We’re Certified Carbon Neutral!

We are proud that E-Smart Solar is the first solar company in NSW to be Climate Active certified. Climate Active certification is an important step in our journey to being a more sustainable and environmentally conscious organisation.

We are located at the base of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains, so we understand the importance of our environmental impact as a business. We have chose to be carbon neutral, hoping this heritage site can be enjoyed, as it is today, for generations to come.

So what does this all mean?

The Climate Active brand is a simple yet powerful way for companies to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that they have a credible and transparent claim of carbon neutrality. It is the only government accredited carbon neutral certification scheme in Australia.

The Climate Active brand represents Australia’s collective effort to calculate, reduce, and offset carbon emissions to lessen our negative impact on the environment. The Climate Active certification is awarded to businesses and organisations that have credibly reached a state of achieving net zero emissions, otherwise known as carbon neutrality.

“Understanding where our carbon emissions are coming from and where we can reduce these emissions has helped us manage parts of our business more efficiently.”

What can homeowners do?

The best thing homeowners can do to support us is to take the time to understand the solar system they are buying. Additionally, customers can also support us through understanding that the environmental benefits of solar power are the main reason we do what we do as well as helping homeowners and business owners to reduce their carbon footprint – not just their power bills.

Speak to our expert solar team about how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Do Solar Panels Lose Efficiency?

Whether solar panels lose efficiency can be partially affected by the way the panels are treated. But that’s not the only thing that could cause a lack of efficiency.

The best thing you can do for your solar panels is gain knowledge about what problems to look for, so you can catch issues early. You may not be able to reverse problems, but you can stop more from happening and reduce the effects of them to increase efficiency. Don’t settle for solar panels that aren’t going to give you what you want, when you can have something far better than that by caring for your panels the right way, from the very beginning.

How to Minimize a Loss of Efficiency

The location and placement of solar system panels can make a big difference in whether they’re efficient or not. Even a system that looks like it’s in the sun all the time might not be as efficient as it could be. Part of that comes from the angle of the sun, which is different during various times of the year.

Another reason for a lack of efficiency is damage that can happen to the panels over time. That can lead to a slow loss of efficiency, which might not be noticed right away. Then once it’s gotten bad enough, it’s seen as a problem and there isn’t anything that can be done about it. It’s better to catch it earlier.

Can Extreme Weather Conditions Damage Solar Panels?

Extreme weather conditions like hail and cyclones can certainly do harm to solar panels. The same is true with severe dust storms and other kinds of weather that’s outside the normal and expected things like rainfall and sunshine.

While most typical types of storms won’t cause a big problem, it’s important to check solar systems after any major storm or weather event. That can help you catch problems quickly, and make any needed adjustments to the solar system so you can keep it working at the highest possible level for the long term.

What is Degradation?

One issue that can reduce efficiency is Potential Induced Degradation, or PID. This can be caused by heat, voltage, and humidity. Because most solar systems are exposed to a combination of these, that combination can take its toll over time.

Fortunately, most solar system models don’t have this problem. It’s important to buy a make and model that’s not known for having this issue, to reduce the chances of experiencing it. Another degradation issue, Light Induced Degradation (LID), occurs in the first days after system installation, when a system degrades based on its exposure to sunlight. It’s rare, but important to watch out for.

What is Delamination and What Causes It?

When delamination occurs, the glass on the front and plastic on the back of a solar panel separate. That means moisture and air can get inside the panel and start to corrode and damage it. This can happen when the plastic and glass aren’t perfectly clean or properly bonded, and often creates an imminent failure in the panels. When it’s noticed, it should be handled right away. By taking good care of your system and watching out for problems, it can provide you with energy for a long time to come.

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

How Lighting Conditions Affect Solar Panel Efficiency

When considering solar panels for your home, you’re probably concerned about Solar Panel Efficiency and whether the shading around the property will affect the output. One of those is often about lighting conditions and how they’re going to affect the efficiency of your solar system. Understanding the ways you can make the system more efficient and make the most of the lighting conditions you have is a very important part of a quality solar system. Here’s what to consider.

Does Shading Prevent a Good Solar Outcome?

Too much shade can sometimes mean that your solar system lacks efficiency. But a little shading for a short time during the day isn’t necessarily mean that your system doesn’t work as planned. It’s always better to position it where there’s more sun to get the maximum benefit, but sometimes that’s unrealistic. If that’s the reality where you live, taking full advantage of the non-shady areas and times is important. That way, you make your solar system as efficient as possible, and you can still have your panels located where you want them to be.

How Does Shading of Trees and Buildings Affect System Performance?

A system that’s getting maximum levels of sunlight will generally always perform better than a system that’s not getting as much sunlight. But the shading of trees may not be as significant of a problem as the shading caused by a building. Trees generally provide a more broken or dappled level of shade, where buildings provide more solid levels of shading that are closer to complete blockages of the sunlight. Some trees can also provide this, but it’s not as common. System performance can definitely be affected by anything that blocks sunlight for a period of time, and the longer the length of the blockage the bigger the overall effect on the system.

What is a Shading Analysis?

A shading analysis can help you see how much the shade in a particular area is going to affect the efficiency of your potential solar system. You can also have an analysis done of your current system, to see if there are ways to make it more efficient. Sometimes changing the angle of the panels with things such as tilt frames or cutting down a tree can mean improved efficiency of your solar system and can be well worth doing. Panels can also be moved in some cases, or installed in a location other than the one you were originally thinking of, however if you are planning on moving panels make sure you check with your installer for warranty violations.

Does the Location and Direction the Panel is Facing Matter?

The location of the panels and the direction they’re facing can absolutely matter. You may also want to adjust them with the seasons, when the angle of the sun is different. By doing that, you’ll be much more likely to have a good experience with your solar system and be able to use your panels at maximum efficiency. Then you get more quality and value, and you can feel better about the efficiency of your system, as well. Taking care where you place your system can be a very important part of using your solar system for the long term.

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

How to Keep Solar Batteries Warm and Functioning Effectively During Cold Weather in The Blue Mountains & Hawkesbury areas

Across Australia, there’s a solid understanding weather conditions can impact solar installations. After all, it’s understood solar panels need sunshine to harvest energy, so the night time hours won’t see solar panels charging up like a superhero before a final battle with the villain! The same principle also applies to the winter months, where a reduction in sunshine throughout the days will diminish what the panels can harvest. For many solar panel owners, the gains they get year-round from having a solar installation – such as having no energy bill in summer and a significantly reduced one in winter – illustrates these limitations on solar are very small.

Nonetheless, taking steps to maximise the performance of a solar installation is always wise. There’s a big difference between a reduction in performance, and letting technology outright lag and underperform. That’s why when it comes to solar batteries and their performance during colder conditions, it’s essential to know how to keep them warm and functioning effectively.

Why Batteries Can Underperform During Wintery Weather

Like solar panels, solar batteries are designed to withstand tough conditions 365 days a year. Among the various types of batteries out there, there are even some Lithium options in the US that can perform in cold weather. But while Lithium batteries offer additional benefits in this area, they can also be far more expensive than the lead-acid types that have been more commonly used in years prior. In turn, regardless of whether a battery can perform in the cold, maintaining an ideal temperature can of course help achieve optimum performance.

It’s necessary to note in some respects cold conditions can actually be best for battery storage because the cool climate helps a battery hold its charge longer. But this isn’t the case when it comes to deep-cycle batteries that are charging and discharging regularly. For a regular Aussie household going about their business with a solar installation with battery storage, the latter is going to be getting an ongoing workout.

Obviously, there’s no ability to control the elements, so the only way to prevent underperformance by a solar battery vulnerable to cold weather is to recognise with clear eyes the challenge winter brings. In turn, to then take steps to minimise the impact of chilly conditions on a solar battery.

Warming to the Idea

There are many ways to protect a solar battery from the cold depending on the battery and particulars of conditions in a local area. But there are common principles found in use from one locale to another that can serve as a blueprint.

1. First, it’s important to consult with a trusted professional regarding the particulars of your solar battery, where it’s currently installed, and how it could be shielded from wintery weather.

2. Second, to recognise numerous options could be available depending on these factors.

3. Third, that depending on the change in environmental conditions from one season to the next it may be necessary to adjust a battery storage structure a little now and then. Once again, we can advise on this too.

Yet as an example of the potential solutions on offer, the best remedy can often be the storage of a solar battery with insulation, within an enclosure. An insulated box that fits a battery’s characteristics can allow for temperature regulation, wherever a battery is ultimately located on a property. Ideally, it may be an insulated box that is easy to remove, so if the need arises once warmer months roll around, the box can be taken off.

Regular Maintenance for Reliable Outcomes

It’s certainly important to see a solar battery stays warm and continues to operate effectively during winter. But it’s useful to keep in mind that while maintaining a solar battery is indeed a key element of keeping a solar installation in good working order year-round, it’s not the only one. In fact, there’s a number of steps that should be pencilled in to-do throughout the calendar year to see a solar installation’s performance is at optimum. For example, checking an inverter is working, and getting the panels cleaned.

Staying Power in Winter

Solar panel installations are terrific pieces of tech, but they’re also not static. Unquestionably, getting the actual installation done of a rooftop solar system is the biggest step in the process – and choosing to work with a quality solar installer makes this step much easier. But ongoing upkeep will be necessary following installation to get the most out of the system. Keeping batteries warm during winter is an essential part of this for installations that make use of battery storage.

Understanding how batteries perform during different seasons is the first step in this process. Then consulting with a trusted professional regarding what solutions will be available follows (keeping in mind enclosing a battery in an insulated container is often the best option). Finally, it’s wise to be mindful slight adjustments may need to be made to a battery storage process in future when changes in seasonal weather occur. But this notwithstanding, usually once a battery storage structure is in place it should be able to serve the system well from one year to the next with little hassle. That’s surely a solution to winter woes we can feel charged up about!

We focus very heavily on providing our customers with the level of service they deserve. 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.

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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I Want to Install Solar But I Don’t Know How Much to Spend

It’s hard to know how much to spend for a solar installation. There’s a huge spectrum between the cheapest systems and the most expensive systems. We’re here to help you make your decision.

It’s hard to know how much to spend for a solar installation. There’s a huge spectrum between the cheapest systems and the most expensive systems. How do you know that you’re not paying too much? When should you be scared of paying too little?

Quality Solar Components vs. Cheap Solar

First: there are always going to be deals that look like fantastic options. There’s a lot of cheap solar out there. But most cheap solar systems are cutting a lot of corners. They aren’t necessarily safe, and the installation isn’t always handled properly. With a cheap solar system, you might not have the maintenance or support that you need.

While you can save money on the initial system and installation, this will likely cost you money long-term. You may need to replace the technology and equipment more frequently, or you could even experience something dangerous and dramatic… like a house fire.

Thus, when comparing solar, you shouldn’t necessarily go with the lowest bid. But how can you know what’s too low?

What Does the Solar Industry Recommend Spending?

Here’s the easiest way to find out what the “going rate” for a solar system in your area is: get a few quotes. Call some solar system companies up and compare different amounts. You’ll likely have some very low bids, but also a lot of bids that are clustered fairly close together. That “cluster” is probably going to be the general, reasonable rates in your area.

When it comes to solar, you get what you pay for. The more you spend, the more care is likely to go into installation and maintenance. A cheaper system may not have any included maintenance: you might need to pay quite a lot every time you need troubleshooting or repairs. The costs of a solar system is only partly the solar panels themselves; it’s also the labor and the services provided.

So, the cost of your system is going to vary, depending on what the company can offer. The company may have higher quality parts and expert technicians who are on call 24/7 to answer your questions. That’s going to be on the more expensive side. On the other hand, a company may have high quality parts, but you may need to pay for all your service calls. That could be more moderately priced.

Average solar power costs for a 3kw system in Australia ranges between $3,000 to $8,000, so you can see that there’s a significant range. And you may add to those costs by doing things like adding batteries, which can store unused power and make your solar system more effective and functional overall. But you can talk with your solar company about your budget and figure out a way to create a system that works best for you.

And don’t forget that there are a lot of tax credits available for both commercial and residential solar power installations. It’s possible that your final cost could be impacted by these tax benefits.

How Can You Pay for Solar?

So, what if the solar system costs in your area are high? You know that solar installations will save you money over time, but you still need to pay the cost of the system to begin with. With housing prices increasing in Australia, that’s not trivial.

But there are ways. Many solar panel companies offer financing, and there are also home equity loans that are open for renovations. It’s often fairly easy to get financing for solar systems, so you don’t need to pay the entire cost upfront.

Don’t assume that you can’t afford a solar panel system. It may be less expensive than you think, and it is going to save you money over time. Instead, get some quotes, compare, and figure out whether your budget will allow for it. You may be able to get an easy payment plan.

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