A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Solar Panel Solution for Your Home

With numerous solar panel options available and favourable government incentives and financing, consumers can make very informed choices.

Is Solar Right For You?

Rooftop solar power has propelled Australia to the forefront of the global solar energy movement, with over 3 million households now equipped with solar panels. This translates to around 8% of the nation’s total electricity consumption being met by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight into usable electricity for homes. Excess power generated can be stored in batteries or sold back to the grid through a ‘feed-in-tariff.’

Opting for solar power energy is a wise decision that benefits both your finances and the environment. Here we provide a step-by-step breakdown of what factors to consider, questions to ask, and how to select the ideal solar energy solution for your household.

What is a solar power system?

Your solar panel system generates electricity for your home during the day, thereby decreasing your reliance on purchased energy from the utility company. Additionally, since the electricity produced is renewable, you are using sustainable energy sources.

What are the benefits of Solar Power?

Solar power offers several benefits, including:

1. Cost savings: You produce your own electricity rather than buying it from a provider, potentially leading to significant savings. Furthermore, if your system generates excess energy, you can sell it back to your community through your energy provider.
2. Environmental sustainability: By harnessing the power of the sun, you are generating clean energy for yourself and potentially your neighbours, resulting in zero-emissions energy that reduces your carbon footprint.
3. Reduced dependence on providers: By generating some of your energy, you become less reliant on energy providers, which provides greater control over your energy supply and costs.

Note: At times, such as during the winter or cloudy days, your solar panels may produce less energy than your household requires. In such situations, you will need to rely on energy from the grid, for which you will receive a bill.

Is rooftop solar panel power right for me?

Answering these questions will help you decide if installing solar panels is a good decision for you.

Is it possible to install solar panels on my roof?

You should be aware of heritage overlays and obtain permission from the Owner’s Corporation if you own your property. If you’re a tenant, you will need permission from the landlord.

Is my roof suitable for solar power?

If your roof is spacious enough, facing north, east or west, and not significantly shaded, it is likely suitable for solar power. A reputable retailer will assist you in determining this.

How long does it take for savings to exceed the costs?

Typically, it takes between 5 and 10 years for savings to surpass the system’s cost, depending on its size and cost, your location, your daytime energy consumption, and your feed-in tariff. An experienced retailer will provide you with an estimated payback period.

How do I find an approved solar power seller?

How to locate a reputable solar retailer:

1. Inquire with individuals you know for recommendations about solar retailers who have provided them with excellent service.
2. Seek out retailers that participate in consumer protection programs, such as the Clean Energy Council’s new Energy Tech Consumer Code Program, which is required for some state government rebate schemes.
3. Conduct an online search for firms and review independent evaluations and ratings from search engines, social media, and forums. Select local installers, like Hardy Solar in Tweed Heads, Lismore, Ballina, Casino, Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Tamborine Mountain, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Bangalow, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Evans Head and Grafton as they are more likely to help you address any future problems.

Hardy Electrical & Solar is an approved seller at New Energy Tech. New Energy Tech Approved Sellers are committed to meeting independent consumer protection standards designed by peak industry and consumer bodies and authorised by the ACCC. The standards are designed to ensure customers get a fair and quality service when purchasing solar, battery storage, EV chargers or other new energy technology.

Questions you should ask before your Quote for Solar Panels

1. Before installing solar panels on my property, what factors should I be aware of that may impact the installation cost or performance, such as shading, roof design, orientation, necessary system upgrades, or network limitations?
2. How long does the installation process usually take?
3. Am I entitled to any rebates or subsidies, and if so, what percentage of the system cost will they cover? What is the procedure for obtaining these rebates?
4. How long will it take for me to recoup the cost of the system through energy bill savings?
5. What warranties cover the equipment and installation?
6. Will my system be able to provide electricity during a power outage?

How can I pay for my Solar Panels?

There are several payment options available for purchasing a solar power system. It is important to consider which option is best suited to your financial situation before signing a contract.

• One option is to pay the full cost up-front.
• Alternatively, some state governments, in hardy Solar’s case, NSW and QLD, may offer low or no-interest loans for solar power.
• If you have a mortgage, you may be able to redraw, but it is advisable to seek independent financial advice first.
• Finally, the solar retailer may offer financing options so you can pay for the system in instalments.

Getting your solar installed

What should you expect on the day of installation?

We will provide you with a scheduled installation day and inform you of any changes to the date or timeframe. On the day of installation Hardy Solar will:

• Ensure the safe delivery and installation of solar panels at your property.
• Inform you of any potential inconveniences, such as blocking driveways or temporarily turning off your electricity during part of the installation process.
• Notify you of any issues that arise during the installation and the associated costs of fixing them.
• Give you clear instructions on how to use your solar power system, along with information sheets or manuals for each component. Be sure to keep this information in a safe place, as you will need it for any future warranty claims.
• Clean up the area once the installation is complete.

How do I activate my system?

How do I start using my solar power?

After your solar power system is operational, you will start to generate your own electricity to power your home. A reputable retailer should:

• Provide clear instructions on how to safely use, maintain, and optimize your solar power system.
• Demonstrate how to check and interpret the performance of your system, such as:
  – The amount of electricity it produces.
  – Your energy consumption.
  – The amount of energy you are exporting to the grid.

Hardy Solar is committed to meeting consumer protection standards on solar panel systems.

We’d love to help you! Request a Quote Need more information? Here are 62 frequently asked questions about Solar Power

Need Help? Talk to us today 1300 748 948

Hardy Electrical and Solar is based in Kingscliff, Northern New South Wales. We service Tweed Heads, Lismore, Ballina, Casino, Kingscliff, Murwillumbah, Tamborine Mountain, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Bangalow, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Evans Head and Grafton. So if you are located in Northern News South or South East Queensland we can help.