FAQ
Q: Who does the Home Inspection and who installs the ZEN System in my Home?
A: ZEN handle all installations and technical details, all we need to know is what system you desire and your home address. We will arrange for a Professional Home Inspection to take place before installation to enable you the opportunity to talk face to face with our representative and discuss the system size most appropriate for your home and your requirements. We will also check your switchboard and roof space for suitability and observe any environmental variables or shading that may impact on the systems optimum performance. The System is then installed by a ZEN Accredited and Trained Installation Team.
Q: Are the ZEN Systems Upgradeable?
A: Yes - To upgrade to a larger system you simply need to purchase more ZEN Solar Modules to make up the desired output (the ZEN panels have a 25 year limited warranty) and then upgrade to a larger Solar Control Centre to manage the power output chosen. Another option is to upsize the Solar Control Centre on installation; the voltage parameters do allow you to go 1 size up with the Solar Control Centre if desired so when you can afford the extra panels these can be easily added to take them to the next level system. We call this a “1+” or “2+” System and ZEN would pre-wire ready for the expansion. Check with ZEN to confirm the Feed In Tariff status in your area.
Q: Another company has told me Thin Film panels are more efficient - is this correct?
A: No - It is a matter of "fit for purpose". Amorphous Thin Film panels are about 40% as efficient as the ZEN Monocrystalline panels which means you will need about 2 and a 1/2 times more Thin Film panels on your roof to create the same amount of power as the ZEN panels. We have selected Monocrystalline technology for our ZEN panels as this technology has the highest power yield per square metre and appropriate residential roof space is scarce. About half of our customers purchase their ZEN System with the intention of expanding it in the future and want to conserve roof space, not fill it with inefficient panels.
Q: Another company has told me Thin Film panels work in the shade - is this correct?
A: No solar panel works effectively in the shade, don't be mislead by claims that panels work effectively in the shade. Thin Film panels are slightly more tolerant to partial shading, however the ZEN panels have been fitted with Bypass Diodes to also manage partial shading. Instead of being 40% as efficient they may reach 50%. The aim here is to avoid shading where possible to maximise the efficiency of your system. Your ZEN representative will help identify the best location for your system at your Home Inspection.
Q: Do you need to have large battery banks to store the power your system generates?
A: No, with Grid Connect, your ZEN system simply feeds your excess power back into the power supply, which under a Net Feed-In Tariff will register this "exported" excess power, which will show as a credit on your power bill. If your State has a Gross Feed-In Tariff then you will be credited with "All" the power your ZEN System produces.
Q: What happens if we use more power than the system makes...does everything stop?
A: No, the ZEN Grid Connect Systems work in conjunction with your normal power supply. This enables you to use Solar Power when the sun is up, feeding any excess power back into the grid, and then draw power back from the grid at night when the sun is down. If you are working during the day with children at school and leaving your house virtually "switched off", this is the optimum situation for a Net Feed-In Tariff. Under a Gross Tariff you are paid for all the power you produce regardless of what you consume during the day.
