Albury, NSW, just on the border of Victoria, is a great place to install a solar system. This article is an overview of the benefits and options available to those who are considering installing a solar power system in Albury, NSW.
Why is solar power a good idea in Albury?
Solar panels have soared in popularity in recent years. There are a number of reasons for this, but some of the main drivers are the subsidies for solar power that exist on the federal and state government levels. These are becoming less important, however, as the price of electricity rises and the cost of installing a solar system falls.
On average across the year, a 1 kilowatt (kW) solar system in Albury NSW will produce approximately 3.8 units (kilowatt-hours, or kWh) of solar electricity per day. This number will of course be higher in the summer and lower in the winter, but it is indicative nonetheless.
With a 1.5kW solar array, 3. hours of peak sun will give around 5.7kWh of solar power. A 2kW system in Albury will generate approximately 7.8kWh of electricity, while a 3kW system in Albury will produce around 11.4kWh per day, and a 5kW system will generate around 19kWh per day.
These numbers are useful to know, as the units used (kWh) are the same as those on power bills. If your solar system produces 11.4kWh of electricity in a day, for example, this is the amount that a solar system owner can potentially avoid purchasing from the power grid. This is referred to as ‘offsetting’ an electricity bill, and it is the main way that power systems save homes and businesses money in NSW.
Solar system size: How many kilowatts do I need?
Demand for electricity in any given household or business varies with power usage patterns. For explanatory purposes, however, one can assume that the average 3-person home consumes around 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh, or units) of electricity per day, on average throughout the year–usually more in the summer and less in the winter. You can determine your own electricity usage by looking at a recent power bill.
The right system size for an Albury resident is the one that produces just enough electricity to meet daytime electricity needs. This will depend on the household or business in question. Solar systems in NSW offer the best value to those who use a significant portion of their power during daylight hours.
You can either refer to the numbers above to determine the best size for you, or get in touch with a Solar Choice broker (on 1300 78 72 73), who would be happy to assist with free, impartial advice.
Federal Government Solar Rebates for Albury, NSW
The federal government provides what are in effect up-front subsidies on the cost of installing solar PV systems up to 100kW in capacity. Systems under 100kW in capacity are considered to be ‘small-scale’ under Australia’s Renewable Energy Target, and are therefore eligible to create Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). STCs are a tradable type of renewable energy currency which ‘big polluters’ are obligated to purchase. Generally, STCs will take off anywhere from 60-70c per watt (W) off the cost of installing a solar system. The STC discount is automatically figured in to solar installation prices by most installers, as well as in Solar Choice’s own Solar Quote Comparisons.
Generate your own power in Albury by going solar
Grid-connected solar systems anywhere in NSW–including Albury–save their owners money by reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid. Therefore, as mentioned above, those who stand to benefit the most from having a system are those who are sure that they can use the power during the day.
When a home or business goes solar, they automatically consume the power from their solar system first. If they do not use all of the power, the excess is exported to the grid. Depending on that person’s electricity retailer, the rate that they are paid for this excess electricity varies. Customers can see the feed-in tariff rates on offer from their retailer on the MyEnergyOffers website.
Finding the best solar deals in Albury
Solar panels offer excellent return on investment for the right homes and businesses in NSW. Payback periods are in the range of 4-7 years, and since system lifespans are 25+ years, there is significant financial benefit to be had by having a system installed. The best return on investment is had by by first ensuring that you’ve got the best deal on your solar system. This is where Solar Choice can assist those in the market for a solar system.
Solar Choice is well positioned to assist both residential customers and commercial clients to find the best deals on a solar PV system in Albury. We work with a network of over 100 installers nation-wide, giving our customers a glimpse of the solar market that is not ordinarily possible in one place.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of going solar in Albury, start by requesting a Solar Quote Comparison today by filling out the form to the right of this page, or call us on 1300 78 72 73.
© 2013 Solar Choice Pty Ltd
(Top image by Tim Keegan.)
