Are you considering powering your home with solar energy? There are a few things that homeowners should investigate before starting the installation. First of all, homeowners should be well aware of their total electricity usage. Secondly, assess your solar potential. Solar potential can be assessed based on the amount of solar radiation that reaches your place.
Several mapping services are available to calculate your solar potential. The size of the solar system has a prime role in the amount of power generated by solar panels. Choose the right solar system according to your electricity requirements. For instance, a 6.6kW solar system would be ideal for an average to a large-sized household. If you are receiving direct sunlight for even 5 to 6 hours, you can easily meet your power requirements from a 6.6kW solar system. These are 17X390W highly efficient solar panels included in this system. It generates 20kWh to 27kWh of daily energy output.
10kw solar system would be a perfect option for large households. The energy output of the 10kW system is about 29-46kWh per day. This solar system has 27 X 390w panels. The other features are the same as of 6.6kw solar system. The basic distinction between these two solar systems is in terms of energy output capacity. In addition, the 10kw solar system occupies a comparatively large space while installing the solar system on the rooftop. 10kw solar system comes at a reasonable price.
The Australian government offers incentives that make the solar systems even more affordable. Energy requirements, roof space, and the amount of solar radiation at your place are the prime factors to consider while thinking about installing a solar system on your rooftop.
Shall I install myself or call a professional solar installer
Solar system installation is getting easier and you will get umpteen do-it-yourself tutorials on the internet. Installation of solar panels is a challenging process. In order to avoid a hazard, it is always recommended to leave the installation process in the hands of a professional.
You should make sure you understand the requirements of each system before you make a decision on either way. There are many advantages if you prefer to hire a professional to install your rooftop solar panels. First of all, you can keep away yourself from a variety of hassle, particularly electric arcing. Solar professionals handle more than the installation. Most importantly your installer will make a decision on the type and size of the solar system based on your energy need, roof space, and availability of sunlight.
An experienced installer will ensure that all equipment is installed correctly and oriented and tilted in such a way as to maximize the production of solar energy. Besides all these plus factors, professional installers provide 24/7 availability in case you have any issues later with power production. Moreover, they guarantee the safe installation of the solar systems on your roof.
A professional installer can easily choose the right system for your household out of plenty of options available in the market. You can save money considerably by hiring a cheap installer. However, if you don’t have knowledge of electrical wiring and construction, later you may find the setup is complicated. Moreover, any fault in the electrical wiring may pose a peril to your home. Having professionals do the rooftop solar installation can give you confidence that your system will run correctly.
When you are looking for a solar installer, you will have your choice between national installers and local or regional installers. National installers are provided by large companies that operate on a national level whereas small companies that are local and regionally based provide local installers.
In Australia, solar installers must be licensed electrical contractors and only licensed electricians may perform the necessary electrical work. The electrical contractor must submit a Notice of Completion to your network operator when the solar installation is complete. In case of remote installations that are not grid-connected, to the Building and Energy Division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (the department).
The electrical contractor must also give you an Electrical Safety Certificate. These legal documents state the installation is complete, has been tested, and is safe. The best way to choose an experienced and qualified installer is to have a look at their accreditation. Clean Energy Council provides a list of accredited installers. They are certified and trained to ensure your system meets industry best practice standards and all relevant Australian Standards.
On-site solar assessment
The perfect option to install a solar system on your roof is to hire a professional, preferably certified by Clean Energy Council. Reputable solar installers will go to your home to conduct a solar panel site assessment. This is the first step after the contract is signed. On-site assessment includes evaluating your home’s electrical system, shading, and roof.
The installers make a roof analysis by evaluating roof type, condition, and space. Load center, breakers, and grounding are the major factors used to assess the electrical system. An estimate of energy production is prepared by calculating azimuth, shading, and roof planes. On-site solar assessment helps to identify that the house will safely support a cost-effective solar panel installation.
Getting a quote from three professional installers
Clean Energy Council recommends getting more than one quote for the total cost to buy a solar panel. This would help you to complete your installation properly at a reasonable price. Don’t make a quick decision based on just one or two quotes; it could end up costing you time and money. Multiple estimates will give you a good idea of the average price range. It is important to state that panel quality, panel efficiency, and inverter brands are your considering factors. You can also look for online reviews which will help you to get an outsider’s perspective.
Shall I install a battery along with a solar panel?
Yes, nowadays batteries are becoming popular to pair with solar panels. The benefits are many while installing a battery along with your solar panel. For instance, it can provide added resiliency during power outages or enable you to use solar energy when the sun is not shining. Besides that, you can take the advantage of incentives provided by the government.
To sum up, there are a few factors that you should consider for a smooth and hassle-free solar panel installation. Primarily, get quotes from a professional solar installation company and try to get at least three quotes to know the average cost estimate. It is also important to select a company that provides high-quality materials. Finally, make sure to conduct a site assessment to choose the right solar system for your home.
