs.

• Is it legal for your electricity meter to 'spin' backwards?
• Yes. As long as you have notified your energy retailer of your solar system (some retailers require an interconnection agreement). Your energy retailer will need to organise installation of a 2-way meter however, to enable them to read how much solar electricity you are producing, exporting to the grid (for a credit on your account) and how much electricity you are importing, or using from the grid. This is particularly important when feed-in tariffs are introduced as excess solar electricity you export to the grid will be credited to your account at a higher rate.

• How efficient is my Modern Solar System in terms of value for money?
• Solar Power Grid Connect Systems are proven throughout the world to be one of the most effective actions individuals can take to make a significant reduction in their household greenhouse gas emissions by directly offsetting their coal fired energy consumption.
• In Australia, we have an abundance of sunlight ready to be converted into solar electricity unlike many parts of the world such as Europe which is blanketed in clouds most of the year. Therefore, your Modern Solar system is very efficient, generating free solar electricity, whenever the sun is shining.
• Your solar system will generate more electricity than a comparable solar system installed in Europe, where sunlight levels are often much lower than in Australia. For example, Germany has an irradiation level of 751 KWh for every square meter per year, and Canberra's irradiation level is 1386 KWh of sunlight for every square meter. Germany has around 250,000 Solar Power Grid Connect Systems installed, whereas there are only approximately 3000 solar systems installed in Australia. Our abundance of sunlight is there waiting for us to utilise! Contact us to learn how to harness this renewable and clean energy source and discuss any further dispaly home savings.

• What government rebates apply and how do I get the rebate?
• Our Solar Consultants will bring you the application forms and help you fill in the Pre-approval Federal Rebate document which we will send to the Australian Greenhouse Office in Canberra on your behalf. They will write to you, the homeowner, and inform you when the work is approved for installation. Our Solar Installers will assist you to complete the Installation Report form after the job is complete which we will also lodge to Canberra.
• Our Solar Consultant will also advise you of other cash back initiatives such as RECS (Renewable Energy Receipts).

• What is a 'Feed-In Tariff'?
• A Feed-in tariff is a premium rate paid for excess electricity fed back into the electricity grid from your Solar Power Grid Connect photovoltaic system. Although feed-in tariffs are legislated in many countries around the world, Australia , is only just now in the process of introducing legislation in various states which would allow homeowners of Solar Power grid connect PV systems to enjoy the benefits of this 'premium' buy back rate of electricity. In Canberra, for example, feed-in tariffs have been proposed at 3.88 times the current purchase price of electricity.
• Feed-in tariffs, when implemented, will make it even more cost effective to own a Modern Solar photovoltaic system.

Our Panels, Our Company:

• How durable are the solar panels on the roof?
• Modern Solar systems are very durable. Our solar panels have passed very strict performance standards and criteria to protect the solar panels from strong winds, hail damage and environmental exposure. After all, they are designed to be installed on roofs, and built tough to withstand the harsh Australian environment. That is why we can offer a 25 year warranty on the solar panels.

• Do Modern Solar energy systems come with a warranty?
• Modern Solar have a limited warranty on solar panels of 25 years.

• How long does a Modern Solar energy system last?
• Modern Solar modules typically last for more than 25 years, provided proper maintenance tasks are carried out as specified. Electrical equipment such as the inverter will typically have to be replaced during this time period.

• How much experience do you have installing Solar Systems?
• Installers who sign off on the finished installed solar system must not only be qualified electricians but must also have solar Power Grid Connect Photovoltaic System qualifications endorsed by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE). Modern Solar use only accredited installers for this job to ensure the job is carried out to the highest Standards.
• Modern have been in the home improvement business for over 30 years. Therefore, Moderns experience is second to none and you can be sure, that the Modern Solar photovoltaic system you choose, will be installed to the highest professional standards.

• Are my solar panels resistant to hail?
• Yes. All solar photovoltaic panels have been extensively tested and will withstand a 25mm hailstone at terminal velocity. They are very resistant to storm damage. The tiles on your roof are more likely to be at risk of damage before the solar panels.

• Are my solar panels covered under my home and contents insurance?
• Yes. Modern Solar recommend that you contact your insurance provider and get the solar photovoltaic system added to your policy.

• Will a Modern Solar photovoltaic System cover all my electricity needs?
• Depending on your energy consumption and the size of the solar system you decide to put on your roof. In most cases, a solar system can be appropriately sized to meet all of your electricity needs, but it is'nt necessary for a solar system to cover all of your needs in order to be cost-effective. Our Solar Consultant will assist you in deciding what size solar system is best for your home.

• How much electricity will a Modern Solar energy system produce?
• The amount of solar electricity generated obviously depends on the number of panels on your roof, weather conditions and any shading or dust which may settle on your solar panels (before being washed off by rain). These factors can all reduce performance of the solar panels. Our solar consultant will go through these factors with you to assist you to understand.

• Can I add more solar panels to my Grid Connect system later?
• Yes. Most Solar Power Grid Connect systems can be upgraded with additional solar panels installed depending on which solar system size you choose and the capacity of the inverter. If you wish to increase your solar system significantly at a later date it is better to install a larger inverter now. Your solar consultant will discuss the options with you so you can make an informed decision.

Going Green:

• There is nothing we can do about global warming, so why bother?
• Every person and every household contributes to the problem of global warming and climate change, but every person can reduce their carbon footprint on the environment too. When individuals take action, together, we can make a difference. Every kg of greenhouse gas you save going into the atmosphere with your new Modern Solar system is helping the environment and helping to save the planet.
• More and more people like yourself are taking action, and making a difference every day, together we can help reduce global warming and climate change.

• How much CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) will my solar power system save?
• The average household in Australia generates about 14 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. Every kWh (kilo watt hour) of electricity you purchase from a traditional coal fired electricity utility provider pumps about 1kg of carbon dioxide into the air we breathe.
• A MOD2000 Solar System will save almost 3 tonnes of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide being pumped into the environment whilst saving you money on every kWh produced.

Rebates & RECs:

• What is the Solar Hot Water Rebate?
• The Solar Hot Water Rebate component of the Australian Government's Energy Efficient Homes Package provides rebates to eligible applicants to install solar or heat pump hot water systems in existing homes. The new hot water system must replace an existing electric storage hot water system; which are the most greenhouse intensive of household hot water systems.
• The rebate encourages switching to alternative hot water technologies by addressing the up-front cost barriers to climate friendly systems, which also deliver low operating costs for the household.
• The rebate is designed to help households replace existing electric storage hot water systems. Rebates are not available for replacing older solar or gas hot water systems.

• Is the rebate means tested?
• No it isn't! The previous rebate for solar hot water systems installed prior to 3 February 2009 was.

• Who can apply for the rebate?
• Applicants for the rebate must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the system was installed. The application process is simple and straightforward and is completed at the time the new hot water system is being installed. Suppliers and installers of solar hot water systems cannot apply for the Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate on behalf of their customers.
• Government agencies or occupants of public housing are not eligible for this rebate.
• Rebates will be available to home owners that have not already accessed assistance to install ceiling insulation under the Homeowner Insulation Program.

• Can I apply for the rebate if I am renting?
• Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. An applicant can be the owner or the tenant of the dwelling.
• A tenant should not install a system without approval from the owner of the dwelling. The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.
• Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

• If my system was installed before 3 February 2009, can I get the rebate?
• No, unfortunately if your system was installed prior to 3 February 2009, you are only entitled to the old rebate that was available at the time (i.e. means tested $1,000 rebate). However you may be eligible for the Homeowner Insulation Program.

• Are rebates available for new homes or those which are rebuilt?
• In order to maximise the environmental outcomes of the rebate, solar hot water systems installed on new houses are not eligible for the rebate. In comparison to existing housing stock, new homes are generally more energy efficient. Some state governments also regulate the energy efficiency of hot water systems installed in new homes. Furthermore, it is more expensive to install energy efficient hot water systems onto existing homes than onto new homes.
• Houses that are rebuilt are classed as new houses and therefore are not eligible for the rebate.
• The Australian Government provides an incentive to all other households to install climate friendly hot water systems in the form of renewable energy certificates (RECs). RECs are assigned by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator as part of the Renewable Energy Target scheme and reflect the deemed value of equivalent renewable energy generation over a ten year period. These certificates are tradable and commonly provide a discount of over $1,000 from the upfront cost of the average solar hot water system.

• Can I still apply for other state or territory rebates?
• Yes. An application for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate will not be affected by any rebates that other governments may offer. For details on other rebates, you will need to follow up with your relevant state or territory authority.

• Can I get the rebate for a system I install on my investment property?
• Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. This can be an investment property which must be the tenant's principal place of residence. It cannot be a holiday home.
• An owner may apply for a rebate on more than one property. A separate application must be submitted for each property.
• The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.
• Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

• Are rebates available for holiday homes?
• Rebates are not available for holiday homes. To ensure the largest environmental benefit will be achieved, the rebate has been designed to replace electric storage hot water systems in principal places of residence.

• How will the rebate payment be made?
• Payment is made by electronic funds transfer into the bank account of a successful applicants account within eight weeks of receiving a completed and eligible application form. Applicants must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the solar hot water system was installed. The applicant provides a bsb and bank account number and the funds are directly deposited. Bank details will only be used to make the payment. Storage and disposal of bank account and other personal details will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

• What is a solar retrofit and why isn't it eligible for the rebate?
• Solar water heater retrofit kits are used to add solar panels to existing electric storage tanks. Conventional tanks are not designed to be connected to solar collectors so retrofit kits are not as effective as a water heater designed specifically for solar, however, significant savings can still be made.
• The Solar Hot Water Rebate provides rebates for solar and heat pump hot water systems that replace an existing electric storage hot water system. In order to be eligible for the rebate the solar or heat pump system must be a new and complete hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 renewable energy certificates (RECs).
• RECs are assigned by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator as part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme and reflect the deemed value of equivalent renewable energy generation over a ten year period.
• The RET scheme does not allow individual parts of hot water systems to be tested separately because the efficiency of the total system can vary greatly with the effects of different ancillary parts and their installed arrangement (as a result solar water heaters currently eligible for RECs are complete systems). For this reason, a 'retrofit' system that is based around a previously installed component is not eligible for RECs and therefore not eligible for the Solar Hot Water Rebate.

• Why does a licensed installer need to sign my application form?
• As part of the application process we require proof that you are replacing an existing electric storage hot water system and have installed a hot water system that is eligible for 20 renewable energy certificates or more. The installer can certify this and can also provide the tank serial number which is not always easy for the applicant to obtain.

• How can you provide advertising savings? What's in it for Modern?
• It's ok to be sceptical about saving offers, especially with all fly-by-night operators you see these days. From our experience we have found that the best advertising comes from the location of the home and the people that come into contact with our satisfied and delighted customers.
• We still do some TV advertising, you may remember a few over the past few decades, but prefer to let our work and our satisfied customers speak on our behalf. Everybody knows that good news travels fast and that's why we offer such fantastic savings in return for various forms of advertising, because not only does it save us from doing expensive TV ads but word of mouth is much more affective.
• People are more likely to do what their friends and neighbours recommend than what they see on TV. For example if you need a dentist or a mechanic, you are more likely to ask a friend or family member for someone they trust before checking out the yellow pages, wouldn't you? The same applies to home improvements as well and that's why our display home promotion has been so successful over the past 30 years and why we still generate most of our business from the exposure our display home owners make for us.

• Will Modern bring customers to my home?
• Definitely not. We feel that the five commonly used concepts mentioned above is more than enough for any display home owner to help us with and will never invade your privacy by showing off your home in person.

• Are there any more advertising concepts that can save money?
• Definitely so, as these are just the common ones. Of course everyone's situation is different and one of our consultants will work with you so that you get the maximum savings possible. We are always interested in creative, new ideas so it may be worth your while to jot down a few before the appointment.