Here are some tips to consider when thinking about getting grid-connect solar
1. Ensure the panels come with an output guarantee (typically 90% after 10 years and 80% after 25 years), and that you trust that the company ot supplier will still be operating in the long term future to honour that guarantee.
2.Inverters have an average lifespan of 10 years. If you can pay a bit more to get a 10 year or more warranty, it may be worth it.
3. Make sure your home insurance will cover any damages to the panels from hail storms etc.
4. To measure the value-for-money of the system purchase, use our investment calculator to help you decide the best value-for-money option.
5. What is the difference between the different panel types? In short, mono-, poly- and hybrid-crystalline all have reasonably similar dimensions and performance. Thin film amorphous panels have lower embodied energy and higher shade performance per KW system size, but take up much more space on the roof and are usually more expensive
6. Get a larger capacity inverter if you ever want to expand your capacity of generation
7. Call your energy provider a few weeks before your panels are installed to arrange the supply of the meter which must be installed by a level 2 electrician. The meter is free but grid-connection/meter installation will cost around $200 or $300 dollars.
8. Shop around because there are good deals out there. Use our investment calculator to decide the best option for you and your budget.
