The sun’s rays produce enough energy to power the world many times over every day. So it’s no secret then that many experts believe solar is the future.
Plus, solar energy is renewable, so it’s better for the environment and much cheaper than fossil fuels.
But is solar all it’s cracked up to be? After looking at the facts, we think so.
In this post, you’ll find 11 reasons why switching to solar is wise.
1. Solar Energy Is Better For The Environment
While it’s true that solar panel production does have an environmental impact, it’s nothing compared to the alternatives. Plus, they contain common materials that are 100% recyclable.
Australia is one of the biggest CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) producers worldwide, surpassing China significantly. And the reason is because of a reliance on fossil fuel exports and in-country use.
Solar systems also produce much more energy than they take to build. Experts estimate that solar panel systems reach positive energy production within 1-4 years, while their total lifespan is around 30 years.
2. You Save Money On Your Energy Bills
One of the most popular reasons for switching to solar is the savings you can reap. Experts estimate that you can save between $700 – $1300 on your energy bills each year with a 5kW (kilowatt) system.
In saying that, these are average numbers, and actual savings will depend on:
- Your total energy usage.
- When you use most of your electricity.
- How much you pay for energy.
- The size of your solar panel system and whether you have a battery.
- Where you live.
3. Solar Panels Are Easy To Maintain
Once you install solar panels, they require minimal cleaning or maintenance. You won’t even need to clean your solar panels in most cases.
However, there are a few situations where they’ll need some extra attention—for example:
- You live in a windy or dusty area.
- There’s a lot of wildlife that visit your property, e.g. birds and bats.
- It doesn’t often rain in your area.
Hosing your panels on a cool morning will do the trick for these situations. If this doesn’t get off all the dirt, it’s time to schedule a professional clean.
Regarding maintenance, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) recommends an annual panel check-up. However, experts believe that a high-quality system with sound installation only require maintenance every five years.
4. You Can Get A Rebate For Your Solar Panels
Each state has individual rebates and tariffs, so let’s use Queensland as an example for simplicity.
While QLD has had state rebates in the past, at the moment, there is only a federal rebate. On top of this, you’ll have access to various feed-in tariffs depending on your energy provider.
The STC (Small-scale Technology Certificate) rebate depends on how many kWh (kilowatt-hours) your chosen system should produce until the 31st of December 2030. So the quicker you install your solar panels, the bigger the rebate.
While individual STC price can fluctuate, the current average rebate based on system size is:
- 1.5kW = $760
- 3kW = $1,558
- 5kW = $2,622
- 6.6kW = $3,458
- 7kW = $3,648
And since we’re on the subject of money, it’s also possible to secure an interest-free loan from the government for buying solar panels.
5. Solar panels May Increase Your homes Value
Researchers found that home buyers spend up to $15,000 more on homes fitted with solar panels.
This added value comes from several factors, including:
- Direct energy bill reductions.
- The convenience of not having to install solar panels.
- The money you already invested in the system.
However, the exact value that solar panels add to your home will depend on the:
- Size of your system
- Price of electricity
- How old your panels are.
6. You Can Protect Yourself From Rising Energy Costs
Australian electricity prices have been on a steady rise since the 90s. In the last ten years, prices have risen by roughly 20% and more than doubled in the previous 20.
While experts expect electricity prices to drop over the next few years, there are concerns that electricity providers won’t pass on these savings automatically. So it’s worth contacting your electricity provider or shopping around to see if you can get a better deal.
But always shopping around and comparing energy rates is tiring. Instead, solar panels can provide you with the peace of mind that your electricity is free.
7. Solar Panels Make You Less Reliant On The Grid
In most major cities, energy disruptions aren’t too common. But when they do happen, it’s always when you’re cooking or doing something important.
The situation tends to worsen for homes in rural areas as electricity disruptions can happen more often, so reliance on the grid isn’t helpful.
Solar energy is a welcome solution that keeps the lights shining and the stove cooking in both these circumstances.
8. You only have to replace solar panels after decades
We touched on the life expectancy of solar panels above, but it’s so important that it deserves its own reason.
In good conditions, most solar panels last for 25-30 years. And while they don’t break, manufacturers believe their energy production becomes too low.
If something happens to your panels before this time, most high-quality panels come with an output warranty. So as long as the reason for damage falls within manufacturer terms and conditions, you’ll get repairs or a replacement.
9. Solar Energy Supports Australia's Technology Advancements
Since solar energy is much cheaper than fossil fuels, the more Australians use it, the more we can prosper as a nation.
By supporting solar companies and manufacturers, companies have a bigger research and development budget, which improves product quality. Eventually, everyone in Australia will have access to ultra-low-cost solar, which is an aim of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
10. The Sun Is A Guaranteed Energy Source
The sun is such a powerful energy source that if we could harness a single hour of global sunlight, we’d power the earth for a whole year.
Plus, scientists expect the sun to stick around for at least another five billion years. So it’s not going anywhere yet!
And as solar panels become more efficient, even the cloudiest of days won’t stop them from generating electricity.
11. Australia Is One Of The Sunniest Countries In The World
Australian cities are among the sunniest in the world. And while major Australian cities aren’t on that list, they still average a respectable 2,774 to 3,139 hours of sunshine per year.
With a 6.6kW system, you could produce on average 9,154 – 10,358 kWh of energy, depending on where you live and the placement of your solar panels.
This energy is more than enough to power the average Australian home, which needs between 4,000 – 9,000 kWh per year.
Get The Maximum Rebate And reduce your energy bill with solar today
As the count down to 2030 continues, the solar rebate you’re eligible for decreases. On top of this, you’re stuck paying energy bills with money that you could spend elsewhere.
So why not switch to solar and harness the earth’s most abundant energy source?
Give us a call today, and one of our solar specialists will find the perfect system for you.
