IRES Solar Australia

Why choose IRES Asia Pacific?

IRES Asia Pacific is dedicated to providing premium quality solar power generation products to the Australian and Pacific market. Our products are imported to the highest German standards. All products sold are approved and certified by the Clean Energy Council.
We are able to offer the services of our affiliate, Electron Flow Pty. Ltd. for test and repair requirements.

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What is a solar panel?

A solar panel converts light energy from the sun into electricity without causing pollution. Solar panels are also known as photovoltaic (PV) cells or modules: photo=light and voltaic=electricity.

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Why choose solar power?

Solar power will save money on energy bills; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; enables you generate your own electricity; adds financial value to property and provides for payment for the excess power fed back to the grid.
Electricity prices will continue to rises significantly, with increases over the next 3 years likely to be from 20% to 60% in some States.

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What is a grid connected solar power system?

When the solar panels on a roof are connected to the existing commercial electricity supply.

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Solar Credit Scheme: small technology certificates (STC's)
Previously known as REC's - Renewable Energy Credits

As part of the support program for the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme - the Australian Government awards STC's to households and other small-scale renewable energy operations, installing a solar power system. They can either be traded or cashed in at the point of purchase for an up-front discount. The price of the certificates fluctuates according to market value, but is generally between $30 and $40 per STC.

Solar Credits apply to the first 1.5kW of capacity installed for systems connected to the main electricity grid and up to the first 20kW of capacity for off-grid systems. For example, a 1.5kW power output system attracts between 130-180 STC's ; this translates to $3,900 - $6,300 over 15 years (depending upon the designated geographic zone).

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What size solar power system should I purchase?

Any size grid connected solar power system will reduce the size of your electricity bill and reduce the pollution effect. However, for most households, the maximum return on investment occurs with a 1500 watt system. This is because under the Australian Federal Government's Solar Credits Scheme, eligible "small generation unit" customers currently receive 5 times the number of STC's for the first 1.5kW of system capacity. This multiplier will be reduced to 4 from 1 July 2011 and then progressively to zero in forthcoming years.

For the most current guidelines on Solar Credit eligibility please check www.climatechange.com.au or other related government websites.

How much could a 1500W grid connected system save?

The average home uses approximately 20 kilowatt hours per day. The system will produce on average 6 kW hours per day. This is estimated to reduce your electricity bill by approximately $100 per quarter, while also reducing the CO2 emission to the environment by about 2.4 tonnes per year.

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What is a Feed-in Tariff (FIT)?

This is a long-term incentive mechanism - the price the government has identified it will pay to you for the power produced by your solar panels and fed into the grid. Most schemes are capped for size, generally at up to 10 kW.

A gross Feed-in Tariff applies to NSW and ACT. This means the local energy supplier is required to pay a minimum, nominated amount per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated from the solar power system of an individual household.

Most State governments have introduced a net feed-in tariff, which pays up to 4 times the retail price for the excess solar electricity you do not use, which is therefore exported to the power grid.

Feed-in Tariffs by State:

	Type FIT	Rate	Size	Programme Ends
Victoria	Net FIT	$0.60/kWh	upto 5 kW	Nov. 2024
Queensland	Net FIT	$0.44/kWh	10 kW	July 2028
Sth.Aust.	Net FIT	$0.44/kWh	10 kW	July 2018
Tasmania	Net FIT	$0.20/kWh	TBA	March 2029
W.A	Net FIT	$0.40/kWh	10 kW	Reviewed Aug. 2013
NSW	Net FIT	$0.20/kWh	upto 5 kW	Nov. 2024
ACT	Gross FIT	$0.404/kWh	upto 10 kW	March 2029
NT	Gross FIT	$0.1923k/Wh	upto 10 kW	not identified – customised rebate above this size.

– customised rebate above this size.

Please check the individual State Government websites for additional information and any changes concerning the
level of State grants for solar credits/Feed-in Tariffs.

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How does the electricity retailer know how much to bill me when I am producing some of my own electricity?

Generally, the electricity meter records the electricity generated by your solar panels directly to the grid as well as the energy consumed from the grid. However in some jurisdictions it may instead record both the energy produced from the solar panels and that consumed from the grid. Your individual electricity distributor reads the meter and determines your balance. Your electricity retailer then bills for the electricity actually consumed OR makes a payment to you for the excess production. The method employed will need to be checked with the individual retailer.

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Will my grid-connected solar panels provide power during a blackout?

No, for safety reasons the system will immediately and automatically turn off.