In recent years, solar panels have gone down in price and up in efficiency, which means you, the homeowner, can only benefit from installing a solar power system. The national solar rebate reduces the cost of a solar power system by approximately one-third. Whenever you see an ad for solar power, the advertised price will already include the rebate. For example, a system on sale for $6,000 is actually worth closer to $9,000. The installer claims the rebate on your behalf when you buy a system, so you only pay the advertised price.
How Do Solar Panels Work?Essentially, solar panels collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. A solar inverter transfers converted AC (alternating current) energy to your home, and electricity is sent through your house by wires in the wall. Your devices need to be plugged in for when there is an electric current available.
Why Are Solar Panels Good?It almost goes without saying that solar power is good for the environment. Solar power doesn’t release any greenhouse gases, and except for needing a source of sunlight to function, it uses absolutely no other resources. There’s nothing about it that pollutes the Earth. Hence, it’s safe and environmentally friendly.
Traditional electricity relies heavily on fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. Not only are they bad for the environment, but they are also limited resources. This translates into a volatile market, in which energy prices alter throughout the day.
On the other hand, solar electricity boosts your electricity independence. By investing in a 4kW solar system, the most common domestic size, you can easily protect yourself against unpredictable increases in utility prices and enjoy cheap electricity throughout the day.
Rooftop solar power is helpful in increasing electricity efficiency, considering the short distance. Your energy becomes domestic, and as a result, you’re in control of your own bills and energy usage. Furthermore, solar power systems are durable, so service interruption is less likely.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?If you're thinking of going solar, you need to know what size solar power system you'll need to run your home (as much as reasonably possible) on solar power.
The size or capacity of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is the maximum electricity output the system can deliver. Your system might have 20x330W panels, or 24x275W panels – in either case, it's a 6600W (6.6kW) system, and that's the number that really matters.
Generally, a family home with three to four bedrooms would suit a 6,600W of solar panels’ power output with a 1 X 5KW inverter. Larger family homes may have enough roof space to accommodate 10kw of solar panels output with a 1 X 10KW inverter.
The real benefit of a larger system is that it will be easier to add a battery; take full advantage of your inverter's capacity to generate more power throughout the day so that you are less likely to need grid power. And the excess power that you're sending into the grid will mean there's more solar-sourced electricity in the system for other homes to use.
How Much Are Solar Panels?In Australia, the average price of solar panels, including installation, is from $2,900 for a 1.5kW system to $4,600 for a 5kW system (the standard).
The cost of a solar panel is determined in part by:
· its capacity (in Watts)
· Your partner’ the physical size
· the brand
· quality of materials
· the durability/longevity (or warranty period
· any certifications the solar panel might have.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?Solar panels that receive more sunlight will run leaner than those that do not receive as much sun. The material used to make a solar panel will determine how long it will last. Solar panels made with flexible materials such as thin film could be more prone to getting torn than others. Thin film is also the most inexpensive material, so cost may play into its lifespan too.
You need to be aware that there are different types of warranties for solar power systems.
They relate to solar panel:
· performance warranty (25 years)
· product warranty (10–25 years
· inverter warranty (5–10 years)
· installation (quality) warranty
· entire system warranty (up to five years)
How Much Energy Does a Solar Panel Produce?Each kW of solar panels produces about 4kWh per day of electricity generation. A 6.6kW solar system will generate about 26.4kWh on a good day (which means plenty of sunshine but not too hot).
However, this will vary depending on:
· your location
· the time of year and amount of sunlight you're getting
· the quality of the system
· the orientation of the panels
· the panels’ age
How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels?Research from Canstar Blue in 2020 shows the average electricity bill for households with solar panels is $317 a quarter compared to an average of $404 for households without solar power. The survey of almost 1,500 households with solar panels found that households in Queensland have the cheapest bills at $260 a quarter, while New South Wales households pay the most at $372. As a result, it was found that 94% of Australians believe installing solar is worth it.
Compare Energy Companies to find a competitive dealCompare and Connect can help you find a competitive and efficient plan for your utilities. Our job is to help you save money without compromising on quality. Use our handy online tool to compare electricity prices between the main energy companies. We can also offer comparisons between solar power system providers in your area, from a range of pre-vetted installers.
Installing solar power will help you save money and save the planet. Visit Compare and Connect now to start saving.