Category: Solar systems

7 Solar Installation Checks You Can Start Today

The day your solar installation is switched on for the first time can be very exciting – but it’s important day one isn’t the last time you’ve got your solar installation front of mind. This is because the failure to complete regular checks can not only lead to a drop in proper performance of the installation but even pose a safety risk. For anyone with a solar installation, there are 7 questions you should ask yourself today to help ensure its ongoing efficiency and safety.

1. Is My Inverter Working Properly?

Commonly, an inverter will display a green light and a screen with a reading of various values. But if your inverter is displaying a red light – or perhaps no lights at all – it could be a sign there’s a problem. It’s always best to refer to your inverter’s manual to confirm what lights correspond to what operating state, as different lights can mean different things on varying models. Yet as a general rule – like traffic lights – if the light isn’t green it’s necessary to stop and take notice. The same applies to the display screen, if no information is showing up it’s usually an indication the inverter isn’t working properly.

2. When Was the Last Time My Installation Was Inspected?

When a solar installation is done with quality parts by a quality installer, then statistically speaking solar panels are very safe. But it’s important to understand that it’s necessary to ensure they’re inspected regularly. The reality is the daily exposure to the outdoors that solar installations face can give rise to issues such as corrosion, water damage, animals interfering with wiring, and so on. Every installation and its surrounding environment is different – so it’s necessary to check in with a trusted electrician regarding how often precisely an inspection is recommended – but as a guide getting an inspection once every 6 months is common. 

3. When Was the Last Clean?

Just the same as an inspection, it’s also recommended a solar installation gets a regular clean. Environmental conditions and other factors will inform how often this should be – so check with a trusted cleaner – but getting one done every 6 months is a common timeline.

4. Has There Been a Change in the Environment Around the Solar Installation?

Solar installations work best when they have an uninterrupted view of the sky. When anything intrudes upon that view it can diminish the effectiveness of the installation. There are some obvious changes that you may recognise could have an impact. For example, if your neighbour recently decided to convert his single storey home into a 3 storey structure, and the upper levels are now shading your installation during the day. Other obstructions such as growing trees may be less immediately obvious but are still able to diminish the production of solar power if causing shading on the panels from one day to the next.

5. If There’s Been a Change Is It Wise to Relocate the Panels?

If there’s now an obstruction to the clear line of sight to the sky your solar installation had prior it will be necessary to address it in order to restore the installation to its maximum capacity. If it’s a simple obstruction – like cutting down a branch on the aforementioned tree – then there will not be a need to relocate the solar panels. But if the obstruction will be ongoing – such as the new storeys on your neighbour’s home – then relocating the affected panels to another part of your roof should be done. Although taking this step may feel a little frustrating if the cause of the obstruction is out of your hands, the good news is relocation jobs like this are usually pretty straightforward (provided relocating panels on another part of the roof is doable).

6. Am I Getting the Best Feed-in Tariff?

Not all energy providers are made equal. Across Australia, some offer better rates for a feed-in tariff than others. It’s important to check your local market – you may ultimately find there isn’t that much difference (if any at all) between the best value rate on the market and your current one – but certainly, it’s worth checking out. Not only once but regularly, in case of prices change.

7. Is Now a Good Time to Get a Battery Installed?

Every solar installation is different. So too is every solar owner’s circumstances. So ultimately the question of whether or not now is a good time to get a battery is a complex consideration that each solar owner must make a judgement call on themselves. This notwithstanding, battery technology continues to come along in leaps and bounds. If your solar installation was done years ago and you didn’t go ahead with a battery then? Now could be a good time to revisit the possibility of getting one. 

Regular Maintenance Will Provide Optimum Solar Performance

A rooftop solar system can help you cut down energy bills today, and insulate you against any rising cost of energy in the future. Rooftop solar installations are also fascinating and fantastic pieces of tech, and each one helps contribute to a cleaner and greener future. In order to be at their best, we have to be at our best when it comes to doing regular checks on them. Regularly reviewing these questions here will help you to get the most out of a well-maintained solar installation from one year to the next.

If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains or Hawkesbury home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

A Burning Issue: Solar Fire Safety Concerns – Installing Solar in the Blue Mountains and Penrith

Australia has a love affair with solar. It’s akin to Australia’s love affair with the sun generally. After all, we’re the land of sun, sea, and sand. But the potential dangers or poorly-made and/or incorrectly installed solar panels are real. Just the same as too much time out in the sun without adequate protection can pose a risk to your health, the same applies to low-quality solar (LQS).

Unfortunately, the risks of LQS are not confined to losing cash on a bad installation. Or having a solar system that’s more inefficient than a quality one. The reality is a LQS can have serious safety concerns, and their existence in the industry do immense harm to consumer confidence, quality solar businesses, and Australia at large. It’s essential everyone is aware of these issues. So let’s go through them now in-depth.

Rare but Really Dangerous

When a solar installation is done with quality parts by an experienced professional, the panels should be safe and enjoy a very long lifespan. But the reality is a LQS installation can pose a major danger. Recent stats illustrate how confronting this issue is. Reportedly, data from NSW Fire and Rescue illustrates the state’s firefighters attended almost 140 solar panel fires in 2020. In 2019 they did so for 56, and in 2018 for 22.

Yet since then demand for solar installations has only grown, and this means statistically NSW firefighters and their counterparts around Australia will be spending far more time and resources in future, attending to solar panel fires if the issue isn’t addressed.

A Missed Opportunity for High Quality Solar Installations in The Blue Mountains and Penrith

This is an issue that’s both local and international in scope. LQS systems do a disservice to Australia’s ambition to pursue a clean energy future. Instead of a quality solar installation that’ll be more beneficial for their owner and the national energy grid as a whole, LQS systems frustrate this process. Sure they generate some solar energy, but alongside being a case of ‘throwing good money after bad’, they also take up space on a roof where a quality system could otherwise go.

While some Aussies once they discover they’ve had a LQS installed will immediately remove it – and this should of course be done if it’s not simply a question of efficiency but an actual safety risk being posed by its ongoing use – many may feel they’ve not got the cash to do another installation, and so will put it down as a missed opportunity. The implications of LQS also stretch beyond our borders, for if the Australian market was permitted to become an international “dumping ground” for LQS components, in years ahead the entire nation’s solar output could be fundamentally underpowered, and make Australia’s contribution to fighting climate change by growing green energy altogether underwhelming.

Greater Education of Consumers Necessary

Part of the challenge with the solar industry at present is a common misconception among consumers. Many people mistakenly think solar panels will last forever once installed – after all the sun isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, right? – or at the very least will go for a good 25 years as per the warranty many installers offer.

But even these warranties involve a reading of the fine print to understand that they don’t guarantee optimum performance of an installation for a quarter of a century, but instead are more akin to a limited power warranty. The good news is with regular upkeep and maintenance a quality solar installation can be expected to accrue some terrific mileage. The bad news is a LQS installation could begin creating headaches on day 1 of operation.

Any Aussies thinking a solar installation is something they can get done this year and leave to languish until the late 2040s are very wrong. Especially because of the widespread safety issues that exist today due to LQS.

A Need For Greater Involvement by Industry Authorities

Concerns surrounding LQS is no new issue. It’s held an audit by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) of the Clean Energy Regulator in 2018 inspected just 1.2% of Australian rooftops, but found poorly installed – and even outright unsafe – installations among thousands upon thousands of Aussie homes. The decade ahead is expected to see solar uptake continue to surge. This means this already substantial problem is only going to grow larger.

Australians need only look at the debacle that’s been the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout to know the absence of proper investment and sufficient oversight by authorities in the mass uptake of a new technology can ultimately become a huge hindrance on the country in the long run. This should not be the case for solar in a nation that is by many measures a world leader in its renewable energy potential. But the absence of stronger regulation and safeguards in this space to ensure LQS installations are driven out is right now lacking in the Australian landscape.

Ending Blank Cheque Rebates

For governments the realities of LQS requires careful consideration surrounding the structure of any current (and future) rebates. The rationale for these rebates is sound. Encouraging Aussies to take up solar is great and – especially for those among us who’re keen to do it but may not quite have the cash on hand right now for a good solar setup – by bridging the divide governments get people doing so sooner.

But the issue is when it’s not a good solar setup. The reality is these rebates have helped create a ‘Wild West’ in the Aussie solar industry. LQS retailers will spruik to prospective customers the potential to get a solar system for a very small amount once rebates are factored in. To consumers that are otherwise unaware it sounds like a good deal – but the deal is often too good to be true.

The exact settings a rebate reform would take on are best discussed another time, elsewhere. But strong protections exist in other Australian industries that guard against goods being sold which are defective or otherwise not fit for purpose. Common sense tells us LQS installations that do not work, do not last, and represent a safety risk could fit under these definitions.

For All Solar Panel Owners in The Blue Mountains and Penrith: The Importance of Being Proactive

Right now many Aussies don’t understand that solar panel installations are not something an owner should just ‘set and forget’ once the installation is complete. It’s easy to recognise why this perception could occur. After all, solar panels are seen as pretty straightforward technology. Unlike a car where the need for regular maintenance and inspection is recognised, essentially solar installations have no moving parts – and unless it occurs via something sudden like a hail storm – it’ll usually take a while for anyone to notice any visible damage that’s occurred.

In turn, given the placement of panels on a roof, non-obvious damage is unlikely to be noticed at all. A poorly functioning solar panel system can indeed be unsafe (more on that in a moment), but it also diminishes the effectiveness, and thus the value of the installation. It’s true there are some very fastidious solar panel owners among us who will daily monitor their installation’s performance, but most Aussies will only have the chance to check from time to time. Such owners may not notice there’s a problem until they recognise after a substantial period of time (such as a year or more) that their electricity bills have spiked or their feed-in tariff isn’t what it used to be, and by then it could equate to a decent chunk of cash lost due to an underperforming system.

But unquestionably, the safety aspect is the critical concern here. Although LQS is where the greatest likelihood of a solar safety issue will occur – and those who’ve taken the time to get a quality system installed by a reputable installer can by and large enjoy peace of mind – it’s also good to be proactive when it comes to maintaining the quality of safety of a solar installation. 

The reality is while quality solar panels are built tough, like essentially anything left out in the elements extreme winds, debris, and even mischief-making by possums and other wildlife can damage the panels. That’s why once an installation has occurred, planning for a regular inspection by a licensed electrician is prudent. The exact definition of ‘regular’ can depend on a number of variables, but as a guide once every six months is a good general estimate. 

This same timeframe also exists when it comes to cleaning the panels. Matter like dust, dirt particles, and – an unfortunately common culprit – bird droppings can diminish the effectiveness and safety of your solar system. Solar panel cleaners are available to attend to this task, and many can easily be found with a quick Google search. Yet just as it’s the case with LQS installers, it’s prudent to do your research beforehand and ensure a team you hire for the job has the skill and expertise to do the task properly.

See the list of solar panels we offer here.

Putting Out the Fire

The growing threat of solar fires represents an immediate threat to solar owners and the industry at large. For providers and installers of quality solar, the good work of them and their colleagues in growing the industry and Australia’s renewables in recent years is undermined by LQS. Of course, global supply chains factor into this, but that’s precisely why local authorities require a rethink in their approach to regulation and quality controls throughout the industry.

For governments, there’s a vested interest in seeing an end to LQS installations. The national aims in combating climate change have been interwoven with rebates and other incentives for Australians to install solar panels. If the end-result of a green energy policy that discounts the cost of solar panel installations is an array of LQS setups, then that’s a bad ROI on taxpayer dollars.

To remedy this, it’s clear greater education of consumers is necessary. In turn, greater oversight by regulatory authorities. Otherwise, the risk grows that additional fire outbreaks and media coverage of them results in a decline of solar uptake. That’s a loss for government and business.

And yes, consumers have a role to play here too. It’s important for anyone thinking about a solar system to do their research carefully. In turn, anyone with a solar system should now look deeper into the specifics of their system if they have any concerns. So too should all solar owners ensure they’re in the habit of regular maintenance of their system.

But ultimately addressing the current ills in the industry requires going to the roots of the tree. This is not something individuals can do. It requires a new approach from larger stakeholders.

Shining a light on the issues with LQS in the industry may not delight all, but it’s necessary to see the right thing done by solar owners, qπuality solar providers, and the national interest overall. 

Looking to go solar in The Blue Mountains or Penrith? Get the best products with E-Smart Solar. Contact us today for high quality solar and we’ll get you started.

Can I Have a Solar Battery and Get a Feed-in Tariff in The Blue Mountains or Penrith?

Many Australians with an interest in solar find the dynamics between batteries and feed-in tariffs confusing. This is completely normal. After all, it’s true starting a solar installation project can be a little intimidating. Yes, getting a solar installation done can be great – but it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why now is a great time to look at the relationship between batteries and feed-in tariffs in Australia.

The Basics of Batteries and Feed-in Tariffs in The Blue Mountains and Penrith

For anyone yet to be familiar with how solar batteries and feed-in tariffs work, a quick recap is worthwhile.

Batteries: Solar panels generate energy during the day. As they do, the excess can be stored in a battery for later use, for when electricity is in need but the panels are not drawing any.

Feed-in tariffs: Feed-in tariffs are a credit that solar panel owners receive for any excess energy they generate with their panels that is then fed back to the grid.

If Not Today, Perhaps Tomorrow

It’s not critical to have a battery in order to gain access to a feed-in tariff. In fact, it’s not necessary to have a battery at all. In such cases, any excess energy will automatically be fed out to the grid. This said, many Aussies installing a solar system do find there’s value in having a battery. Furthermore, many Aussies that right now do not have a solar battery are looking to get one in future, once battery technology advances further.

So although it’s not a hard and fast choice, it’s instead one best thought of as being a question of strategy. It’s held as of December 2020 more than 2.66 million rooftop solar systems had been installed across Australia. Just as many millions more are set to be installed, existing solar installations will get added to, and otherwise modified in years ahead. For example, as well as adding a battery, it’s expected many homes will eventually install a charging station for an electric vehicle (EV) that is charged – at least in-part – by the solar installation.

The Case for Going Double

Installing a solar system is not about the benefits you get on day 1 of its use, but day 100, day 1000, and so on. A solar system can drive down energy costs, and drive up the value of a property. In this regard, getting a battery will make the installation a bigger job, but it means the extra energy the panels generate can be stored, and then later utilised.

A Diminished Appetite for Feed-in Tariffs

It’s necessary to keep in mind that the solar industry is – notwithstanding its ongoing growth – subject to change when it comes to both batteries and feed-in tariffs. Put simply, batteries are getting better as time goes on. In turn, while many governments have sought to implement generous feed-in tariffs to incentivise installations in years prior, the sheer popularity of solar across Australia today means in future the rate of such feed-in tariffs will reduce, and eventually likely come to an end altogether.

But these are issues for the mid-term to long-term. Although there’s always scope for a surprise (especially in this pandemic era), unless your local state or territory government’s feed-in tariff scheme is changing soon, there’s no need to be frantically ringing about solar installers tomorrow looking to get a set of panels up ASAP. In fact, it’s a reality not all solar providers will actually provide a quality installation with quality materials – so taking some time to do some in-depth research and discern what you should avoid when seeking a solar installer is always best.

Where Can I Find Out More About Feed-in Tariffs in The Blue Mountains and Penrith?

The Australian government has a good starting point for anyone looking to come up to speed on specific rates for feed-in tariffs across Australia. The precise rates for a feed-in tariff can vary across Australian states and territories, and from one energy provider to the next. Many people make use of energy price comparison websites to find a feed-in tariff they like.

It’s also useful to keep in mind that – as aforementioned – these feed-in tariffs can be subject to change. If you find a tariff you like in The Blue Mountains or Penrith areas, it’s useful to confirm with E-Smart Solar how long the current rate will be in operation for.

What Are Micro-Inverters, and Do I Need One?

Whether you need micro-inverters or string inverters in your solar system, and which of those would be the best choice, has to be considered carefully when you are purchasing a system for your home. In order to make the right choice, you need an understanding of both of these inverters, what they do, and how they are different from one another. The pros and cons of each are also important. Here is what you need to know.

What Are Micro-Inverters?

Micro-inverters are used under each solar panel, to convert the sun’s energy to electricity. The advantage of this kind of inverter is that it is harnessing all the power right at the panel. That means you will get the maximum electricity production to the electric grid or your fuse box. It is also easy to expand your system when you have micro-inverters installed because you can simply add more panels and more inverters. It is an easy way to add on to what you already have at a later date.

What is the Inverter’s Role in a Solar System?

In a solar system, the micro-inverter is designed to make the most of what you are getting from the sun. It does this by being strategically placed at each solar panel, instead of being in another location. Its proximity to the solar panel matters, because it minimizes loss of the collected energy before that energy is turned into usable electricity for your home. This is just one of the advantages it has over a string inverter.

What is a String Inverter?

A string inverter is a unit that is installed as a stand-alone option. Typically, it is located near the fuse box and electric meter. It creates electricity from the strings of solar panels to which it is connected. Most residential solar panels have only one string inverter. Some larger systems may use two. These are easy to replace if they fail, and only needing one of them is a benefit of using this type of inverter. But you risk losing a lot of the energy you collect, as it travels from the solar panels to the inverter.

How Much Does a Micro-Inverter Typically Cost?

While micro-inverters are much smaller than their string inverter counterparts, they are also more expensive. This can add between 20 to 30 percent more to the price of a solar system. The price of these inverters is coming down, though, and eventually, the extra cost of using them will be minimal. Still, it is important to remember that there are a lot of them needed — one for every panel. Additionally, they are on the roof. Trying to maintain or replace them can be more difficult due to their location, and they are also more subject to the effects of weather. Still, they are popular with a lot of people because they help maximize the value received from a solar energy system.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons of micro-inverters and string inverters when it comes to your individual budget, needs, and situation. That can make it easier for you to determine which one will be right for you.

If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains, Penrith or Emu Plains home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

What Are the Warranties on Panels and Inverters?

Choosing the right panels and inverters for your solar energy system is important, but so is making sure those components are warranted properly. If they stop working for some reason or you have other problems with them, you want them to be covered. But there is a bit of a catch to the warranty on these items, in that there are actually four separate warranties to be considered. Here is what you need to know about the most common warranties for these products.

Panel Performance Warranty

The performance warranty on solar panels is generally for 25 years, although some manufacturers raise this warranty to 30 years, instead. When an installation company talks about the warranty on solar panels being for 25 years, it is generally on the performance only and does not cover other aspects of the system or the panels themselves.

Panel Product Warranty

Typically, the panel product warranty is between five and 10 years, depending on the company that installs the panels and what they’re offering. This is far different — and far shorter — than the panel performance warranty. However, many people incorrectly assume that the panel product warranty is the same as the panel performance warranty. That could lead them to thinking they have more coverage than they actually do, and for a longer period of time, as well.

Inverter Warranty

The Inverter warranty is almost always for five years, but there are sometimes upgrade options that can push this warranty to 10 years or longer. These upgrades are generally not free, and may be offered at the time of the sale or the time of the installation. Additional warranties can provide good value if they are low in cost, but it is important to understand how much the price will rise.

Installation Warranty

The warranty for the installation is provided by the installer, not the manufacturer of the solar panels or other system components. Usually, this warranty is for one or two years. In some cases, installation warranties can be 10 years long, but this is not common. Asking your installer about the length of their warranty is vital to having the knowledge you need about your system.

What Should You Ask Your Installer About Warranties?

Before choosing an installation company for your solar panels and inverters, make sure to ask that company about their warranties. The installer may say there is a 25-year warranty, but it is important to understand that does not cover everything. While it may cover the panel performance, other aspects of the job have warranties that are much shorter. It is very important to understand exactly what you are getting.

Who Should You Speak to About Product Issues or Safety Risks?

If you have product issues or you see something you believe is a safety risk, contacting your installer is the first step. They are knowledgeable about the job they completed for you, and have all the information about the manufacturers of the products they installed, as well. Whether or not your panels or inverters are still under warranty, it is very important that you address safety risks and other problems promptly. With care and proper maintenance, your solar panels and inverters can provide good value and last a long time.

If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains, Penrith or Emu Plains home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

How many panels or what size system will I need?

Getting a solar system for your home can give you the opportunity to save on your electric bills. But it is very important that you get the right system for your needs. How much power you use, what you have available to spend, and other factors will all play a role. Here are some of the most important things you should consider before choosing your new system.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need for Your Home?

The peak output is what you want to look at when deciding the number of solar panels to use for your home. That output, though, is for a perfect, sunny day. You will not see the same level of output when you have overcast conditions or if a part of your roof is frequently blocked or shaded by trees or other buildings. How many panels you need, though, will come down to two things: how much energy you use, and how much you have or want to spend on the solar panel system. An additional consideration will be the size of the roof where you’re placing the panels, as there is only so much space available for them.

Understanding Electricity Consumption Patterns to Determine Output

The ways in which you use electricity matter when deciding how many solar panels you will need or what size system will be the best for your specific situation. Using electricity more evenly throughout the day can mean the need for a smaller system, mostly because there is not going to be a large drain on the system at any point during a 24-hour period. If you have a large home and family, though, or you use a large amount of electricity at one time, having a large system or more panels can be the right choice.

How Much Are You Prepared to Spend?

The amount you want to spend on your solar system is an important factor to consider. Some people even borrow against their mortgage in order to buy a larger system with the idea that it will pay off for them in the long run. That is not right for everyone, but it is well worth discussing when it comes to how you plan to fund your system and whether you should choose a larger one instead of a smaller one that may be more affordable upfront.

Average kWh Per System Size

The average number of kWh (kilowatt hours) can be calculated with the understanding that every one kW of solar panels, you can expect to get about four kWh per day of electricity. That’s a rough estimate, and the amount can vary slightly from day to day. How much sunlight you receive, the time of year, and your location, as well as how the panels are oriented, all play a role in the actual production of electricity from your solar system.

By working with a good installer, you can focus on how many panels and the size of the system with confidence that you are getting quality answers to your questions. That will give you the maximum value for your new solar system.

If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains, Penrith or Emu Plains home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

Complete Guide to Solar: Getting a Quote

When you purchase a solar energy system for your home, it’s important to find an installer who provides accurate, honest quotes. A reliable estimate will help ensure that you’re paying a fair price and won’t be surprised by the final bill.

What to Expect

Competent, trustworthy contractors visit customers’ homes before they offer quotes. If an installer sends an estimate via phone or email without seeing your house, this amount may not reflect the actual price. Each home needs different solar and electrical equipment.

A contractor ought to examine your circuit breaker, roof and any obstructions before estimating the cost. It’s also crucial to evaluate a home’s power needs. For example, a dwelling with electric appliances will need larger photovoltaic panels than a house with gas equipment.

Detailed Quotes

Your installer shouldn’t just state a single amount. You ought to receive an estimate that lists the prices of specific items, such as the mounting hardware, DC-to-AC inverter and solar panels. If you desire a rechargeable backup battery, the quote should also list the cost of this equipment separately.

A detailed estimate will provide specific information about these products as well. For instance, it ought to list the model, wattage and quantity of photovoltaic panels. Look for the inverter’s output capacity; this equipment plays a crucial role in most systems.

Meter Upgrades

Your electricity retailer will be in charge of your meter. Ask if you’ll need to replace or upgrade your electrical meter. This step may add as little as $60 or as much as $300 to the total price. Your retailer will need the solar installer’s Certificate of Compliance (CCEW) and Permission to Connect (PTC) letter forwarded to the retailer. Energy Australia and Origin Energy has a smart meter form that needs to be completed and sent along with the PTC and CCEW. Older meters often cost more to upgrade. Queensland residents face a very small monthly fee rather than a larger one-time upgrade expense.

Installation Work

A quote should reveal how much money you’ll spend on installer labour. Workers must transport and set up the equipment before connecting it to your home’s electrical system. Labour costs may rise if they need to dig a trench for underground cables.

Warranty Coverage

Be sure to learn about the warranty that comes with a system. How long does it stay in effect, what does it cover, and is it provided by a trustworthy, well-established company? Panels from LG Electronics normally include 25-year guarantees.

Getting Money Back

A knowledgeable contractor should be able to estimate feed-in tariffs and rebates. These credits could help you recover the cost of your equipment. The Small-Scale Technology Certificate supplies larger rebates for more powerful systems. Feed-in tariffs compensate you for excess power that your panels add to the electrical grid.

Ask the installer about a system’s payback period. This is the approximate number of years it will take for you to recover your investment through electricity savings, rebates and tariffs. Keep in mind that unpredictable weather and economic conditions can shorten or lengthen this period.

Installation Time

In addition to estimating the cost and future savings, an installer ought to tell you when the work would begin and how long it will take to complete. The number of days may vary depending on how many people the company employs and the level of demand for its services.

To sum it up, you can benefit from finding a solar contractor who takes the time to inspect your home and provide you with comprehensive information on every major aspect of an installation project.

If you are interested in installing solar on your Blue Mountains, Penrith or Emu Plains home, contact E-Smart Solar for a quote.

 

I Want To Install Solar But I Need Help Finding A Good Solar Installer In My Area

Once you know that you want to install solar, you still need to find a good solar installer in your area. And that can be difficult. Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.

Once you know that you want to install solar, you still need to find a good solar installer in your area. And that can be difficult. There are a lot of solar companies out there, and it is important to consider the quality of their work and how that will translate to an installation for your home.

How Can You Find a Solar Installer?

You can start by asking friends and family. If there’s someone you know who just got their solar installed, ask for their recommendations. Customers know whether they got good service, and word-of-mouth is an excellent way to begin your search. But what if you don’t know anyone who has invested in a solar installation?

If that’s the case, you need to start with Google. Through Google, you can find installers in your area, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re good. You want to check their reviews. Check online to see whether there are complaints against them, and look at their social media accounts and blog to see whether they seem to be knowledgeable and reliable.

A complaint or two isn’t necessarily the end of the world. Every business has one or two upset customers. But if the business didn’t respond to complaints in a professional manner, that’s a red flag.

Talking to Solar Installers

Once you have an idea of what’s available in your area, it’s time to talk to installers and get some quotes. When talking to installers, keep in mind that not all solar services are going to be made equal. Some of them are going to have more services than others, such as free maintenance for a certain period of time, or a longer warranty.

Ask your installer questions about where they source their products and what type of products they have. You may want more than just solar panels: you may also want batteries, inverters, and other types of products. Your solar panel installer should be able to walk you through what’s available and discuss how this could impact your installation.

Check the websites for these companies and whether they have a significant presence. Ask about their certifications and make sure their certifications are up-to-date.

Comparing Quotes for Installers

A solar installation can be expensive. Depending on what you want, it could be a few thousand dollars, or over ten thousand dollars. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from competing companies. While you don’t necessarily want the cheapest quote, you do want a quote that is reasonable.

When it comes to solar installation, a cheap quote is usually taking money from something important, such as safety standards, or installation. If there’s a quote for solar installation that’s wildly cheaper than any other quote, it’s probably not a good deal — it’s probably faulty equipment.

More expensive quotes are usually expensive for a reason, such as the longer warranties mentioned before. Ask each installer what goes into their quotes, and they may be able to find ways to reduce your costs.

Making a Final Decision

Before you decide on a solar installer, ask if they have any references. Often, they should have a reference or two from a great installation that they did, or they should be able to point you towards their testimonials online.

There are many startups in the solar power industry. These aren’t necessarily bad, they’re just untested. You can have a great solar startup, but you need to have some evidence that they do good work, and that they do safe work. That’s where testimonials come in. If a company doesn’t have a lot of reviews online, you need to ask for references.

At the end of the day, finding a good solar installer is a lot like finding any type of good contractor. You need to make sure they have a good reputation, that they aren’t billing you too much money, and that they’re going to be reliable. The best way you can do that is to look up research on your own, and to ask them for more information about their company and their process.

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