About Hielscher Electrical
Getting Started With Solar Power For Your Home
Welcome to Hielscher Electrical’s Residential Solar Guide, your trusted partner in transitioning to solar power in Cairns.
With over 30 years of local experience, we’ve empowered countless Cairns homeowners to harness clean, cost-effective energy. Our high-efficiency solar systems are tailored for maximum savings and built for long-term reliability, ensuring your home benefits from sustainable energy all year round.
Whether you’re just starting your solar journey or considering an upgrade, this guide is designed to equip you with all the knowledge you need to make informed, confident decisions for your home and your future.
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How Solar Panels Work
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels harness the energy from sunlight through a process known as the photovoltaic (PV) effect. When sunlight hits the solar panels, materials like silicon within the panels generate direct current (DC) electricity. Since your home operates on alternating current (AC) electricity, this DC power is converted to AC by a solar inverter, typically installed near your power board.
Once converted, the solar power directly powers your household appliances, reducing your reliance on grid electricity. If your solar system generates more energy than your home uses, the excess can be either exported to the grid or stored in a solar battery. When you send energy back to the grid, you’ll earn a solar feed-in tariff from your electricity retailer, providing additional savings on your energy bill.
All of these processes occur automatically and are carefully monitored by your smart meter, ensuring accurate tracking of both your solar power production and energy consumption. This seamless integration allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without any extra effort.
Mike and Jan Cairns
Cairns, QLDA fantastic job by the team worked so hard and finally cleaned up so well that you would not know that they had been there. Overall I could not be more satisfied with the service I received from every member if the Hielscher Electrical team and would be happy the recommended them to any one looking for a solar system installer.
Energy and Money Saving Solutions
Hielscher Electrical work with Queensland's leading wholesalers and like us, they are committed to delivering the highest quality solar power components.
5 Stars Customer Service
Our customers are our business and that's why Hielscher Electrical and Solar are committed from start to finish.
Solar System Components
What Components Make a Rooftop Solar Power System?
A rooftop solar power system consists of three main components:
- Solar Panels: These photovoltaic (PV) panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Proper positioning ensures they receive maximum sunlight throughout the year, forming a solar array that powers your home.
- Solar Inverter: This device converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC power for your household use. Inverters can be string, hybrid, or microinverters, each serving different needs.
- Mounting System: Solar panels are securely attached to your roof using a robust racking system. Quality mounting is crucial to protect both your panels and roof, ensuring long-term durability.
Additionally, solar batteries are becoming a popular option for storing excess energy, which can be used at night or during peak demand times.
Why Quality Matters
Why quality count's when it comes to solar
The quality of each component and installation is key to ensuring optimal performance and safety for your solar power system.
The quality of every component in your solar power system plays a crucial role in its overall performance and longevity. Even the smallest details, like the screws and fixings used during installation, can significantly impact the efficiency and durability of your system.
High-quality components ensure that your system operates safely and effectively, maximizing your return on investment. For example, premium solar panels and inverters are more efficient and reliable, delivering more energy over the system’s lifespan. Quality mounting systems not only secure your panels in place but also protect your roof from potential damage, ensuring that your investment remains intact for years to come.
Moreover, using superior materials like durable conduit and reliable isolators prevents issues such as water ingress and electrical faults, which could lead to costly repairs or even safety hazards. Cheap or substandard parts may save money upfront, but they often result in higher maintenance costs, reduced system efficiency, and a shorter overall lifespan.
At Hielscher Electrical, we prioritize quality in every aspect of your solar installation. From the panels and inverters to the smallest connectors and screws, we ensure that each component meets the highest standards. This attention to detail is what sets us apart, providing you with a solar power system that not only performs exceptionally well but also stands the test of time.
Solar Rebates and Incentives
What Solar Rebates and Financial Incentives Can I Get?
There are several financial incentives available to help Cairns homeowners make the switch to solar power more affordable. Here’s a breakdown of the key schemes:
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
The federal government’s STC scheme replaces traditional solar rebates, providing a significant financial incentive for installing solar systems. STCs reduce the upfront cost of your solar installation by acting as a form of currency that can be traded or redeemed for cash.
- How STCs Work: The number of STCs you’re eligible for depends on the size of your solar system and your location. The larger your system, the more certificates you receive.
- STC Value: STCs are traded like shares, so their value fluctuates. This variation can affect the final cost of your solar system, making quotes time-sensitive.
- Expiry of STCs: The STC scheme will gradually phase out by 2031, with the number of certificates reducing each year. The sooner you install solar, the more you can benefit from the higher rebates.
Solar Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)
When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home needs, the excess is sent back to the grid, and you’re paid a rate known as a Feed-in Tariff (FiT).
- How FiTs Work: FiTs are typically net-based, meaning you’re paid for the surplus electricity exported to the grid after your home’s usage is subtracted.
- FiT Rates: In Queensland, FiT rates can vary widely depending on your energy retailer, ranging from 5 to 16 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). While FiTs provide some income, they’re generally lower now than in previous years, so maximizing your own solar energy use is key to reducing your electricity bills.
By taking advantage of these incentives, you can significantly reduce the upfront and ongoing costs of your solar power system, making it a more accessible and financially rewarding investment.
Impact on Electricity Bills
Will I Still Pay Electricity Bills with Solar Panels?
Even with solar panels, you may still receive electricity bills, but the amount you pay will depend on several factors, such as the size of your solar system, your energy usage patterns, and the feed-in tariff rate offered by your energy retailer.
Daytime vs. Night-time Usage
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, so your home will draw power from the grid or a solar battery at night. If you don’t have a battery, you’ll need to buy electricity from the grid after dark, which will contribute to your electricity bill. If reducing your reliance on the grid is a priority, investing in battery storage is essential.
Seasonal Variations
Your electricity bills can vary with the seasons. Many solar users find that during autumn and spring, when energy demand is lower, they generate more electricity than they use, resulting in bill credits. However, during the peak heating and cooling months of summer and winter, electricity bills might increase due to higher energy consumption.
Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)
If your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses during the day, the excess is fed back into the grid, and you earn a feed-in tariff. This income can offset the cost of the electricity you use at night, potentially reducing your overall bill.
In summary, while you might still receive electricity bills with solar panels, your total costs will likely be significantly lower. With the right system size and energy management, some homeowners even find their bills are minimal or occasionally in credit. Your Hielscher Electrical consultant will help you design a system tailored to your needs, showing you exactly how much you can save on your future electricity bills.
6.6kW Solar Power System
Why is a 6.6kW Solar Power System so Popular in Cairns?
The 6.6kW solar power system is one of the most popular choices for Cairns homeowners, but the reasons behind its prevalence extend beyond just suitability—it often has more to do with convenience and profitability for solar providers.
The Appeal of 6.6kW Systems
6.6kW systems strike a balance between size, cost, and performance, making them an attractive option for many households. This system size typically meets the feed-in tariff limitations imposed by energy networks, which control the amount of electricity a rooftop solar system can export to the grid. For many solar providers, this makes 6.6kW systems easier to sell and install, often resulting in better margins for them.
Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better
While a 6.6kW system is a great fit for many homes, it’s important to remember that every household’s energy needs are different. Some providers may push this system size because it’s convenient, but that doesn’t mean it’s the optimal solution for everyone. At Hielscher Electrical, we prioritize a tailored approach, designing systems that match your specific energy usage and future goals—whether that means sticking with 6.6kW or considering a larger or smaller setup.
Customised Solutions for Maximum Savings
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always deliver the best results. Our team at Hielscher Electrical takes the time to assess your unique situation—your energy usage, roof space, and long-term plans—before recommending a system. This way, you can be sure your solar investment will reduce your power bills as much as possible and deliver the greatest return over time.
Choosing the right solar system is about more than just following trends; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle. With Hielscher Electrical, you can rest assured that your solar system will be designed with your specific needs in mind, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
Speak to a local expert
Hielscher Electrical is your trusted local solar expert, with offices in Cairns, Port Douglas, the Tablelands, and Innisfail. Let us help you find the perfect solar solution tailored to your home or business. Our team will analyse your electricity bills and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective system for your needs.
Hielscher's Solar Service
How Does Hielscher Electrical's Solar Power Service Work?
At Hielscher Electrical, we pride ourselves on delivering a seamless and personalized solar power experience from start to finish. Here’s how our service works:
Step One: Consultation and Design
Our process begins with a comprehensive onsite assessment conducted by a Hielscher Electrical solar consultant. During this 30-minute evaluation, we’ll gather detailed information about your rooftop, surrounding environment, and specific energy needs. This thorough analysis allows us to design a solar power system tailored precisely to your home and goals.
Step Two: Review Solar Proposal
After the assessment, we’ll design a custom solar power system specifically for your property. You’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining the system’s design, a clear scope of work, a transparent cost breakdown, and an estimate of the system’s expected performance. This proposal will give you a clear understanding of the benefits and savings you can anticipate once your solar system is operational.
Step Three: Contract Acceptance
When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll provide a contract detailing the terms of the installation, along with a document for you to sign. Once the contract is signed, we’ll begin coordinating your solar project, including ordering the necessary panels and components.
Step Four: Solar Power Installation
Our professional electricians will carefully install your solar panels, connecting the system to the inverter and ensuring everything is perfectly in place. We coordinate all the necessary resources, including working with Ergon Energy and other suppliers, to make the installation as smooth as possible. After installation, our project manager will walk you through the completed system, ensuring everything meets your satisfaction before final commissioning.
From initial consultation to final installation, Hielscher Electrical is committed to providing a solar power solution that is tailored to your needs, installed with precision, and designed to deliver lasting savings and performance.
Onsite Solar Quotes
Why Does Hielscher Electrical Insist on Doing an On-site Solar Quote?
At Hielscher Electrical, we’re committed to ensuring that every solar power system we install is perfectly tailored to your home’s unique needs. One of the ways we achieve this is by insisting on an on-site solar quote. Here’s why this step is essential:
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
From our years of experience, we’ve seen too many cases where customers ended up dissatisfied with systems that were sold over the phone or through generic promotions. These systems often weren’t designed with the specific home in mind, leading to performance issues and unexpected costs. By conducting a thorough on-site assessment, we ensure that your system is customized to your property, so you won’t encounter unpleasant surprises later on.
Accurate Assessments
A phone quote or satellite image simply can’t replace the accuracy of an on-site visit. Our consultants assess critical factors like roof condition, shading from trees or other structures, and the best location for your inverter. We also examine your switchboard to determine if upgrades are necessary, and evaluate cable routing to minimize modifications to your home. This hands-on approach allows us to design a system that maximizes efficiency and longevity, tailored specifically to your needs.
Ensuring Long-term Satisfaction
An on-site quote is about more than just getting the numbers right—it’s about ensuring you fully understand your system and how to get the most out of it. We find that our happiest customers are those who are well-informed about their solar system and confident in its performance. By meeting with you in person, we can address all your questions, provide clear explanations, and ensure you’re completely comfortable with your solar investment.
Trust and Reliability
When a solar installer is willing to visit your home, it’s a sign of their commitment to quality and customer service. It’s also an opportunity for you to meet the person responsible for your installation, ask tough questions, and gauge their expertise. If a company isn’t willing to invest the time to do a proper site inspection, how likely are they to be responsive if issues arise after installation?
In summary, an on-site quote from Hielscher Electrical isn’t just about selling you a system—it’s about ensuring you get the right system, installed the right way, for long-term satisfaction and savings. It’s a step we believe is crucial to delivering the quality service and performance that our customers deserve.
Solar Panels
Mounting Rail
Mounting Feet
What You Get With Hielscher
What Do I Get When I Buy Solar Panels through Hielscher Electrical?
At Hielscher Electrical, we understand that your investment in solar power is a long-term commitment, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you get the most out of it. Here’s what you can expect when you choose us as your solar provider:
Tailored Solar Solutions
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team will design a solar system specifically for your home, taking into account your energy needs, roof space, and future plans. This ensures that your system is optimized for maximum efficiency and savings.
Fixed Price On-site Quote
Our process starts with a thorough on-site assessment, leading to a fixed-price quote with no hidden surprises. This quote is based on the unique requirements of your property, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
High-Quality Solar Products
We only use top-tier solar panels, inverters, and mounting systems that have been rigorously tested for performance and durability. Our systems include:
- Tier 1 Solar Panels: High-efficiency mono half-cut cell panels with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty.
- 5kW Solar Inverter: Reliable, high-efficiency inverters with optional online monitoring and robust warranty support.
- Mounting Gear: Lightweight, easy-to-install kits available for all roof types, ensuring secure installation and long-term stability.
Professional Installation
Your solar system will be installed by our team of licensed and certified CEC-accredited electricians. We prioritize quality and safety, ensuring your system is installed to the highest standards. Our project managers coordinate everything, from start to finish, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Comprehensive Support
From handling all the paperwork to providing detailed savings and payback projections, we manage every aspect of your solar project. After installation, our local after-sales service team is always available to assist you, with a physical headquarters in Cairns for your peace of mind.
Long-Term Warranties
We stand by the quality of our work. That’s why all our systems come with fully warrantied parts and workmanship, providing you with long-term security and confidence in your investment.
Trusted Local Expertise
With a strong reputation in Cairns, over 30% of our customers come to us through referrals. Our dedication to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction makes us one of the most trusted solar installers in the region.
When you choose Hielscher Electrical, you’re choosing a partner committed to delivering clean, green energy solutions tailored to your home, with the reliability and support you deserve.
What Our Customers Say
What Cairns Homeowners Say
About Hielscher Electrical and Solar?
Cairns, QLD
Great service all round. From Caroline with the initial call to Cheyenne & Tarnee in the office to Troy, Harry and the boys doing the install. Quick and clean installation and thorough explanation of every aspect of it. Highly recommended!
Cairns, QLD
Just had solar panels installed on my home, They did an incredible job I’m very happy with them. I would recommend them to anyone looking for solar installations the staff were very knowledgeable, professional and polite (also a local company 👍). Explained everything in detail so there’s no confusion and even helped set up a water heater install at the same time. Thank you team.
Cairns, QLD
Came highly recommended to us, and I would also recommend Hielscher. From booking in the quote we had great customer service, and it was the owner who came and quoted and spent a lot of time walking us through the system. The turnaround time from confirmation to installation was good, and the installers were neat, and ensured we were happy with location of inverter and layout of panels. After sale service has also been great.
Cairns, QLD
System was competitive and found the process easy to understand. The team were very friendly and the system was delivered 2 weeks early. Have no problem recommending this company to anybody who is thinking of installing a solar system.
Cairns, QLD
Professional, honest and efficient. Hielscher Electrical carefully and clearly stepped us through our solar power options. The entire installation of a very slick battery ready solar system was done in half a day. Highly recommend these guys.
Cairns, QLD
The complete process from start to finish was done promptly and professionally and communication was excellent. I now have very happy tenants reaping the benefits and they are able to monitor their usage via the app and also a very satisfied owner who has now added additional value to his investment property.
Solar Warranties and Guarentee
What Can Go Wrong With a Solar Power System?
At Hielscher Electrical, we’ve seen it all when it comes to solar power systems—both the good and the bad. While a rooftop solar system is generally a reliable and low-maintenance investment, there are a few things that can go wrong. Here’s what you need to know:
Potential Issues with Solar Systems
- Wildlife Interference:
- Birds and Possums: Birds can nest under panels, and possums have been known to chew through wiring, leading to system failures. Protecting your system from wildlife is essential to maintaining its performance.
- Birds and Possums: Birds can nest under panels, and possums have been known to chew through wiring, leading to system failures. Protecting your system from wildlife is essential to maintaining its performance.
- Environmental Damage:
- Storm Damage: Severe weather can damage both your roof and solar panels, potentially leading to costly repairs.
- Shading: Over time, trees or new constructions can cast shade on your panels, reducing their efficiency. It’s important to monitor and manage any changes in your environment that could affect your system’s performance.
- Manufacturing Faults:
- Panel Hotspots and Micro-cracks: Faults like these can develop over time, impairing the efficiency of your solar panels.
- Delamination and Corrosion: In some cases, poor manufacturing can lead to internal damage within the panels, reducing their lifespan and effectiveness.
- Electrical Issues:
- Faulty Wiring: Loose connections, corrosion, or improper installation can interfere with your system’s ability to generate electricity efficiently.
- Inverter Failures: The inverter is the heart of your solar system, converting DC to AC power. Over time, inverters may need replacing due to wear and tear.
The Importance of Quality Components and Workmanship
Quality matters. At Hielscher Electrical, we only use high-grade components, including solar panels designed specifically for the challenging conditions in Queensland. Our solar installers are all accredited, experienced professionals who follow strict installation standards to ensure your system is set up for long-term success.
- Quality Parts: From premium solar panels and inverters to durable mounting systems and reliable wiring, we use only the best components to avoid common issues.
- Expert Installation: Our accredited installers are trained to handle all aspects of your solar installation with precision, minimizing the risk of future problems.
- Comprehensive Warranties: We stand by our work with industry-leading warranties on both parts and labour, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Research and Preparation: Your Best Defense
To avoid problems down the line, it’s crucial to start with thorough research and careful planning. Understand the products you’re buying, check for certifications, and make sure your installer is reputable. By choosing quality components and a trusted installer like Hielscher Electrical, you can ensure that your solar system delivers reliable performance for years to come.
Hielscher's Commitment
We've Installed over 3,000 Solar Power Systems in Cairns
At Hielscher Electrical, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has led us to become one of the most trusted solar energy providers in Cairns. With over 3,000 successful solar power installations, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses harness the power of the sun to reduce their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Story Behind Our Company
Founded over a decade ago, Hielscher Electrical has grown to be a leading name in the solar energy sector across Queensland. What started as a small operation has evolved into a well-respected solar retailer known for delivering high-quality solar panels, inverters, and batteries to our clients. Our focus on after-sales service and competitive pricing has made us a preferred choice for those looking to invest in solar energy.
We are proud to offer a wide range of solar products, partnering with top-tier brands like LG, SunPower, Jinko, Longi, Canadian Solar, Trina, and Qcells. These partnerships allow us to provide our customers with the best technology available, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is clear: to promote and implement solar energy solutions that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. We are driven by the goal of making solar energy accessible and beneficial to everyone, helping to create a sustainable future one installation at a time.
Our vision is to continue delivering top-notch solar power systems with a focus on 100% customer satisfaction. We strive to be the go-to solar provider in Cairns, offering innovative solutions that empower our clients to take control of their energy usage and costs.
Brenton's Brand Recommendations
Brenton Hielscher's Recommended Solar Brands
At Hielscher Electrical, we take pride in offering only the best solar panels and inverters available. Our approach to selecting these products is rooted in rigorous testing and real-world experience, ensuring that our customers receive systems that are not only high-performing but also reliable for the long term.
How We Choose The Best Solar Panels And Inverters
In the early days of my journey in the solar industry, I quickly realized that the “best” solar products were often those with the most aggressive marketing, not necessarily the highest quality. To cut through the noise, I began purchasing and testing solar products myself, conducting real-world evaluations on my own warehouse roof. This hands-on approach led me to gain invaluable insights directly from the source, visiting solar panel and inverter factories, and building relationships with engineers and other installers across Australia.
Key Learnings About Solar Panels and Inverters
Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t Judge by Price Alone: A higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality. I evaluate each container of solar panels based on build quality, long-term performance, and the manufacturer’s reputation for honoring warranties. This ensures that the panels we install are consistent in their reliability and efficiency.
- Not All Inverters Are Equal: Through extensive experience—installing over 5,000 Fronius inverters, 130 SolarEdge systems, and 171 Sungrow inverters—I’ve observed that Fronius inverters are the most reliable, with far fewer failures compared to others. Even the best inverters, like Fronius, can occasionally fail, which is why strong after-sales support is crucial.
Solar Panels
All our solar packages feature Tier 1 solar panels, sourced from the top 5 solar manufacturers globally. These panels are recognized for their high quality, excellent performance warranties, and their widespread use in major solar installations worldwide. Our selection process includes:
- Visual Inspections: We thoroughly inspect the surface, frame, junction box, and cables of each panel to ensure there are no defects that could impact performance.
- Performance Testing: We conduct Open-Circuit Voltage and Short-Circuit Current tests to measure each panel’s output and verify it meets expected standards.
- Environmental Considerations: We factor in irradiance levels, temperature effects, and potential shading or dirt accumulation to ensure the panels will perform optimally under real-world conditions.
Inverters
For inverters, we rely on Fronius as our top choice due to its proven reliability and excellent support. We also offer Sungrow and SolarEdge inverters, though we recommend these based on specific needs and circumstances.
The Impact of Shade and Dirt
We also consider the impact of shade and dirt on solar panel efficiency. Shade from nearby trees or buildings can significantly reduce energy output, so we conduct a thorough shade analysis as part of our site assessment. Dirt and debris can also affect performance, which is why we advise regular cleaning and maintenance according to warranty guidelines to keep your panels operating at peak efficiency.
Trusted Solar Suppliers
We’ve built strong partnerships with some of the most reputable solar brands in the industry. This ensures that every component of your solar system—from panels to inverters to mounting gear—is of the highest quality. Our careful selection process and commitment to excellence mean that you can trust your solar investment will perform reliably for years to come.
When you choose Hielscher Electrical, you’re not just getting a solar power system; you’re getting a solution that’s been tested, refined, and backed by years of hands-on experience and industry knowledge.
Speak to a local expert
Hielscher Electrical is your trusted local solar expert, with offices in Cairns, Port Douglas, the Tablelands, and Innisfail. Let us help you find the perfect solar solution tailored to your home or business. Our team will analyse your electricity bills and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective system for your needs.
