FAQs
Why Linked Solar?
Director, Christian Traeger has been a Registered Electrical Contractor since 2012. In 2017, Linked Solar became a Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Retailer. Christian is a CEC Certified Installer and CEC Certified Designed. At Linked Solar, we use only the best quality products available in Australia and our installations are completed by our inhouse team of Electricians. Our focus is on quality workmanship and the overall customer experience.
What warranties do you provide?
Linked Solar will provide minimum whole of system warranty period of 5 years on the operation, components and performance of the PV system. If the PV system demonstrates any issues within 10 years from the date of install relating to the workmanship of the installation, then Linked Solar will promptly resolve the issue at no cost to the Customer.
How do I decide the size of my solar system?
What is solar power and how does it work?
Solar power is the conversion of the suns energy into electricity using Solar PV Panels and an inverter to convert the DC current generated by the solar panels into AC current. The AC current then becomes power you can use within your home. Excess power generated is then exported to the grid and sold to your energy retailer.
What is an inverter?
An inverter is an electronic device that converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power at the correct voltage for supply to the grid. It also provides equipment protection and safety features.
Inverters are an important choice because of the heavy-lifting they perform for your system. Not only are they in daily operation, but without them, your system would cease to function.
What is the difference between string inverters and microinverters?
A string inverter is a centrally located device connected to multiple solar panels in a series, or “string”. It coverts the DC electricity the solar panels produce into AC electricity that you home or business can use.
Micro-inverters are small inverters that you install on each solar panel. They work in a similar way to string inverters, converting DC to AC individually at each panel. This allows each panel to operate independently rather than as a string.
So a micro-inverter and a string inverter do the same thing, one just does it from a string of panels, and the other from one panel. This ensures an underperforming solar panel won’t impact the performance of the entire solar array.
How do solar batteries work?
Solar batteries work by storing excess energy from the sun to use later whenever the need arises. This energy is in the form of DC electricity. It is generated by solar panels and is part of the more extensive home energy system.
The stored energy is then used to power up the home long after sunset.
Do solar panels generate electricity at night?
Solar panels use sunlight for power generation. So they do not work at night. However, solar energy can be used at night if you have batteries. This stored electricity can be used to energize your home at night.
What happens during a blackout?
In the event of a blackout, your solar power system will stop producing electricity. This safety measure is mandatory and has been put in place to protect anyone working on the blacked-out grid system. As soon as the grid is back online, your solar system will restart automatically. If you have a battery with back-up capabilities you will be able to provide power to some appliances.
What brand racking and mounting do you use?
Depending on stock levels, we use Clenergy and Titan racking.
Who notifies my electricity retailer and when?
Once your Solar System is installed, Linked Solar handles all the paperwork that is required to be sent to your network distributor (Powercor, Ausnet Services, United Energy Distribution, Citipower or Jemena) and your electricity retailer requesting a meter reconfiguration. This process can take up to 6 weeks. Once complete, you will be able to export your excess solar back into the grid.
What solar rebates are available?
There are two types of solar panel rebates available, the Federal Governments Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) program, and the Solar Homes Program through Solar Victoria.
The STC subsidy is not means-tested and is accessible by everyone. The dollar value of this rebate depends on the specifics of your solar solution as well as where you reside.
The Solar Homes Program provides rebates of up to $1,400 towards the installation of solar panel (PV) systems. These rebates are offered to Victorians with existing homes, homes under construction, and rental properties. Eligible customers who have previously received a rebate and have moved house can apply. If your system is over ten years’ old you can also apply to replace or upgrade your system.
To further reduce installation costs, eligible Victorians can apply for an interest-free loan for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount. The loan is required to be repaid over four years or can be repaid sooner in one lump sum.
For further information on the Solar Homes Program including eligibility criteria, visit Solar Homes Program | solar.vic.gov.au
Do solar panels need maintenance and how frequently?
Yes, it is important to maintain your solar PV system to ensure it is always working to its full potential. Ideally, panels should be cleaned from mold, dirt and bird droppings ideally every six to twelve months.
Get in touch
If you’d like to know more about Linked Solar or anything you’ve seen here on our website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Either send us a message using the online enquiry form to the right, or contact Owner/Operator, Christian Traeger, directly using the following details.
M 0422 388 835
Bundora, VIC 3083