Purchasing a rooftop solar panel system in ACT, NSW, VIC and QLD in Australia in 2024 requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure you make an informed decision that suits your energy needs and financial situation. Here’s a comprehensive solar buyers guide to help you:
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Solar Panels For Household In Australia
- Energy Needs: How much energy your home needs.
- Solar Panels: High-quality panels like Sunpower Maxeon 6, REC Alpha Pure Series, and Longi Hi-MO 6 are noted for their efficiency and long warranties.
- Panel Type: Monocrystalline panels are the most popular type, but polycrystalline and thin film panels are also available.
- Inverters: Choose a reliable inverter to convert DC electricity from the panels to AC electricity for your home.
- Battery Storage: Consider battery storage to store excess energy, which is beneficial if you have time-of-use rates or frequent power outages.
- Capacity: The capacity of the panel depends on what you want to use it for, such as charging your inverter battery or running AC appliances.
- Size: Smaller panels take up less space on your roof.
- Efficiency: Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, but polycrystalline panels are less efficient and have lower wattages.
- Cost: Monocrystalline panels are the most expensive, but you may need fewer of them because they’re more efficient.
- Quotes and Warranties: Obtain multiple quotes and compare warranties. A good warranty covers both the product and performance, typically for 25 years. A typical manufacturer’s warranty guarantees that panels won’t lose more than 2% efficiency in the first year and 0.5% per year after that.
- Incentives and Rebates: Take advantage of federal and state incentives. The federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides financial incentives through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Additionally, states offer various rebates and interest-free loans.
- Net Metering: Check if your utility offers net metering, which allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid. This can significantly offset your energy costs.
- Selecting a Solar Installer: Choose an installer with a solid track record and good reviews. Ensure they are accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
- Roof Condition: Ensure your roof is in good shape and has a lifespan that matches or exceeds the expected life of the solar panels (typically 25-30 years).
- Orientation and Shading: The ideal roof is south-facing in Australia, tilted between 30 and 45 degrees, and has plenty of open space.
- System Monitoring: Ensure your system includes monitoring tools to track performance and detect issues early.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodic cleaning and professional check-ups help maintain efficiency and prolong system life.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision about purchasing a rooftop solar system, ensuring it meets your energy needs and provides a good return on investment. For more knowledge contact us.
Clean Energy Council’s Solar Buyers Guide For Households And Businesses
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is Australia’s peak body for the clean energy sector and runs an accreditation program for solar installers and designers. The CEC recommends that you choose a CEC-accredited installer to ensure your system is reliable, safe, and efficient. The Clean Energy Council offers free guides on buying solar for both households and businesses.
SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE FOR HOUSEHOLDS
solar-guide-for-consumers-october-2020SOLAR BUYERS GUIDE FOR BUSINESSESS
GUIDE-TO-INSTALLING-SOLAR-PV-FOR-BUSINESSES-AND-INDUSTRIES-IN-AUSTRALIAWhy Go Solar Today In Australia?
Australia’s sunny climate makes it a good place for solar energy, and there are many benefits to installing solar panels, including:
- Cost savings: Solar systems can reduce electricity bills, and the Australian government offers incentives to help with upfront costs. Solar systems can also pay for themselves within 2–5 years.
- Environmental benefits: A 1.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system can reduce CO greenhouse emissions by about 2.2 tonnes each year.
- Home value: Solar panels can make a home more attractive to potential buyers.
- Low maintenance: Solar systems don’t require constant supervision or cleaning.
- Excess energy: Excess energy can be sold back to an energy retailer at a feed-in tariff.
Shah Tarek is a Solar Energy Consultant with 10 years experience in solar system design and solar consultancy field at Australia. He is now a Director, Operation & Consultancy Division at Aussie Solar Tech, a leading Australian solar retailer and installer. Here he is writing informative and engaging solar content that educates the community on the benefits of solar power. His work supports Aussie Solar Tech’s mission to promote sustainable energy solutions and foster a greener future for Australia.
