FAQs

An on-site assessment is essential to provide an accurate and detailed quotation. Our goal is to offer you a definitive price without unexpected fluctuations. Given the complexities of solar solutions, an on-site visit allows us to thoroughly evaluate your property, identify any potential challenges, and tailor the system to your specific needs. This hands-on approach ensures that we can address all your requirements comprehensively and guide you through the entire process effectively, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.

During this period, we coordinate the installation of your new smart meter with your energy supplier, obtain grid approval or an SCR (Special Connection Request) from the grid owner (energy retailer), arrange all necessary stock, and tentatively schedule your installation. Once the SCR is approved, we finalise the booking for the next available installation date, typically within 2 weeks.

Therefore, from the time of deposit payment or finance approval to the installation date, the entire process typically takes around 4-6 weeks. This timeline ensures that we meticulously prepare for your installation while adhering to regulatory requirements and ensuring a smooth transition to solar energy.

For a precise estimate, our Operations Manager will assess these factors and provide you with an accurate timeframe for your installation. This ensures that we allocate sufficient time and resources to complete the installation efficiently while meeting your specific requirements.

According to our sales contract, it is essential to have a minimum of 10 spare tiles available on the day of installation. In the event that you do not have spare tiles and a tile is accidentally broken during installation, we will relocate the damaged tiles to the bottom row and use silicone for a temporary repair. This approach allows you time to organise additional replacement tiles at your convenience while ensuring the continuity of your installation process.

It’s crucial that you are available at the conclusion of the installation so that we can guide you through the operation of your system and address any queries you may have. This ensures that you fully understand how your new solar system functions and are comfortable with its operation before we conclude the installation process

We work diligently to coordinate with your energy supplier and ensure a smooth installation process for your meter. Our goal is to minimise any delays and promptly finalise this crucial aspect of your solar system setup.

Additionally, we handle the installation in-house with our own full-time team of electricians, rather than outsourcing the work. This ensures you receive a seamless, end-to-end experience from a single trusted company, maintaining the highest standards of quality and accountability. This level of dedication to quality, service, and customer satisfaction is reflected in our pricing.

Unlike many companies that focus solely on solar, we offer a broad range of services, including general electrical work. This versatility makes our business more sustainable and capable of meeting diverse needs. Our comprehensive workforce includes specialists in all facets of our operations, along with a dedicated team of electricians for installations. By keeping all work in-house, we maintain stringent quality control and ensure a seamless, high-quality service. This approach is rare in the solar industry and sets us apart from the competition.

In contrast, smart meters are digital and can accurately measure energy transfers in both directions. They can distinguish when solar energy is being used, when excess energy is exported to the grid for credits, or when grid energy is needed beyond your solar generation capacity. This capability ensures accurate monitoring and management of your energy usage, optimising the benefits of your solar system.

You have two primary options for EV charging with our systems. Firstly, you can wire a direct circuit to the location where you want to install the charger, ensuring efficient and reliable charging for your electric vehicle. Alternatively, you can opt to connect the EV charger to the inverter. This integrated setup optimises the use of solar energy for charging your EV, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution tailored to your needs.

Evergen was founded in 2015 through a collaboration between AMP Capital and CSIRO Energy. Evergen brings together some of the brightest minds in the industry to help customers transition to a resilient, renewable, and decentralised energy system. Their Intelligent Control software offers homeowners and businesses:

• Battery optimisation (behind-the-meter) to increase self-consumption and savings on electricity bills by determining the best times to use stored energy.
• The option to participate in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) in the future, allowing customers to earn money from their batteries (customers must opt into VPP participation themselves).

• Select places the details on the Brighte Portal
• Brighte contacts the customer and takes the application
• Brighte conditionally approves or declines the application
• Brighte sends Documentation to the customer to accept
• Customer accepts and signs the paperwork
• Brighte approves the loan and sends Select notification
• System is installed
• Select sends invoice to Brighte with the STC assignment form
• Bright sends customer a request to acknowledge the installation is completed
• Brighte pays Select and customer payments commence 28 days later

• $2.30/weekly account keeping fee included in repayments
• $75 establishment fee payable on your first repayment date
• $4.99 late payment fee may be applied if you miss a repayment (Late fees are capped at $49.90/year)
• No fee for early repayment
• Other fees and charges may be applicable

• Visa
• Mastercard
• AMEX
• B2Bpay
• Direct Deposit

This can vary from job to job but a typical installation:

• Deposit of 10% - Due on acceptance of the quote
• 80% Instal – Due on the installation of all equipment
• 10% Final – Due on the commissioning of the system

These documents are crucial as they provide detailed information about the specific components used in your solar and battery system setup. They serve as a reference for understanding the technical specifications and operational details of your installed equipment, ensuring transparency and clarity about the technology powering your renewable energy solution.

Once the necessary fixes have been completed, we will rebook the inspection to ensure that all aspects of your solar system meet the required standards and regulations. Our commitment is to resolve any compliance concerns swiftly, ensuring your system operates safely and effectively.

One of the benefits of having your solar installed by Select Electrical is that if you suspect any issues, we will investigate remotely on your behalf, free of charge. If we identify a problem that requires a site visit or further work, we can arrange to resolve it, but additional costs may apply.

Single-phase systems are typically used in smaller homes and carry less electrical load. They generally support systems up to 5 kw in size. Three-phase systems are more common in larger homes and commercial properties, offering better balance across electrical loads and supporting larger solar systems (typically over 5kw). If your property has three-phase power, it can help distribute solar generation more evenly, reduce inverter clipping, and support larger battery integration.

Optimisers are small devices installed on individual solar panels. They allow each panel to operate independently, maximising output even if other panels are partially shaded or performing below peak levels. You may benefit from optimisers if your roof has multiple angles, partial shading, or different tilt orientations. Brands like SolarEdge use panel-level optimisation to enhance performance, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.

Yes, many systems are designed with scalability in mind. If you plan to upgrade later, we can install an inverter that supports additional capacity or battery integration. Some customers start with a basic system and expand it as their energy needs grow, particularly when adding electric vehicles, switching to all-electric appliances, or planning for future home extensions.

String inverters connect a series of panels (a "string") to one central inverter, which converts DC to AC power. Microinverters are attached to each panel and the conversion is performed individually. Microinverters can perform better in shaded or complex roof environments and provide panel-level monitoring. However, they tend to be more expensive. String inverters remain a reliable and cost-effective choice for simpler installations with consistent sun exposure.

Grid-tied solar systems will automatically shut down during a blackout for safety reasons unless you have a compatible battery storage system installed. With a battery and appropriate backup circuits, your system can continue to supply power to essential appliances during an outage. Without a battery, your solar system will not function until grid power is restored.

While not mandatory, surge protection is highly recommended. It protects your inverter and other components from voltage spikes caused by lightning or grid disturbances. Surge protection devices can be installed in your switchboard or integrated into your system design for added peace of mind.

Yes, oversizing is common and often recommended in Canberra. According to the Clean Energy Council guidelines, systems can be oversized by up to 133% of the inverter’s rated capacity, which offers greater flexibility in system design and helps maximise solar yield throughout the day.

Solar panels generally have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Inverters generally last 10 to 15 years, depending on the brand and environmental factors. Battery lifespans vary widely, but most lithium-ion batteries offer 10 years or around 6,000 charge cycles. Select Electrical uses reliable, warrantied products to ensure longevity and peace of mind.