Frequently Asked Questions  
 
The Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions		  
  1) How do the solar panels work?  
  2) What is a Grid Interactive Solar System?  
  3) What do I get for my money?  
  4) What is a standard installation?  
  5) Are there any extra costs?  
  6) What will I be able to run off this system?  
  7) Are there upgrades available? What do they cost?  
  8) Do you offer mixed systems? For example, I’d like a 1kW solar panel system and a 2kW inverter.  
  9) Who is Beyond Building Energy?  
  10) Will there be a charge for the connection of the meter to the grid?  
 
Questions on the BB Energy Saver 1000		  
  11) Have the panels and inverter been tested for quality?  
  12) Why choose solar power?  
  13) Which part of the package does Beyond Building Energy manufacture?  
  14) Can the BB Energy 1000 be used for solar hot water?  
  15) Will my solar panels be included in my insurance policy?  
  16) Do you do stand alone solar systems, or only grid connected systems?  
  17) If any problems arise with the system, who do I contact?  
 
Technical Questions		  
  18) How is the ‘You will reduce your power bills by $200 per year’ calculated?  
  19) Will I still be able to use power during a blackout?  
  20) What is the brand of the panel?  
  21) What is the brand of the inverter?  
  22) Does the inverter use power and how much?  
  23) Where is the inverter positioned?  
  24) We have a sub board inside. Is the inverter going to be located close to that, or close to the meter?  
  25) What are the system specifications?  
  26) How much roof space will it take up?  
  27) How will I know how much energy the solar panels are producing?  
  28) Is there a battery that I can buy so I can store my excess solar power, instead of feeding it back into the grid?  
  29) What maintenance is required on the solar panels?  
  30) How do I know how much energy I have exported to the grid?  
 
Questions about the Solar Neighbourhood Project		  
  31) Will each house save 50 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year, or each neighbourhood?  
  32) Why is each neighbourhood limited to 50 people?  
  33) If 50 people sign up, but then a few find they aren’t able to proceed, doesn’t this hold the whole process up?  
  34) I’d feel more comfortable if I could pay after the system has been installed. Why do I have to prepay?  
  35) When do I receive my receipt and tax invoice?  
  36) I’ve paid and sent in my application forms. Now what?  
  37) How long until the panels are installed?  
 
Installation Questions		  
  38) When do you assess whether or not the property is suitable?  
  39) My house is quite shaded and there are lots of trees. Will my roof be suitable?  
  40) I am interested but my roof is eastern/western facing. Is my roof suitable?  
  41) What kind of roof material is most suitable?  
  42) If it is a difficult installation is there an additional cost?  
  43) What about if I am planning renovations?  
  44) Will the installers be accredited?  
  45) What is the time frame for installation?  
  46) How long does the installation take?  
  47) What’s needed before and during the process of installation?  
  48) Why does someone need to be there on the day of installation?  
  49) Will my meter need to be changed?  
  50) I have an extremely difficult roof – for whatever reasons. What are my options?  
  51) I already have a solar hot water system right in the middle of my roof. Do the BB Energy 1000 system panels have to be laid in series, or can the system be installed in two sections?  
  52) I’m still not clear as to whether my home will be suitable. What else can I do?  
 
Warranty and Insurance Questions		  
  53) What is the warranty on the BB Energy 1000?  
  54) Who do I contact in case of warranty?  
  55) Are the panels guaranteed against hail?  
 
Questions about the Rebate and RECs		  
  56) I’ve already signed my Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) over to a company that installed energy efficient lighting in my house. Is this a problem?  
 
Questions about Sponsored Neighbourhoods - For Sponsors		  
  57) What is the loan money used for?  
  58) How long is the money loaned for?  
  59) What are your risk mitigation strategies?  
  60) How would payments be made?  
  61) What are the benefits of sponsoring a neighbourhood or in incorporating solar systems into my development?  
  62) Is more information available?  
 
Questions about Sponsored Neighbourhoods - For Developers		  
  63) Can you supply systems for houses that haven’t been built yet?  
  64) How would liability be assigned if there are multiple people (developer’s roofers, BBE installation team) working on roofs at the same time?  
  65) Whose responsibility is it to handle the rebate applications?  
  66) What does a developer need to know about accessing the rebate?  
  67) What other costs is a developer likely to incur?  
  68) What other products do you have for developers interested in sustainable developments?  
  69) Is more information available?  
     
  The Top Ten Most Frequently Asked Questions  
1) How do the solar panels work?  
  The energy from the sun is captured through photovoltaic panels (solar panels). These are typically mounted on the side of your roof that has the most exposure to the sun.
With the BB Energy Saver 1000, power during the day is safely supplied through a grid-tie inverter to your house, with any excess fed back to the electricity grid. You become a mini-power station. At night your home's needs are supplied from the electricity grid. 		 
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2) What is a Grid Interactive Solar System?  
  Grid interactive systems are connected to the electricity supply grid.  The inverter converts the low DC voltage generated by the system to the normal 230V AC household supply.  It also monitors the operation of the system to control how much electricity is drawn from or fed to the grid.
If the system is supplying more energy than what is needed, the excess is fed into the grid.  When electricity is going into the grid, the meter 'runs backwards', so the household only pays the difference between what is imported and what is exported.    Different suppliers have different buy back rates and metering arrangements.

Grid connected systems do not have storage batteries and do not provide a guaranteed continuous power supply.  If the grid goes down the inverter will cut out for safety reasons.
Household electricity usage alone accounts for 17% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.  Clearly, increased uptake of PV electricity generation could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

 
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3) What do I get for my money?  
  The Solar Neighbourhood Offer of $895 covers the following:
6 x 170w photovoltaic solar panels, an inverter and an aluminium mounting frame.  It also includes installation on the system and a performance warranty of 25 years on the panels and 5 years on the inverter.
  
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4) What is a standard installation?  
  A standard installation is based on a metal roof and a one storey dwelling, where the electrical board does not need upgrading, and the cabling required is not more than 20 metres between the meter and the system.  
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5) Are there any extra costs?  
  There could be.
Extra costs because of non standard installations have to be passed on to you the customer.  Extra costs could be incured if:
Your electrical meter board and/or sub-distribution board require electrical re-work to house the required switches. If necessary, an electrician will visit your house to provide a quotation for the additional costs associated with this work.
The distance between your solar array and the switchboard exceeds
20m of electrical wiring.
Your roof cannot be worked upon without extensive safety precautions.
Your building has multiple storeys, which will impose additional labour costs.
Your roof is tiled, which will impose additional labour costs.
Panels cannot be safely transported to your roof without the use of a crane.
Your electricity distributor has indicated that a charge will be added to your electricity bill to change your electricity meter.

  
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6) What will I be able to run off this system?  
  The system will provide about a quarter of most household's power needs, more if you are a conservative user.  An accurate answer depends on the energy efficiency of your appliances and how much sunlight is available in your area. On average our BB Energy Saver 1000 system should generate 4.5kWh of electricity per day on the Nth Coast of NSW. This should provide electricity for the fridge, other kitchen appliances and the TV depending on the amount of usage of these appliances.
For an accurate answer customers would need to check the energy consumption of their appliance and calculate how long it is in use per day to get an accurate estimate of their energy usage. They can check their current electricity account to see their daily consumption and see what percentage the BB Energy Saver 1000 will be providing.

  
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7) Are there upgrades available? What do they cost?  
  Yes, upgrades are available now, however, they do not qualify for additional rebates.  For each 1kW upgrade, add $8000.  So a 2kW solar panel system with a 2kW inverter will cost you $8895.  A 3kW solar panel system with a 3kW inverter will cost you $16895, and so on.  We offer upgrades from 2kW systems to 6kW systems.
  
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8) Do you offer mixed systems? For example, I’d like a 1kW solar panel system and a 2kW inverter.  
  We are not currently offering mixed systems.  
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9) Who is Beyond Building Energy?  
  Beyond Building Energy is the renewable technology focus of Beyond Building Systems.  Beyond Building Systems specialises in sustainable architecture, green design and sustainable building products.  Our head office is located in Byron Bay, NSW.
  
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10) Will there be a charge for the connection of the meter to the grid?  
  Your electricity network provider may charge you for the cost of connecting your new solar system and inverter to the electricity grid.  Prices differ in different parts of Australia.  In Northern NSW, Country Enegy have informed us that they will soon start charging for this service, and indicated that approximately $300 is a likely cost.  
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  Questions on the BB Energy Saver 1000  
11) Have the panels and inverter been tested for quality?  
  Yes, the panels meet the standard IEC61215  and the  inverter meets the standard AS4777.
  
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12) Why choose solar power?  
  By making the choice to go solar, you are making a difference to the environment and saving money off your bills at the same time.  A BB Energy 1000 system allows you to harness the abundant power of the sun creating energy that is sustainable.  
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13) Which part of the package does Beyond Building Energy manufacture?  
  We commission a number of factories to manufacture our own branded panels.  Our panels go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet all relevant Australian Standards and accreditation requirements.
 
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14) Can the BB Energy 1000 be used for solar hot water?  
  No, this is an electricity generation system and is not solar hot water.  However, we will be providing solar hot water products soon.  
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15) Will my solar panels be included in my insurance policy?  
  It's up to you to ensure they are added to your insurance policy.  Most insurance companies should do this for no, or a minimal, extra charge, but you have to let them know.  
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16) Do you do stand alone solar systems, or only grid connected systems?  
  We are currently only doing grid connected systems, but next year we will launch a stand alone solar system with similar cost savings passed onto the householder.  
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17) If any problems arise with the system, who do I contact?  
  You contact Beyond Building Energy for all warranty issues.  
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  Technical Questions  
18) How is the ‘You will reduce your power bills by $200 per year’ calculated?  
  A 1 kW system will produce 1kWh of electricity in good sunlight conditions. For example, Melbourne receives over 4 Sun Hours per day averaged over the year and the system will therefore produce over 4 kWh of electricity per day.  This will be higher in Summer and less in Winter, and higher again for the more northern areas of Australia.  The 1kW system produces 1460 kW of electricity over the year at a cost of 15c/kW (Again, a low estimate). This is how we calculate the system will deliver savings of over $200 per year, about 1/4 to 1/3 of your household energy needs.  
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19) Will I still be able to use power during a blackout?  
  No.  For safety reasons, the solar system will switch itself off during a power blackout.  
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20) What is the brand of the panel?  
  The panels are branded Beyond Building.
  
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21) What is the brand of the inverter?  
  At this stage we are using high quality inverters, such as Sunnyboy or Latronics.  
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22) Does the inverter use power and how much?  
  The inverter uses 1W of power when not receiving power from the solar panels. The inverter we are currently using has an efficiency of 93% in converting the DC from the solar panels into AC for household use.  
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23) Where is the inverter positioned?  
  The installer will make recommendations as to where the inverter should be positioned. The inverter is weather proof, and doesn’t have to be inside.  
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24) We have a sub board inside. Is the inverter going to be located close to that, or close to the meter?  
  Your inverter will most likely be positioned close to the sub board.  It would feed into the sub board in this case.  
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25) What are the system specifications?  
  You can find this information on the website under the  ‘Products’ page.  Click on the BB Energy Saver box for more details.  
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26) How much roof space will it take up?  
  You will need 8 square meters for each 1kW system.
  
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27) How will I know how much energy the solar panels are producing?  
  The display on the inverter shows the total output and daily output of
the system. 		 
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28) Is there a battery that I can buy so I can store my excess solar power, instead of feeding it back into the grid?  
  No, not with this sort of system.
There are 2 types of solar systems: Grid tie or RAPS (Remote Area Power Supply). A RAPS system is not connected to the grid and relies on batteries to store the excess power generated during the day for use at night or when the demand is greater than the power generated at that moment. A grid tie does not use a battery and relies on the grid to supply the back up power. We are supplying grid tied systems and they utilise a different inverter to a battery (RAPS) system. As the inverter we are using is not designed for battery systems we will not be offering battery power storage. 		 
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29)  What maintenance is required on the solar panels?  
  A quick wash with a soapy brush or mop every couple of months if necessary, and then rinse. 
  
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30) How do I know how much energy I have exported to the grid?  
  Depending on your electricity provider's metering system, you can view or
calculate the energy exported to the grid. 		 
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  Questions about the Solar Neighbourhood Project  
31) Will each house save 50 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year, or each neighbourhood?  
  Each neighbourhood.  
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32) Why is each neighbourhood limited to 50 people?  
  For reasons of economies of scale and fitting the panels in the shipping and delivery containers.  
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33) If 50 people sign up, but then a few find they aren’t able to proceed, doesn’t this hold the whole process up?  
  Not necessarily.  Each neighbourhood will almost undoubtedly have a waiting list of people eager to be involved.  
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34) I’d feel more comfortable if I could pay after the system has been installed. Why do I have to prepay?  
   We don't receive the DEWHA rebate until weeks after your neighbourhood has been installed.  We've done everything we can to reduce the up front costs for the householder, but it is necessary that you pay the $895 up front if you want to be involved.  
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35) When do I receive my receipt and tax invoice?  
  A receipt is automatically generated when you pay online by credit card.  When you pay by cheque, we will send you a receipt after we receive the cheque. 
 
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36) I’ve paid and sent in my application forms. Now what?  
  After your pre installation inspections, we send your neighbourhood's paperwork off to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.  After a few weeks, you should receive notification of pre approval for the rebate from the DEWHA.  Inform us of this as soon as you can by revisiting your online application.  Use your reference number to log in again, and check the box 'notification for pre approval received'.  When we have received all 50 notifications from your neighbourhood, we will organise for installation to commence. 
 
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37) How long until the panels are installed?  
  Installation could take as long as six months.   This depends in part on how long it takes to get the rebate pre approval notification form back from the DEWHA.



  
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  Installation Questions  
38) When do you assess whether or not the property is suitable?  
  During the online application process, you fill out  a pre-installation checklist which helps to asssess the suitability of your property.  After your neighbourhood has 'closed' the installer will visit your home and do a pre-installation inspection. 
 
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39) My house is quite shaded and there are lots of trees. Will my roof be suitable?  
  One of our BCSE accredited installers will advise you of suitability before proceeding with any installation.  
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40) I am interested but my roof is eastern/western facing. Is my roof suitable?  
  We may be able to ground mount or wall mount.  There may also be further options, for an additional cost, should there be unusual difficulty to install.  
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41) What kind of roof material is most suitable?  
  Installation on corrugated iron is a standard installation and is  included in the price.  Slate or shingle and tile  are more difficult and there will be an additional charge.  Asbestos roofs are not suitable.  
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42) If it is a difficult installation is there an additional cost?  
  Yes. You will be told of any difficulties and price increases and can make a decision before you proceed, and ask for a refund if you want.  
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43) What about if I am planning renovations?  
  There is no need to do anything unless the roof is being replaced, in which case the system would need to be temporarily removed and reinstalled after the renovation work, by an electrician.  This would only take a couple of hours.  
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44) Will the installers be accredited?  
  Yes, all the installers we work with are accredited by the Business Council of Sustainable Energy. (BCSE)  
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45) What is the time frame for installation?  
  Once pre-installation for the neighbourhood has been approved by the DEWHA we'll organise installation.  We aim to install within 6 months, although DEWHA allows for installation to occur within 9 months of the rebate being pre approved.  We'll keep you informed of progress.
  
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46) How long does the installation take?  
  Usually 1 day.  
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47) What’s needed before and during the process of installation?  
  Nothing from the home owner, except for ensuring that when you get the Pre Approval of your Rebate notice from DEWHA you advise us as soon as possible.  You can do this by visiting www.beyondbuildingenergy.com and revisiting the 'Apply' page.  You will need your reference number.  You will also receive an Installation Report with your Rebate Pre Approval. You must keep this installation report safe. Your electricity supply will be cut off for a short period, when the Electricity Provider connects the system into the grid.   You need to be at home on the day of installation.  
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48) Why does someone need to be there on the day of installation?  
  To be shown how it operates when finished, to sign the installation report, and to sign over the RECs credits to BBE.  
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49) Will my meter need to be changed?  
  Yes, after installation, the local electricity supply company will upgrade your metering to enable it to meter in 2 directions for when you are feeding electricity into the grid and when you are drawing from the grid.  
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50) I have an extremely difficult roof – for whatever reasons. What are my options?  
  The panels are ideally mounted within the NW to NE quadrant. If your roof is unsuitable for mounting, there may be options of wall or ground mounting the panels. It is necessary for you to alert us of your situation in your application and we will assess your circumstances and inform you of any extra costs above our offer price.  
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51) I already have a solar hot water system right in the middle of my roof. Do the BB Energy 1000 system panels have to be laid in series, or can the system be installed in two sections?  
  It is preferable for the panels to be laid in series, however they can be split. If we need to split the panels there would be extra costs incurred for the extra cabling and framing that would be required. It is necessary for you to alert us of your situation in your application and we will assess your circumstances and inform you of any extra costs above our offer price.  
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52) I’m still not clear as to whether my home will be suitable. What else can I do?  
  The installer will come to your house and do a pre installation visit and all your final questions can be answered at this time.
  
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  Warranty and Insurance Questions  
53) What is the warranty on the BB Energy 1000?  
  The solar panels are guaranteed for 25 years.   Any installation defects are covered for 12 months.  
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54) Who do I contact in case of warranty?  
  Contact Beyond Building Energy in the case of any warranty issues.  
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55) Are the panels guaranteed against hail?  
  The panels are built with a toughened glass designed to withstand hail. You will need to contact your insurer and let them know the panels have been installed and get the panels included in your home and contents insurance.   
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  Questions about the Rebate and RECs  
56) I’ve already signed my Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) over to a company that installed energy efficient lighting in my house. Is this a problem?  
  It's not a problem.  You sign over different RECs for the solar panels.  
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  Questions about Sponsored Neighbourhoods - For Sponsors  
57) What is the loan money used for?  
  The loan is used to fund the purchase, international shipping and delivery of 50 1kW Beyond Building Energy Saver 1000 Solar Systems.  
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58) How long is the money loaned for?  
  Reimbursement of the loan to the lender will take place when the federal rebate is paid to Beyond Building Energy. This is expected to take approximately 5-6 months from the beginning of the loan. Beyond Building Energy can organise for the rebate to be paid directly to the sponsor.  
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59) What are your risk mitigation strategies?  
  Repayment of the loan is assured by the federal government's photovoltaic rebate. The risk of losing the rebate is managed by our pre-approval and pre-inspection process carried out across the board.

The risk of rebate expiry is managed by placing orders only after Beyond Building Energy receives the rebate pre-approval from DEWHA.  

Photovoltaic modules are purchased using letters of credit. 		 
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60) How would payments be made?  
  The payments are made in stages, initially with a Letter of Credit, and then on delivery of the parts and the final instalment on installation.  
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61) What are the benefits of sponsoring a neighbourhood or in incorporating solar systems into my development?  
  Each Solar Neighbourhood
  • Fulfils the community’s desire for affordable technology to reduce their energy footprint
  • Adds $14,000, (the normal RRP), to the value of each house
  • Creates recurrent household energy savings of at least $200 per year
  • Partially shield participants against future electricity cost increases
  • Collectively saves 50 tonnes of greenhouse gases per annum
Beyond Building Energy is happy to discuss marketing and co-branding opportunities in relation to your support for your community’s Solar Neighbourhood. 		 
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62) Is more information available?  
  Yes, we have a number of handouts for banks, businesses, councils, developers and community groups on this process. Please email sponsors@beyondbuilding.com and tell us which area you want more information about and we’ll send it to you.  
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  Questions about Sponsored Neighbourhoods - For Developers  
63) Can you supply systems for houses that haven’t been built yet?  
  Yes, we can. However the rebate cannot be claimed until the house has been sold, and the system has to be installed within six months.  
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64) How would liability be assigned if there are multiple people (developer’s roofers, BBE installation team) working on roofs at the same time?  
  We’ve divided up the responsibilities so that only one person would be running cable, only your roofer would be drilling holes in the roof, and only your roofer and electrician would be on the roof installing the panels.  
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65) Whose responsibility is it to handle the rebate applications?  
  Beyond Building understands the process, and will assist at every stage. However ultimately it is up to the DEWHA to approve or reject any specific application.
The rebate is assignable to a "relevant third party", and in this case would be assigned to the sponsor, via a form-letter we supply, that the home-owner signs and submits along with an installation report after installation. 		 
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66) What does a developer need to know about accessing the rebate?  
  Key points for developers to effectively access the PVRP program include:
  • Pre-approval from DEWHA must be obtained before installation.
  • The house or unit must be sold prior to applying for pre-approval.
  • The owner must occupy the house as their principle place of residence, or intend to do so on completion. In other words, this program is not available to homes purchased as rental investment properties.
  • Pre-approval requires signatures of the applicant (home-owner) and accredited installer (Beyond Building).
  • The design has to be done by an accredited installer, who supervises installation, and on completion signs off that it was completed correctly.
  
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67) What other costs is a developer likely to incur?  
  The PVRP Rebate reduces the total cost to the developer to the holding costs on the up-front payments, plus the time of the roofer and electrician, and any cable and conduit used, and any charges by your electricity distributor.  
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68) What other products do you have for developers interested in sustainable developments?  
  Beyond Building has a number of products in the green building, and renewable energy field, and is expanding this range over the next few months. Products available immediately and in the near future include composite sandwich boards, double glazing, solar hot water and rain water tanks.  
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69) Is more information available?  
  Yes, we have a number of handouts for developers on this process. Please email developers@beyondbuilding.com and we’ll send it to you.  
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