Solar and Battery Storage help
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How does solar work?
A solar Photovoltaic (PV) system uses solar panels to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted by an inverter to alternating current (AC) electricity, for use in the home. The power produced by the system will always be used by your home first, before any excess is sold to your retailer.
Click on the numbers to see how the sun is converted into energy.
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What are the steps to getting a solar system installed?
1. Consultation
Contact us online or call 8202 8078 to set up a 30-minute, no-obligation consultation. We’ll provide you with a tailored quote and give you an expected return on investment.
2. Payment
Choose how you’ll pay for your system – either upfront or via an interest free payment plan for 12 or 24 months. Payment plan financing is provided by Plenti.*
3. Site inspection
One of our expert technicians will visit your home to complete an inspection. Following the inspection, we’ll advise you of any variations to the original quote. If the quote changes, you can choose to cancel your purchase and we’ll refund your deposit.
4. Installation
We can install your system around 4-6 weeks after the site inspection. We’ll also speak to your energy retailer to arrange installation of a smart meter.
5. Switch on your system
Start enjoying the benefits of the sun’s energy.
²Consumer customers only. All applications for credit are subject to Plenti's approval. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Credit provided by Plenti Finance Pty Limited ACN 636 759 861 (supported by its servicer, Plenti RE Limited ACN 166 646 635 Australian credit licence 449176). Both Plenti RE and Plenti Finance are members of the Australian Complaints Authority (AFCA).
See full RAA solar terms and conditions (PDF, 242KB).
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Can I add a battery to an existing system?
Yes, but this depends on a number of factors, including the age of your current system and the version of the electrical standards it was installed to. A site inspection will be needed to determine the complexity and cost. -
What government rebates are available?
When purchasing solar, you are eligible for Small-scale Technology Credits (STC). These credits are calculated according to the wattage rating of your solar panels and can be used to subsidise the purchase price of your package – the more watts the higher the subsidy. When we prepare your quote, we will calculate the STCs for you and the total amount will include the rebate. Currently the STC amount reduces each year on the 1st of January. -
What kind of maintenance is required?
If the system is installed by a qualified professional using quality components, it should meet all relevant industry standards and requirements. With the energy monitoring unit – included in all packages – the energy monitoring provider will be able to remotely identify any changes in your solar system’s performance. RAA recommends a solar health check by qualified professionals every 12-24 months. RAA Trade Assist can help you with professional, reliable tradies. -
Will my panels need to be cleaned?
Like most products exposed to the elements, your panels should be checked every 12-24 months. RAA highly recommends that only trained professional undertake this type of work. RAA Trade Assist can help you with solar panel cleaning. -
How does energy monitoring work?
The energy monitoring provider checks your solar electricity production compared to your energy usage, multiple times every minute. By analysing your energy production and consumption, the monitoring unit can track and forecast your projected energy usage. This provides an up-to-the-minute energy spend rate, helping to eliminate bill shock. -
What size solar system will I need?
This is different for each home and may change as your energy usage changes. When helping to plan a suitable system size for your home, your RAA Solar sales consultant will use the information you provide as part of the quote process, including details of energy usage history from your electricity bill. We’ll also ask about your future plans so we can take these into account when discussing your solar needs. -
What size battery will I need?
Much like the size of your solar system, this will depend on your energy consumption profile. RAA has partnered with expert engineers, accredited installers and suppliers, to ensure the batteries we install meet your stored electricity needs, as well as qualifying for the current SA Government Home Battery Scheme. -
How much can solar save me on my energy bill?
While this will vary for each individual home, it’s clear that solar delivers substantial savings on energy bills. To get an estimate on how much you can save, contact our energy experts for a quote today.
Based on our sums, a home using an average of 15kWh of electricity per day with a 6.6kW solar system installed, will spend about $1700 less on energy bills per year.
In this case, a solar system will pay for itself in 3 to 3.5 years. -
Will the battery provide backup power in case of a blackout?
Yes, RAA’s combined solar and battery storage packages include emergency backup power capability if there’s a blackout. While the battery may not be able to provide backup power to the entire house, we’ll work with you during installation to prioritise your critical circuits, so that emergency power is directed to these first. -
What is a Tier 1 panel?
A Tier 1 panel is a quality panel made by a reputable, accredited manufacturer who owns their own manufacturing facility, and has been in business for more than 5 years. -
What does “Linear Performance” mean?
This manufacturer’s warranty is based on the expected performance of the product over a period of time. This is different from the manufacturer’s hardware warranty and the installation warranty. -
What else do I need to know before going solar?
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Does the SA Government have the power to switch off my solar, under the Smarter Homes Regulations?
The take-up of solar in SA has been remarkable, leading to our state having one of the highest levels of home solar in the world. In fact, on very rare occasions, the volume of surplus solar power being fed back into the electricity network has risked causing its instability, which could lead to blackouts. To prevent this, all new solar systems must have the capability to be controlled remotely, so that the export of power back to the network can be regulated during these times. Again, this will only happen on very rare occasions, and solar power to your home won’t be interrupted.
If this situation occurs, the only people permitted to control the export of your solar power back to the network are Relevant Agents, registered with the government’s Office of the Technical Regulator. When installing your solar, we’ll help you connect with Relevant Agents best suited to handle your system. -
Does the Smarter Homes Regulations affect my existing system?
The regulations only apply to new installations, but if your existing system needs to be repaired or modified, any replacement parts must comply with the new standards. Parts replaced under warranty are exempt. The feed-in tariff (cents per kilowatt hour) offered by your energy retailer will not be affected by these regulations.
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Will the Smarter Homes Regulations cost me more?
The regulations should not affect the cost of solar system installation. If the export of your surplus solar power back to the network is temporarily disconnected, this will briefly affect the amount of feed-in tariff you receive. There are too many factors involved to say exactly how often this will happen or the precise dollar amount of any credit reduction.
South Australian Power Networks (SAPN) is working to improve the capacity of the network to handle the increasing popularity of solar. SAPN is also planning to increase the number of kilowatts that home solar power systems can export back to the network during normal times.
Even if you’re system is temporarily unable to export power back to the network, you can still use the solar power you’re producing and any electricity stored in your battery. You’ll also be able to receive power from the grid, if needed.
