Solar power systems are one of the greatest ways of generating electricity at a highly affordable price. In the past years, solar power systems and its technology has improved significantly as constant research and studies are developing. Solar power systems are typically divided into two types: residential and commercial. Residential solar power refers to the solar power systems that are used to power the appliances and electronic components present in our homes. There are several questions surrounding residential solar power systems that homeowners have but do not ask their solar installers. In this guide, some of the most frequently asked questions FAQs on residential solar have been answered.
- What is Residential Solar?
Solar electricity has been divided into two types: residential and commercial electricity. Residential solar refers to the solar electricity that we use to power our homes. Solar power systems used to meet the energy requirement of our houses are known as residential solar power systems. In the Australian solar market, the bigger portion of solar power systems is categorised under residential as the majority of system installations are done on household projects.
- How do Residential Solar Power Systems work?
The concept of solar power systems is the same, no matter which type of installation you install. In a residential solar power system, the solar panels are installed on the roof of the household where the panels receive the highest amount of sunshine. Rays of the sun hit the solar panels and the panels absorb energy from the sunshine. The solar cells present in the solar panels use this energy to generate solar electricity. The electricity is transferred through the solar inverter where it is converted from DC to AC. This AC electricity is then used to power the appliances present in the household.
- What are the Advantages of Residential Solar Power System?
When it comes to solar power systems, there are several advantages that come with its installation. The most common advantages are that it saves a significant amount of money on electricity bills by reducing the dependency on electricity imported from the mains electricity grid. In addition to that, it also reduces the impact of carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases that is typically emitted due to electricity generation by non-renewable sources of energy.
Solar power systems do not pollute the environment in any way and solar electricity is the cleanest form of energy generation. Not only that, but it also helps the homeowners to save money on electricity bills due to net metering.
- How much do Residential Solar Power Systems cost?
The cost of solar power systems for a residential property depends on quite a few factors. These factors are:
- Size: The size of the solar panels plays a major role when it comes to purchasing and installing a solar power system. The size of solar power systems varies depending on the energy requirement of the household and the size of the property.
- Brand: There are hundreds of brands and manufacturers of solar panels and solar components operating in the Australian solar market. The price depends on the brand you choose as different brands have different value or demand in the market.
- Efficiency: When it comes to solar panels and other solar components, efficiency is a major factor to consider. This efficiency rating makes sure that the solar power system produces a decent amount of electricity and works for a longer period of time.
- Does the condition of the Roof matter while installing Solar Power System?
In residential solar power systems, the condition of the roof matters as it has to have the weight or condition to hold the solar panels. Before installing the solar panels on the roof, the solar installers will carefully inspect the roof in order to make sure that it is suitable for installation of the solar power system. In case the roof is not suitable for installation, then you will have to repair or replace the roof as the solar panels last for at least 25 years and replacing or removing the solar panels can cause damage.
- Do residential Solar Power Systems come with Warranties?
Each and every component included in the residential solar power system comes with warranties. Solar panels typically come with two types of warranties: product warranty and performance warranty. Product warranty means that the solar panel manufacturers will replace or repair the solar panels in case they showcase any manufacturing defect. On the other hand, performance warranty will make sure that the solar panels provide an efficient performance.
Solar panels typically come with a product warranty of 12 to 15 years. However, a few solar panel manufacturers offer a product warranty of 25 years. Solar panels come with a performance warranty of 25 years, but a few solar panel manufacturers offer a performance warranty of 30 years.
Solar inverters are an essential part of a solar power system and manufacturers typically offer a warranty of 10 years. There are a few solar manufacturers who offer an extendable warranty of 5 to 10 years at a certain price along with the original warranty of 10 years. Similar to solar inverters, solar batteries also come with a warranty of 10 years. However, a few brands or manufacturers offer an extendable warranty to 5 to 10 years along with the original warranty of 10 years.
Final Words
The installation of solar power systems for both residential and commercial projects are significantly increasing with each passing day in all parts of the world, including Australia. Residential solar power is one of the most preferred ways of generating and using clean energy for powering our households. It is mainly famous because of the outstanding advantages that come with it. We hope to have answered some of the most FAQs on residential solar and this shall help you to clear confusion about residential solar power.
