This document provides information about solar power systems and grid-connected solar power. It discusses the key components of a solar power system, including solar modules that convert sunlight to DC electricity, inverters that convert it to AC electricity, and smart meters that record energy sent to and taken from the electricity grid. It also addresses how much individuals can save on electricity costs by installing solar panels and producing their own energy. The document explains feed-in tariffs for excess solar energy sent to the grid and the warranties that come with solar panels and inverters. It concludes by introducing Optimus Energy as a buying network that connects solar installers with customers.

1. BUYERS GUIDE
SOLAR POWER

2. BUYERS GUIDE
SOLAR POWER
What is grid connect solar power?
How much can I save using solar?
How does the feed in tariff work?
What kind of warranty can I expect?
Top 4 Solar Questions - Answered

3. WHAT IS
SOLAR POWER?
1. Solar modules.
Solar modules convert energy from the sun into DC electricity.
2. Inverter.
An inverter then turns the DC electricity into 240V AC electricity
to be used in the home or business or fed back to the electricity grid.
3. Switch board.
AC power goes directly into the switchboard for use in the home or business.
4. Smart meter.
A smart meter is installed in your home or business to record the energy sent
to the grid from your solar system, in addition to recording the energy used
from the grid.
5. The electricity grid.
Surplus energy being generated flows into the mains grid for use at another
location.

4. HOW MUCH
CAN I SAVE?
Energy production using solar.
Most homes throughout Australia have some capacity to produce solar energy,
although this figure varies depending on your location. Local variables such as
panel direction, roof pitch & shading also play a huge part in your ability to
produce solar energy.
Working on an average, Australian homes have the capacity to produce;
4-5kW of solar energy per day - per 1 kW of solar energy installed.
Reducing your electricity bills.
The cost of electricity varies from State to State, but it is charged to domestic
consumers & SME’s as a cost per Kwh. It is quite easy to find your cost per
kWh on your energy bill & the basic calculation of savings is quite simple.
For example;
5kW system installed will make 20kWh of electricity @ $.33 per Kwh = $6.60
per day potential savings. ($2,409 per year.)
The solar feed in tariff will also affect your savings – next page.

5. FEED IN
TARIFFS
What is a Feed in Tariff?
A Feed In Tariff is essentially the money that you get paid for sending energy
back to the solar grid. There are 2 types of Feed in Tariffs.
1. Gross (Rare) 2. Nett Feed In
Nett Feed in means that you get paid for every Kwh of electricity you
produce over your consumption. (whatever you aren’t using).
How much will I save/ make?
Each home is different & each energy retailer in each State has different
prices, it is best to check with your energy retailer. Some energy retailers use
the value of a feed in tariff to entice you to sign up to their plan, so buyer
beware.
Feed in values fluctuate over time & as a general rule most homes will use
between 60% & 90% of the energy produced. Although the value of a feed in
plays part of a solar decision, it shouldn’t be over emphasized.

6. WHAT ABOUT
WARRANTY?
Inverter warranty.
The grid tie inverter that you choose to install will be an integral part of your
system. The inverter is the product that converts energy from DC to AC for
use within your house & as such you need to be back by a long term warranty.
Warranty periods vary from 5yrs to 10yrs, & quality brands such as SMA
will offer warranty extensions up to 25yrs at a small additional cost.
Module warranty.
Solar modules will generally come with a 10yr product warranty & a 25yr
performance warranty. Most solar module warranties are covered by large
insurance companies, & it’s always worthwhile to check.
Quality modules now come with a linear performance warranty up to 25yrs.
Some other brands simply come with 90% @ 10yrs & 80% @ 25yrs. All solar
modules degrade over time & a linear warranty gives peace of mind, that your
modules are degrading at an agreed rate per year.

7. WHO IS OPTIMUS
ENERGY?
Who is Optimus Energy
Optimus Energy is an Australian based buying network for solar installers
throughout Australia, with an emphasis on rural & regional locations.
We offer you the end user all the benefits of dealing with your local installer
• Helping the community by supporting a local
• Local maintenance & support.
Plus all the benefits of dealing with a corporate company;
• Quality products at great prices.
• Premium design & engineering services.
• Australia wide customer service.
How we work
We invite you to browse the product ranges & specifications at
www.optimusenergy.com.au at your leisure. When you are ready to progress to
getting a quote for your desired system, you simply visit our ‘find an installer’
page & we put you in contact with the Optimus Energy partner for your area.
Our local partner will visit your home or business to complete a formal
quotation & site inspection.
To get started visit www.optimusenergy.com.au