KEY POINTS
- In Australia, only an accredited member of the Clean Energy Council and qualified electrician can install solar panels on your roof.
- The cost of your solar installation will depend on the type of panels, the size of your system, where they’re positioned and more.
- While most Aussies believe solar to be a good investment, it will depend on several factors, such as, your feed-in tariff.
With rooftop solar surging in popularity, there’s little debate over the benefits of harnessing the sun to power your home and save on those dreaded energy bills. In saying that, there are so many factors to think about before installing solar panels on your roof.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best way to install solar panels, how much they cost to install and give you some tips on what to consider before investing in such an expensive system.
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How to install solar panels in Australia
Unless you’re an accredited and licenced solar installer, it’s not as simple as picking up a ladder and jumping on your roof to install some photovoltaic (PV) panels. In Australia, there’s legislation that requires solar installers to be accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC), among other government and industry standards.
It’s worth noting that CEC accreditation is given to individual solar panel and storage installers, not companies. This accreditation should also be accompanied by an electrical licence, which is why it’s so important to do your research before signing on the dotted line.
To take the hassle out of finding the best solar installation companies nationwide, we survey hundreds of Aussies to find the best-rated brand in our annual review. Each company is rated on factors like customer service and advice provided, performance of solar system, installation process, durability and more. To compare solar panel installers, visit our page.
How to find a solar panel installer near you
While there are some familiar names in the solar installation market, there are thousands of installers across Australia, most of which operate out of the capital cities. To find a list of accredited solar installers near you, visit the Clean Energy Council website and type in your location. Remember to ring around and ask for a few quotes first so you can compare companies on price and customer service.
How much does it cost to install solar panels?
The cost of installing solar panels at your property will depend on several factors, such as the size of your system, where it’s positioned, the brand and type of panels and the company’s installation prices. For a ballpark figure, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $12,000 for a 1.5 – 10 kilowatt (KW) solar system.
According to the experts at SolarQuotes, the typical cost of a 6.6kW solar system installed in Australia is around $9,500, excluding any government rebates that may be available in your state. As you can see by the hefty upfront price, installing solar panels on your roof will usually require a team of professionals to do the job. When you go with a reputable installer, you also get the added comfort of an installer’s warranty, which generally covers the workmanship of installation for five to 10 years, although this timeframe may differ between certain companies.
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What should I ask before installing solar panels?
First, it’s a good idea to understand your household energy consumption and whether or not you’ll be living at the property long term. This will help you identify your budget and decide if the buyback period suits you. However, there are still a range of questions to ask your solar installer before signing up.
Some questions to ask include:
- Is the positioning of my roof suitable for solar panels?
- What’s the best size and type of solar system for my house and energy needs?
- How long on average will it take to see a return on my investment?
- Are there any interest-free finance options or green loans available?
- How long am I covered under a warranty for both solar panels and installation?
- Are there concessions or rebates I am entitled to in my state?
In our latest survey, we found that 76% of Aussies who recently bought a solar system compared quotes from several different installers, with 84% stating they’d recommend their installer to a friend. It just goes to show how valuable researching solar installer companies is.
Is installing solar panels worth it?
Choosing to go solar could be an excellent financial decision as a homeowner.. In fact, a staggering 89% of our survey respondents said solar was a good financial decision, while 82% revealed that they went with the solar equipment recommended by their installer. However, the real financial benefits will depend on your personal circumstances.
You’ll want to be mindful that, like everything, solar panels will gradually degrade over time, meaning these systems will require maintenance throughout their lifespan. Again, it’s worth knowing what’s covered under the warranty. According to SolarQuotes, solar panel performance warranties generally allow 2% to 3% degradation over the first year, 0.7% each year thereafter.
How to get the most out of your solar panels
Now that you know how to install solar panels, you’ll need to think about which energy providers in your area offer the best solar deals with attractive feed-in tariffs. This way you’ll get financial credits on your power bills for any excess electricity you export. Just be mindful that a higher solar feed-in tariff doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper electricity prices, as it could be concealing higher base rates. Check out some of the best-rated solar energy providers below.
Image credits: myphotobank.com.au/Shutterstock.com
Original author: Jared Mullane
FAQs about installing solar panels
In Australia, you will need a licenced and Clean Energy Council accredited technician to install solar panels at your home. Solar panel installation requires high voltage wiring so an experienced electrician is needed to carry out the work. There are also safety regulations, industry standards and legislation in place to ensure solar panels are installed properly.
Generally, installing solar panels on your roof is a fairly straightforward undertaking for installation companies. Given solar is their bread and butter, most installers will know how to best approach your property and needs.
Yes, solar panels are exposed to the elements on your roof and will require maintenance over time. Degradation is normal with solar panels; however, this occurs gradually over the lifespan of each system. Always check your solar performance warranty to know what is and isn’t covered.
The number of solar panels your property needs will depend on a range of factors, such as:
- Your total electricity usage
- Positioning and size of your roof as well as the direction it’s facing
- Output capacity of the panel type
- Your geographical location (i.e. is your home exposed to sunlight)
It’s worth noting your solar PV system’s output isn’t measured by how many panels you have, but rather the overall capacity of the entire system. A typical home in Australia uses a 5kW solar system, which consists of 20 to 25 panels.
While it’s not guaranteed your energy bills will go down once you install solar panels, it is generally part of the reason why so many Aussies invest in solar. Make sure you compare energy providers and always ask if you’re on the most appropriate deal according to your circumstances.
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