Energy Matters

solar power

renewable energy

home solar power

renewable energy government rebates

renewable energy information

SOLAR ENERGY & WIND POWER AUSTRALIA
Questions? email or call our friendly team on 1300 727 151

10 tips for buying your solar power system

1. Recommendations: 

    

   Ask friends or family who have had solar PV systems installed. If they are happy with their solar power systems, then there is a good chance you will also be happy with your system. (See testimonials from our customers or see photos of previous solar projects.)
   
   

2. Length of Manufacturer’s Warranty:

    

   Take note of what guarantees the manufacturer offers. If the manufacturer is reputable and the warranty period is substantial (at least 25 years) you can expect your solar system to last long for a long time, long enough to pay for itself and make you a profit. All Energy Matters' solar panels have solid warranties.
   
   

3. Do not be overly concerned about efficiency:

    

   This is not a straightforward concept when it comes to solar systems. Efficiency is somewhat an over rated concept because the source of the energy, light, is free, and most people in Australia have more roof space than they can fill with solar panels. Regardless of efficiency ratings, a 120 watt solar panel will generate 120 watts. Make sure your north facing roof space is large enough to accommodate your system. Allow approximately 8m² of roof area for each 1Kw.
   
   

4. Have realistic price expectations:

    

   If you are paying less than many other similar size systems quoted you may find poor quality equipment and/or poor installation work. Quality equipment and installation isn't cheap and, like all other purchases, you often get what you pay for. (see EM price and calculations). Compare components and warranty periods and check into the company. While large companies such as Energy Matters' can pass on substantial savings due to our buying power, other companies often reduce costs by cutting important corners. 
   
   

5. Solar Panel Certifications:

    

   This applies to all solar panel purchases, but especially to the purchases that could attract a government rebate. The certification on solar panels indicates the type of testing that has been done on them. For instance, TUV IEC 61215 confirms that the solar panels have been tested by an independent laboratory and have met their advertised specifications. Other certification types are often self-assessed. Energy Matters only uses fully certified solar panels.
   
   

6. Decide on the type of panels:

    

   If you have limited roof space you will need highly efficient mono-crystalline solar panels. If you have a lot of roof space you may still want to consider using the most efficient type of panels, since filling up your roof with inefficient panels will affect your ability to add more panels at a later date, and does not maximise the power output of the space. If you have partial shading then thin film amorphous solar panels may be more appropriate. No solar panels will produce a significant amount of power in full shade; anyone who says otherwise is not being honest with you (compare different solar panels)
   
   

7. Solar Panel Mounting:

    

   Make sure that the roof, ground mounting or tracking system is engineer certified for the area you are in. eg. if you live in a cyclone prone area make sure the mounting system  and mounting brackets are also cyclone rated. Quality systems are wind certified, after all you do not want your system to take off during a wild storm .We use the only wind certified system in Australia the SunTop III, a German designed mounting system, which is now manufactured in Australia. The system also offers 10 years warranty. The mounting system is a very vital component and some suppliers skimp on this item. Make sure you ask about wind certification and get copies of relevant documents.
   
   

8. Choose an efficient inverter:

    

   A power inverter is the box between the panels and your appliances that converts DC electricity from solar panels to AC; suitable for use in your home. Power Inverter efficiency will have a direct impact on the amount of time it takes for a system to pay for itself. Look at the inverter efficiency before purchasing a system. Obviously, the more efficient the inverter the better – as your energy does not get wasted in the conversion process. The industry preferred inverters for grid connect systems in Australia are SMA, Fronius and Latronics. Stay away from the “exotic”.
   
   

9. Get a few quotes:

    

   It always wise to get a few quotes when making a major purchase. Energy Matters will endeavour to beat a quote offered by competitors by up to 5% on comparable components - call us to discuss pricing and save with Energy Matters!
   
   

10. Avoid high pressure sales people:

     

    If someone is in your home for more than an hour and they spent most of that time talking about the system, rather than surveying your home, the sales person is probably trying to soften you up for a very high price. Try not to make decisions on the spot, just ask the person to let you consider the offer. If it’s as good as they claim, it will still be a good deal tomorrow. Pressured decisions on the spot often turn out to be less advantageous in reflection.
    

Happy solar shopping – the Energy Matters Team