Frequently Asked Questions

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Solar Power Questions

Can I run my whole house using renewable Energy?

Yes, but running high power appliances such as electric stoves, electric hot water systems and air conditioners etc. are really not economically viable. Energy efficient cooking appliances, solar hot water and strategically placed window openings with overhead fans should be considered. However your daily energy usage will determine the size of your solar system.

How can I find out how much power an appliance uses?

In Australia all appliances should have the Wattage or Watts marked somewhere on the machine itself. This stamp or sticker is usually found on the name plate either on the side or back or the machine. If this cannot be found please contact us with a brand and model.

How does the suns solar energy compare with earths consumption?

Very well the sun has the ability to power us for many many years to come, just a tiny fraction of the Sun's energy that hits the Earth (around a hundredth of a millionth of a percent) is enough to meet all our power needs many times over.

How long will my system last?

In fields tests have shown that most systems are still working as efficiently as the first day they were installed over 20 years later. All BP Solar panels come with a 25 year guarantee, so install and forget about them for years to come.

What happens if my power demand increases?

If you are to say upgrade few appliances in the house maybe add another couple of large power using items to your household you are also able to add a few more panels to the system to cope with demand. No matter how big you go we can continue to add panels, may it be on your roof or freestanding, to keep up with whatever demand you have.

What happens on cloudy days?

Systems are installed with the battery back up giving you about 3 days no sun running time on minimum appliance usage. With a few cloudy days the system won't be generating as much power but you still should have plenty in back up to use. Stand Alone Power systems are also installed with a generator for back-up if the demand becomes too high or efficiency too low.

What is the advantages of renewable energy?

Renewable energy sources are a never ending source of power production. Unlike fossil fuels which will eventually run out renewable energy has shown it has been round for many millions of years and many years to come whether its the sun, wind or water these three elements will be with us forever. Also unlike fossil fuels which generate tonnes and tonnes of greenhouse gases a year these systems generate basically nothing at all.

What maintenance is involved?

Battery maintenance is the main bit of maintenance with these systems. Keeping the batteries topped up with fluid is essential for long battery life, other then that give the panels a wipe once in a while to remove dust build up and you should have a problem free system.

Who designs & installs the systems?

We do, we can design a system to suit your needs then install it to your site. We have gained accreditation from the BCSE (Business Council of Sustainable Energy) which is needed to design and install these systems so the customer is able to gain all rebates possible.

Solar Hot Water Questions

Can I buy a tank now and panels later?

Yes, you can purchase a solar compatible system now and have it installed with only a back up in operation only (eg. Have only an electric element or gas instantaneous connected), and then at a later stage when funding becomes available add panels to this. This way can end up more costly as it wouldn't be applicable to all rebates as one criteria for the system is it has to be installed completely for to be eligible for rebates.

Can I put panels on an existing system?

This can be done in some cases, but it is an expensive process and there is no guarantee that the system will work as efficiently as a designated SHWS. Creating a SHWS this way also is ineligible for rebates.

Does SHWS work in cooler climates?

Yes, it is proven that a SHWS will work in places with a cooler climate, all units have been designed to attract the most amount of sun possible. For frost prone areas systems have been designed with a product called GLYCOL in them which is an anti-freeze agent. The glycol runs through the panels being heated directly by the sun, then it runs around a jacket in the tank called a Heat Transfer Module, which transfers the heat across to the water stored in the tank, meaning no frozen over and cracked pipes or panels (which are not covered by ANY manufacturers warranty if a non frost protected system has been installed.)

Is it a good investment?

Yes, there is a few ways at looking at it, with the rebates available at the moment a system is only fractionally dearer in cost then a standard unit, but in looking at long term once the initial set up cost is out of the way the system is saving you money. With the rebates that are available it looks like you will make the cost of a system back in 4-5 years then its free hot water from their. In an environmental aspect a family of 4 will save an average of 3-4 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year, that is the same as removing one small car from existence. A SHWS will also last longer then a standard electric or gas unit, Standard-5-10 years, but with SHWS- 15-20 years, we have also seen units still operating after 30+ years.

Will I get power and hot water from this system?

No, solar hot water panels are copper coated collectors & only heat the water in the panels causing the hot water to rise to the top and the cold to be heated as it moves into the panels. A Solar Power system collectors are made of silicon and convert sunlight directly to power.

Will I run out of hot water?

No, if your system has been correctly sized to suit you should have no problem. If there is little gain for your area over a basis of a day or two, the systems are designed with an electric element or a gas backup unit which will bring the water to temperature for you to use.

Solar Pumps Questions

How does the sun power a pump?

The photovoltaic effect produces a flow of electrons. Electrons are excited by particles of light and find the attached electrical circuit the easiest path to travel from one side of the solar cell to the other. Envision a piece of metal such as the side panel of a car. As it sits in the sun, the metal warms. This warming is caused by the excitation of electrons, bouncing back and forth, creating friction, and therefore, heat. The solar cell merely takes a percentage of these electrons and directs them to flow in a path. This flow of electrons is, by definition, electricity. Photovoltaics or solar electric cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. This electricity is collected by the wiring in the module, then supplied to the DC pump controller and motor, which, in turn, pumps water when-ever the sun shines.

Solar Pumps Vs. Windmills

Windmills, though potentially long lasting, need dedicated maintenance. The downhole leathers require inspection and high winds can cause mechanical damage to the blades. Parts for these mills are expensive and sometimes hard to find. Solar water pumping systems have many advantages over windmill water pumpers. Though the initial cost of solar powered systems can be similar to that of windmills (however, in many cases far less!), the lifetime costs are much lower. Windmills must be used where there is a steady, constant wind for maximum results while solar powered pumps operate anywhere the sun shines. Solar pumping systems can be installed in less than a day by an individual or small crew and can be portable, while windmills (because of the need to erect a tower) can take a larger crew a much longer time to install. Windmills are secured to the ground and are stationary. Solar powered water pumping systems are the modern day, upgraded version of the windmill - using natural resources to deliver water in off grid locations.

Where do solar pumping systems work?

Solar pumping systems work anywhere the sun shines. The intensity of light varies greatly throughout the day. Morning and afternoon sunlight is less intense because it is entering the earth's atmosphere at a high angle and passing through a greater cross section of atmosphere, which reflects and absorbs a portion of the light. We measure sun intensity in equivalent full sun hours. One hour of full sun is roughly equivalent to the sunlight on a clear summer day at noon. These light or insulation levels also vary seasonally. Fortunately, most needs for water correspond with the sunniest seasons of the year - spring, summer and fall. One of the advantages of providing additional sources of water for livestock use is increased forage utilization. On large tracts some areas are not fully utilized because they are too far from water. As you know, livestock will only travel so far between feed and water. Small to medium solar electric pumping systems are easily portable. By mounting the solar system on an axle or trailer, a system can be moved from well to well. This increases the economic return of a system by increasing the seasons of use. It may also correspond with the rotation of grazing areas.

Why isn't solar pumping more popular?

It's a new technology, with challenges of its own. The nature of variable electricity in the form of direct current (DC) is quite different from conventional, steady alternating (AC) current. Using it economically dictates utilizing the long solar day, drawing a minimum of power. This means pumping slower than conventional pumps. Pumping at rates of less than 6 GPM requires different mechanisms from the conventional (centrifugal), unless we have power (money) to burn. Small solar pumps are unique, both electrically, and mechanically. The environment of a water well is unforgiving. Any imperfection will cause a failure. Since photovoltaics (PV) hit the market in 1980, we have seen many successes and many failures in solar pumping. Solar pumps have been difficult to market, too. Until recently, there existed a great gap in the range of available products. Lorentz solar pumps have been around for many years and are a trusted name around the mill, currently we back and warrant any Lorentz solar pump that we sell or install.