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Let the Sun Provide you with Free Electricity Year after Year 
Solar energy can be harnessed and used to power households and community buildings. Any excess power generated is fed into the grid during the day, generating credits from your power authority. At night, you draw power from the grid as normal, using your daytime credits to offset the costs.
Solar power is a sustainable resource that is good for both you and the planet.
A 1500 watt solar system saves around 3.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas being pumped into the atmosphere every year.
Solco Gridfeed Solar Power Systems are environmentally friendly, last for at least 25 years, save you money on your power bills and are virtually maintenance free.
How Solco's grid connected solar power systems work
An array of solar panels is mounted on the roof. These panels generate DC electricity from the sun's rays and send it to an inverter which is mounted inside the building in a convenient location. The inverter converts the DC power into 240 volt AC electricity - identical to the power drawn from the grid. The AC electricity is then used to power appliances that are in operation during the day, such as dishwashers, washing machines, computers and other electrical equipment.
If you are using less power than your system is generating, the excess is passed through a meter (which records the amount as a credit) and fed into the electricity grid for others to use.
If you are using more power than your system can supply, you draw power from the grid as normal and use your credits to help pay for it. |
The Components 
Solco can design and install gridfeed systems of almost any size, depending on your electricity needs and your budget. However, we offer three standard systems which consist of:
- Polycrystalline or amorphous silicone panels which have passed stringent international tests and carry either a 20 year or 25 year guarantee
- An appropriate inverter to suit the needs of your system
- A galvanised steel or aluminium array frame tilts at the optimum angel of efficiency
- A metering panel including fuses, battery status indicators, cabling, etc, which will be installed by a BCSE accredited system installer
How Much Power will the System Generate?
Output from your system will rise and fall depending on the amount of sunlight and the time of year. The table shows average annual output in Perth for the three standard systems. Daily average output varies from 3kW for the 660 watt system to 6.79kW for the 1500 watt system.
Power consumption will vary from household to household. Typically a family in Perth will use between 8 -10kw (units) per day. Check your power bills to determine your own family's consumption. You can greatly reduce your consumption by installing solar hot water heating and using compact fluorescent lights, energy-efficient appliances and other power saving measures.
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"Our gridfeed system was the first one installed inWA with funding support from PVRP (Photovoltaic Rebate Program).... Since 1998 we have produced over 14000 kilowatt hours of our own power, which is the equivalent of about 17 tonnes of CO2. More importantly, the kids understand that electricity is a valuable resource and the whole family is conscious of our energy use each and every day."
Brian Jones, Henley Brook, WA |
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As part of the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign, the City of Rockingham installed a 2.16kW Gridfeed System on the Warnbro YMCA in May 2003
"The system has not only been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electricity bills....
but a constant display to the community to demonstrate the use of renewable energy sources. The first year of installation has been seen a reduction of nearly $600 in electricity costs and lowered energy consumption by over 3400kWh which is nearly four tonnes of CO2."
City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Samuels | |
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What are the Economic Benefits?
The short-term economic benefits are limited as the system will take a long time to pay for itself. Installing a system on a new home is generally more economical as it can be factored into the initial costs. You can then also ensure that energy efficient designs and measures are included to maximise the return from your investment. In community buildings, the economic advantages may be greater as these buildings are often unused for parts or entire days, leading to a higher level of credits.
After installing the system, you have essentially price-fixed a major part of your energy consumption for at least 25 years. Regardless of price increases from your power authority, your solar power will continue to be free year after year. Should you move, your gridfeed can be moved from house to house or sold as an added asset of the building.
You also have the benefit of knowing you are contributing to the health of the planet. The production of grid electricity by coal- and gas-fired power plants is one of the major contributors of greenhouse gas. When you install a 1500 watt gridfeed solar system you will generate enough power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 tonnes a year - every year for at least 25 years. That's nearly 100 tonnes less greenhouse gas during the life of your system.
Calculate your estimated annual cost savings by using the price per unit (kW/hr) on your last electricity bill and multiplying it by the Avg yearly output of each size system. Most households can save on their energy usage immediately by becoming more aware of their energy usage patterns and investing in energy efficient lighting and/or small appliances. Longer term, there are many ways of incorporating the need for improved energy efficiency into your purchasing or other major decisions that will pay for themselves through lower energy bills over time.  |
Government Rebate Systems
Both federal and state governments from time to time offer incentives to install gridfeed power generation systems, As these programs can change at short notice, Solco will advise you on what rebates you may be entitled to and will submit the rebate application on your behalf.
How to Proceed
Please contact your local Solco renewable power solutions ditributor mailto:david@smartoptions.com.au. Who will be happy to discuss the best system for your requirements and take care of the rebate application for you. You can look forward to reduced power bills year after year. |
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