As Australians look to cut down their energy bills and help the country realize its dream of zero greenhouse gas […]
Hey there, sunshine chasers. Have you been considering installing solar panels on your roof to lower the outrageous electricity bills? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in the world for good reason – we have ample sun for days.
Australians install record amounts of rooftop solar: More than 3,000MW of rooftop solar was installed by Australian householders in 2021. Almost one-third of Australian households have solar panels — the highest rate in the world
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to install solar panels on your roof and to start harnessing the power of the sun.
The following sections will give you key insights into solar feed-in tariffs, panel sizes, inverters, and more.
If you’ve been on the fence about adopting solar solutions, this guide will give you the confidence and knowledge to make the switch. Are you ready to start saving money and contributing to protecting the environment?
Let’s dive in. The sun is shining and your solar-powered future is calling.
The Growth of Rooftop Solar in Australia
The Australian solar industry is booming. Over 2 million Aussie homes now enjoy rooftop solar panels, and that number is growing daily. If you’re thinking of joining the solar revolution, here’s what you need to know.
1. Cost and Savings
The average upfront cost of a typical residential system is between $5,000 to $10,000.
But don’t let the price tag deter you – solar can save you thousands of dollars per year on electricity bills. Government rebates and incentives like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) can also help offset these costs.
2. Choosing a System
For most homes, a 3 to 5-kilowatt system using premium panels and an inverter is ideal. Such a system will produce 10 to 16-kilowatt hours of electricity per day, which is enough for most households.
Shop around at different installers for the best deal.
3. Installation and Maintenance
Once installed, solar systems require little maintenance. But it’s important to have a professional service your system every 3-5 years to check components and ensure optimal efficiency.
4. The Future is Bright
The future of solar in Australia looks very bright indeed. Government projections aim to have rooftop solar installations on 3.5 million homes by 2030.
Advancements in battery storage technology, smart meters, and the rise of virtual power plants will make rooftop solar solutions even more viable and valuable. The sun is shining on Australia’s renewable energy future!
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Australia?
The cost of solar panels in Australia has dropped significantly over the last decade, which made solar energy more affordable and accessible to homeowners.
According to the Clean Energy Council, the average price of a 5kW solar PV system in Australia is between $5,000 and $10,000. The exact price you pay will depend on several factors:
Panel type
The two most common types of solar panel types are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive, ranging between $3,000 to $5,000 for a 5kW system.
Polycrystalline panels are slightly less efficient but are more budget-friendly, ranging between $2,500 to $4,500 for a 5kW system.
System size
A larger system with a higher kW output will cost more to install but will also generate more energy and lead to higher bill savings. A 5kW system is suitable for the average home whereas a 10kW system is more suited for larger houses or small commercial spaces.
Location and installation
Installation costs are often a significant portion of the total system price. The specific design, roof type, and location of your home will determine the complexity of the installation.
Installation in remote locations will also typically cost more. You can expect to pay a price ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more for the installation of a 5kW system.
Incentives and rebates
Both federal and state incentives are available for rooftop solar solutions in Australia such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and various state rebate programs.
These incentives allow you to save thousands of dollars from the total cost of your solar installation. Be sure to check what rebates you may be eligible for based on the specifics of your system and location.
Top Solar Panel Brands & Installers in Australia
When it comes to residential solar panels in Australia, you have several great options to choose from. Two of the leading panel manufacturers are:
Canadian Solar: One of the largest solar companies in the world, Canadian Solar produces high-efficiency panels at affordable prices. Their panels are supplied with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty.
JinkoSolar: A global leader in the solar industry, JinkoSolar manufactures innovative panels that can be used on any roof. They provide panels for both residential and commercial purposes, along with competitive, performance-based warranties.
Maximizing Your Solar Energy Production
Maximizing the energy your solar panels produce means getting the most out of your investment. Here are some tips that allow you to optimize their performance:
Panel Placement
The orientation and angle of your solar panels directly impact how much sunlight they receive. For the best results in Australia, direct the panels to face north at an angle of 30-50 degrees. North-facing panels will produce 10-25% more energy than east or west-facing ones.
Regular Cleaning
Dirt and debris on your solar panels block sunlight and reduce the panels’ efficiency. Hire a professional to clean the panels 2-4 times a year in order to remove built-up grime.
You can also carefully wipe the panels yourself using water and a soft brush, proceeding slowly so as not to damage them. Clear, clean panels can improve energy production by up to 15% compared to dirty ones.
Monitor Your System
Check on your solar energy system regularly to ensure all the components are properly working. Look for any warning lights or alarms that could indicate issues with inverters, wiring or batteries.
Hire a professional to conduct annual maintenance checks and service calls as needed. Proactive monitoring and repairs will minimize downtime and maximize the energy generated by your panels.
Energy Efficiency
The more efficient your home energy consumption is, the less solar energy you’ll need to power it. Improve insulation, switch to LED lighting, and upgrade to Energy Star-certified appliances.
These upgrades help you to significantly reduce your energy consumption , allowing your solar panels to produce excess energy that is sent to the grid.
The feed-in tariffs you receive in return will allow you to offset your system costs faster.
Future Upgrades
As solar technology improves, the efficiency and affordability of panels is expected to increase. If your panels are more than 5-10 years old, it may be worthwhile to upgrade to newer, higher-wattage models.
Newer panels take up the same space but can generate 20-40% more energy than older panels.
This type of upgrade is an easy way to maximize your solar energy production without expanding your system size or costs.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know about going solar in Australia.
Australia has some of the highest rates of rooftop solar adoption in the world thanks to government incentives, decreasing costs, and most importantly, the high solar irradiance the country receives.
Whether you want to save money, reduce your environmental footprint, gain energy independence, or all of the above, solar panels are a very attractive option.
Although the process may seem complicated, doing your research, getting multiple quotes, and asking the right questions, will set you well on your way to harnessing the power of the sun and reaping the benefits.
Go on, join the solar revolution! Your future self will thank you.
