Solar energy is gaining a lot of popularity not only in Australia but all over the world. The main reason behind this gain of popularity is the most popular and the alarming effects of climate change. In order to generate solar energy, we promote purchasing solar panels and installing them on our home and business by industry experts.
Compare Solar Quotes works with thousands of solar panel installers and manufacturers in order to make sure that the Australian people get the best solar panels. In this guide, we will discuss the essential factors that every homeowner must consider before purchasing solar panels.
Before choosing a solar panel brand for our homes, let us know about the solar panels first.
Solar panels or solar photovoltaic modules absorb the energy that is found in sunshine and use that energy to generate electricity. This electricity undergoes a few steps before being able to power our homes. In order to power our homes properly with solar electricity, it is essential to choose the right panels for our homes.
There are certain factors that we must consider before purchasing and installing solar panels in our homes. These factors are:
- Power capacity of the solar panels
Solar panels generate a certain amount of electricity in an hour or day. The amount of energy the panels generate depends on the power capacity of the solar panels. A larger power capacity will produce a larger amount of electricity and vice versa.
- The efficiency of the solar panels
The efficiency of the solar panels is a factor that you must not fail to consider. The efficiency determines how efficiently the solar panels produce energy.
In Australia, there are several solar panels available that come with various efficiency ratings. Do not choose any solar panel that has an efficiency rating of less than 15 per cent. Higher efficiency of the solar panel makes sure that the panels are providing better performance.
- Warranties of the solar panels
We all are aware that the installation of solar panels in Australia is quite a costly investment. And what helps us to trust solar panels is the warranties that come with them. Solar panel manufacturers usually offer two types of warranties: performance and product warranty.
The performance warranty makes sure that the solar panels perform at a certain percentage of efficiency even after the warranty period is over. Manufacturers generally offer a performance warranty of 25 years. However, a few manufacturers even offer a performance warranty of more than 25 years.
The product warranty of the solar panels ensures that the manufacturer will cover any manufacturing default in the product within the warranty period. Usually, manufacturers offer a product warranty of 10 to 12 years. However, there are a few manufacturers that offer a warranty of more than 12 years.
- Brand presence in Australia
There are often times when the solar panels display a defect or issue that has to be sorted out through a warranty claim. In cases like these, we have to contact the solar panel manufacturer in order to resolve the warranty claim or sort out the issue in another way.
In the Australian solar market, there are several solar panel brands that do not have an office established in Australia and operate from out of the country. In a situation like this, it is hard to contact the manufacturer operating from a different country.
In order to make sure that the customers receive the best customer service, it is essential to have an office located in Australia. The customers can easily contact the manufacturer and get their issues and problems sorted out.
- Solar Incentives and Rebates
In order to encourage the Australian people to switch to solar power systems, the federal, state, and local governments of Australia offer solar incentives and rebates to the people that reduce the cost of the solar power systems.
- Approval by the Clean Energy Council
It is essential to make sure that the solar panels you purchase in Australia have the approval of the Clean Energy Council (CEC). The CEC approval shows that the panels meet the necessary standards of generating solar electricity. If the solar panels do not have the Clean Energy Council approval, then homeowners can install those panels, but they will not receive any sort of incentive or rebate on these solar panels.
Without approval by the CEC, it shows that the solar panels did not pass all the safety checks and quality tests that the panels undergo. These modules can be installed, but they do not provide an up to the mark performance.
- Cost of the solar panels
Installation of a solar power system is an expensive investment, so it is essential to consider all the factors properly. The cost of the panels is also an essential factor to consider. However, only considering the cost of solar panels is not a great idea.
If you are worried about the cost of the solar panels, then contact your solar installer for a solar quote. Get at least 3 solar quotes from 3 different solar installers and compare the quotes properly. Do not just compare the cost of the panels; make sure that you consider the quality, power capacity, efficiency, warranties, and so on before making a decision.
Conclusion:
These are the factors that we must make sure to consider before purchasing solar panels for our home. These factors must be properly considered before you make a final decision. However, if you do not want to undergo the trouble of comparing and considering the factors, then give the responsibility to your solar installer.
The solar installers have a better understanding of the solar panels than a lot of people in Australia. If you are in search of unbiased and proper solar quotes, then feel free to contact us at Compare Solar Quotes.
