Solar is a long term investment. The initial cost of a quality solar system pays for itself in approximately 3 - 5 years. So whether you've bought your dream home, settled into retirement, or looking to reduce your bills and carbon footprint, it's important to get a solution that will give you the maximum Return on Investment (ROI).
There are many ‘cheap’ solar deals that you may have seen advertised. They're not just cheap in price, but also a reflection on the quality, service, and energy production you'll get from your system. Many are also untruthful about the current incentives and rebates that impact the cost of your system. You can read more about how the Victorian rebate actually works by clicking here.
Here are some things to look out for when purchasing solar if the price just appears a little too good to be true:
Poor Installation: If your installer is cutting corners it’s going to affect your solar system. Many companies will hire untrained workers to complete the job at a fraction of the price to hiring a Certified A Grade Electrician who is also a certified Clean Energy Installer. If you’re paying for the cheapest install on the market you’re likely to receive the poorest quality too. Most solar systems operate at high voltage DC which if installed well is safe. If it’s installed incorrectly it can be VERY dangerous.
Cheap panels: If a company claims they use Tier 1 panels, you are well within your rights to ask for evidence and documentation that backs this claim up. If they’re claiming Tier 1 and you’re not paying a premium price, then we hate to break it to you but you’re probably purchasing poor quality solar panels. A good solar panel should last 30 plus years. Cheap panels will start failing within 2 years and it can be really difficult to get a low-cost solar company to honour the panel warranty. Another thing to consider…
They’re pulling an upsell on you: Many cheap solar companies will advertise a price based on a particular brand of panels and inverters and then proceed to upsell the consumer to better hardware. Which as you guessed it results in the price you pay for quality.
Service after install: Your Solar system may need servicing in the years after installation. Many cheap solar companies price themselves out of the market and are no longer around when you need servicing, leaving you in a difficult position. Look for businesses that have been around for a long time, as a good indicator they'll be around in the future.
Poor Energy Production: Many cheap solar panels don't produce the same amount of energy as quality manufactured panels. Which defeats the purpose of getting solar in the first place! You can measure your energy production by installing Solar Analytics with your system, or some solar inverters will send your reports on the production of your system.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for! With something as important as solar you want to make sure that the money you’re spending is a wise investment and that your product will last. Ultimately you want a system that is well suited to your roof, your circumstances and your energy consumption. It needs to have good quality Tier 1 panels, high quality inverter, racking, wiring, isolators and a good quality professional install, and after install service.
Do your research and don’t be scared to ask your questions!
Contact us for more information on solar solutions with high return on investment.
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