Due to the pandemic, many of us are now working or studying from home. This increases the energy use in a typical household. Solar Victoria maintains the current solar panel rebates value of up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan until 30th June 2022. It would be a great idea to take this opportunity to install a solar panel system in your home.
Things to consider when you are choosing a solar panel system:
Solar panels come in a variety of sizes. It is essential to discuss with your installer to find out how many panels can be installed onto your roof & if the overall system would be sufficient & efficient for your household.
- How much unobstructed roof space without shading from vegetation and adjacent buildings does your house have?
- Install solar panels on the Northern facing roof if possible. Orienting them this way guarantees the most solar radiation throughout the year. However, an adequately combined Eastern & Western facing roof can be fairly efficient too.
- Inverter (and battery)
- Install the inverter externally and make sure it’s easily accessible at eye level and preferably close to the switchboard.
- Make sure to install inverter away from direct sunlight and under an eave for weather protection to ensure a longer life span.
- The inverter requires energy from the solar system to operate too. It is wiser to invest in a better inverter as it requires lower energy. They also enable the system to collect solar energy for a longer period of time, making the whole system more efficient.
- Brackets for the solar panels
- Ensure that the solar panel brackets are suitable for your roofing material.
- If you have a galvanised roof, ensure that the brackets being installed are galvanized or anodized aluminium. Other types of metal may cause the galvanised roof to rust.
- Half-cell and full-cell solar panels
- Half-cell modules produce more power and are more efficient and reliable than their full-cell counterparts.
- Ensure full sun access for full-cell solar panels, as when partly shadowed by any structure or trees, the whole panel will cease to function. However, in the same situation, a half-cell module would still function to a certain extent and continue to collect solar energy.
Click here to view more info on the current rebate offered by Solar Victoria.
Howard Siow, 18/8/21
