How to Prepare for a Solar Installation at Your Home

According to ARENA, more than two million households in Australia have roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that collectively generate over 10 GW of electricity. Using renewable energy presents several economic and environmental benefits. So, it is no surprise that more and more Australians are switching to solar power or supplementing their main electricity supply with solar generators.

Making a solar investment is a big decision. We’ll take you through four key considerations when preparing to install residential solar panels to ensure you make the right choices.

Work out your energy requirements

Calculate how much electricity your home requires and estimate your future electricity usage. You can derive consumption figures from your electric bill or household size. Remember to also factor in any foreseeable changes that might affect your domestic power usage. Knowing how much energy you need will help you select solar arrays and batteries powerful enough to efficiently meet the supply demands.

Address roof problems

Examine your roof thoroughly to determine whether it is structurally sound and ideal for solar installation. Make all the necessary repairs on an ageing roof before mounting solar panels; for instance, replace damaged shingles, reinforce weak sections, and fix all leaks. Also, ensure that the roof’s surface gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day and is not obscured by shadows from overhanging tree branches, chimneys, or antennas.

Apply for rebates and incentives

The federal and local governments support and encourage solar power generation by providing rebates and incentives to homeowners looking to install solar panels. A popular example is the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme that rewards individuals and small businesses that put up wind or solar power systems. Additionally, the Solar Homes Programme provides Victoria’s residents with rebates of up to 50 per cent of the purchase cost of solar PV panels.

Check your eligibility for such rebates to see if they can help reduce your initial solar installation cost and offer even more benefits down the road.

Find the right solar contractor

The success of your solar installation will largely depend on the contractor you hire. Research the solar installation companies in your area and settle for a highly skilled and experienced contractor with a proven track record of providing quality products and services. A good solar specialist will guide you through the entire installation process, helping you make the right purchase decisions, avoid mistakes, and ensure the solar system serves its best purpose reliably and efficiently.

Solar Miner is a Victorian solar installation company with three solid years of experience in the energy industry and a dedicated team of skilled electrical technicians. Reach us through our website or call us on 1300 285 885 to get the best customer service and expertise for your solar project.