Don’t Make These Mistakes When Buying Solar
Are you planning to install a solar system in your home? You’ve come to the right place! There are a wealth of benefits of having a solar system in your home. It is easy on your wallet and the environment. However, choosing the right solar system from the right provider can be daunting. Here are some things to avoid when buying a solar system for your home.
1. Confusing Daylight Hours with Sunlight Hours
Did you know that solar panels are the most efficient during sunlight hours and not daylight hours? Daylight hours are all direct and indirect sunlight during the day. Sunlight hours are specific measurement units that are used in the solar industry. It refers to the hours where full direct sunlight is received relative to where your solar system is in the world.
The power your system generates varies throughout the year, as the time patterns change all year long. In the winter, the sun is low and the days are short. On the other hand, in the summer, the sun rises higher resulting in longer days. Longer days mean more solar energy generated. To further illustrate, the sun may rise at 6am and set at 6pm but this does not mean you receive 12 sunlight hours. Thus, it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re looking at your options.
2. Believing a Solar Isn’t Worth It Because Your Roof Orientation
While it is true that you get the most out of your solar panels with full direct sunlight, homes that don’t receive full direct sunlight can still benefit from solar systems. Today’s solar panels are more efficient than ever.
Because Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, solar panels should face north, as we receive the most sunlight this way. However, even if your panels don’t face north, you will only experience a production loss of 10-15%, an amount that is negligible to most people. The direction your solar panels are facing also depends on what time of day you consume the most electricity. Be sure to speak to your solar provider on this!
3. Not Getting Multiple Quotes on Sales & Installations
So you’ve gotten a quote from your local solar provider and you’re ready to jump the gun. While the cost may seem like a great deal to you, it doesn’t hurt to look around for better deals. Plus, some providers may offer financing options too. Having multiple quotes can help you understand if solar fits in your budget. So be sure to contact as many providers as you can!
4. Not Researching the Reputation of Solar Providers
When looking into various solar providers near you, be sure to check reviews and social media. After all, you wouldn’t want a provider to cause damage to your home when installing solar panels. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. Steer clear from providers who refuse to answer your queries.
5. Waiting for Solar Prices to Drop
Solar used to be perceived as an option only for the wealthy. However, times have changed. Today, there are numerous reasonably priced options available. While it may be tempting to wait for prices to reach an all time low, you may lose the opportunity to take advantage of any government incentives.
As many solar providers would say, the best time to invest in solar is right now while there are still solar rebates up for grabs. Plus, it may look like it is expensive to install solar but think about the long-term costs. You’ll be saving so much on utilities in the long run!
6. Being Unaware of How Much Power Your Home Consumes
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is buying a solar system without determining how big that system should be. The size of the solar system is determined by a few factors: how much power your property requires and how much you’re willing to spend.
Typically, the size of a solar system is in watts (W) or kilowatts(kW). If a solar package mentions 6.6kW, it means that it will produce 6.6kw or 6000W of power. To get an idea of the appropriate size of solar system for your home, look at your utility bills from the last year to determine how many kilowatt-hours were consumed. Add these figures up and you have the amount of power you consume in a year.
7. Being Unaware of Australian Consumer Protection Laws You’re Entitled To
Here’s something you may not know – in Australia, the law is on your side! Be sure to familiarise yourself with the consumer laws that you’re entitled to. Don’t always believe the sales consultant, especially if they tell you that a solar system should be serviced every year. A good solar system should be serviced every 5 years.
Not only that, you should also get to know the different warranties offered by the manufacturer. These are workmanship, panel warranties, inverter warranties and performance.
For inverters, look for ones with 10-year warranties. This is the same with solar panels too – a warranty for at least 10 years is essential.
Choose Climat for All Things Solar
Climat is one of the longest established solar providers in Australia. As members of the Clean Energy Council, you can rely on us for your home solar requirements. Find us in Adelaide and Melbourne. We offer reputable brand names and highly skilled and reliable consultants. It’s no wonder why we are considered one of the top solar companies in Adelaide.