#ecolectrical

[hvsolarau]

Things You Should Know Before Buying Solar Batteries

Battery storage is an important part of modern solar power systems, it can help you to make the most of your panels. However, there are some things you should know before purchasing a battery system.

This is because solar batteries don’t last forever, and the lifespan of a battery is usually measured in cycles.

Solar Energy

A solar battery system is a great way to save money on your power bills. It's also a sustainable way to cut your carbon footprint.

Several companies in the Hunter Valley offer solar energy and battery storage systems. These include Sunset Solar, ECOlectrical, Twin Solar and iinergy.

The Hunter Valley region has a long history of manufacturing and energy generation, making it a natural place for renewable energy and battery development. It also has some of Australia's biggest industrial-scale users of renewable energy.

A group of local and global energy companies wants to transform the Hunter Valley into a "hydrogen valley" by producing green hydrogen using wind and solar energy. It's a move that could help replace the coal industry in the region and provide jobs.

Solar Batteries

Solar batteries are a great option for those looking to reduce their power bills and have clean energy at home. They allow you to store the energy you produce during the day to use later on.

A new big battery is being built in the NSW Hunter Valley, with CEP Energy planning to start construction in 2022 and the facility should be running by 2023. The project is expected to play a key role in decarbonising the state's power supply, according to former NSW premier Morris Iemma.

The $2.4 billion project reflects the growing scale of grid-scale storage ambitions, in direct competition with gas-fired power and to complement intermittent renewables. It is one of several large batteries announced in the past three months, including Origin Energy's plans for a 700-megawatt battery at its Eraring coal power station near Lake Macquarie and a 250-megawatt battery by AGL in Victoria.

The CEP Energy big battery will be located inside the Hunter economic zone, a new district established by the NSW government last year to fast-track renewable projects. Mr Iemma said the region would remain true to its heritage as one of Australia's energy powerhouses, as it works toward a cleaner, decarbonised future.

Lifespan of Batteries

Battery technology has emerged as a key enabler of the uptake of renewables by storing excess power created when solar and wind conditions are favourable, and releasing it at demand peaks. This can increase the use of renewable generation, and also provide grid-stabilisation services such as frequency control.

Batteries can be used for a wide range of applications, including household energy storage and grid-scale power storage (also known as battery energy storage systems or BESS). They can be built in conjunction with wind or solar farms or simply utilised to store power for use during peak demand times when renewables aren’t delivering.

Battery lifespan is influenced by a number of factors, including temperature. A reputable battery storage installer will advise you on the best placement of your battery to mitigate temperature influences and ensure it performs at its optimal level.

Types of Batteries

Solar batteries are a popular way to store energy generated by a home solar system for use at a later time. They can also be used to export power to the grid in exchange for a feed-in tariff.

Batteries come in many different styles and sizes. There are four main types: lithium ion, nickel cadmium, lead acid and flow batteries.

Lithium ion is the most common battery for solar systems in Newcastle residential households and offers a wide range of benefits, including low maintenance costs, high capacity, a long lifespan and a small footprint. Other types of batteries, such as flow batteries, are less commonly used in home solar systems because they are expensive and have a low storage capacity.

The Australian government is pushing to develop more large-scale battery projects to help integrate growing shares of renewable energy onto the grid. One company, CEP Energy, has just announced plans for a 1,200MW project in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

[ecolectrical]

About Us

Hello Newcastle! We're ready to make waves in the solar sector 🌊. We are a group of passionate, fully licensed and insured electrical contractors who are committed to providing our community with straight-forward, no fuss and comprehensive solar solutions. Solar isn't a new sector for Australia – with plenty of sun all year round, there are several companies that offer the promise of cheap, high-performing solar solutions. For us, our work extends beyond this. We understand that this is a big investment for our clients, so we're committed to getting it right the first time. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this space 💥. We will be sharing tips, insights and behind-the-scenes of our work, soon.

[mrhenryharrell]

Andover Town Offices Move Toward Net Zero

Andover town office building. Photo by Larry Chase.

By George Harvey

Andover, New Hampshire, a town of almost 2,400 people, has a long commitment to conservation. It has been thirty years since an ordinance was brought before the town meeting to make recycling mandatory. It passed unanimously.

Readers of Green Energy Times may recognize Andover as the home of Proctor Academy, which was featured in “Proctor Academy Continues to Blaze Sustainable Path,” (http://bit.ly/GET-Proctor-Continues). That article, which appeared in December of 2016, described the school’s dining hall, which has net-zero energy usage.

Recently, people of the town started to consider energy use in a building shared by the town offices and the library. It was built in 1885 and expanded in 2001. In 2011, it was given an energy audit funded with a grant through the New Hampshire Local Audit Exchange Program and with assistance from the Jordan Institute.

In 2014, a volunteer committee, the Andover Energy Group (AEG), had led a successful solarize program in the town as part of Solarize Kearsarge. It was natural for the AEG to turn its attention to the audit’s recommendations. With leadership from Randall Costa, and the support of the town’s select board, the AEG created a four phase plan to make the building as close to net-zero for energy as feasible.

The first step would be insulation and air sealing. For the second, all lights would be replaced with LEDs. The third step was to install air-source heat pumps. Finally, the building would get a solar array for electricity.

The first two steps were implemented rather easily. The New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) helped with incentives, reducing the cost for both to $5,600. This could be covered by the building’s capital improvements fund, and work began in the fall of 2016. The insulation and sealing work was performed by Shakes to Shingles based in Concord, NH, and the LED replacement was completed by EcoLectric LLC from Plymouth, NH.

NHEC also helped with incentives that kept the cost of two air-source heat pumps and five distribution units to slightly less than $10,000, for which EcoLectric made the lowest bid. This expenditure, however, had to go before the town meeting.

After conducting diligence on a solar system, the AEG worked through a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a roof-mounted system covering the building’s projected needs with ReVision Energy. The PPA would reduce the town’s electric bills immediately and required minimal capital outlay, and the town would be able to buy the system after six years. But this system also had to be put before the town meeting.

The AEG produced a presentation for the town showing that running heat pumps was much less expensive than heating with fossil fuels and would improve the building’s working environment. With a solar array with a PPA from ReVision, even greater cost cutting was possible.

The Andover town offices and library would retain one link to the fossil fuel age. It would retain its oil-fired heating system as a backup for the coldest times of winter and to maintain heat during power outages. This approach would shorten the payback period on the heat pumps, while still bringing the building very close to net-zero.

At the town meeting in March, Andover’s voters voted strongly to adopt the AEG plan. The whole plan was executed by October, just about a year from the time the project started.

The solar installation is worth describing. It has 68 panels for a total capacity of 20.4 kilowatts, and is conservatively expected to save the town over $50,000 over its first 25 years of service. Because of the layout of the roof, 40 panels face south; the rest of the panels face east or west but will get sunlight for the best part of the day.

“We are thrilled that the project is complete and already protecting the town from fuel cost swings and improving the quality of the town offices’ environment. But just as importantly,” Costa said, “we are excited that every member of the community can participate in and join us in learning from this project – the town offices belong to everyone, and everyone can now see in real time and in their own lives how energy and carbon savings can really work!”

Many thanks to our sponsor:

Andover Town Offices Move Toward Net Zero posted first on Green Energy Times

[ecolectrical]

Why You Should Choose A Local Solar Installer

Choosing a local solar provider protects you in many ways. Both at the point of installation and throughout the expected 25-year lifespan of your solar panels. - They understand the particular environmental region you are in and use this knowledge to ensure maximum solar gains and minimise losses. - Direct access to the company owner or director. - Genuine aftercare service is just a phone call away. - A team of staff members committed to both their customers and the company’s long-term success. - Immediate support in the event of having to make a warranty claim. - No call centres or inexperienced salespeople. A local business made up of local people means a commitment to protecting your investment and securing your long-term financial returns. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

The Importance Of Having AN On-Site Visit Prior To Your Install

A solar provider committed to your best interests understands the importance of an on-site visit. They would not dream of quoting your system over the phone or online but will visit your site to provide you with a detailed quote. For example, without a site visit your installer cannot know if any of the following issues are present, exposing you to potential unknown extra charges: - Complex access - 3-storey high property - Asbestos on site - Insufficient roof structure stability - Switchboard compatibility for new solar meter & required solar components Only a site visit by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer can identify the unexpected. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

What You Need To Know About Your Solar Finance Options

There are two ways finance is packaged: with or without interest. We want you to be aware of one of the lesser-known (yet very expensive) pitfalls in the solar industry - interest-free finance providers. In the solar industry, interest-free marketing can be alluring, but there are hidden traps to be aware of. These include: - Inflating the price of a system by $2K to $3K to balance out interest lost. - If you default on an interest-free payment the rates are 20-25%. - Monthly and management fees. You might pay $700 - $900 in interest over the term of a regulated solar finance loan, but an unregulated interest-free loan can cost you upward of an extra $2,000. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

What You Must Know Before Choosing Your New Solar System

There are many decisions to make when it comes to your new solar system, whether it’s for home or business. Choosing each component very carefully is critical. This doesn’t only relate to parts but also warranties, your provider and finance. That's why have made a free guide to break down these foundational components of the solar system to support your decision-making process. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

How Our Experience In The COmmericial Solar Sector Can Serve You

In the competitive market we live in today, everyone is on a deadline. ECOlectrical understands these requirements and with our years of industry experience and qualifications, we're prepared to serve the commercial sector with... - Professional, efficient & effective solutions for the commercial sector - Over 30 years of commercial electrical industry experience - Formal management, business, environmental and carbon management qualifications - Solar system finance or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) offerings To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

Why You Should Get An Energy Audit

Why get an energy audit? Here are a few reasons why it may benefit you... - A measured and calculated energy action plan provides a road map for tangible results. - Tax deductible investment that provides a fast return on investment. - Reduce energy costs, reduce carbon footprint, reduce environmental impact, enhance the business image. - Create a sustainable business model. - Use cost savings to enhance &/or grow your business. - Stop paying ever-increasing electricity costs being supplied by a finite resource. - 10% – 30% energy reductions identified. - Identifies the most practical and economic energy solutions. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

What You Need To Know About Getting Paid From Feed-In Tariffs

A feed-in tariff is paid by a utility or government agency when a grid connect system generates electricity. Net feed-in tariffs are the most common, and it’s best practice to consume as much solar-generated electricity as possible as opposed to sending it to the grid, therefore achieving the best financial return on your solar investment. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

Ready To Switch To Solar But Not Sure If You Can Afford It? With $0 Up-Front Finance You Can!

There are lots of different finance options out there to support your switch to solar. With our $0 Up-Front Finance you can even have the cost of an electrical panel upgrade absorbed into your finance plan to ensure that you can reap the immediate benefits without any significant outlay first. To see if this option is suitable for you, book a 20-minute no-obligation consultation with us by filling out our online form ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecelectrical-consult

[ecolectrical]

Do Solar Systems Require Maitenance?

To ensure protection of your system and that is performs to its maximum efficiency, we recommend an annual service! ECOlectrical offers comprehensive annual maintenance, safety check and cleaning service for your solar system in line with warranty obligations and the Clean Energy Council Guidelines. As well as the general maintenance, we check for visible defects and measure the power output to ensure that it is performing to the standard guaranteed by the Manufacturer. We’ll provide you with a solar inspection report and will assist you with any warranty claims should we find any defects or performance issues. To have your system serviced, book a 20-minute no-obligation consultation with us by filling out our online form ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecelectrical-consult

[ecolectrical]

Why Your Switch To Solar Is Important As A Business

As our electricity plants and infrastructure continue to age and electricity prices continue to rise, more and more home and business owners are moving with the times, not to mention the positive and forward-thinking contribution it provides to future generations and our natural environment. So don't get left behind! To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

How We Can Ensure Reliability On Your System

We will always take the time to ensure your system is designed exactly to your needs. Our installations are completed in line with all industry standards, using reliable, quality products, so that whilst the sun is shining, your system will be providing free energy capable of covering your usage needs. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

Why You Should Use A Licensed CEC Accredited Electrician To Service And Clean Your Solar System.

Unlike typical electrical products, turning a solar panel system ‘off’ at the switch does not mean that the components no longer pose an electrical hazard. Therefore, it is recommended that solar panel systems should only be inspected and maintained by a licenced CEC Accredited electrician, and cleaning conducted by a solar panel specialist cleaner. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook

[ecolectrical]

The Reliable Off-Grid Solar Model Sweeping the Globe

Solar electrical systems have been heralded as the way of the future for power generation largely thanks to their renewable nature. But they are also perfect for those seeking self-sufficiency; there’s no way for every Australian to mine and burn coal or gas in their backyard, not to mention that coal is a finite energy source, but here in the lucky country we all get our fair share of sun. Our climate means that current day technology providing advanced efficiency and affordability means household off-grid solar is even more viable a model than it has proven to be in parts of Europe and America. To learn more, download our free eBook "6 Things You MUST Know About Choosing Your New Solar System Before You Buy" ~ https://go.rt-d.com/ecolectrical-ebook