Solar expert weighs in on how to ensure your solar panels are suited to your needs and avoid being ripped off
By the end of 2023 more than four-million Australian homes will be partially, or completely powered by rooftop solar panels. Reduced energy bills, a desire to use renewable energy, and government rebates are driving the uptake. Energy providers are also offering additional incentives, including increased feed-in tariffs, which can help reduce energy bills significantly and in some-cases result in cash back.
Combining these discounted offerings with the current cost-of-living crisis, Aussies are taking solar up at increasing rates, however, many are doing so without considering the best solar offering for their individual circumstances.
According to solar specialist, Matthew Summerville, Co-Founder and CEO of RenewCo Solar, not all solar is created equal: “It’s important to make an informed decision to avoid being caught out by providers who are using the rebates to drive quick profits, rather than focusing on delivering quality solar systems to customers,” said Matthew.
“It is not a one size fits all approach when installing solar products. Each property is different in size, location and structure and each client has different desired outcomes and needs from their system. A lot of companies will offer clients a set package, with limited room to work around issues and increasingly customers are becoming frustrated when their system is not working as effectively as it should or there are ongoing maintenance costs, all which could have been addressed and avoided back at step one,” he continued.
Considerations when deciding on solar panels for your home:
- Be clear on your purpose: what do you want to achieve from solar? Are you looking to reduce your electricity bills, heat your swimming pool, are you concerned about your carbon footprint? Once you can identify its purpose, it makes it easier to match up a system to suit.
- Do your research: customers love to leave online reviews, good and bad. As well as checking their website, also read google and other search reviews and search your local Facebook page. All companies make mistakes – but some make lots of really bad mistakes. Avoid them.
- Work on the three quote method: Each installer will have different prices, thoughts and opinions on best practise for your property which will help you make a more informed decision.
- You can never ask too many questions: a good installer will take the time to listen to all your questions. You may ask whether solar + battery would be more effective to power the home + EV, or swimming pool, whether surrounding trees or birds will pose any problems to your panels? The technology is changing and progressing at a rapid rate so make sure you are getting the latest products the market has to offer.
- Request an independent bill rate analysis: to perform this, installers can look at how you use energy, the type of solar system you are installing, and consider if you have battery, are looking to feed-in to the energy grid and at any other elements of your personal energy use. They can then provide you with the details of the best energy deals on the market to meet your needs.
- Take your installer on a tour: all installers should run a site inspection. Be sure to have them explain and show you where they believe the best location would be for the Inverter, the panels and cabling.
- Know your system ins and outs: before you sign on the dotted line make sure you know what you are getting. What is included, what maintenance will be required and how often, the service call out fees, your contact for troubleshooting, who will be installing; employees or subcontractors and how long the installation will take. Ultimately it is your property, your money and you are in charge!