More and more Australians are choosing to have residential solar panels installed. This is a great way to reduce your electricity bill, while reducing your carbon footprint and helping the environment. If you’re thinking of having solar panels installed in your home, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the most out of this new equipment.
1. Identify your needs
In order to know how many solar panels you’ll require, it is important to calculate your energy needs. You can do this fairly easily by checking back over your old energy bills. Look at the energy consumption on each bill, which will show you how much electricity you typically use in kWh (kilowatt-hours).
Be sure to look over at least one year’s worth of bills so you can check your consumption across the year, as you may use more electricity at certain times of the year. For example, your electricity use is likely to increase in summer when you have the air conditioning running. Ideally, you will install solar panels that supply enough kWh to cover your needs year-round so you don’t need to use the grid at all.
2. Find the right spot
Once you’ve determined how many solar panels you need, you’ll have to work out where to put them. Where you place your solar panels will greatly affect the amount of energy it delivers. Placing the panels in an area that reliably gets constant sunlight is important. Avoid sections of the roof that are shaded by trees or other buildings and structures during the day.
Also keep in mind that if you are planning to have your roof replaced, it is better to do this before you have your solar panels installed. After all, your solar panels will last several decades! If you do install solar panels and later need to upgrade or repair your roof, the panels can be taken down and reconnected afterwards, although this will involve some extra costs.
3. Check for incentives and subsidies
There are incentives and subsidies available for residential solar panels, so be sure to apply for your subsidy when you are installing solar panels. The federal government offers incentives to households and small businesses under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). This means that when installing a solar panel or a hot water system, you may be eligible for a rebate for part of the cost. You can find out more on the official SRES website.
4. Use a trustworthy company
When having solar panels installed in your home, it is also critical that you choose the right company to install them. Installing solar panels requires specific expertise, so it is important to work with a professional company that specialises in this kind of work. You should also investigate the manufacturer’s warranty: Solar panels should be accompanied by a minimum 25-year manufacturer warranty.
Have further questions about installing solar panels on your home? Get in touch with us!
