Are solar panels right for my home? 5 things to think about before going solar

Do you often find yourself in shock after seeing the quarterly electricity bill?

You’re not the only one. With energy prices climbing faster than most other prices, homeowners and businesses all over Australia are experiencing sticker shock.

As such, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a boom in commercial and domestic solar panel installation!

Thanks to increasing capacity and lower installation costs, solar panels are starting to pop up on more and more Aussie rooftops.

Is your home one of them?

Here are some of the things that you might want to consider before contacting a solar installation expert

1) Does my home have the right weather and climate?

Whether solar panels work for your home hinges on one crucial factor: the sun!

When designing a solar PV system for your home, the first thing a solar installation expert looks at is the weather and climate. Using this information, we plan a system that delivers the most power for the best price.

Believe it or not, in many cases, solar panels don’t actually need direct sunlight to generate power.

One misconception is that only sunny areas can benefit from solar power when really, many modern systems can run off of indirect sunlight.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s the ideal solution!

Direct sun is ideal. However, a lack of direct sunlight doesn’t mean you won’t benefit. The only way to be sure? Talking to a professional solar installer.

2) Do I have the right kind of roofing?

The next thing to consider is your roof. In particular, you’ll want to think about:

1. Angle
2. Strength
3. Area

Angle matters because many panels have a “sweet spot”.

This is the optimum angle that provides the most energy and minimises loss. Roofs that are too steep can lead to inefficient solar setups.

Strength refers to how sturdy your roof is. Roof strength determines the number of solar panels that it can support – in some cases, it can determine whether solar is feasible at all!

Finally, there’s area. Is your roof large enough for multiple panels? Does it have enough flat sections? This can all impact your solar quote.

3) Location, location: where’s your home located?

When we say location, we don’t mean your proximity to public transport or shops. Rather, we’re talking about whether your roof is in shadow!

Like we mentioned in point 1, solar can function with indirect light. However, direct light works much better.

The location of your house determines the amount of sunlight that your roof receives and by extension, the power that the solar panel produces.

If your house is located underneath tall trees or in the shadow of an apartment block, the amount of energy your panels collect from the sun may be compromised.

4) What solar rebates and incentives are you eligible for?

Domestic solar installation is a big investment.

Luckily, there are plenty of incentives, discounts and rebates available to make solar power more affordable for homeowners such as yourself.

On top of the small-scale renewable energy scheme that applies nationwide, there are also local and state incentives too.

If you’re umming and ahhing over solar installation for your home, these schemes might be enough to tip you towards “yes”.

Click here to learn what schemes apply in your area and speak to an expert if you’d like any more information.

5) How long do you plan to stay in the house?

Modern solar panels last a long time, with most rated for 25 years. With good care and advances in solar technology, this number is only climbing higher.

That raises an important question: how long are you going to be around to benefit from solar power?

If you’re considering moving out in the near future, solar power may not be the choice for you. After all, you’re not going to be around to enjoy the savings!

Still unsure if solar panels are right for your home?

Contact Pacific Solar for a consultation today!

So you’ve been through our list, and you tick off all the boxes. Your home is perfect for domestic solar installation, and you’re eager to benefit immediately from the fantastic savings.

The next step is choosing a solar installer!

Pacific Solar specialises in both domestic and commercial solar installation.

We’ve been helping homeowners across NSW’s South Coast and businesses all over the country save money for more than a decade, delivering solar solutions with real, tangible ROI.

Working with the world’s most advanced solar technology, Pacific Solar gives you the highest quality service for your home and business.

Contact Pacific Solar today by calling 1300 944 844. Alternatively, fill in the form to request a quote or ask us a question!