5 Things to Know Before Buying Solar Panels

As we move towards a more sustainable future, solar energy has emerged as a popular alternative to conventional power sources. Solar power harnessing empowers grid electricity users to get energy independence and reduce their carbon footprint. Solar technology also provides its users with more sustainability and saves money in the long run.

Although solar panel installation appears to be a straightforward process, it involves multiple intricacies. To make it easier, here are five crucial factors that every solar buyer must consider before investing in solar energy. However, before we delve into the checklist, let’s begin by familiarizing ourselves with some fundamental aspects of solar energy.

What Are Solar PV Systems?

Photovoltaic (PV) panels, commonly known as solar panels, convert sunlight into electricity. A combination of solar panels with solar batteries or other accessories makes a solar PV system. While most solar PV systems work best on rooftop setups, they can be installed anywhere that receives steady sunlight for lengthy hours. The converted energy either be stored in solar backups used directly at home, or fed into the main electrical grid, earning users feed-in-tariff credits.

Advantages of Solar Power

Adopting solar energy for your home can bring numerous advantages, improving your quality of life and environmental impact. As a result, innumerable Australians are transitioning towards this sustainable and clean power source. Some of these benefits include:

Cost-effective
Good ROI
Reduces carbon footprint
Lowers energy bills
Increases property value
Solar batteries can store power
Easy to install with good solar and experienced installers
Government support in the form of solar rebates and feed-in tariff
Convenient solar loans
Options between leasing or buying
Long-term warranty, and many more

Now, let’s jump to the 5 factors that you need to know before buying solar panels:

Are Solar Panels Efficient?

Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, and this conversion measures their efficiency. Over the years, the efficiency of solar panels has improved significantly. Currently, the most high-performing solar panels can convert nearly 23% of the absorbed energy, which is considered the highest efficiency rate achieved so far. So, it is good to consider three to five solar brands that give long warranties and after-sales services.

Life Expectancy of Solar Panels

High-quality solar panels have a lifespan of up to 25-30 years, and most solar panel manufacturers offer apt warranties to their customers. However, proper maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity. Annual cleaning and maintenance are mandatory for both commercial and domestic solar panels. Thus, solar panels are the best investment as they can significantly reduce your energy bills and enhance the value of your property.

Evaluate Your Power Consumption

Before buying a solar panel for your home, analyze your daily and monthly power usage. Also, review your energy bills to understand how much energy is being used by your business or residence. All these evaluations would give you a good idea of the budget and suitable type of solar panels for your need. As an additional bonus, inspecting your grid electricity bills can make you aware of how to reduce them effectively.

Get Multiple Solar Quotations

Securing a reliable quote is crucial when selecting a solar panel installer. Professionals recommend obtaining quotes from various well-established companies and solar installers. In Australia, there are numerous solar panel manufacturers, and you can find a list of approved installers by visiting the Clean Energy Council website.

In addition to obtaining quotes, it is significant to ask the right questions about the installation process. Some key questions may include:

What types of warranties do solar companies offer, and how do solar installers compare these to other brands?
What post-installation services are available?
Is the cost breakdown reasonable and within your budget?
What location is best for the installation, and does it align with your preferences?
What rebates and incentives are available?
Can you verify the reputation of the solar brand based on reviews?

Rebates for Tax Incentives

One of the benefits of installing solar panels is solar incentives offered by the government to support solar technology usage. These incentives vary state-wise and provide solar users tax breaks or rebates in exchange for embracing sustainability.

Also, the federal government provides tax credits to eligible solar power consumers. So, do not wait any longer; take the first step toward a more sustainable future today!

PS: Be informed that the solar rebate is gradually being reduced and will be dropped to zero in 2031. Specifically, its value will decrease by one-ninth every January until its total removal.

Take Away

While installing solar panels may not be a complicated process, maximizing the benefits of your solar system requires an in-depth understanding of the technology. So, opt for solar installers with extensive knowledge and experience in solar technology to achieve the best results.

At Ultimate Solar Energy, we make your decision-making process so simple. We design customized solutions based on your requirements, using only the most premium products.

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