How RAPS Systems Work

1. Photovoltaic solar panels are mounted on a north-facing roof. These panels generate DC electricity from the sun's rays.
2. In some locations, we may recommend that you also install a wind generator to provide power to the batteries.
3. Because solar and wind generation levels will fluctuate depending on your location, the time of year and the amount of cloud cover, most RAPS systems use a diesel generator as a back-up. These hybrid systems allow you to top up your batteries using diesel in times of inclement weather or when an abnormally high load is put on the system.
4. All power is sent through a regulator and stored in a bank of long-life, deep-cycle, low-maintenance batteries.
5. When power is required it is drawn from the batteries through an inverter which transforms it into 240V AC electricity, identical to the power that is received through the electricity mains.

The Components

Solco's engineers design and install home solar systems of almost any size, depending on your electricity needs and your budget.

• We offer a range of polycrystalline and amorphous silicone panels to best suit your individual situation. All panels have passed stringent international tests and carry either a 20 year or 25 year guarantee.
• An appropriate inverter will be selected to suit the needs of your system.
• The batteries are also selected from a wide range of manufacturers, to matchyour precise energy storage requirements.
• We design all framing in-house, using either galvanised steel or aluminium to create an array frame tilted at the optimum angle of efficiency for your latitude.
• We provide a metering panel including fuses, battery status indicators, cabling, etc which will be installed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Government Rebate Program

In some states, funding of up to 55% of the capital cost of a RAPS system may be available to eligible applicants under the Federal Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP). As these programs vary in each state, Solco will advise you on what rebates you should be entitled to and will submit the rebate application on your behalf.

"The system was purchased to reduce the financial burden of running a generator for my elderly parents... They have only needed to recharge the batteries two to three times during winter and have nothing but praise for the system. They are amazed at how efficient it has been and for the first time they can operate a fridge 24/7 which has changed their lifestyle significantly." Joseph Jones

"At Rosneath Farm, the fundamental aim is to provide residents with as self reliant an existence as possible... There is no intention of residents connecting to the power utility as all houses will generate their own power. We now have six residences with RAPS systems supplied by Solco Ltd. They have proved to be up to the job for a wide variety of lifestyles. We believe that having the controller in such a position that it is seen as past of everyday activities is essential to this success and not paying bills for an unreliable power supply is a real cash bonus."

"We increased out RAPS system from 640w to a total of 4500w! The installation was really simple due to the 'plug and play' design and work done before shipping the equipment from Solco. We run our whole house from the system and sometimes the generator doesn't run for over a week!"

Estimating your Power Requirements

Click the link below to download a Remote Area Power Supply Load Questionnaire. This will allow you to estimate the amount of power you will require under normal conditions

Once you submit this questionnaire to Solco, our BCSE accredited designers will advise you on the best system for your requirements.

Purchasing your Remote Area Power System

Contact your Solco RAPS distributor

We will provide you with a written quote, showing the option of a stand-alone solar system or a hybrid solar and wind system, with or without diesel back up. We will also indicate the amount of rebate we consider you will be eligible for.

When you decide which system you want, we will process your rebate application and submit it to the Australian Greenhouse Office for a decision.

When the level of rebate has been confirmed we will manufacture your system, freight it to your location and arrange to have it installed by a BCSE accredited system installer.

You can look forward to many years of free electricity from the sun.