Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'Energy Independent'?
Being Energy Independent means no longer relying on your energy provider for power & facing the uncertainty of increasing costs of electricity (rising power bills). You can be Energy Independent by being completely "off-grid" (no connection to any Energy Retailer) or by being "Self-Sufficient" with the backup of an Energy Retailer. To be Energy Independent can be different for each household or business, which is why we help design & create a system that works best based on your needs. You can have peace of mind, as our systems are adaptable & upgradable if those needs change in the future.
Do we offer the solar rebate?
Yes! The Queensland Solar Rebate is deducted off the total cost of your system. You'll see this listed as "STCs" or "Small Technology Certificate" on your quote. The amount varies depending on the size of the solar system & your location etc. Here at Buzz Energy, we handle all rebate paperwork to make it easy for you. Even if you have purchased solar previously (or multiple times) either at another property or a current property and you are looking at upgrading, you may still be eligible for another rebate.
Can I get the solar rebate more than once (as a Home owner, Business Owner Or Landlord or a mix)?
(Examples: You own multiple houses you wish to install solar on / Moved house / Upgrading or replacing your solar system / You have investment properties / you own a commercial property or letting accommodation)
Yes! The Queensland Solar Rebate is deducted off the total cost of each solar system you purchase & have installed by a qualified solar installer (us). We will be able to confirm this before you proceed, to ensure you're not caught out.
Are we local?
Yes! We are based in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, 4655. We service the Fraser Coast. Click here to explore our service area.
Are you an Energy Retailer?
No. We are a Solar, Battery & EV Charging Retailer with fully qualified, CEC accredited installers. We offer quality solar systems & electric vehicle solutions that will work best for your home, investment property or business.
Will I get the Solar "Feed-In Tariff"?
Currently everyone will get what is called a "Feed-In Tariff" or "FIT" for short. It's also known as the "Solar Scheme" by some energy retailers. This is provided to you by your energy retailer (in most cases Ergon) once they install the solar meter at your property. You will recieve a credit each month for the excess power generated by your system. We will ensure this meter is installed for you & set up.
Does solar still work in winter? (Overcast and/or Rainy Days, Hot or Cold Days)
Yes! Solar works all year round.
Solar panels work just the same on cold days, as they do on warm or hot days. This is because solar works based on the UV rays from the sun not the temperature. If it's an overcast or rainy day, solar will still work as UV rays penetrate through both clouds & rain. While production will be reduced on these days, the solar can still produce electricity to keep your home or business powered.
Is there any point to solar without a battery? Do I need a battery?
We believe everyone should have solar (with or without a battery). The right solar system will reduce your power bill to a point that you are financially better off than paying for electric from your Energy Retailer. Even if you're a night owl, there are options for you as well. These may include battery options, but again our aim is to ensure you're always better off financially.
As more households & businesses seek energy independence, it has become increasingly more important to have a battery, beating the rising costs in power & be fully self sufficient in case of a power outage from the grid (your Energy Retailer). This is why all our systems are battery ready & upgradable if you choose to install solar now with the posibilty of a battery later.
I already have solar, but still get a bill. Can I get more solar or a battery? (Retrofit / System Upgrade)
Depending on the size of your current system & grid connection type, it could be possible to upgrade your current solar system (sometimes called a retrofit). We may be able to install additional inverter(s), solar panels & even batteries! Additional solar systems (excluding batteries) are also entitled to the government rebate (STCs). Speak with us to see if your current system is upgradable & what we can offer you.
Is there a solar battery rebate or any battery incentives?
There is currently no offfical government rebate for solar batteries or any plans to have one. That does not mean that a battery is not a cost effective option for you. With the rising costs of power, adding a battery can help add finacial security. This may not be the case for everyone & is something we can asses together. For more information about the current incentives, please contact us.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes! Each product we offer comes with it's own manufacturer warranty. Panels usually have a 15 to 25 year plus warranty, inverters & batteries with a 10 year plus extendable warranty. You will also recieve an installation warranty & after care service package from us. All of the full terms will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Where are your products made?
We offer a few different solutions, from products made in European countries such as Germany, to made in Asian countries like China, India or South Korea. We have the ability to source a wide range of quality products, while ensuring all our solutions have Australian support teams. It is a key point that we make sure there are Australian support teams, even if the product is not manufactured here. This saves time & hassles.
Is there a difference between solar panels & brands?
Yes! While theoretically one 440w panel should be the same as another 440w panel, both claiming the same warranty, there are differences. Each panel does have to pass strict Australian Clean Energy regulations to ensure they are safe & do as advertised. Some panels are better for overcast days or lightly shaded areas, while others will be guaranteed to perform at a higher rate over 25 years than others. It is important to have the right quality panel, that will continue to save you money for years to come.
Are all inverters the same?
No! It is just as important to have the correct inverter as it is to have the right solar panels. When choosing an inverter, it is important to think a bit about the future. All our inverters offer a 10 year extendable warranty, so it is important you get the most from it. You may not have an EV (Electric Vehicle) now, but perhaps in another 5 years you might? There may only be 2 people in the household now, but are you planning on growing your family, therefore using more power? You might not need a battery now, but perhaps in the future? We go through this with you during the consultation to ensure all our clients are future proof.
What products / brands do you use?
While we are a proud Hyundai Solar Provider, Yingli, Longi, LG, AlphaESS & Duracell Dealer, we still offer a wide range of other great solar products to suit your budget & needs. We can show you the differences between products, show you the savings & help you choose the right quality system for your home. Speak with us today for more details.
If there's a 'Black Out' / 'Power Cut' will I still have power if I have solar?
Not necessarily... This is where having the right inverter & solar system is important. Most systems will shutdown during power cuts from the main grid (Ergon), however we offer solutions that will keep you "powered up" when the "powers out". Some systems will only provide enough power for the fridge & freezer, while other systems will provide enough power to operate as normal.
What happens to my metering? (I am concerned about the digital smart meters)
There is absolutly no need to be concerned in regards to having a digital smart meter. This is installed by your Energy Retailer automatically after we have completed your solar installation & is free. The meter is usually installed inside your main meter box. They keep your information safe, secure, private & are safe for your home environment.
For more information on meter boxes, click here.
Do I need additional electrical work or a Meter Box upgrade?
In most cases additional electrical work or meter box upgrades are not required. However there are times where a meter box upgrade or upgrade to your electricals may be required to meet the current safety regulations. The most common case for a meter box or sub board upgrade, is if there is an asbestos board inside the box. We will discuss this with you prior to signing up, so it remains a completely obligation free quote. We will always provide an honest & fair quote on our workmanship.
For more information on meter boxes, click here.
Is solar just a scam?
This is exactly what our founder & owner first thought when they began working in the solar industry. It is easy to see why people think this, when in fact, solar should be one of the best investments you make. Buzz Energy has set out to make sure your solar system is the best investment you make.
Take buying a car for example: They are all meant to get you from A to B. Some will do it with no issues at all, some will do it with no issues at all with a heap of bonuses (some you don’t even need), some won’t manage to do it at all. We want to make sure you have no issues at all & all the bonuses that suit your household & needs, while offering the best possible aftercare & warranty.
Why do you need to do a site visit/in home consultation?
Everyones power needs are completely different. This means the 'standard' system sizes do not always work for everyone, therefore we design one that will. We also like to provide a 'No Hidden Fees' quote. This means, what we quote is what you pay. To do this we must ensure your roof, meter box, cabling, etc meets the current standards. If they do not, no need to worry, we can bring them up to standard for you.
Do I have to organise the rebates, meter changes, paperwork etc?
No. We offer a hassle free, easy & smooth process. Once you've chosen one of our quality systems, we handle the rest. We do all the paperwork, approvals, planning, rebates & installation etc. Once we've done all that, we then show you how to use use your system & make sure you get the most from it.
Do you offer finance?
Yes! Not everyone has the cash for solar or batteries, but everyone should be able to have solar & batteries. That is why we offer a range of finance options, including a 0% deposit, no interest finance option. For more information, please head to our Finance page. We will also go through this with you during the consultation. Our aim is be 100% transparent with our systems & finance options - no "clever" marketing.
Should I get Solar Hot Water?
If you have a perfectly good electric hot water system, we would recommend keeping it. If you need a new hot water system, consider choosing an electric one. We will be able to make your electric hot water system energy efficient with one of our solar systems. To learn more, check out our artical on Hot Water Systems.
Can you help make my home energy efficient?
Yes! We are full of heaps of handy tips to make your home more energy efficient. Our aim is for every client to save money & make the most from their solar system. All of this & more is offered to you as part of our Aftercare service.
Do you use CEC Accredited Installers? Are they fully licensed?
Yes! We only ever use CEC Accredited installers. Infact our installers are also 'Master Electricians' & trained in 'Safety At Heights'.
I would like to go solar, what do I do?
Great! Contact us today to arrange a free consultation. We handle all the paperwork & planning on your behalf.
