Five Essential Questions Every Customer Should Ask When Buying a Solar System  

Buying a solar system can be daunting. Doing your homework is important, to assist you here’s five essential questions that everyone should ask before installing solar panels for their home or business.

 

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT SIZE SOLAR SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

With solar, one size doesn’t fit all. Just because a friend or relative installed a 5kW solar system doesn’t mean that’s the right size for you.

A well balanced, grid-connected solar system will generate enough electricity to cover your daytime electricity usage while feeding as little as possible back into the electricity grid. The Clean Energy Council advises customers exercise caution when dealing with companies offering large inverters on small systems.

Discussions with your solar consultant should begin with, “What size solar system is right for me?” rather than, “How much does a 5kW system cost?” because those offering the cheapest price rarely have the customer’s best interest in mind.

 

WHAT IS THE EXPECTED PAYBACK PERIOD?

Asking your solar company how long it will take before you recoup your investment will ensure you are not over-investing in a solar system that is inappropriate for your needs. Most knowledgeable solar companies will recommend a grid-connected system that will result in a five-year payback period, but depending on your living circumstances this number can be higher.

Hybrid solar systems with battery storage are becoming increasingly affordable and allow customers to store unused solar power in a battery bank for use outside of sunlight hours. These systems offer increased flexibility but require a greater upfront commitment and can entail a ten year payback period.

Even if you are installing solar panels because of the environmental benefits they afford, achieving a reasonable payback period will give you confidence that the system is producing a meaningful yield of electricity that is appropriate for your consumption.

 

DOES THE COMPANY HAVE A GOOD REPUTATION?

Finding out how long the solar company has been in business, and choosing one that has weathered the ebbs and flows of the industry means they are likely they are to be operating in the years to come.

Online investigations often expose only the most disgruntled customers (although, scores of negative reviews should be a warning sign). Reputable solar companies should have no problems making their terms and conditions, itemised component costs, system performance estimates and expected payback period perfectly clear.

A creditable solar company should also have no problem providing you with references for installations conducted in your area, allowing you to assess their professionalism and customer satisfaction.

 

ARE THE INSTALLERS APPROPRIATELY CERTIFIED?

In order to receive any government subsidies, both the designer and installer of your new solar PV system must be Clean Energy Council Accredited.

Asking about the experience of your installer will be beneficial, and asking them to provide varied examples of installations they have completed will ensure they are well equipped to manage your installation should any peculiarities arise.

 

IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG, WHAT ARE THE PRODUCT AND WORKMANSHIP WARRANTIES?

When complications arise, you need to know that you are covered. While the operation of a solar panel is fairly uncomplicated, inverters are more likely to require maintenance over the life of your system.

Industry standard for mid-range inverters is a five year warranty, and in some cases extended warranties can be purchased for an additional cost. A top quality manufacturer should be confident enough in their product to offer a ten year inverter warranty.

Workmanship warranties should guarantee that your installation is defective-free and cover at least your first ten years of use. Reputable companies will be committed to helping you down the track should any problems present themselves.

 

Purchasing a solar power system can be a satisfying and financially rewarding experience, but it should follow a thorough consultation with your solar company of choice (including a personal site-inspection to ensure your premises is suitable). These are the essential questions to ask your solar company, however every installation is different and capably handling a miscellany of energy requirements comes only with experience.