Setting up a household solar system can prove effective only if you consider all the crucial aspects. Hence, proper planning is paramount in this aspect.
Some vital steps in this process include – calculate home energy use, compare solar plan, and assess potential financing and incentives.
However, the entire process isn’t very short. Each step has important sub-sections that every homeowner should consider. This article aims at providing a detailed procedure that includes these steps, which can lead to an optimal system selection.
1. Evaluate Your Energy Use
Australia receives a mean value of 58 million PJ of annual solar radiation. This fact implies that solar energy available to utilise is immense but varies as per geography.
However, as a residential customer, you do not need a massive amount of solar radiation. Planning a system that offers sufficient electricity should be your end goal.
Here’s how you can evaluate the energy use:
- Conduct a home energy audit
- Calculate the lighting requirements
- Assess your existing energy consumption
When you complete these vital steps, you will have a proper assessment of the magnitude requirement of the solar system for the house.
2. Get Solar Quotes from Reputed Sources
Once you understand the energy requirement, it is crucial to approach reliable solar quote providers. These agencies offer quotations from different installers in the region.
On the other hand, you can even reach out to local installers and collect price estimates individually. Be sure to compare solar plan from more than three system installers.
This way, you will be in a better position to select a system that fits your budget.
3. Check for Available Incentives
To promote solar energy usage, governments offer various financing options. For instance, you can receive a solar lease from specific organisations.
On the other hand, there are tax credits for installing residential and commercial solar systems. However, these credits come with a deadline. So, it is crucial to read all the parameters carefully.
Once you decide on the appropriate funding or incentive option, prepare all the necessary documents. Also, discuss these aspects with your installer.
4. Discuss All Technical Aspects with Your Installer
After laying out all the financial parameters, it is time to proceed toward the final installation. So, it is crucial to discuss the following aspects with your installer:
- Permits
- Type of solar panels
- Available sunlight
- Orientation of solar panels
- Auxiliary equipment
You can also discuss the possibility of net metering and the overall billing at this stage. After ticking off all the boxes, proceed with the final installation.
In a Nutshell
Planning a residential solar system involves three crucial aspects — energy requirement, finance, and technical parameters. Hence, the process of installing the system should include all these facets.
Initially, you should understand the extent of the cost that you can save with a solar system. For this purpose, it is essential that you have an accurate idea of electricity usage. Next, be sure to compare different solar plans that suit your requirement.
Comparing various quotations will prove beneficial in saving initial costs. Finally, you can explore incentive or funding options available at the national or state level. However, the eligibility criteria and application deadlines significantly impact this aspect.
Last but not least, do not hesitate to ask queries to your installer. Also, discuss the possibility of utilising additional energy from your system.