Many people plan to get their feet wet with a smaller solar system, such as a 3kw system, and to upgrade with more solar panels at some point down the road. For many this is a great way to invest and start receiving the benefits of solar now on a particular budget, whilst keeping their options open to upgrade when it financially suits them.

Here are a few things to bear in mind if you are considering future upgrades to your solar system.

Inverter Size

The size of inverter you initially select is crucial. Purchasing more panels in the future won’t work if your inverter doesn’t have the capacity to handle it. Which leads us to the next point. 

Reputable brands and components

Quality matters. If you purchase a system package that includes a larger inverter with the intention of upgrading later, it is important to ensure that the company that created the panels will still be in business — and producing the same panels. It can be challenging to mix and match solar panels if you’ve purchased cheap, no-name or fly-by-night manufacturers’ products. So, investing in high-quality, well-known components is a smart investment, especially if you want to modify your system in the future. 

Longevity of Panels

Even if the same components are still available when you want to upgrade, many people find that if the panels are of poor quality, the original solar modules may deteriorate faster than a high-quality panel over time. Due to the fact that a single deteriorated solar panel may have a knock on effect on the performance of the whole system, your upgraded system may not operate at the peak efficiency you expected.

Yes. Our solar panels and inverters are supplied from the most recognised manufacturers in the world, so all of our panels come with a 25-year warranty. In addition, our inverters come with a 10 year warranty and we back that with our 10 year workmanship warranty for total peace of mind.

The size of your solar energy system is determined by the amount of accessible unshaded space for panel installation, the amount of money you are willing to invest, and the percentage of your electricity usage you desire to generate. To assist you in determining the optimal system size to meet your home’s power consumption, please contact one of our solar specialists on 1300 539 844, info@gogreenhome.com.au, or enquire online.

A normal Australian home consumes around 18-24 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day, so to give you a rough idea, a 1-3kW system may save you between 25% and 40% on your usual power cost. Of course, as can be expected, solar panels provide more power in summer than in winter.

After installing your solar system, you will normally require a new meter. If you have an accumulation meter, which is an older design (with spinning disc), it must be replaced with an interval meter or smart meter. This is because an accumulation meter does not keep track of power sent to or imported from the grid. A half-hourly reading of the power you spend and the extra power you create is provided by an interval meter or a smart meter. The replacement meters are supplied, at an extra cost, by your power distribution company.

After installing your solar energy system and qualifying for your state’s Feed in Tariff, you must engage into a contract with your power supplier to access your state’s Feed in Tariff. This also includes the installation of a smart meter, if one has not been placed previously.

For many individuals, shopping for a solar system and selecting a solar panel installation company may be an exciting moment. However, like with any investment, you must exercise caution in who you deal with.

Do Your Research When It Comes To Solar Panel Installation

As with every industry, the solar energy business has its share of unethical actors that are unconcerned with the technology, its environmental advantages, or your requirements. They are only interested in getting your money. And they will be brutal in their pursuit. Essentially, the old adage “if a bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is” holds true when it comes to acquiring a solar energy system in Sydney.

Solar Experts vs Sales Sharks

Be cautious of quick-talking salespeople. As with purchasing a new vehicle, be sceptical of a salesperson’s excitement. In some cases, this may simply be real enthusiasm. However, in other cases, the salesperson will be unable to explain what they are selling. Rather than that, they may be relying on hype to get you to sign on the dotted line and pump up their commissions!

If a question is not satisfactorily answered or they divert rather than give you a clear answer, pursue a satisfactory response. In certain instances, it may be wiser to walk away and locate a solar company that will answer your queries fully and correctly the first time.

On bright days, your solar system will create the maximum amount of power possible, but on overcast days the panels will create less power. You can expect the panels to capture around half the amount of energy that they would on a bright day. If the electricity generated on a cloudy day is insufficient to meet your household’s needs, the system will draw energy straight from the grid.

Solar energy is generated only by the capture of sunlight. As a result, no solar panel system can generate solar electricity at night. As such, homes normally rely on the grid for power during the night. Systems with added batteries, such as hybrid systems, may rely upon stored power in their batteries during the evening. During the day, however, the any excess energy that is gathered is transmitted back into the grid and helps offset your energy bill.