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Frequently Asked Questions

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We want to provide the greatest transparency from any solar manufacturer in Australia. Our products are developed around reliability and we believe that you should have the same confidence with our local branch members. Below is a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that can help provide some initial answers to any inquiry that you may have.

How Much Does a Solar System Cost?

The cost of your system will depend on many factors, including the space and direction of the area you want the panels installed, your location and your needs.

However, we are seeing a lot of systems with payback periods of under 5 years, after that, your power is basically free.

If you’d like a quote to install a solar system on your home or business, click here for a quote and we’ll put you in touch with one of our carefully selected installers near you.

Which Solar Panels Should I Buy?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a solar panel. The first thing you want to look at is the efficiency and design of the system, that is, how much power will it generate. Then how long will it last? Also, how will it look on your roof?

Make sure you check the warranty and insurance and ensure you are dealing with a reputable company with a local presence that will be around for the long term. 

We believe that real world testing has found that WINAICO panels outperform the others on overall efficiency and value for money.

Why Not Just Buy the Cheapest System?

Too often we see ordinary people who were sold an ‘amazing system’ for a bargain price, only to have it break down in 1-2 years. Often they find their installer has now disappeared, their warranty is invalid, and they are left with an expensive and time-consuming mess to deal with.

Choosing a quality system installed by a professional gives you the confidence that your investment in solar will pay off, and if something does go wrong, your installer will take responsibility to fix the problem.

What does Bifacial Glass-Glass Mean?

Bifacial Solar Panels are a relatively new technology where the backing panel is made from glass. This improves both the efficiency and reliability of the panel by increasing the spectrum of light it absorbs and improving the temperature co-efficient of the panel. You can learn more about this new technology in our article here.

How do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work by absorbing sunlight and converting it to electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels produce DC power (Direct current), which is converted by an inverter into AC power (alternating current), which is what your home appliances use and is what you would normally buy off the grid.The amount of electricity your panels will generate depends on how much sunlight they receive.

What is a Payback Period

Your payback period is the cost of your solar system divided by your average energy bill.

So if you were paying your regular bills, instead of the bills you pay with your new solar system, how many years until that savings has paid for the system.

What is the difference between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline?

In practical terms, if you buy a well made solar panel it does not matter if it is monocrystalline or polycrystalline, other than that you will generally see higher power ratings for mono panels. 

 

In the simple terms:

Mono-crystalline = 1 Crystal

Poly-crystalline = Many Crystals

 

To get a bit more technical:

Mono cells are made by drawing out molten silicon using what is called the ‘Czochralski process’, whilst poly cells are cast is a large vat which is slowly cooled. 

Poly cells by their construction have crystal boundaries, where recombination of charge carriers can occur and cause power loss. Hence mono cells are more efficient. However it is slightly more expensive to make mono cells, as the process is more complex and poly cells can be made on a larger scale. 

How Do I Choose the Right Panels?

You’ll need to choose panels that are suited  to your location, so make sure they are tested for high winds, effective in high heat or resistant to salt mist, if those are the conditions near you. You’ll also want to choose a reputable installer and manufacturer with a history and local presence, so you know they’ll be around in case anything goes wrong.

Why Get Solar?

There are many reasons to get solar!

  • As energy costs rise, installing solar on your home or business is the best way to future-proof your bills
  • Every solar panel reduces Australia’s use of fossil fueled electricity
  • Distributed solar can actually support the wider grid at peak demand periods (generally very hot and sunny days)
  • Supporting local solar businesses keeps money in your community, rather than going to large corporate electricity retailers

What is an Inverter?

An inverter converts the DC (Direct Current) Electricity produced by your solar panels in AC (Alternating Current) electricity, which is used on the national grid.

In a string inverter system, solar panels are linked together in series and the DC electricity is brought to a single inverter which converts the DC power to AC power.

In a micro inverter system, each panel has its own micro inverter attached to the back side of the panel. The panel still produces DC, but is converted to AC on the roof and is fed straight to the electrical switchboard.

There are also more advanced string inverter systems which use small power optimisers attached to back of each solar panel. Power optimisers are able to monitor and control each panel individually and ensure every panel is operating at maximum efficiency under all conditions.

Which Type of Panel is Best?

Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells are very similar in performance.

A monocrystalline solar cell usually costs more than a polycrystalline solar cell. Polycrystalline panels are ideal for installations with unlimited roof or ground space, they also make sense for owners looking to minimise upfront installation costs. Monocrystalline panels are ideal for smaller rooftops or space-constrained properties, as monocrystalline technology produces higher efficiency cells so you get more power onto the same surface area. However the best type of solar panels isn’t decided only by mechanics and specs alone. What determines your outcome in terms of system performance over the time is a lack of defects in the manufacturing process and having a company that will replace the panels if their performance falls below the expected levels. You will also need an authorised installer to insure the warranty of the panels and your roof.

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