As a Solar Installation Brisbane, you can make a big impact on your home’s energy costs with solar panels. These systems typically cost between $6 and $8 per watt.
Installation costs vary depending on a few factors. Some of these include: your location, system size and equipment quality. To lower your overall price, consider:
1. Identify Your Power Needs
Before you can decide how many solar panels to install, you need to know your average energy usage. This will allow you to determine how long it will take for your system to pay for itself, and also how much money it can save you over time.
Fortunately, this calculation is relatively simple. To get started, you’ll need to consult a year’s worth of electricity bills and note your total kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption. You’ll also need to determine your peak sun hours.
Once you have this information, you can calculate your load wattage by multiplying your daily usage times the power consumption of each appliance. This will give you an idea of how many panels your home will need, which will help you narrow down your options. Ultimately, the number of solar panels you need will depend on how big your roof is and what local incentives and net-metering programs are available. However, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
2. Determine Your Roof’s Surface Area
It’s important to work with a company that is licensed and certified in your area. This will ensure your solar energy system meets local regulations and your installer has access to the latest rebates and tax credits.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, there are many tools available to help you estimate your roof’s surface area. For example, Google Maps and overhead mapping software can give you a rough estimate.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your roof is sturdy enough for the added weight of panels and associated wiring. If you’re unsure, it’s best to hire a roofing professional to assess your roof’s integrity. They can also provide you with a detailed plan for installing the solar panels and ensure your electrical and plumbing are properly protected. This will minimize the risk of damage during installation and increase the efficiency of your system.
3. Select Your Panels
When determining the type of solar panels to install, you should consider both your aesthetic and budgetary goals. A high-quality system can last decades and save you a lot on electricity costs. However, you don’t want to overspend on your PV system – especially since the cheapest options may not be the best choice in the long run.
A solar panel’s output rating and efficiency will impact how much electricity it produces, with the most efficient models typically costing more. You also need to decide whether to go with monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels.
You should always check an installer’s licenses, certifications and track record before hiring them to work on your home. Also, look for local companies – according to NREL, they tend to charge less than big national companies.
4. Schedule Your Installation
After you sign your contract, your solar company will begin the design process. During this stage, your electricity usage, roof characteristics and local regulations are taken into account to create an energy system that fits your home. This process can take a few weeks, but more complex systems may require longer.
Your installer will also need to do a site assessment of your property. This will involve them coming out to your house and evaluating the condition, size and direction of your roof. It will also include a look at your electrical panel to see if it’s ready for the load of a solar energy system.
After your permits are approved, it’s time to schedule the installation! This is the most exciting part of the process, and it usually takes a few days to complete. This will be done by a team of trained technicians. Once your installation is finished, your utility will visit to install a new electrical meter that can message your solar energy production and verify the interconnection agreement.
