Questions To Ask Before You Buy Solar
Last updated on March 3rd, 2022
More than ever, now is the best time to invest in solar panels for your residential or business property. A solar or photovoltaic system will generate free electricity for you to use or even sell back into the grid. With rising electricity prices, this can help you save in your monthly expenses. By installing a PV system, your property becomes energy efficient, and its market value can increase. You are also reducing your carbon footprint by drawing less electricity from the electric grid.
If you are considering to buy a solar or photovoltaic system for your home or business, here are some questions that you should ask yourself.
Is my home suitable for solar?
Australia receives sufficient sunlight, but a photovoltaic system will be even more efficient in these conditions:
- You have north-facing roofs. North-facing photovoltaic panels catch the most sunlight. However, south-facing photovoltaic panels can still produce 80% of the panels’ rated power.
- No structures are covering your roof. There must be no shade, no trees, or power lines that obstruct the sun’s line of sight to your roof.
- Your home is located in the northern regions
How much electricity do I actually use?
You must have an idea of how much energy you and your household actually use for you to find the right solar or PV system for your home. Its power output rating must be enough for your energy usage. Your energy consumption and the peak hours of your usage will also determine how and when you will want to use your photovoltaic (PV) system.
Do you want a stand-alone or grid-connected solar power system?
You have the option to use a stand-alone PV system, or a PV system that is connected to your provider’s grid. With a stand-alone PV system, you can use solar energy to power your daytime electric needs. Excess power can be stored in batteries for you to use at night.
With a grid-connected PV system, you can sell your excess power back to the grid. In the long run, you are not only saving on your electric bill, but you can actually earn from your solar or PV system.
Does my electricity provider allow users to provide power back to the electric grid?
If you are planning to set up a grid-connected solar or PV system, you should know if your electricity provider allows its consumers to feed power back into the grid. Inquire if a feed-in tariff is available for. You can also ask how a solar power system will affect your electricity bill.
Are there any warranties or support that come with a solar or PV system?
Warranties and customer support are one way to compare different solar systems suppliers. A longer, more comprehensive warranty and customer support is usually more attractive and will be much more favourable for you.
There are other factors that you should consider before getting a solar power system for your property, but those are some of the most important questions preparing for solar. Doing the necessary research is essential so that you get the most from your investment, don’t be afraid to ask your suppliers questions too. Look for companies and suppliers that have a good reputation, are trustworthy, and are backed with the business fundamentals that prove their efficiency and ability.
