Solar panels capture one of nature’s most potent and cost-effective resources, notably the energy produced by the sun. Moreover, solar panels, sometimes referred to as PV or photovoltaic systems, use semiconductor technology to convert the energy from the sun into electricity which can be utilised in powering your house.
Installing solar panels Mandurah allows you to create clean power, which is a significant benefit. However, how do you know whether they are the best option for your home? Read on to find out!
How Does a Solar Panel Work?
A solar PV panel comprises numerous cells of semiconducting material, most often silicon. When light hits on this material, an electric current flows.
The cells do not need direct sunlight and may even function on gloomy days. However, the more sunlight there is, the more power is created.
Solar panels Mandurah systems are composed of multiple panels, each generating around 355W of electricity in direct sunshine. Typical setups have ten panels and provide direct current (DC) power. Because home equipment needs alternating current (AC), an inverter is integrated with the system to convert DC power to AC. This energy may be consumed in your house or delivered to the grid.
Are Solar Panels a Good Investment for Your Home?
Every month, thousands of solar panels are put up throughout Australia. Because of the increased popularity of solar panels, costs have dropped by more than 80% in the last decade, and the trend appears to continue.
Solar panel costs have progressively declined as new technologies have been developed to make solar energy components more cost-effective. Furthermore, solar panels help you make money from excess power produced and lower your energy expenditures. So, the three primary advantages of solar panels are that they:
- Reduce carbon footprint. A solar-powered house reduces carbon footprint and helps eliminate risky domestic pollutants.
- Increase the resale value of the property. Another benefit of a solar panel is the ability to sell their excess power. SEG (Smart Export Guarantee) will not only make you money, but it will also raise the market value of your home.
- Provide electricity all year round. Solar panels provide clean, emission-free energy to power your house all year, and their lengthy life period of more than 25 years makes them an excellent long-term investment.
What Should You Look for When Buying Solar?
A solar energy system is a major investment, and there are a lot of critical considerations to consider before signing a contract. If you’ve concluded that solar is a good investment for your situation, here’s where you should start.
Expenses for Initial Installation and Regular Upkeep
Sticker shock is widespread in the solar industry, particularly regarding negative marketing. It is crucial to remember that adopting solar is often less expensive than doing nothing. Consider the upfront solar expenditure compared to what you may pay on power over the following 25 years if you did not have solar. Following installation, solar panel owners will be liable for maintenance payments.
Net Metering Policies
Net metering rules differ from state to state and provider to provider, so understand your policy. Although an approach is uncommon to be the deciding factor in your ROI, it is a significant consideration. Consider purchasing a battery if your state does not provide net metering as an incentive.
Here are a few essential concepts to familiarise yourself with to comprehend your net metering policy better:
- Wholesale rate: The cost of energy purchased by electricity suppliers (lower than retail, think of it as power purchased in bulk).
- Retail rate: The total amount charged by customers by utilities.
Pending Policies and Incentives Changes
Because the solar sector is still in its early stages, present governmental incentives and legislation are open to change. Waiting for more progressive policies may assist you in certain circumstances but may harm others. As a result of the success of solar and other renewables, some big energy firms are fighting against net metering regulations, potentially jeopardising some. As a result, your provider doesn’t advocate just waiting and watching – instead, they research the current situation of solar subsidies in your region.
Climate and Weather
Solar panels function best in areas that get a lot of direct sunshine; this tends to be closer to the equator, but residences in northern states may also be a good option for solar. It may sound contradictory, but solar panels are more effective in cold weather because power flows more quicker.
Rain also improves the efficiency of any solar panel. Showers will wash away any dirt or grime accumulated on your panels during the dry seasons.
Some individuals still need to decide whether solar panels are the proper investment or product to buy now. It might be due to expense or a misconception that it does not operate as effectively as solar businesses claim. Solar panels are the answer for your homes if you do the research and set up your property to maximise energy savings first. Apart from solar panels, solar hot water Mandurah is also good investment in terms of sustainability .