Why should you choose solar panels?
In recent years, the cost of installing solar panels has reduced and with solar battery storage becoming a viable option for many households, excess solar energy captured during the day can now be used to supply electricity at night, resulting in significant savings.
It generally only takes a few years for most homes to pay off their initial investment in a solar panel power system. By owning a solar power system, you typically own a big share of the electricity you consume, with the savings you make immediately starting to pay off the cost of your investment.
What are the benefits of a residential solar panel power system?
Solar panels save you money
All the electricity generated by your solar power system equates to kilowatts of electricity that you won’t have to buy from your electricity supplier.
Solar panels benefit the environment
We can reduce the need to generate electricity from fossil fuels like coal and gas by using electricity generated from solar panels instead. This reduces our emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and is better for the environment.
Solar panels give you energy independence
Owning your own solar power system allows you to create your own electricity, reducing your reliance on the electricity grid and electricity suppliers. This, in turn, increases your control over your future electricity needs, expenses and lifestyle.
Solar panels increase your property value
A quality residential solar power system may increase the value of your home. Today’s home buyers recognise the financial and environmental benefits of a home fitted with quality solar panels.
Solar panels are reliable
Solar power systems are a reliable source of energy just as the sun is reliable, in that it rises and sets every day, and shines for many hours of the day, especially in South Australia. With the advancement and increasing affordability of lithium-ion batteries, there are multiple options now to store solar power during the day and use it at night. Find out more about battery storage systems.
How does a solar panel grid system work?
A solar power system comprises multiple solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, a DC to AC power converter (inverter solution) and a framing system to hold the PV panels in place.
PV panels are generally fitted on the roof facing a north, east or west, and tilted at a particular angle to maximise the amount of sunlight that each panel receives.
Suburban homes in Australia are connected to the electricity grid via power lines. Our electricity system uses 240V alternating current (AC), but the electricity generated by a solar power system consists of variable direct current (DC). To transform the DC electricity into AC electricity (for ordinary household use), grid-connected solar power systems have inverters attached to each PV panel.
Houses with grid-connected solar panel systems consume solar-generated electricity first, before switching to the electricity grid if more electricity is required than the solar power system is able to generate.
Adding a storage battery to your solar power system will enable you to store power in your home during the day for use at night.
What if my house is shaded?
The amount of electricity generated by your solar power system directly relates to the amount of sunlight that your PV panels receive. The more shaded your solar modules are, the less electricity your system will generate.
Using micro-inverters or power optimisers on each panel, instead of one large string inverter (where multiple panels are connected to one inverter) can help with shadow issues. When each panel achieves its maximum electricity output individually, the losses attributed to shade can be reduced by as much as 25%.
If you believe this is an issue for you, ask us if power optimisers or micro-inverters are a potential solution for you.
How many solar panels do I need?
To answer this question, Glow will visit your home for a site inspection, check the roof position, discuss your electricity usage pattern, discuss monitor options and, where applicable, conduct a shade analysis to ensure that the right quantity of the most suitable panels is placed in the optimum position.
As a general guide, a small home (1-2 people) will require a 2-3kW system; a medium home (2-3 people), 3-4kW; and a large home (4+ people), 5-8kW.
It’s wise to consider future expansion capability – both for batteries and future electric vehicles – when buying a solar power system. Buy now with the needs of the future in mind. Choose highly efficient panels and keep spare roof space for future expansion.
Why choose Glow for solar panels in South Australia?
- We consider your current electricity consumption and future needs
- We assess your available roof space to determine optimum panel location
- We consider the orientation and pitch of your roof
- We consider the impact of shading across all seasons and time of day
- We assess the structural soundness of your roof
- We size the strings of panels for the correct voltage of the inverter solution
- We ensure the design meets building codes and electrical standards
- We determine the most suitable location for the inverter and the way the cables are run
- We consider appropriate monitor options and if batteries are appropriate
What questions should I ask my solar panel installer?
- What is the estimated monthly and annual production in kWh of my system in its installation position?
- What is the estimated solar electricity production in the best and worst months?
- Who will service and maintain my solar system? Get an address and contact details in writing, preferably of someone reasonably local.
- Get clear on the responsibilities of each party, including the installer, manufacturer and consumer
- Who is responsible for connecting your solar PV system to the electricity grid? Is it the installer or another subcontractor? When will it happen?
- Who is responsible for your meter change? Make sure this is clarified.
- Ask how the installer will credit your solar rebate (STCs)
- Get a detailed handover manual
New Energy Tech Approved Retailer
We abide by the consumer protection standards outlined in the New Energy Tech Consumer Code. Once a solar panel power system that meets your requirements and expectations is chosen, it will be installed by our accredited installers. Click below to contact us for more information.
