Hosting an Ergon Energy Solar PV System

Why host an Ergon Energy Solar PV System?Across Queensland, demand for

electricity is growing. Traditionally,

demand growth has resulted in

Ergon Energy expanding the

electricity network. However, it

makes sense to also consider

more sustainable alternatives for

meeting demand growth, such as

reducing demand and increasing

renewable energy usage.

One way we are supporting more sustainable electricity use is through residential or small distributed generation – this refers to the installation of smaller, renewable or more efficient sources of electricity generation at our customers’ premises.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are an increasingly common form of renewable energy supply and Ergon Energy is offering customers in selected areas the opportunity to “host” an Ergon Energy solar PV system. All electricity generated from the solar PV system will be fed into the electricity network to assist in meeting demand.

By hosting an Ergon Energy solar PV system you will:

• help reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

• help manage demand on the electricity network; and

• be at the forefront of developing a more sustainable energy model for the future.

Ergon Energy owns the system and is responsible for its installation and all ongoing maintenance, so there is no cost to you for the system, its installation or its maintenance.

As the electricity generated will be fed directly into the electricity network and not into your house, you will still be required to pay your electricity retailer for the electricity you use.

This brochure will explain more about what is involved in hosting a solar PV system and provide answers to commonly asked questions.

Inverter

Solar panels convert the sun’s light into direct current electricity (DC)

MeterCustomer connection

point to network

Power flows either way depending on the generation of the solar panels and the consumption at the house

Power grid

kWh

Ergon Energy ownedCustomer owned

Simply put, solar PV systems

convert sunlight into electricity.

This is how:

Solar panels are made of

individual cells containing thin

layers of semi-conducting

material, usually silicon.

When sunlight hits the cells,

electrons are dislodged,

producing a direct electric

current (DC). This is captured

by the inverter, which changes

the DC to alternating current

(AC) to power lights, computers

and other appliances.

Ergon Energy’s network will

still deliver electricity to your

premises, including when the

solar PV system is not

generating electricity into the

network.

How do solar PV systems work?

What’s involved in hosting a solar PV system? If you agree to host an Ergon Energy solar PV system, the first step is for us to assess the suitability of your roof.

An Ergon Energy assessor will check that your property meets the minimum requirements of having:

• a structurally sound roof;

• a minimum of 12 square metres of unshaded area between 8am and 5pm; and

• a main switchboard that satisfies wiring rules and conforms to the Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002.

If these requirements are met we can install the solar PV panels on your roof.

The system includes about a dozen solar PV panels of approximately 1.5 x 0.5 metres. The panels are clamped into a rack, which is then attached to the roof.

Ergon Energy will also need to install, near or in your switchboard, equipment such as:

• an inverter, which changes the solar PV panels’ output from direct current (DC) to match the alternating current (AC) of the electricity grid;

• another box containing a DC circuit breaker, an AC circuit breaker and a data logger, which measures the solar PV system output; and

• wires and cables needed to operate the system.

Your System Hosting Agreement explainedA System Hosting Agreement must be signed and agreed upon by Ergon Energy and the host (you) before a solar PV system can be installed.

If you’d like to host one of these systems and Ergon Energy agrees, the following will happen:

• We first need to ensure your property is suitable for installation. We may need your help for this, for example to gain access to your premises, and we will notify you if we do.

• If your property is suitable, and after any required licences or approvals are secured, we will contact you to organise a time for Ergon Energy to install the system.

• This will involve some noise and people in your yard and on your roof so please consider this when arranging the time.

• A brief outage, of approximately 30 minutes, will occur when the new system is connected to the network. This will be no different from the power being turned off when an electrician does work in your home.

• As soon as the system is connected it will start generating electricity during daylight hours on clear days.

• We will need to visit your property at least once a year to check on the system. However, we will advise you in advance so you can reschedule the date if necessary.

• If you notice that something is wrong with the system, please let us know as soon as possible.

• We ask you to take care of our system and be aware of it when undertaking electrical works in your house.

• If any maintenance on your roof or house may result in interference with or the removal of our system, please advise us so we can remove the equipment before work begins.

• If there is a power outage in your area that includes your premises the system will detect this and stop generating power. This will prevent damage to your electrical equipment and ensure the safety of our workers and the public.

• If you sell your property you need to let us know. You also need to tell the buyer that Ergon Energy owns the system and provide them with a copy of the System Hosting Agreement.

• If the person occupying your property changes you need to let us know. You also need to tell the new occupier that Ergon Energy owns the system and provide them with a copy of the System Hosting Agreement.

• When the System Hosting Agreement is terminated (whether by you or us), we will arrange a time to remove the system. If any damage occurs in the process, we will repair the roof so it is functionally equivalent to its condition prior to installation (with allowances for normal wear and tear).

Q Will the installation of the solar PV system impact on my current electricity arrangements?

A No. Entering into or terminating the System Hosting Agreement with Ergon Energy will not affect your current arrangements for the purchase and supply of electricity. Ergon Energy will continue to provide you with connection services and supply electricity from the network to your premises. Your retailer will continue to provide you with retail services and bill you for the electricity that you consume.

Q When there is an outage or planned interruption, will I still have power?

A No. In order to prevent damage to your electrical equipment and ensure the safety of our workers and the public, the system will stop generating. This is because the solar PV system is fed directly to the electricity network. If the power goes out in your street, the system will detect this and stop generating power.

Q What if the solar PV system needs to be removed from my roof?

A When the System Hosting Agreement is terminated (whether by the customer or Ergon Energy) a time will be arranged to remove the system. If any damage occurs in the process, Ergon Energy will repair the roof so it is functionally equivalent to its condition prior to installation (with allowances for normal wear and tear).

Q If my circumstances change, do I need to advise Ergon Energy?

A Yes, you must notify Ergon Energy in writing to the following address if you wish to remove the solar PV system, or if there is a change of property occupier or ownership:

The Company Secretary PO Box 15107 Brisbane City East QLD 4002

Q If there is a problem with the solar PV system, or I need more information, who do I contact?

A Contact Ergon Energy on 13 10 46. Please advise the person answering your call that you wish to discuss a System Hosting Agreement.

Frequently asked questionsQ Will the details I provide Ergon Energy be kept confidential?

A Yes, Ergon Energy’s treatment of any confidential information is governed by the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 and by Ergon Energy’s Privacy Statement which can be found on www.ergon.com.au.

Q Who owns the solar PV system?

A All the solar PV system equipment remains the property of Ergon Energy.

Q Why don’t I get free electricity if the solar PV system is on my roof?

A Ergon Energy owns the panels and pays for all costs associated with purchasing, installing and maintaining the system, so you still pay your retailer for the electricity you use.

Q Is Ergon Energy required to enter my property?

A Ergon Energy will need to enter your property for installation, operation, maintenance and removal of the equipment. We will notify you before we enter your property, except in the case of emergency.

Q What happens if vegetation grows and shades the equipment - will you remove it?

A Ergon Energy will obtain your approval before removing vegetation affecting our equipment unless there is a hazardous situation. If you decline permission and the vegetation is affecting our equipment, then we may remove the equipment.

Q Will the solar PV system be supplying electricity directly to my house?

A Because the solar PV system belongs to Ergon Energy we will connect it to our electricity network, so the power generated from the system will be fed into the network.

Customer Service13 10 46

7.00am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday

Faults only13 22 96

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Life-Threatening Emergencies only000 or 13 16 70

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Office of the Customer AdvocatePO Box 15107 City East QLD 4002

ergon.com.au

Ergon Energy Corporation Limited ABN 50 087 646 062