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There are so many solar myths out there and, here, at Solargain, we hear them all the time. From misleading web pages to misinformed uncles (we all have one), the truth is that the wrong information leads to poor choices which can cost you big bucks. Today, we set the record straight – separating solar facts from fiction! Here are the most common ‘solar stories’ along with the facts which are usually forgotten. Myth #1: “Solar PV panels are really expensive and unaffordable for most working Australians.” Okay, let’s start by making it clear that, in Australia, working class families living in

Are you experiencing issues with your solar system? This may be due to faulty panels, wiring, inverter or even grid issues. Determining the cause of an underperforming solar system can be tricky, which is why you should always get CEC Accredited Installers and Designers to check your equipment. Our solar technicians are fully licensed professionals who will help you get the most out of your solar power equipment, whether it was installed with us or not. They’ll check your installation thoroughly, detect and correct any existing issues, and determine their origin in order to prevent them from

Have you ever thought about how much energy your household uses each day and what that actually means? When you look at your power bill you might see your electricity usage recorded in kilowatt hours (kWh) or in some cases it’s referred to as one ‘Unit’ of electricity (which is the same as 1kWh). But what does 1kWh actually look like? The average Australian household uses about 16kWh of electricity every single day. While this doesn’t sound like much, the following examples give you an idea of just how much energy that actually equates to. You use this everyday Despite being small enough to

Choosing the right battery for your solar power system As an increasing number of Australian households are embracing solar power, we now have greater access to new and more efficient battery storage technology. But how do you work out which one best suits your needs? This guide offers an overview of past, present and future battery technologies, including our recommendations based on years of experience working with these systems. The end of an era – lead acid batteries We’ve come a long way since the days when lead acid batteries were the only option for storing solar electricity. You know

A number of DC Isolator switches have been recalled by the Australian Government and if you’ve installed solar power it’s well worth checking your system is not affected. The DC Isolator switch is an essential solar power system component. It’s responsible for stopping voltage in times when your system needs to be worked on, as well as in emergencies or during blackouts. For solar inverters at a ground level, there will be two feeds connected to the unit for output and input – each of these will typically have an isolator. There are currently seven DC Isolator switches which have been recalled

The New South Wales Solar Bonus Scheme is a solar feed in tariff program paying homeowners either 20 or 60 cents per kilowatt hour for the power generated by their solar energy system. The scheme, which was designed to encourage solar power installation, closed to new participants in 2011 and applies to over 140,000 residents in NSW. Set to finish by the end of 2016, the Solar Bonus Scheme has provided its lucky recipients with fantastic financial benefits – but with its demise, these same homeowners may soon experience a shock. When the Solar Bonus Scheme ends, electricity bills will likely

How To Monitor Your Solar Inverter So you’ve installed a solar power system. Now all you have to do is sit back and relax for the next few decades whilst it takes care of all the hard work. Right? Sort of. If you’ve installed a good quality system, there’s no reason why it won’t run smoothly and efficiently for many years. But nevertheless, switching to solar isn’t a ‘set and forget’ exercise. It’s still important that you service your system annually as well as monitor your inverter regularly to ensure it’s doing what it’s supposed to. Once you’ve mastered monitoring your inverter, you’ll

There aren’t many purchases you can make that are simultaneously practical, self-satisfying and destined to save you money. How to make an investment that will save you money So rather than using your tax return cash on a bill or other expense, why not use it to make an investment that will save you money by installing solar power instead? A lot of us view tax return money as a bonus – money that we’d budgeted without, but which we’re certainly happy to have. In this case, using your return on a solar power system is a terrific way to get the most out of every dollar. Aside from the obvious

If you’ve noticed that your hot water system is leaking water, it’s a good idea to identify the cause as soon as possible. Often, hot water system leaks are caused by minor issues, though in some cases you’ll need to get a qualified plumber to repair or replace your unit. Common Causes of Water Heater Leaks Why do hot water systems leak? There are plenty of potential causes – the most common ones include: The age of your water heater Holes in the tank or pipes A loose drain valve Excess pressure in the tank The best way to avoid hot water system leaks in the first place is to have your unit

After installing your solar power system, it’s important to maintain it to ensure it keeps working safely and efficiently. Here are some tips on maintaining and cleaning solar panels. The first and often only thing people think of to keep their system performing safely and efficiently is to get someone to come and clean their solar panels. Whilst cleaning your panels is sometimes required if excess dust, grit and droppings has accumulated on them, in most cases they clean themselves. What’s crucial to panel performance and safety is to check and maintain electrical components. It’s recommended

It’s a question we hear from potential customers all the time: how many solar panels do I need to install? Whilst this may seem like the obvious question to ask, it’s actually one of the last answers you’ll get when figuring out the type of solar power system you should install. What you’ll need to know first is how much energy your home is currently using. To get the answer to this million-dollar question, you’ll need a copy of your last electricity bill. Look out for your daily average usage as this will be key to uncovering the number of solar panels you should install. Your bill will

Solar hot water systems are pretty great. Not only can they slash your electricity costs by a significant margin, but they add value to your property and contribute to a greener planet – and that’s a good feeling. But comparing solar hot water systems, and choosing from the countless brands and products available can be tricky. Before Solargain became one of the largest suppliers of solar panels in Australia, we were exclusively a hot water company. Our roots stretch back to 1995 as a one-man plumbing business which, over the years, has grown rapidly thanks to quality products and workmanship