Rooftop solar provides the lowest cost power in the World |
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With zero emissions it is also the cleanest |
We live in a land of plenty, where enough solar hits a rooftop in an hour to power that home for a day |
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Rebates, or STCs, are available until 2030, helping to lower the upfront cost of solar |
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Don’t let this stop you on your journey to electrification!! Due to the abundance of solar in the grid, many retailers are offering cheap, or even free, power during the middle of the day.
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Want to learn more?
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The SystemWill my property support a solar system?
There are a few key factors to consider including:
What hardware will I need?
A solar system has two core components of hardware being the solar panels and an inverter. Solar panels Solar panels come in two main formats: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are highly efficient and have a less intrusive design, but they come at a higher price point than polycrystalline panels. There are hundreds of brands of panel approved for use in Australia. But you can quickly narrow your selection down by considering a few key topics such as: the warranty period most suitable for your circumstances (e.g. how long you may reside in your property), the panel efficiency, if the manufacturer has a ‘tier 1’ rating and whether the panel manufacturer has local market support in Australia. Warranty periods can range from 10-12 years for a budget panel up to 40 years for a high-quality premium panel like SunPower. Common premium brand panels include: Sunpower, Tindo, SolarEdge and QCells. More mid-range panels include: Jinko, Trina, Canadian Solar and SunTech. Inverter The job of a solar inverter is to convert the direct current (‘DC’) from the solar panels into alternating current (‘AC’) used in your home and the grid. The inverter also generally acts as the overall monitoring system for your solar giving you detailed statistics, through a mobile app, on how much power your solar system is generating, how much power your home is using and how much power is being sent to or drawn from the grid. There are two main types of inverter; a string inverter and microinverters. String inverters sit on the wall of your house where as micro-inverters sit under each solar panel. String inverters make up the vast majority of the solar installations as they are more cost efficient than micro-inverters and easier to maintain and access. However, the downside of string inverters is that if one panel in the ‘string’ is under performing due to shade or dirt then all panels are reduced to the lower level of performance. This is not an issue for micro-inverters. Think of the comparison to your old Christmas tree lights – if one light goes out, they all go out (string inverter) vs new modern LED lights – if one goes out the rest stay on (microinverter). So, if your roof is prone to shade then you may want to consider microinverters. An alternative to microinverters is to use a traditional string inverter and “optimisers” which sit on each solar panel. What impact does a Home Battery have on the hardware?
If you are also considering a home battery this can have an impact on your inverter choice.
What size system should I go for?
The cost of installation is a key component of a solar system; hence most people tend to opt for an appropriately sized system upfront rather than retrofitting additional panels and/or inverters. With decreases in hardware costs the most common installed sized system now is 10-15 kW. This size is likely sufficient for the majority of households to convert to all electric appliances and transport. However, if your home or budget can’t support such a system, it is still worth investigating smaller systems which can be supplemented by low cost, low carbon power from the grid during the middle of the day. What’s the best roof configuration?
North-facing solar panels will generate the most energy overall (~ 15% more than east/west and 30% more than south) given that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west on a northerly trajectory. Therefore, the working assumption has always been that for solar to be worthwhile you need good northerly roof exposure. But northerly panels will produce less in the morning and late afternoon compared to east and west-facing panels. Most working households will likely consume more energy in the morning and late afternoon so an east/ west array should not be a deterrent to getting solar, and in fact it could actually be more beneficial for self-consumption and therefore maximum cost savings. How much should I expect to pay?
For a more premium system expect to pay in the region of $1,100 to $1,300 per kW of capacity. For more budget systems prices tend to be in the region of $800 per kW of capacity (or 25-40% less). These prices are after the STC rebate and include panels, inverters and installation (refer to the appendix for more details on STCs). Be very wary of unsolicited social media or Google adverts offering prices significantly below these. If the price is too good to be true then it generally is. You will likely receive poor quality components, poor workmanship and support or will be charged with extra fees upon the installation. Where can I find a good installer?
Avoid random Google searches at all costs! Word of mouth referrals from your friends and colleagues are the safest bet to ensure a high-quality service. Alternatively, Solar Quotes is a well-respected website offering up to three quotes from independently vetted installers. |
Key BenefitsWhat return will I make on my investment in a solar system?
If you are able to self-consume the majority of power produced by your system then the installation of solar should be a no-brainer with a payback period of 3-6 years. However, if you end up exporting the majority of your solar to the grid then the investment case becomes less clear due to the large difference between the export price (approx. 3-5 cents and falling) and the buy price (25-60 cents and growing). The best way to maximise the return on investment in a solar system is self-consume the power generated. This can be achieved by combining solar with an EV, home battery, electric hot water system or electric heating. How much CO2 emissions will I save?
Like the financial savings, CO2 savings also depend on how much power you can self-consume, and how much you can avoid the grid. An all-electric home, with batteries and powered by solar can achieve a reduction from 15 tons of CO2 p.a. to zero. However, solar will only make a small difference to the emissions profile of a home that still uses gas and drives a petrol or diesel car – a reduction of around 10% or 1.5 tons. Rebates and FinancingWhat rebates are available?
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are available throughout Australia. This is in effect a rebate given to homeowners to help lower the price of their solar system. The scheme is gradually reducing until it expires in 2030. Solar installers normally net the STC rebate off against the price they quote you. Individual states may also offer additional incentives ranging from interest free loans to additional subsidies. Check the latest position in the state you live. What are my finance options?
There are a number of ways you can finance the installation of a solar system including:
Post InstallationWhat’s the best retail tariff?
The installation of a solar system is likely to trigger the upgrade of your meter from an analogue meter to a smart meter (there is usually no extra cost for this). Once a smart meter has been installed your retailer will likely move you from a fixed rate plan (where you pay a flat rate for your power any time of day) to a Time of Use plan (where the price you pay varies depending on the time of day). In addition, you will also qualify for a feed in tariff, or FIT, being what your retailer will pay you for exporting solar to the grid. Every household is different, so you will need to do undertake your own analysis to confirm the best retail plan for your circumstances. Does a solar system require any maintenance?
A properly installed solar system should require little to no maintenance. However, the efficiency of the panels can reduce if they become dirty so a clean once every 3-5 years is recommended. Also consider the installation of protective mesh between the panels and your roof to discourage birds and possums from nesting under the panels and potentially damaging the components. |
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