Solar Power Systems 101 - What You Need To Know Before You Get One
If you are thinking of a clean and sustainable way to power up your home, then going solar is the way to go. Find out what you need to know before having a solar panel system installed in your home.
Sunlight is something that we all have in abundance in this country and what better way to take advantage of this vast natural resource than to harness its power and convert it into energy that we can use in our homes?
These days, more and more people are switching to solar energy to power their homes. Not only does it offer a greener and inexhaustible source of power, but it will also greatly help to reduce your utility bills.
Like many homeowners who are contemplating switching their homes to solar power, perhaps you have all these questions in mind how exactly does a solar panel system work, how can you set up one for your home, what are the financial benefits, what are the costs involved when you set up a system and many more.
In this article, we will give you a simple and easy-to-understand guide to residential power systems without all the geek speak to help you decide whether or not this system is right for you and help you find the best deals.
How does a solar panel system work?
A solar panel system is what you need to generate solar power for your home. This system typically has two main components: solar photovoltaic panels or PV panels which trigger the solar cells to produce electrical currents, and an inverter, which converts this solar electricity into currents that can be utilised in one's home.
Most solar-powered homes have a grid-connected solar power system, which means that the house is connected to the main power grid and accesses it at night while using solar during the day as it is generated. If you are still connected to the main grid while using solar power, this makes you eligible for a solar feed tariff which is like a financial reward for sending any surplus solar power back to the grid.
You may have heard of people living in remote areas whose homes are completely "off-grid". It means that their homes rely entirely only on solar energy to power up their homes and are not connected to the grid.
Setting up a solar panel system at home
There are two factors you need to consider before setting up a solar system in your home: the size of the solar system you actually need and the place where you are going to install your solar panels.
Size
The size of the solar system you need depends on your household's energy utilization, which means that the more people there are in your household, the bigger the energy consumption. An average-sized household typically needs a 5kw solar system.
The number of solar panels you will need for your system will vary depending on the generating capacity of each panel and the size of the system you are planning to have. If you are unsure what size of solar system best fits your needs, call Solar Rockhampton to get a free consultation and assessment.
Place and position
When it comes to installing your solar panels, it is best to place them on your rooftop, in a direction where your panels will get the most sunlight, especially during midday. Several factors will come into play when choosing the best position for your solar panels such as your roof's pitch, shading (maybe your house is surrounded by trees), cloud coverage, and your house's actual location.
This is also the exact reason why setting up a solar system for your home is best left with a reliable solar installer. An experienced contractor will take all of these factors into consideration before they set up your solar system so that you will be able to get the most out of your setup.
Cost of a residential solar system installation
Here in Rockhampton, QLD, the average cost of standard installation for a 6.6kW solar panel system ranges from $4,200 to $5,500. This may vary depending on the size of the system you actually need for your household, the brand and quality of products you are going to use, and the demand for solar installers. Always keep in mind that the larger the solar system you decide to have, the more costly it is going to be.
Before you get daunted by the cost, get Solar Rockhampton to do a free estimate. This gives you a clear idea of how much you are going to spend or a system that you really need and that's right for you.
Can I still get rebates?
If you are still connected to the grid while utilizing your solar panel system, this one is for you.
As mentioned earlier, you are entitled to get a solar feed-in tariff for any surplus electricity that you export back to the grid. So, if you are asking if you are going to get a rebate, the answer is a resounding yes!
According to the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA), a solar feed-in tariff of 9.300 c/kWh will apply in the state from 1 July 2022 until 30 June 2023. To maximize this benefit, consult with Solar Rockhampton and find out which energy provider offers the best feed-in tariff rates in your suburb.
How to find a solar system contractor
Now that you know how a solar system works, and how to set it up and maximize its benefits, the question you may now have in mind is how to find a reputable solar installer in Rockhampton. This is a crucial decision as the contractor of your choice will do all the hard work of setting up your system. If by any chance you have chosen the wrong contractor, you may end up with a faulty and ineffective solar panel system which is a complete waste of money.
When looking for a solar installation contractor, take time to do your research and compare the set-up costs of each contractor. Be sure to also read reviews online to see feedback from past clients regarding a contractor's level of service. If you also know someone who has a solar system installed in their household, you may also ask them how was their experience with their contractor and whether they are satisfied with the quality of service they received.
Solar Rockhampton has a team of experienced and licenced professional installers who are committed to providing you with a hassle-free solar experience. You can rest easy and know that you will not be duped into having a system that your household doesn't need. We always take into consideration all of the necessary factors mentioned above as well as your own preferences to make sure that you get a system tailored to your needs and maximize its full potential and benefits.
If you feel like you are ready to begin your journey and switch to solar energy, give us a call at 07 4277 2802 to book a free, no-obligation consultation from one of our staff members.
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