September 2023
Top Tips: What To Look For When Getting Solar Panels
Six important tips from our Head of Residential Solar, Liam.
Written by Kerry Mullany
"Not all solar panels are created equal so when choosing a residential system, consider key factors to ensure you get the best buy"
Head of Residential Solar, Liam.
Installing solar panels is an excellent home investment to significantly reduce energy costs and even generate income through selling excess energy back to the grid. With energy bills increasing by up to 25 per cent in the second half of 2023, solar panels provide a great opportunity for customers to move away from unpredictability and further expense.
However, if you are going to purchase panels, remember the specs for various modules differ.
With a wide variety of PV panels available in the Australian market, choosing the right ones can be daunting.
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing rooftop solar for your home.
System Size
The size of your solar panel system will depend on your home’s energy needs and the available space for installation.
A professional solar panel installer can help you determine the appropriate size for your home, factoring energy consumption, available sunlight and roof size.
Top tip: You might need more or less panels than your neighbour, so don't judge your home by others around you. Reach out to us for a Free Solar Health Check.
Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of a solar panel is determined by the amount of sunlight it can convert into electricity. The higher the efficiency rating, the more power the panel can generate. Too easy.
Keep things simple by choosing modules with a high energy efficiency rating. These ones will provide you with the best savings.
Choose Panels Best Suited To Your Home
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin film.
Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient but most expensive.
Polycrystalline panels are less efficient but more affordable.
Thin film panels are the least efficient but are highly flexible, making them ideal for curved surfaces.
But don't stress - our experts can help identify which one is right for your home!
Choose A Reputable Manufacturer
It is important to select panels from reputable manufacturers with a track record of producing high-quality and long-lasting modules.
Research the manufacturer, their warranties and look at customer reviews before making a decision.
At Smart Energy we have carefully selected the brands we stock to ensure premium quality is met with ease for our customer.
Don’t Be Fooled By Cheap Deals
Invest in a high-quality solar system. We know solar can seem expensive, but investing in quality will save you money and hassle down the line.
Avoid cheap alternatives that compromise on quality, often leading to poor performance and costly repairs.
Top Tip: Understand the warranty and maintenance requirements of your system, and ensure components have sufficient warranties.
Government Incentives
An added bonus of going solar right now are the government incentives available for solar panel installation.
When you are investing in a high-quality, long lasting product to save you money on your energy bills, some extra help from the ol' government wallet is a neat little perk to sweeten the deal!
Some regions offer tax credits, rebates or other financial incentives that can offset the cost of installation and help you save even more on your energy bills.
Hop onto your local government website to find out what's available specifically to you.
Want the full package?
Consider the value of adding a solar battery with your solar panel install.
Batteries are the cost-effective next step in reducing energy costs even further.
Don't believe us?
We're always happy to offer advice
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