October 2021 - Bila Energy

Why Are Coffs Harbour Residents Choosing Solar Power?

October 25, 2021 admin

A solar system is the perfect solution for just about anywhere the sun shines. But it looks like the sun shines a little bit more in Coffs Harbour. Is that true? Is that the reason why the people of Coffs Harbour are going solar? Let’s find out.

Is Coffs Harbour Perfect for Solar Installation?

Coffs Harbour sure is a great destination. Apart from being an agri-food paradise, it has some of the most lovely beaches and national parks. Most importantly, a perfect climate. According to CSIRO, Coffs Harbour has the most liveable climates in Australia. The summers are warm with humid and short winters. The year-round sub-tropical climate ranging from 13-25 degrees, with an average maximum of 23 degrees, makes it ideal for solar panel installations.

Solar Power in Coffs Harbour

An average rooftop in Coffs Harbour receives roughly 5.2 hours of peak sunlight a day throughout the year. If you didn’t know, this is an abundant solar resource. So, it’s no wonder why 30% of households in Coffs Harbour already have solar power, leading their way to a sustainable future.

Let’s assume you have a solar system of 6.6 kW with some efficiency loss between 20 to 25%, and let’s take the highest maximum loss. With 5.2 hours of peak sunlight and 75% efficiency, a 6.6 kW solar system will produce an average solar output of 9,395 kWh a year or 25.7 kWh per day.

Solar System Size	Solar energy output per day
3 kW	11.7 kWh
5 kW	19.5 kWh
8 kW	31.2 kWh
10 kW	39 kWh

However, there may be some changes in the solar energy output during the winter months. But the difference is much less than you imagine. Let’s break it down for you. When the temperature rises beyond a certain measure, there will be a decrease in solar panel efficiency. For instance, if your solar panel gets heat up to 35 degrees on a long hot day, its efficiency decreases by 5%. That’s why winters do not affect the solar power output as long as you get enough sunshine hours. And therefore, Coffs Harbour has higher solar efficiency even in winter.

How Sunshine Increases Solar Savings

By installing a solar panel system, you can slash your power bills. And how exactly? Firstly, through self-consumption. If you can manage to use solar power produced from your solar panels for most of your needs, you are reducing the amount of power you would consume from the grid otherwise. Secondly, you save through the feed-in tariff. You get paid for the excess energy your solar panels generate. Your electricity retailers pay you anywhere from 6c to 21c for each kWh of surplus solar energy, exported to the grids automatically.

Perfect Time for Solar Panel Installation in Coffs Harbour

If you are a resident of Coffs Harbour, this is the perfect time for solar panel installation as you can save big on solar installation costs. The federal government offers exciting incentives on PV installation costs under its Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. According to the scheme, sunnier localities receive more incentives. Coffs Harbour is one of the second-highest sun exposure zones in Australia. So, you have better discounts. Here is a live estimate on the rebates according to Greenbank as of March 2020. (The prices keep changing)

Solar system size	STC rebate
3 kW	＄1643
5 kW	＄2774
10 kW	＄5548

Bila Energy have got you covered if you are looking for a reliable solar installer in Coffs Harbour. We provide the best solar system in Coffs Harbour – be it the quality, price, or service. Feel free to reach out to us for any queries regarding your old or new solar power installations.

Solar Energy Port Macquarie Solar Panels Port Macquarie

Solar System Effectiveness In Port Macquarie

October 25, 2021 admin

Solar power offers endless opportunities and possibilities in Port Macquarie. Not only do homeowners show interest in solar installation, but also many large scale solar projects continue to harness its effectiveness.

Solar Panel Installations and Savings in Port Macquarie

Nearly 21% of the households in Port Macquarie have rooftops with solar panels.

As a coastal town located in the middle of Sydney and Brisbane, Port Macquarie enjoys the best subtropical climate in Australia. It experiences mild winters and gentle summers, which is a massive solar resource. In other words, an average rooftop in Port Macquarie roughly receives 4.8 hours of peak sunlight per day on average throughout the year.

According to the Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI), the average size of a solar energy system installed in rooftops, including commercial installations, is approximately about 2.77 kW. So, assuming a system of 80% efficiency and 4.8 hours of peak sunlight, 1 kW of solar panels in Port Macquarie can generate 1402 kWh or an average of 3.84 kWh per day. Typically, an average Port Macquarie home uses 15 to 20 kWh per day. Refer to the table below to get some understanding of what you will need for your home.

Solar System	Solar energy per day	Annual Solar Energy Output
1.5 kW	5.76 kWh	2,102 kWh
3 kW	11.52 kWh	4,205 kWh
5 kW	19.2 kWh	7,008 kWh
6 kW	23.04 kWh	8,410 kWh
8 kW	30.72 kWh	11,213 kWh
10 kW	38.4 kWh	14,016 kWh

Furthermore, based on your self-consumption rate and the feed-in tariff rate, you can make huge savings on your annual electricity bill. For instance, a 6.6 kW system produces 9,250 kWh per year in Port Macquarie. And say if you can use around 70% to 80% of the solar power generated, you can save up to ＄2000 a year. It will pay you back in a good 2 to 3 years.

Is Solar Panel Worth It?

Reduced prices and financial incentives from the government makes a solar panel system more affordable than ever. Moreover, by going solar, you reduce your dependency on the grid. You also benefit from exporting the surplus energy generated from your solar panels to the grid. Currently, in NSW, you may get a feed-in tariff anywhere from 6c to 17c, depending upon your electricity retailer.

So, if you already have a solar power system, install a solar battery to your existing solar power system and start making significant savings on your electricity bills. If you want to know whether your rooftop is eligible for solar panel installation, contact an accredited solar installer nearby. Also, make sure to inquire about savings based on your usage and needs.

Are You Located in Port Macquarie?

If yes, this is the best time for you to join thousands of homeowners who have installed solar panels and make the best use of sunny days. Also, when you install a solar system in Port Macquarie, you join other solar owners by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down 46,226 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

If you are looking for high-quality solar panels and batteries at competitive prices in Port Macquarie, you are at the right place. Our fully accredited solar installers will customise the best solar system for your needs. So, contact us or start by filling our contact form to get a free quote for solar system installation in your home at Port Macquarie.

Solar Panels Solar Power Solar Power Installers Solar System NSW

Is Solar Right For Your NSW Home

October 8, 2021 admin

No doubt solar installation is beneficial, eco-friendly and an investment worth trying for your NSW home. Moreover, they have become more efficient and affordable than ever. However, if you are not convinced, asking yourself a few simple questions can help you figure out if solar is right for you or not.

What Benefits Do I Get if I Invest in Solar Power?

First things first, solar power installation is a big investment, especially for homeowners. So, you should ask yourself the reason you are going for solar energy. It can be to save on power bills or to reduce upfront costs or environmental consciousness.

However, the main reason for investing in solar power is self-consumption. To be precise, when your solar panels generate sufficient energy for your everyday consumption and energy needs, you find no need to rely on your grid electricity. Hence, you can save on your energy bills. Therefore, you need to know about your energy usage regime and your lifestyle.

This helps you determine if solar power will give you a return on investment. This, in turn, will help you find the appropriate size of the solar panel system you need. You should also check with the government incentives and schemes while installing solar power.

When Do I Use Maximum Electricity?

The best time for maximum self-consumption is during peak sunlight hours. That’s when your solar panels will generate the most power. Moreover, the excess energy will be automatically sent to the grid, gaining you some incentive from your energy retailer. If you consume more electricity during the day, your solar power will pay you back in 3 to 5 years.

What Is My Roof Orientation?

Since Australia is in the southern hemisphere, north-facing roofs are the most productive roof slant for solar energy in NSW. Then comes the west-facing roofs, producing only 15% less total annual solar energy output than the north-facing roofs.

What Is the Angle of My Roof?

The ideal roof pitch or roof angle for maximum generation of solar energy in NSW is 20 to 30 degrees. However, solar panels can also be installed on roofs with slants ranging from 10 to 35 degrees as they only have a negligible efficiency loss.

How Big Is My Roof?

Instead of asking if your roof is big enough or has the required square foot, you could also consider asking how many solar panels my roof would accommodate. Depending upon your electricity usage and the efficiency of solar panels, the number of solar panels you need will differ. So accordingly, you’ll know if your roof is sufficient or not for solar panel installation.

Is My Roof Shaded?

Solar panels work the best when the sun hits directly on them without any disruption. If your roof receives shade from trees or other buildings, it will affect the solar power output.

We know that finding answers to all these questions by yourself is a little bit overwhelming. You need assistance from expert solar installers to help find the right solar power system based on your needs and roof factors.

Reach out to us at Bila Energy if you are looking for skilled solar installers in the Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads, Newcastle, Taree and Coffs Harbour areas of NSW.

Solar Panels Port Macquarie Solar Power Solar Power Installers

How Much Can You Save With Solar Power?

October 8, 2021 admin

Can you save your power bills using solar power? Yes, is a definite answer for many households in NSW. However, how much you can save depends on several factors, and we will break down the facts for you here.

Is Solar Power a Valuable Option?

Many of you might still be wondering if solar panels are worth buying in terms of savings. On the one hand, electricity bills are soaring up in Australia like never before, whilst on the other hand, solar panels are more affordable now than ever.

Let’s assume you have installed 5kW solar power in your home, and you are paying 30c per kWh – you are more likely to save from $1800 to $2200 a year. Moreover, installing a good quality 5kW solar power will cost you only around $4000 to $6000. Also, you benefit from generous government rebates and feed-in tariff schemes. So, they are sure to pay you back in 3 to 5 years.

How Much Do They Save on Your Power Bills?

To better understand how much you can save by installing solar power, firstly, you should compare it with how much you spend on your power bill. So, with a good quality solar panel, you will be saving for every kWh of energy that you spend in the day.

In NSW, you may be paying anywhere around 25 to 35c per kWh if you are on a flat-rate tariff. And your bill may shoot up to 50c per kWh during the peak billing period if you are on the time of use tariff.

Alternatively, by installing solar power, you can save up to $400 per kW on your power bill in NSW. So, for a 5kW solar system, you can save up to $2000 a year, and for an 8kW solar system, you can save around $3400 a year.

So How Much Can You Effectively Save on Power Bills Using Solar Power?

To begin with, solar panels are an asset that will last for around 20 to 25 years. If you care to invest in good quality solar panels, you can also save on maintenance. Depending upon the size of the solar system and your usage pattern, you can cover up to 75% of your annual power bill, paying only 25% to your power retailer. So, easily within a few years, your solar system will pay for itself, leaving the rest to savings.

For this, go through your metre reading to know your average daytime power consumption and your average power consumption per day (24 hours). Based on your average power consumption per day, your solar installer will recommend the correct solar system for you. Also, make sure to ask them about the efficiency of solar panels. If you want to significantly reduce your electricity bill, you may want to consider installing a solar battery and sizing up your solar system. It will show valuable savings on your power bill, including the winter months. Your solar installer will be able to help you with this.

System Size	Solar output per day	Yearly potential saving
3kW	12.9 kWh	$1,470
5kW	20 kWh	$2,200
8kW	32 kWh	$3,600
10kW	40 kWh	$4,200

With affordable rates and great energy bill savings, this is the perfect time to install solar panels for your home and business in NSW.

Contact our expert solar installers for further queries or solar installations for your home or business in Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Nambucca Heads and Taree areas of NSW. You can also request a free quote by filling our contact form here.