Solar Power Information Guide

Best Installation Greater Than 10kW Parliament House

Todae Solar | CEC Award Winner 2012

Todae Solar is a proud member of:

Australian PV Association
Solar Energy Industries Association INC

Visit us online todaesolar.com.au | P 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652) | E solar@todaesolar.com.au

Contents
Solar Power Checklist ................................................................................................ p2 Why Go Solar? ............................................................................................................. p3 About Todae Solar ....................................................................................................... p4 How Solar Power Works ............................................................................................. p5 Solar Panel Comparison ............................................................................................. p6 How To Choose The Right Installer ........................................................................ p7-8 When Warranty Isnt A Warranty ............................................................................... p9

Resources:

Clean Energy Councils (Solar Accreditation Body) Solar Consumer Guide click here Whirlpool Forums Unedited Feedback on Todae Solar click here Todae Solars Clean Energy Council Award 2012 click here Todae Solars Installation on Parliament House click here Todae Solar Customer Testimonials click here Todae Solar Awards click here

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

Solar Power Checklist

The benefits of solar power should last up to 25 years, so it is important to make sure you are making an educated and informed purchase decision comparing Apples with Apples. Many installers will tell you they have the best components and best service but make sure you ask them the following questions:
Todae Solar Average Local Installer Other Installer

The Company Been in business for 9+ years 9+ years experience in solar power Accredited and experience team of system designers, engineers and project managers Offer you a dedicated project coordinator for you system Are master distributers for Solar Panels and Inverters Awarded 2012 Best Installation by the Clean Energy Council Trusted by large organisations including Parliament House, ING and The Catholic Education Office Provide details of all their public liability insurances Completed thousands of solar installations across Australia (all States) Do they provide a cooling off period Offer site inspections Solar System & Components (Premium System) Does the quote list all components, component brands and costs upfront Is every system designed by an accredited system designer & engineer (rather than a sales person) Have the Solar Panel and Inverter manufacturers been in business for more than 10 years Are the Solar Panel and Inverter manufacturers one of the top 5 manufacturers globally Are the Solar Panel and Inverter manufacturers publically listed on NASDAQ or Frankfurt stock exchange Has your installer provided you with a strong level of comfort that your Solar Panel manufacturer will be around in 25 years (or 5 years) to meet any warranty claim Do the Solar Panels include 3rd party warranty insurance Do the Solar Panel and Inverter manufacturers have local Australian offices Are Solar Panel and Inverter warranties handled in Australia Do they provide a 5 year warranty on workmanship Installation Is the installation done by local installers Has your Solar System provider rigorously tested and chosen the best local installer to install your system Is the warranty on your installation held with a well-established national company that you feel confident will be around for the next 5 years to meet any warranty claim Is the installation custom designed to your roof

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CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

Why Go Solar?
Solar power is a fantastic way to reduce your energy bills and your household impact on the environment. Now is the perfect time to go solar as energy prices continue to rise. This guide is an easy to read and simple explanation of solar power, which will help you understand what you need to look for when purchasing solar power. Your investment in solar means you receive the benefits and savings on your electricity bills for up to 25 years, so you want to make sure you are choosing the right company and right components to ensure you get the optimum return from your investment.

Five Great Reasons To Invest In Solar 1. Cut Your Power Bills

Electricity costs will continue to rise. Estimates vary, but electricity tariffs may double or triple over the next decade. Solar power provides a way to hedge against rising electricity costs. Solar panels will produce electricity free of charge for 25 years. A small investment now will reduce or entirely eliminate the impact of pending electricity price rises.

2. Make Your Investment Go Further

Using the Federal Governments STC subsidy, youll get a better return on your solar investment. A large part of the true cost of installing your Solar System will be paid by Government subsidy. The balance will be paid over time by the Solar System itself. Please note: the subsidy will not last so its important to act promptly.

3. Improve The Saleability Of Your Home

An Australian Government Sponsored study (SAVEenergy SAVEmoney Study) has confirmed that more energy efficient homes attract a greater resale value. This trend is likely to increase over time. Investing in solar will reduce your living costs and will improve the saleability of your home. Many people like energy efficient homes and will pay more for the privillege of living in one.

4. Big Return On Investment

Its difficult to predict just how fast electricity prices will rise and impossible to predict how government policy may change over time. However, we do know that as long as the sun shines your Solar System will produce power. Whether you use all the power you make or supply surplus power to the electricity grid, you will quickly recover the cost of the initial investment.

5. Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Dont rely on Governments alone; take responsibility for the impact your home has on the environment. Solar power is a small personal investment with a global return.By producing the power you would otherwise buy from coal- powered power stations, your Solar System will offset thousands of kilograms in CO2 emissions over its design life.

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

About Todae Solar

Todae Solar was founded in 2003, with a focus on high quality end-to-end solar installations. Todae Solar is one of Australia's leading solar power installers having installed thousands of systems across Australia including Parliament House. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth we take the hassle out of solar power for your home.

Parliament House Solar Installation By Todae Solar

Clean Energy Council Award Winner 2012 Todae Solar. Best Installation Greater Than 10kW Parliament House

Experience
Our team of expert solar consultants, engineers, system designers, project managers and solar installers have well over 50 years of combined experience in solar power. It is with this experience that we provide the highest level of service and quality.

Hassle Free Approach

We take the hassle out of solar power. Our expert solar consultants will happily provide you with all the necessary information you need about solar; whilst our project management team ensure your installation is meticulous managed.

Trusted Name
Todae Solar is one of Australias most trusted solar installers. Since 2003, Todae Solar has installed thousands of systems on homes, businesses and schools around Australia. So you can rest assured you are in good hands with Todae Solar.

Highest Quality
Todae Solar has relationships with renowned and reputable manufacturers offering high quality components and cutting-edge technology. Our installers go through a rigorous selection process with most having over 10 years experience.

Featured Installations:

5kW Gawler East, SA

2kW Chermside West, QLD

8kW Rose Bay, NSW

5kW Canning Vale, WA

9kW Calwel, ACT

5kW Sunshine West, VIC

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

How Solar Power Works

What are Photovoltaic Systems?
Photovoltaic systems are solar power systems that produce electricity directly from sunlight. The term 'photo' comes from the Greek 'phos', meaning light and "Voltaic" is named after Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), a pioneer in the study of electricity for whom the term 'volt' was named. Photovoltaic's then means, "light electricity" and refers specifically to the practice of converting the sun's energy directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. Photovoltaic cells are often referred to as PV cells or solar cells. All solar cells are cut from silicon and convert the suns energy into usable electricity. It is clean, pollution free and inexhaustible.

How do Solar Panels work?

Solar electricity is generated from Solar Panels, which is then fed into the Inverter which converts it to mains voltage (240v). During the day, if you are using any appliance such as a toaster, kettle or microwave, the solar electricity will power these. If no energy is being used whilst your solar system is generating electricity, the inverter feeds this unused energy into the Grid. Your energy provider will then pay you for any electricity that your system feeds back into the Grid and this is commonly called a Feed in Tariff. With a Grid Connect System you do not require any batteries and with the Grid as a back-up, you will never run out of electricity. In addition to this, no changes need to be made within your house regarding power points or how you use electricity.

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Solar Panels - The solar panels on your roof turn the UV from the suns rays into electricity. Inverter - The inverter turns the electricity from the solar panels into 240V electricity, the same type used by all your appliances at home. The electricity flows from your inverter to any appliances which are running in your home. Electricity Meter - Any unused electricity flows through your electricity meter, so your energy provider can measure the amount of electricity you export to the electricity grid. Electricity goes back into the grid - The unused electricity, will then be exported into the electricity grid and used by the next house which is drawing electricity from the grid. Some states may provide Feed-in tariffs for any exported back into the grid.
CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

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Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

Solar Panel Comparison

Mono VS Poly Panels Whats All The Hype About?
Not much really! There isnt much difference at all between the two technologies we supply both.
Around 90% of the worlds photovoltaic (PV) panels - or solar panels - use cells made of some variation of crystalline silicone, and these cells come in two main types: Monocrystalline (mono) and polycrystalline (poly). Essentially, the difference between mono and poly cells is indicative by their names a monocrystalline cell is produced from a singular silicon crystal, while a polycrystalline cell is produced from a piece of silicon that consists of multiple crystals. In the past, mono has been a predominant choice for Australian customers (due to marketing by local solar installers), however new technologies and developments have seen the gap between mono and poly close significantly.

Monocrystalline
Each cell is made of singular crystal silicon. Recognizable by its dark, black uniform colour, and diamond shaped spaces, smaller cells. Approx. Panel Efficiency rate 15-17%*- because the cell uses a higher purity-silicon, it converts light to electricity more efficiently. Nominal Operating Cell Temperature 45C* Temperature Coefficiency Pmp 0.45%/C * the performance of the cells is affected more if its too hot or too cold. Monocrystalline cells are more expensive to make, and thus are more expensive to purchase and install.

Polycrystalline
Each cell is made of multi-crystal silicon. Recognizable by variations across the cells between light and dark blue colours, perfectly square shape, larger cells. Approx. Panel Efficiency rate 14-16%*- because the silicon used to make the cell isnt as pure it doesnt convert light to electricity as efficiently. Nominal Operating Cell Temperature 46C (+-2 )* Temperature Coefficiency Pmp 0.41%/C* this cell tolerates high temperatures better, but does not perform as well in colder temperatures. Polycrystalline cells are more cost-efficient to make, therefore, they are cheaper to purchase and install.

*Approximate comparative efficiency rates between same/similar modules for both mono and poly.

There is minimal difference between mono & poly panels, the key is to focus on what will provide the best output for your home.
According to Trina Solar, currently, 53% of Australians using solar power have used mono panels for their installations, compared to 47% using poly. This current popularity isnt necessarily because the mono is better, but because historically they have performed better, and because of the monos longevity in the solar industry it has been perceived by the public to be better than poly. However, through technological developments, poly panels now have a comparable cell performance to that of mono, but they can be produced at a much lower cost. Overall, there is a strong future for both cell types as the gap between their relative optimum efficiency rates gets smaller, and the development of both mono and poly is still continuing, however, what does make the difference is your circumstances. For example, if you live in an area that is 30+ degrees most days a poly system might be more beneficial for you as it has better heat resistance. From another angle, if you live in the middle of Sydney or Melbourne and have minimal roof space then a mono system might allow you to get more out of your system simply because the panels may be smaller or have a greater output. As a professional and experienced installer, Todae Solar can help you to better understand which system will benefit you and your conditions most.

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

How To Choose The Right Installer

National Installers VS Local Installers
The benefits and savings from your solar power last for 25 years, so you want to make sure you choose the right company to ensure the optimum return on investment and peace of mind. But should you choose a national installer or your local solar electrician for your installation? As a national installer, Todae Solar has a number of distinct advantages, first and foremost of which is experience. We have a network of offices all around Australia, and have performed thousands of installations on homes, businesses and large scale commercial projects across the country, including the solar project for Parliament House in 2011. That kind of extensive and varied experience guarantees you the expertise and specialised knowledge that local installers cant compete with.

The Benefits of Experience

Company History & Longevity

As a national installer since 2003 our company has longevity and history in the industry, which is a massive advantage for several reasons: a) Consumers can feel secure that we can cover the solar component warranties, and are better able to back the products and services over the length of the warranty, as well as guarantee the life of your PV unit. b) Consumers can be assured of our strong and direct relationship with manufacturers and that we can provide ongoing service after sales for the years to come. The solar industry has seen hundreds of local installers close down. We de-risk this process by providing a direct warranty, and we have been in business almost 10 years and are trusted by organisations such as Parliament House, ING, Clubs NSW and dozens of councils and schools across Australia.

The Benefits of Engineering

With Todae Solar, consumers are guaranteed up-to-date accredited systems and procedures, and you can be assured complete compliance with all regulations, procedures and certifications that ensure you get the highest quality installation, including accreditation. As a national installer our award-winning project management team and in-house engineering team are experts in their areas to provide all our customers with a system that is custom designed to suit their house and energy needs. Each team member is specifically trained and has extensive experience in their area, whether thats designing your roof top system or customer service.

The Benefits of Service

Whilst we do not provide face to face consultation like some local installers; we provide a highly professional end-to-end service including a dedicated project coordinator. Whilst you may receive a site visit initially from a local installer, they cannot provide you with the dedicated support and service that our project management team ensures every customer receives. As a customer, you cant be sure that a local installer will have the breath to provide you with the full service that Todae Solar provides, as they manage multiple jobs, tasks and customers by themselves.

The Benefits of High Quality Products

As an experienced national solar company, we only offer the highest quality Tier 1 products; whereas local installers often offer unbranded cheaper components. For example, we have direct & long standing relationships with our Tier 1 brands including Canadian Solar (Publicly listed company & Top 5 panel manufacturer globally) and SMA (World renowned leading German inverter manufacturer). All our components are researched and tested; with our solar panels coming with locally based warranties as well as 3rd party insurance on the warranties so you can rest assured your system is truly guaranteed for the entire warranty period.

The Benefits of Stringent Quality Control & Installer Selection

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

Despite being a national company, we use local sub-contractors to install our solar systems. This means you receive all the benefits of going with a national company and have your installation done by a local installer. We de-risk this process by putting all our local contractors through a rigorous screening test, check their work, and ensure they are working to our national standards and not cutting corners. So you will probably end up with a local, but will have the benefit of our project management, engineering, and after sales service. Realistically, installing solar power on your home is a significant, long-term investment and choosing a national installer like Todae Solar just makes sense.

With Todae Solar, you will probably get a local, but it will be the BEST local.

When a Warranty isnt a Warranty

In 1912 there were 500 Auto manufacturers in the US and now there are 4 Similar consolidation will happen in solar. Make sure you pick the winning brands.
Every solar installer will tell you they have the best solar panels and inverters that are backed by 25 year and 5 year warranties respectively. If your installer is not willing to tell you what brand the panels and inverters are, you should immediately look elsewhere when else would you spend thousands of dollars on a product without knowing the brand? Many installers use cheap Tier 3 components which are manufactured by companies with little or no history in solar manufacturing you should be weary of companies that offer a 25 year warranty on their products but have been manufacturing them for less than 5 years. When buying a solar system the warranties are one of the most important factors to consider, if not the most important. Youre spending a lot of money on your system, what good is that if you dont have the peace of mind if anything goes wrong it will be fixed. A warranty will often only be honoured if the company is still in business. Many lower end solar manufacturers have already gone out of business this is why it is important to choose a reputable brand like Canadian Solar; and better yet if they have a 3rd party insurance on their warranty (like Canadian Solar). Make sure the manufacturers have a local office, and that warranties are serviced locally many low end products do not offer this.

Having confidence in your solar system components is extremely important, and having a warranty you can trust is essential to a good solar system.

Make sure your components meet the following:

Manufacturer has been manufacturing solar components for more than 10 years Manufacturer has local offices and the warranty is administered locally Solar Panel manufacturer has 3rd party insurance. Manufacturer is a large and reputable brand with a global presence Manufacturer is vertically integrated (controls the sourcing of components) which ensures Manufacturer has an R&D department to ensure their products are high quality Manufacturer is top 5 globally
Our Researched & Tested High Quality Brands:
Solar Panels:

quality is maintained throughout the extraction & manufacturing process

Tier 1 Manufacturer (Top 5 Globally) Residential & Commercial Installations

Tier 1 Manufacturer (Top 10 Globally) Residential Installations

Tier 1 Manufacturer (Top 5 Globally) Commercial Installations

Inverters:

Worlds Leading Manufacturer Residential & Commercial Installations

Number 1 Chinese Inverter Manufacturer Residential & Commercial Installations

Tier 1 Manufacturer Commercial Installations

CEC Industry Award Winner 2012

Todae Solar Solar Power Information Guide | www.todaesolar.com.au | 1300 GO SOLAR (46 7652)

A 25 year warranty is only worth the paper its written on if you are confident the manufacturer will be in business for 25 years