How to choose the best solar panels for your home
The solar industry has seen a rapid growth over the past decade and become the cleanest, greenest and cheapest source of electricity.
As electricity bills continue to rise at an exponential level, switching to solar makes sense.
With many solar providers out there offering different services for widely differing costs, it's easy to get lost in the semantics of switching to solar.
Luckily, Beau Savage, Co-Founder of Smart Energy, has shared his top tips to consider when finding the right solar provider for your home.
Evaluate your home
The first step is to figure out if solar power is right for you.
There are a few reasons why solar might not suit, including renters, apartment-dwellers, and anyone who lives in a shady spot might not be the ideal candidate for solar power.
Luckily there are other ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
“If conditions don’t suit, it might be better to invest in a 100 per cent carbon neutral energy plan,” says Beau.
Do your research
Shopping for solar is no different to buying new furniture.
It’s important to shop around for the best deal by looking at user reviews, comparing prices and services, and talking to experts before locking down a provider.
Beau says, “The only negative reviews you want to see appearing on a good company should be from those who delayed getting and wished they’d done it sooner.”
Find the right company
While there’s nothing wrong with prioritising affordability and cost comparison, be aware that low costs can occasionally translate to poor customer service and unreliable installers.
According to Beau, “For the best long term results, choose a solar company who uses local installers so that if there is a problem, there will always be someone ready to immediately fix the issue.”
Find the right spot
When it comes to solar power, location is key.
The last thing you want is to discover that your installer has placed the panels in a bad spot, which only leads to more costs to correct the error.
“When having an initial consultation it is essential to ask whether or not the company you are talking to sends trained engineers who can look at your roof, its shading and sunlight levels. This will ensure that you will get the most out of your solar system.”
In order to get the most of your solar power, make sure there are no obstructions to your panels, and be sure to monitor the system’s performance to make sure you’re getting the very best green energy.
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