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Frequently Asked Questions

Hielscher Electrical and Solar Cairns knows first hand that switching to solar and alternative energy sources raises common frequently asked questions.

And to help our viewers navigate the world of energy production and consumption, our team have come up with the most common questions and answers.

Solar power offers a range of benefits, including:

- it’s an entirely sustainable renewable energy source
- less reliance on mains or grid electricity
- it can significantly reduce your electricity bills
- it can be used for a range of purposes, including both electricity and heat generation.
Yes. Hielscher Electrical have a team of employed Clean Energy Council accredited solar installation engineers who carry out the installations.
Solar PV is a clean and renewable energy production system built using photovoltaic solar panels which are traditionally installed on the rooftop of homes and businesses. The solar modules convert sunlight into usable electricity. The photovoltaic cells are made using thin layers of semi-conducting material (usually crystalline silicon) which generate an electrical charge when exposed to sunlight.
STC's or Small-scale Technology Certificates are used as a form of currency. Similar to a commodity, STC's can increase or decrease in value depending on supply and demand. STC's are produced upon installation and commissioning of renewable energy systems like solar panels for a home or business. Hielscher Electrical offer customers the opportunity to sign the STC's over to us in exchange for a significant discount to your solar power system.
Sunlight hits the photovoltaic cells on the solar panels and from there it is converted to clean electricity. The inverter then converts the electricity from direct to alternating current, so that it may be combined with the electricity being imported from the mains, and used to power appliances in your home. When the solar energy system produces more power than is needed, it is exported into the electricity grid. At night, power is imported from the electricity grid in the usual manner.
In Australia, you can generally expect to pay between $5,000 and $6,000 for a standard 5kw string solar system, including installation.

More sophisticated high-efficiency 5kw microinverter systems with panel-level output can cost upwards of around $7,000, however they’re more likely to generate greater long-term financial benefits.
In Australia, you can generally expect to pay between $5,000 and $6,000 for a standard 5kw string solar system, including installation.

More sophisticated high-efficiency 5kw microinverter systems with panel-level output can cost upwards of around $7,000, however they’re more likely to generate greater long-term financial benefits.
The answer to this question really depends on how much you want to invest, how much of your electricity you want to generate using solar panels, and how much un-shaded roof space you have. It is not essential to cover all of your home’s electricity with solar power (since you will still be connected to the grid). If your solar power system supplies half of your electricity then you will notice a significant difference in your grid dependence whilst making a serious reduction to your carbon footprint! After talking through your exact needs, Hielscher Electrical will be able to recommend the size of system you require.
In Cairns the statistics indicate that the average three-bedroomed house uses 6,500kWh a year. Keeping this in mind, we still recommend that you look at your last few electricity bills or talk to your energy supplier to get an accurate estimate for us to work with.
When your solar panels are producing surplus electricity, then the excess solar power will flow back into the grid for other homes to use. After you have a solar system installed and commissioned, the energy retailer (Ergon) will be notified by us to install a bidirectional meter that measures the amount of electricity imported and exported. This is important as once you have have solar panels fitted, you are eligible to receive a credit for the surplus electricity exported. This will lower your electricity bills and ensure none of your green electricity will be wasted. Some energy companies are offering up to 11c kWh for energy you export to the grid!!
No. Hielscher Electrical’s Solar Systems are connected to the grid. In the night, when the cells are not generating energy, electricity is bought from the utility company in the normal way. Any excess electricity generated during the day – for example, when you are at work – is sold back to theenergy company.
The fastest way to find answers is to contact our office via phone or email. Our staff are ready to help you with any questions.
Sustainable, reliable & affordable energy systems,   Find Your Energy Solution

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy in Cairns!

Do you have questions about solar energy? We’ve got the answers right here. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions regarding solar power use and its benefits, as well as information on solar products, solutions and services available at Hielscher Electrical.

Can’t find your question? Feel free to contact us! We would be more than happy to answer any of your queries and help you get started on clean, renewable energy for your home and business in Cairns.

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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.

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 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.

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.

Since making a decision to install solar on my property , I made some inquiries as to whom should be responsible for this task . Most of the installers were interstate so they we’re not an option , eventually I located a local company Hielscher Electrical in Cairns.

Since making a decision to install solar on my property , I made some inquiries as to whom should be responsible for this task . Most of the installers were interstate so they we’re not an option , eventually I located a local company Hielscher Electrical in Cairns.

We have just had our solar system installed by Hielscher Electrical and could not be happier. From quote to installation the team were brilliant.

We have just had our solar system installed by Hielscher Electrical and could not be happier. From quote to installation the team were brilliant.

Excellent local business with exceptional customer service, professional sales and trades with attention to detail. Of three quotes sought Hielscher was the only one to physically attend and inspect the meter box, property, check shading issues, etc. They were professional from start to finish, explaining details of the systems and features and benefits of different panel options and inverter, detailing exactly when the system would be installed and leaving everything as clean as it was on arrival.

Excellent local business with exceptional customer service, professional sales and trades with attention to detail. Of three quotes sought Hielscher was the only one to physically attend and inspect the meter box, property, check shading issues, etc. They were professional from start to finish, explaining details of the systems and features and benefits of different panel options and inverter, detailing exactly when the system would be installed and leaving everything as clean as it was on arrival.

Consultation & Design
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Hielscher Electrical in Cairns offers solar panels to power your family's future and beat rising prices.