Many Australians are investing in solar power systems. In fact, house owners are outfitting their roofs with solar panels. Installing solar power systems is an excellent way to generate electricity for your house and business without affecting the environment.
Buying solar products for your house can be a very exciting experience. Going green and saving money is something you should be happy about. But you shouldn’t fall for the marketing gimmicks and advertisements. Solar products are a substantial investment, so it is essential to focus on the important aspects of your purchase. You can’t just buy a solar system for a home just like that. Yes, there are certain things you need to consider before investing in solar power systems. Keep in mind, not all solar systems are created equally. It differs from one brand to another based on several factors.
Here are a few tips for buying solar products
Certifications
You need to consider the certification before buying a solar power system, and it applies to all solar products, especially to the purchases that attract government rebates. The certification indicates the type of testing the particular solar panel has undergone.
Warranty
When buying solar power systems, it is essential to choose the one that has a longer warranty period. Most of the manufacturers provide an average of 10-12 years warranty. Also, you need to ensure the solar systems have performance warranties. Generally, solar systems will have 25 to 30 years of performance warranty.
Durability
This is another crucial factor that you need to consider when buying a solar system for home. Durable systems will save money as you don’t require constant replacements, which can become troublesome and expensive over time. The climate in Australia is harsh, so the durability of a solar system should be considered to avoid downtime.
Efficiency
The efficiency of a solar system is one of the most significant factors you need to consider before investing in it. If you want to get the most out of your solar power systems, then you need to get more output from the device, and it should be efficient enough to satisfy your energy needs. The more efficient the solar system is, the more power you could generate and save money.
Size
The size and suitability of the solar system must be considered. Pick a size that fits your roof or house. You need to get the optimal position for solar power. You can’t just buy a solar power system that is too big or small for your house. The dimensions of the panels should fit the side of the roof where you’ll be installing it.
Battery
Before purchasing a solar system for your home, you need to decide whether you’d like to invest in a solar battery. A solar battery helps you to achieve ROI on your solar investments by allowing you to store the energy collected from your solar panels. You can either save this energy for later use at night or on days when your energy is running low, or you can sell this energy back to the grid to make a profit. The average solar battery costs between $1000 and $1500 per kW of storage in the battery. Before buying your solar panels, decide whether you’d like a battery and factor this into your budget.
Inverter Placement
Before investing in a solar system for your home, you need to consider where you will place your solar inverter. Your inverter should be in an accessible location, like a loft, attic, or garage. Note that some solar installers recommend not placing your inverter in a garage, as the heat can damage the system. However, the loft space is closest to the roof for easy installation. Knowing where you plan to place your inverter and discussing the matter with an installation expert can be extremely helpful in the solar purchasing process.
Light Obstructions
When purchasing solar panels for your home, you need to consider what size solar system you’d like, but you also need to determine whether your panels can access unobstructed light. It could be that your roof space is covered by tree branches that block the light, or another building casts a shadow on your roof. If this is the case, you should consider cutting down any required branches. If another building is blocking the light, you should speak to a solar panel installer to determine whether the panels would get enough sunlight during the day to justify installation.
Solar Installation
When buying a solar panel system, you don’t just need to buy the system. You’ll also need to evaluate the solar installation companies in your area and select a reliable installer. Your solar installer should have the proper accreditations and not try to pressure you with upselling during the installation process – this is a huge red flag! Your solar installation experts should offer practical and unbiased advice on your solar panel investments. If you suspect their advice is coming from a place of self-interest, you should get a second opinion from another solar installer.
Affordability
Before investing in solar panels, you should evaluate your financial situation. You need to be sure that solar panels are affordable based on your current earnings and savings. If you can’t afford to pay a lump sum for your solar panels, you can access a rebate or grant from the NSW government as part of the solar energy initiative. You can access a low-interest loan that will help you to cover the cost of the panels gradually over time rather than paying a lump sum upfront. Just remember to verify that your solar panel supplier and installers are approved by the grant scheme.
Ready To Go Solar? Speak To Our Team At SolarPath!
At SolarPath, we are dedicated to helping people switch to more renewable energy sources and depend less on the government for their energy. You should contact our friendly team if you’re considering switching to solar power for your home. We are here to give you friendly and frank advice about your solar system without upselling or bias!