Millions of Australians have solar panels on their roof – more than half a million homes in Queensland alone.
Installing solar panels can save you money and help the environment, but you need to do your homework. Buying the wrong solar system could cost you in the long run.
In this article we’ll tell you how to choose the best solar panels for your home.
How solar panels work
The sun’s heat and light create solar energy. This energy can be converted into DC electricity by photovoltaic (PV) cells, usually made from silicon. An inverter unit changes this power into alternating current (AC) for electrical circuits.
Solar panels are made up of solar cells connected together. It’s important to know the difference between solar electricity panels and solar hot water panels:
- Photo-voltaic (PV) Solar electricity panels convert the sun’s light and heat into DC electricity.
- Solar hot water system panels use the sun’s heat to increase the temperature of water running through it.
Different types of solar cells
Three types of solar cells are generally used to create solar panels:
- monocrystalline – made from a single crystal of silicon or ingot, giving them a uniform blue or black appearance. These cells have the highest efficiency rates (15–20%), so they produce more power and are space efficient
- polycrystalline – blended from multiple silicon sources (fragments). These cells take up less space, so they’re only slightly less efficient than monocrystalline (15–17%) and cheaper
- thin film – made by depositing a thin layer of conductive material onto a backing plate made of glass or plastic. They are much less efficient than crystalline, though they’re cheap.
Read more about the differences between these solar panel types.
Solar Panel "Tiers"
When you start looking for solar panels, you’ll hear about three tiers:
Tier 1 brands are made by companies that control every stage of the manufacturing process. They use the highest grade of silicon and have the best solar panel performance.
Tier 2 brands are not an inferior quality – they’re just made by companies with less control over the manufacturing and quality process. It’s still a good product.
Tier 3 brands usually come from smaller, less advanced manufacturers with less control over their materials. They’re cheaper but you should be wary.
Different Features Of Solar panels
Now that you understand the different types of solar panels, here are some important features to consider when you start looking around.
Rated power output
Your solar system’s power output is more important than size or number of panels. The more output each panel has, the fewer you need.
Efficiency rating
The efficiency rating measures how much electricity a panel produces compared with its surface area. The higher the efficiency rating, the less surface area you need. Most panels have an 11–22% efficiency rating. While efficiency costs money in the short term, it can save you later.
Pricing
It’s important to know how many kilowatts you’ll get for a dollar. Be wary of cheaper panels, as they have a shorter lifespan so you’ll pay to replace them later.
Warranty
Check whether solar panels have a manufacturer’s warranty on the build quality and product. Look at who pays shipping costs for returns and any other fine print.
how much do solar panels cost?
Average cost
Solar panel costs can vary wildly, but usually depend on kilowatts and number of panels. Installation is usually built into the price.
In Australia, a 5kW system can cost around $5250 after government rebates. So for a 5kW system, the cost per kWh is $1040 and cost per Watt is $1.04.
Smaller systems with fewer panels will cost less. A 3kW system may cost around $3000, while a 10kW system may cost $9000 or more after rebates.
Rebates
The Australian Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a rebate that reduces the upfront cost of installation if you use a Clean Energy Council accredited installer.
The rebate amount depends on factors like location and system size, but it can be thousands of dollars.
Some state governments also provide rebates, but Queensland doesn’t have one currently.
Feed-in tariffs
Queensland does have feed-in tariffs, which is an amount your energy retailer pays you for electricity that your system puts back into the grid. The amounts can change regularly, so get current details on the Queensland Government website.
Interest-free and no deposit finance
You can often get interest-free finance when you buy solar panels, which could enable you to pay off your system by the time it pays for itself. Generally it takes 2–7 years for your system to pay for itself.
You may also get no-deposit on purchases.
Other cost considerations
Ultimately the total cost of your solar system will depend on factors like:
· government rebates and incentives, like feed-in tariffs
· installation cost
· panel number, type and output
· your inverter, equipment and other components
· your roof height, material and condition
· how much energy you use and when (as daytime is more expensive)
· what area you live in.
What to consider when purchasing solar panels
Ultimately, every home is different so consider your own circumstances when buying solar panels. Don’t forget to consider these factors:
How much energy you use
This will help you choose the right size and not pay for a system you don’t need.
Your roof
Orientation, slope, space, shade and material all determine the right system and right price for your panels. North-facing panels will produce at full capacity.
Battery storage
You might want to install batteries to store excess electricity for later use rather than send it to the grid. Before you buy, compare the total cost with how much you’ll save over time.
Reputable installer
Get multiple quotes from installers to ensure you’re getting
a good deal, and check that your installer is accredited.
Spending the money
Be careful not to
go cheap – you’ll regret it in the long run. Low-quality systems may not meet
minimum or council standards, and often need to be replaced in a few years.
Where to next ?
For more information, read our article on common mistakes people make when they buy solar panels.
Contact us to discuss getting the right solar system for your needs.
