Efficiency In Grid Connected Solar Systems

Wes Shields of Southern Cross Solar is another small businessman offering his expert services to the green-minded households.

Operating out of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs (McKinnon) Wes specialises in the design and installation of grid connect and stand alone photovoltaic power systems which not only reduce the initial installation costs, but also your carbon footprint and electricity bill.

Wes is also involved in the creation of ETREC (Electrical and Telecommunications and Renewable Energy Contractors Pty Ltd), which is being set up to service the needs of contractors in the electrical, telecommunications and renewable sectors.

About Wes

Wes is 36 and has been in this industry for 20 years. He is:

• a Registered Electrical Contractor and an A Grade Electrician, licensed to inspect and upgrade all domestic and commercial electrical systems
• an accredited Solar Installer by the Clean Energy Council [Accreditation no P1721]
• qualified to carry out design and installation of solar panels for applicable Government rebates
• able to provide independent advice on Renewal Energy Certificates (REC’s) that are issued with approved solar system installations

Some Info On Power Generation

• An average 1 KW solar panel system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.4 tonnes per year – equivalent to planting 80 trees every year the system is generating
• On an average day a basic 1KW solar system will collect an equivalent amount of power used by 7 toasters in 1 hour
• A larger system will increase output and the excess power produced is either credited to the consumer or sold to the nominated energy retailer at an agreed rate (feed-in tariff), resulting in a reduction of your electricity bill. It is not necessary to have large batteries to store electricity in the urban area

Some Buildings That May Need Special Consideration

• Not all houses have the best roof-to-sun alignment, and an individual design will ensure the maximum system output having regard for roof angle and adjacent shading
• Older houses with brittle tiles need special attention in design and installation to prevent costly roof damage
• Steeply pitched roofs also need special attention
• Some older buildings with wiring that doesn’t comply with current regulations and is not designed to accommodate modern electrical loads also need special attention

ETREC – Small Business-Union Collaboration

Ben Schneiders of The Age reported in May about Wes’ involvement in the creation of ETREC in which 8000 to 9000 electrical and renewable contractors will be initially targeted. He said:

“In an unusual move for a union, the Victorian branch of the Electrical Trades Union is behind the creation of ETREC, and union state secretary Dean Mighell was adamant that the new body would not have an industrial agenda and would not be controlled by the ETU.

Instead, the new body would run its own affairs and be about bulk buying and service delivery through offering discount accounting services, insurance, standardised contracts, website creation and debt collection, with plans down the track to offer training services.

Members of ETREC could opt to be an associate member of the union for free and access its services, and vice versa.

Mr Mighell said many people who regarded themselves as contractors did not have an affinity with unions.

In charge of setting up the new group is Peter Mighell, Dean’s cousin, who has a background in small business and, despite his name, no background in unions.

Both say the relationship between the groups has to be businesslike.”

Contact Details

Wes Shields can be reached on:

M 0417 322 437
E info@southerncrosssolar.com
W http://southerncrosssolar.com