Much like genuine love, sunlight is also free.
It was only a matter of time before people caught on to harnessing the energy from it and using it to power electricity, for lighting homes, buildings, and streets. Solar energy can also power appliances, big and small — from calculators to refrigerators. Solar energy is also used in agriculture and horticulture, powering water pumps and fountains; in cooling and ventilation, powering air conditioners and solar chimneys, and it is also used for engineering, powering cars.
A solar-powered home or building can gain so much from cheaper electricity bills, which will depend on your location, system size (3kW vs. 2kW), and consumption. Other benefits include contribution to the world’s effort toward zero emission living and the absence of maintenance, with some solar panels requiring only minimal looking after once installed.
So yes, it’s a good idea to buy solar energy products. But how do you know you’re buying the right ones? Try these seven bright ideas when shopping for your solar energy products — from panels to batteries.
1. Know your energy consumption.
How much do your want your solar energy to generate? Knowing what kind of panel capacity your home or business will need requires knowing your daily consumption, particularly in the daytime. You can refer to your previous year’s energy bills to get an idea.
2. You might not need a bigger system.
A bigger system sounds like a good plan to making sure your solar energy works efficiently. But a bigger system isn’t necessary for low energy use during the day.
3. Get multiple quotes—and never sign instantly.
Always shop around for retailers and installers. Get an estimate of how much energy the solar systems will generate. The average output of your system should indicate your location and the position of your system (solar panels are better when facing north, toward the sun, and not blocked by trees and other obstruction).
4. A cheaper system isn’t always a good purchase.
A low-cost solar system might feel like a good purchase in the beginning but in the long run, if it performs poorly because of inferior components, you’ll end up paying more for it.
5. Your installer should have the proper credentials.
Excellent solar energy products come from the best installers and retailers. Make sure the one you choose has Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation, which provides the voluntary code of conduct guaranteeing best-practice installation.
6. Your solar energy products should meet standards — Australian and international.
The system you buy should come with proper certification; one that confirms the product has been tested by an independent laboratory and has met its advertised specifications.
7. Know your warranty.
Some manufacturers offer up to 25 years. If that’s indicated in the product, make sure that your system comes from a reputable manufacturer with a good track record. Otherwise, your warranty might be useless when the manufacturer goes out of business.