Solar installation
Yes, solar panels are worth installing on your home or office. As technology has improved, solar panel costs have dropped, so most homeowners will find their payback period is relatively short. They will also reduce your energy bills and could increase the price of your home. What’s not to like?
Solar panels have become increasingly competitive in recent years but they are still an investment. Luckily, the initial cost can be offset by all the money that you will save on reduced energy bills. The government also offers solar panel rebates to make it even more worthwhile to invest in a solar system for your home.
The initial cost of your solar system depends on a few things, like the size of the system you want and the panel quality and brand you choose. Costs for the installation can vary as well, depending on how complex the job is. As a general estimate, the average 6.6 kW system in Perth is likely to cost between $6,000 and $8,500. This is only a general guideline; if you contact us, we will be able to give you a much more accurate quote.
The good news is that the average solar panel set-up has a life expectancy of around 25 years, and most people start to see a return on investment within the first four years of solar panel installation. The smarter you are with your electricity usage – running appliances during the day rather than the night for example – and how much roof space you have for panels – the shorter your payback period is.
There are also government solar rebates available if you choose to put in solar panels, offsetting that initial investment even more. The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is an Australian Government program, which issues tradeable small-scale technology certificates (STCs), which your retailer or installer will factor into your quote and sell on your behalf.
Most home and business rooftop solar panel installations qualify for STCs. Some states offer additional solar panel rebates, but this depends on your location.
Solar panels might be kind to your wallet, but they are also kind to the climate. The environmental benefits of using renewable energy sources like solar power are unarguable, and solar panels allow you to make a contribution to the environment.
Solar panels are a fantastic example of renewable energy, because they harness the power of the sun. Unlike fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas, the sun’s energy is a limitless resource. Using it as a source of energy reduces our reliance on a finite energy source, like fossil fuel, which means more energy independence.
The limitless supply of solar power is also aided by the fact that nobody ‘owns’ the sun or its surroundings so geopolitical conflicts don’t affect its pricing or availability.
The sun is seen as a clean energy source because when you generate electricity with solar panels, it doesn’t release any harmful greenhouse gases. Promoting cleaner energy sources like free solar and other renewables reduces your carbon footprint, as well as your electricity bill.
Solar panels aren’t just about saving the world; they’re about saving you money as well. They do this in two ways:
Firstly, they save you money by reducing your bills through less traditional energy consumption. The electricity that you use which has been generated by your solar panels doesn’t cost you anything. By making the switch to solar, you reduce your use of traditional power sources, and your bills.
The second way solar panels save you money is by the energy independence they buy you. By transferring your electricity use to a source within your own control, you are free from any price fluctuations you might see in the open market. If you invest in a solar battery as well as solar panels, you can store your excess energy and sell it back to the grid.
Solar panels are fairly durable. But, like everything, they do need regular maintenance to ensure they continue to perform. It’s also worth investing in a quality solar panel, rather than simply going for the cheapest option. If you select the right solar panel and have them regularly serviced and maintained, your solar panels could last you around 25 years.
The cost of maintaining your solar panels again depends on the size of your system, and how frequently you have them inspected and cleaned. Basic cleaning will be cheaper than a full service and inspection but the more you have them cleaned, the less likely they are to need repair or work when they are inspected.
Solar panels are designed to withstand extreme heat, cold, wind and hail, and they don’t have any moving parts, which makes them extremely durable. If maintained properly, most solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, which makes them a long-term investment. While their performance might reduce slightly over decades, they are designed to function for a long time.
So, you’ve decided solar panels are worth it. What should you expect from the installation process?
The first thing that needs to happen is a home inspection. We’ll inspect the site to make sure we pinpoint the best possible position for your panels to make the most of the available sunshine. We will also make sure that we avoid any potential hazards and make sure there are no safety issues around access and installation.
Once we’ve established the best location, we will fix the brackets and racking to your roof so that we can get the right solar panel installation angle. We use aluminium clamps to attach the panels and connect them together with cables. Finally, we connect the panels to the inverter and into the grid. Your solar panels are then ready to harness the energy from the sun.
It’s important to be aware that bad weather can affect your solar panel installation; calm, dry weather with moderate temperatures is the ideal time to have your solar panels installed.
While solar panels are definitely worth installing, we wouldn’t be giving you the full picture if we didn’t mention the drawbacks.
The main drawback to solar panels is the initial layout. The upfront cost of buying and installing a solar energy system can be expensive, although your reduced energy bills will eventually offset the cost. Solar panel costs have decreased and the government’s STCs also reduce the expense. But it’s important to be aware that solar panels will set you back.
Variations in the weather can make solar panels seem like a luxury item, particularly in areas that don’t get a lot of sunshine. In Western Australia, weather variation is less of a factor, as our sunshine is a consistent factor.
Solar panels can draw the eye and some people don’t like the appearance of solar panels on a roof. It’s important to weigh up these considerations before you commit to solar power systems, though generally speaking the increased value solar panels bring to a property cancel out any negative effects of their appearance.
If you’re considering solar panel installation, why not give us a call? We provide a top class service and quality solar panel installations and we’re happy to talk you through your needs. We have over 45 years of experience so if you’re thinking about signing up to solar, let us help.
Matt Mouritz · Director
Matt is a director at Mouritz, a Perth based air conditioning and solar specialist. He shares straightforward advice on choosing, running and looking after cooling, heating and solar systems, with a focus on what actually works for Perth homes and our local climate. When he is not writing, he is helping customers find the right setup for their home and budget.
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Air conditioning & solar advice
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