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Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about making the switch to solar? Our experts have got you covered. Check out their answers to some of your burning questions on all things solar power!
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How do I know if solar is right for me?

We understand that investment in solar requires consideration of many factors. Before making your decision, ask yourself: 
1) Are rising power prices a concern?
2) Am I willing and able to purchase my own power production instead of paying bills for 30 years or more? 
3) Do I want to lower my carbon footprint?  

If some (or all!) of these rings true with you, then perhaps going green is just what nature ordered – our solar experts will provide whatever information needed so that together we can figure out the best choice!

How much will solar save me on electricity costs?

The amount of money that a homeowner in Australia can save on their electricity bills by installing a solar panel system will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the amount of electricity used by the home, the cost of electricity from the local utility, and the amount of sunlight that the panels receive. On average, homeowners can expect to save between $500 and $1,500 per year.

How does solar energy work?

Solar energy works by using solar panels, which contain PV cells made of semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight shines on the PV cells, they absorb photons from the sun, which generates an electrical current. This electrical current is in the form of DC (direct current) electricity. However, most homes and businesses use AC (alternating current) electricity. So, a solar inverter is used to convert the DC electricity produced by the PV cells into the AC electricity that can be used by your home or business.  Check out our How Solar Works page for more information.

Do I need direct sunlight to generate solar power?

While direct sunlight is ideal for generating solar power, it is possible to generate electricity even on cloudy days. The amount of electricity generated will depend on the amount of sunlight that is available.

Can I still generate solar power at night?

No, solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity. During the night, the panels will not produce electricity. However, you can store the electricity generated during the day in batteries for use at night.

How long has Yuma Energy been in operation?

Yuma Energy has been operating since 2015. We have installed over 4,000 residential solar systems, a mix of our direct customers and installations for other solar companies we work with. Other major solar providers regularly reach out to us as they want their customers to receive the high quality installations we provide.

What makes Yuma Energy different from cheaper solar companies?

90%+ of solar companies in Australia are simply sales organisations that sell you the solar system and then outsource your installation to a 3rd party contractor or sole trader. We aim to ensure that Yuma Energy can fulfil all warranty claims for all customers, long into the future. This is achieved by only accepting the highest standards of solar installation, paying our qualified tradesmen a fair wage, and using only the highest quality products throughout to ensure minimal defects and deficiencies.

Does Yuma Energy offer any performance guarantees?

We are so confident in the quality of our products and install that we guarantee the level of performance of our systems. If they don't perform to the level we guarantee you then we will either provide you with cash back for the difference in generation or install additional panels to make up the difference. This is a one of a kind offer that ensures our customers are always getting what we promised. Further to this we actually send you 4 x system health check reports in the first 2 years to show you the solar system is working as promised.

Do you subcontract your installers?

Yuma does not subcontract its installs, ever. All of Yuma’s directly employed electricians have their own individual CEC certification to install solar, this means every job we install for both residential and commercial customers are completed to the highest standards, which ensures a premium quality installation that has been given the time and attention that a customer would expect when trusting a business with their most valuable asset.

What type of warranty do you provide?

Yuma Energy stands out from its competitors due to its extensive workmanship and inverter warranties of 15 years, which is double/triple more than the industry standard and longer than what many other companies offer. This extended warranty period covers the quality of the installation, as well as all racking, mounting and cabling equipment used in the system. Yuma Energy's approach makes a huge difference to the savings achieved by customers over time.

How much will solar save me on electricity costs?

The amount of money that a homeowner in Australia can save on their electricity bills by installing a solar panel system will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the system, the amount of electricity used by the home, the cost of electricity from the local utility, and the amount of sunlight that the panels receive. On average, homeowners can expect to save between $500 and $1,500 per year.

How much will a solar system cost?

At Yuma Energy, we know there's no one-size fits all when it comes to solar energy solutions. That's why our experienced team of CEC accredited Installers are always ready for an in-home consultation - helping you select the perfect system at a price that makes sense! As a starting point a 6.66kw solar system should cost you between $6,500-$10,000 for lowest to highest quality, this is your out of pocket expense after the Australian Government rebate is applied.

What is the typical payback on a solar PV system?

Solar energy systems can help you save money in the long run. When you invest in a solar PV installation, you're making an investment that pays off over time. With current incentives, you'll typically see paybacks with us within 3-4 years and have access to your own power for more than 15 years afterwards. This allows you to own your own energy instead of renting it, helping to reduce costs in the future.

Am I eligible for a Government Rebate?

The answer is yes, you may be eligible for government rebates when you purchase a solar system. The most common incentive is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) which provides Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) as a discount on the retail price of your solar system. Incentives vary depending on your state, so it is best to check out our breakdown of available solar incentives here. However, keep in mind that these incentives decrease slightly each year and at this stage are set to end December 31, 2030. Therefore, it's important to act quickly so you can access the most generous solar incentive offers before they expire!

How do I qualify for the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)?

There are three main qualifying factors to consider:
1) Your PV system is less than 100kW in size
2) You get it installed and designed by a Clean Energy Council accredited professional.
3) You use solar panels and inverters that are approved for use in Australia by the Clean Energy Council.

Check the Australian Government’s Energy page for the latest information about the STC

Are there financing options available for me?

We have multiple finance options including $0 up front affordability plans. Customers can finance the solar system without paying anything up front. The customer can then use the quarterly savings the solar system generations off their power bill to pay the finance repayments. In many cases customers are "cost positive", this means the solar system will save them a greater amount per quarter off their power bill than the quarterly finance repayments for the solar system costs. Check out our financing page for more information.

How long does an installation usually take?

The time it takes to complete such an installation can vary from days, weeks to months, depending on the size of the system. Residential projects may only require a few days for completion, while larger commercial projects can take several weeks or months to complete. If you are interested in finding out more, get in touch with one of our solar experts to assess your business's potential to benefit from commercial solar.

Can I monitor the production from my system?

Monitoring apps are pretty standard with solar these days however many of them do not provide accurate and easy to understand information on how your system is performing. We install a device called an energy metre into your metre box which will allow you to see how much power the solar system is generating, how much of that generation you are using and how much you are selling as excess back to the grid. In the future when you add a battery you will also be able to see how much power you have stored.

What is the remote system monitoring that you offer?

We remotely monitor your system to ensure it is always operating correctly and you are receiving the amount of solar generation that was quoted with our proposal. We are the only company in the Australia solar industry offering the Yuma Care Package on all of our residential solar installations, it's common in the commercial space for solar systems costing $50,000 up to 1 million dollars+. Other solar companies only provide you with an app on your phone to monitor your solar system, these companies rely on you the customer to let them know if the solar system is under performing or has a fault.

How long does a solar panel system last?

A well-maintained solar panel system can last for 25-30 years or more. The panels themselves typically have a lifespan of around 20-25 years, while the other components like inverters and batteries can last for up to 10 years or more.

How much maintenance is required for a solar panel system?

Solar panel systems require very little maintenance. The panels themselves are designed to be low-maintenance and durable, while the other components like inverters and batteries should be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Can I add on to my existing solar panel system in the future?

Yes, it is possible to add on to an existing solar panel system in the future. This can be done by installing additional panels or upgrading components like inverters and batteries.

Got more questions?

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