Having more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year makes solar energy an increasingly popular choice for businesses and households in Perth. Installing solar panels is a great step toward preserving the environment and a viable financial move that will save a lot of money in the long run by reducing energy expenditures. However, to fully harness the economic potential of the capital of Western Australia, proper planning along with expert advice is critical.
Expert tips to help you gain from solar panel installation in Perth—be it for your home or business, or if you’re just starting to consider going solar.
1. Understand Your Energy Needs
The first step in the solar trip is always assessing your energy needs. Perth examines household or company electricity use in order to choose the suitable solar panel installation. Determining the system size depends on knowing daily energy use; hence, solving your electricity bills helps you in this regard.
Most Australian households use a 5kW to 6.6kW solar system, which usually satisfies their basic energy use. Still, every property has different needs. Alternatively, a skilled solar installation can rely on your energy strategies, appliance load, and future goals to provide a system fit for your way of life. Over the lifespan of the system, this method guarantees the best savings, efficiency, and return on investment.
2. Select Solar Installers with Experience and Positive Reviews
Having a reputable and proficient solar installer can make a positive impact on your solar experience. As such, check for companies certified with the Clean Energy Council (CEC), which is the Australian body that regulates whether installers abide by national standards. Your installer should conduct a site audit, tailor a system, and explain the government funds available, along with feed-in tariffs.
Don’t skip the reviews and references to confirm previous clients’ feedback. Quote comparison is encouraged, but remember, the most affordable is not always the best value—prioritize reliable service, quality equipment, and customer support.
3. East or West: Place Panels Where They’ll Get Maximum Effortless Sunlight
In the Southern Hemisphere, north-facing roofs are guaranteed to receive sunlight at all times throughout the day. Depending on the energy consumption within a household, east- and west-facing roofs prove to be equally effective depending on whether more power is consumed in the mornings or afternoons.
Your installer should perform a solar site analysis considering elements like the pitch of the roof, shade from adjacent trees or buildings, as well as available roof space to determine where panels should be installed. Don’t forget that any shading, no matter how minimal, has an impact on performance.
4. Invest in Quality Panels and Inverters
There is a wide array of solar panels available in the market, but they aren’t all the same. Although refraining from the cheaper model can be hard, durable branded panels will give you returns in the long term. While comparing brands, look at warranty, efficiency rate, and local support availability to make the right choice.
Don’t forget about your inverter, the component responsible for turning solar energy into electricity that can be used in your home. Your installer will advise you on the type of inverter that is suitable for your system, be it string inverters, microinverters, or hybrid inverters, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
5. Take Advantage of Government Incentives
When you decide to go solar in Perth, one of the benefits you get is federal and state-based incentives. With the help of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), it’s possible to receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are basically a discount on your system. Furthermore, organic retailers from WA also provide feed-in tariffs, which let you earn credit for the extra energy that you provide back to the grid.
Be sure that your installer takes these incentives into account in your final quote. These incentives can really make a difference in helping save on the cost of installation.
6. Plan for Future Energy Use
Try to be a little creative when designing your solar system. Are you thinking of getting an electric vehicle? Do you intend to add a home office or pool? If there’s a chance that your energy requirements may increase, you can install a larger system or use equipment that is meant for future expansions, such as a battery-ready inverter.
7. Monitor and Maintain Your System
There is no reason to stop now that your system has been installed. When it comes to monitoring, keeping track of your system performance helps ensure that it’s operating efficiently and aids in early detection of issues. There are apps or portals available for many inverters that allow you to view the energy produced as well as energy consumption in real time.
To ensure the longevity of your system, clean the solar panels every six to twelve months and check for any debris or damage.
Conclusion
Solar panel installation in Perth is a fantastic investment for your house, your finances, and the environment. The solar policies in the city, alongside the generous sunshine, make the moment an optimal time to harness solar power. By identifying your energy requirements, collaborating with professionals, and planning strategically, solar systems can be sustained for extended periods.
