AGL Solar Solutions

There are various solar energy systems available. The most appropriate solar system for you all depends on how much you are willing to spend and what you are trying to achieve, both now and in the future.

For example, if you wanted to add more panels later on, did you know you may need a larger inverter now to handle this? So before you install a system, consider a few questions like these:

• What is your current daily usage, and how many panels will you need to meet this usage?
• Consider the size (and cost) of the inverter. If you are able to buy a larger inverter you may be able to add more panels at a later stage.
• Always check the guarantee offered on the system you are installing. Some less expensive systems might not have the same guarantee as other systems on the market.

Whatever panels or inverter you choose, you have three connection options:

• A Net Metered Grid Connection

  This connection type is common in South Australia and Victoria as it meets the criteria for the State based schemes. With this connection:

  • Your solar panels provide energy to your home;
  • You have a connection to the main electricity grid so you still have electricity even when your solar energy system isn't providing energy to your home;
  • Any excess solar energy you produce is fed back into the grid; and
  • You may be able to receive credits for this excess energy which are put towards your bill.

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• A Gross Metered Grid Connection

  This connection type is likely to become more common in NSW as it meets the criteria for the state based scheme. With this connection:

  • Solar panels do not provide energy to your home;
  • Solar panels feed energy directly into the electricity grid; and
  • The energy you put into the grid is offset against the energy you draw from the grid to lower your bills.

  The incentives you receive on the energy you produce are (in most States) lower than on a Net Metered Grid Connection system. Some of the government funded incentives for solar energy you produce only apply to a Net Metered Grid Connection, so it’s worthwhile investigating which solar energy system is best for you.

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• A stand alone system provides energy for the entire home.

  This is the most expensive system, as you will require back-up batteries as well as a large number of solar panels. With this connection:

  • Your solar panels should be able to provide all the electricity for your home;
  • You will need batteries to store the energy created for later use; and
  • You will also need to consider a back-up petrol, diesel or LPG Generator.

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