Across Australia, the percentage of houses with rooftop solar panels continue to increase. It’s understandable given its advantages like lower energy price and positive environmental impact. However, before you jump into this green wagon, there are several things to consider.
The cost of solar panels and solar panel installation has gradually decreased over the years due to technological advancements and government subsidies. However, getting your own solar system still requires a sizable investment. Aside from the financial costs, it also takes quite a learning curve to understand what fits best for you and how to take care of it in order to get your money’s worth.
To help you decide whether or not solar power is the right option for you and your home, here are 7 things you should consider.
Before even considering solar power, check first if your house is located in a place that receives sizable amounts of sunlight throughout the year. Luckily, in Australia, this isn’t that much of a problem. Even luckier, if you’re looking for solar panels in Shepparton, you’re looking at approximately 4 hours of sun per day. That generates around 6 kWh if you have a 1.5kw system, 12 kWh if you have a 3kw system and 20 kWh if you have a 5kw system.
Aside from your home’s location, also consider your roof’s situation. If it’s too old or damaged, it might not be able to support your solar panels’ weight. It’s best to get it checked by a professional first and get the necessary fixes done.
Yes, there’s more than one type of solar panel and none of them are made equal.
There are two major types of solar panels; photovoltaic solar panels and solar thermal panels. As the name suggests, photovoltaic solar panels use solar cells to directly convert sunlight into electricity. Solar thermal panels on the other hand use mirrors to concentrate sunlight.
Photovoltaic solar panels are more commonly used. However, don’t make this your main decision-maker. Consider things like maintenance, availability, and warranty before making your decision.
To learn more about the right type of solar panels for your needs, consult a licensed solar panel installation company. Solar On Electrical offers free consultations, and covers Victoria homes including solar power in Shepparton.
There are two types of warranties you have to be aware of when purchasing solar panels: limited product warranty and limited power warranty.
Limited product warranty for most solar panels sold in Australia lasts for 10 years. This assures you, the customer, that any manufacturing defects – within reason- found in your solar panels within ten years is covered by the manufacturer. This includes the EVA, the glass, and the structure, among other things.
Limited power warranty, on the other hand, lasts for about 25 years. This is the solar panel warranty you most likely heard from retail companies. It pertains to how much a solar panel’s performance will drop over time. For example, a company’s limited power warranty may state that after 10 years, your solar panels will be at 91.2% minimal power output and by 25 years, it will likely drop to 80.5%.
When having your solar power system installed, check out your installation company’s solar products. The warranty certificate offered by their solar retailer must be supported by the 100% Australian registered company that imported the panels.
As previously stated, solar panels can take up a lot of your funds. After considering the aforementioned factors, it’s time to sit down and look at your financing options.
Not many can pay for a solar power system installation out of pocket and so several financing options have been made available. This includes green loans, mortgage inclusions, leasing, power purchase agreements, and personal loans.
Do your research accordingly and choose the best financing option fit for you and your family.
Your Solar Power Contractor
Your solar panels are only as good as your solar power contractor. Just like in choosing the right solar panel type and brand for you, you should also “shop around” before signing a contract with a solar power contractor and installation company.
Installing solar panels is both a home improvement and electrical project, so you have to choose a company that you trust. Choose a company that provides end-to-end services, from installation to maintenance. Additionally, check the Clean Energy Council website for approved solar retailers.
This list includes Solar On Electrical, which provides different financing options as well solar Shepparton installations.
There are many factors to consider when buying solar panels. It goes beyond the costs. As a long-term investment, it’s not advisable to just cut corners without proper research. For your safety and the longevity of your investment, we hope you consider the factors laid out above and have a greener future.
Brooke was instrumental in covering large sections of rural Victoria and NSW and has developed a significant amount of knowledge in his time. I have complete faith in Brooke’s quality of work and work ethics, especially when it comes to customer service.
The installation went well and Brooke’s team did an excellent job with complete professionalism. Every aspect of the work has been done neatly and looks superb. I will certainly recommend him to anyone who asks for my opinion. Excellent result.
Prompt callout and availability was always punctual. His staff were courteous to deal with and polite. Day to day operations of our business continued without a hitch while the solar installation took place.
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