www.clcsae.com.au What is renewable energy? Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources such as wind, rain, sunlight, waves and heat. How does a solar energy system work? Solar is a renewable energy resource and uses a photovoltaic, or PV, system which utilises sunlight to generate electricity. The sunlight is collected into the solar panels on your roof, the inverter then converts this to electricity which then flows through your meter and you are then able to use this electricity to power your home, school, workplace and office. Not only does solar energy help you save on electricity bills but it also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are generated from the more traditional electricity sources. Would I still need mains power? Yes. If your household or business is using more power that your solar energy system is producing, your extra electricity needs will be drawn from the main grid. How would solar save me money on my energy bills? This renewable energy source allows you to only use electricity when you need it, meaning you only pay for what you use. Also, in some instances if you are generating more electricity than you need, this power is fed back to the grid and you could be eligible for a credit back to your power bill. What size system would I need? This all depends on the size of the house or business, the amount of electricity you require, your location (i.e. how much direct sunlight is available). We can tailor a system to suit your needs. Where do the solar panels go? To be able to achieve the best results and generate the most amount of power, the solar panels need to be placed in a location that receives the most direct sunlight which in most cases is the roof of your house or building. How long to they last and are they weather resistant? On average, your solar panels will have a warranty of approximately 25 years. Whilst panels may not be able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, given that the panels will be out in the elements, they are able to withstand most harsh weather conditions. Why would I make the switch to solar? If the idea of using a renewable energy resource, helping the environment and saving money on electricity bills appeals to you, then solar is the best choice! Solar FAQ’s