Thinking about clean, renewable and cost-saving energy for your home? You’re not alone! Thanks to rebates, incentives, the cost of living and a growing concern for the environment, residential solar panel systems have become increasingly popular in the last few years. But with any significant investment, it’s normal to have questions, and seek clarity. We’ve pulled together some of the questions we get asked regularly, so you can start your journey with confidence. From understanding the compatibility of solar panels with your roof, to exploring maintenance, warranties and lifespan, we’ve got you covered.

 

Solar panels

Will solar panels work on my roof?

There are several factors that are taken into consideration, when assessing your roof. These include orientation, shading, structural integrity, roof age and condition, and space.

  • Orientation: The orientation of your roof plays a significant role in optimising the efficiency of solar panels. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s ideal to have a northern-facing orientation to receive the most sunlight and maximise energy production
  • Shading: Shadows cast on the rood, such as trees or nearby buildings, can significantly impact the performance of solar panels. So, it’s important to assess any potential obstructions
  • Structural integrity: Panels are typically mounted on racks that are secured to the roof. So it’s important to assess the structural integrity of the roof to ensure it can support the weight of the solar panel system
  • Roof age and condition: In addition to structural integrity, the age and condition should be assessed to ensure longevity of the solar panel system. If the roof requires repairs, it would be best to carry out this work before proceeding with the installation of a solar panel system
  • Roof space: The amount of space on the roof determines the maximum size and capacity of the solar panel system

Are solar panels affected by poor weather conditions?

While solar panels do work best with direct sunlight exposure, they are designed to account for a wide range of weather conditions.  

Essentially, solar panels work by capturing the energy from the sun and converting it into electricity. On cloudy days, some sunlight is still able to penetrate through the clouds and reach the solar panels. While the amount of energy generated will be lower than on sunny days, it’s still enough to power the panels and generate electricity! When it comes to colder weather, surprisingly to most, solar panels can actually work more efficiently! This is because cooler temperatures reduce cell resistance, which allows electrons to move more freely. Get to know even more about how solar panels work, here. 

How long do solar panels typically last?

Solar panels are built to be durable and long-lasting. Though it depends on the manufacturer and type of solar panels you’re having installed, their average lifespan can be anywhere from 15-30 years. So, with manufacturer and installer warranties, they’re a wise long-term investment for homeowners. With regular maintenance and monitoring, their lifespan can extend even further.

How long does an installation take?

The installation process can begin after the design, permits and approvals for your system are finalised. At Quantum Solar, our team of specialists will arrange a suitable date and time for your installation. The installation itself typically includes the fitting of the solar panels to your roof, connecting these to an inverter or battery, and testing the system to ensure everything is running smoothly. Depending on the complexity of the solar plan for your home, this process can take several days to complete. You can learn more about the journey to solar (from assessment to installation) here.

What kind of maintenance is required for solar panels?

Solar panels are designed to be low-maintenance and require very little upkeep. But like anything worth having, it’s worth cleaning them and monitoring them every so often to ensure everything’s running smoothly.  

Dirt, dust and debris can accumulate on the surface of the solar panels over time and reduce their efficiency. All you need to do is use a soft brush or cloth with mild detergent and give them a rinse with water every so often. Keep an eye on the amount of energy your solar panels are producing, too. If you notice a significant drop in output, give your solar provider a call to come and check them out for you. 

 

Warranties, incentives, finance and property value

What warranties are offered for the solar panels and the installation?

Solar panels typically come with two types of warranties – product warranties and performance warranties. Product warranties cover panel defects, and performance warranties guarantee a certain level of power output, over a certain time period. The installation itself is also covered by a warranty which protects against any installation-related issues.

We stand by our products now, and into the future. All of our products are covered by the Australian Solar Warranty regulations, meaning you are not only covered by us, but by our Australian suppliers’ warranties too.

What incentives and rebates are available for solar panels?

The great thing about solar power in Australia, is that more often than not, the government is incentivising the uptake. There’s state-specific rebates and incentives like the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) (including Small-scale Technology Certificates, “STCs”) or the rebate swap for solar and energy efficiency upgrades. There’s also electricity feed-in tariffs and tax incentives to consider, too. You can get to know more about these items here. Always conduct your own up-to-date research into rebates and incentives available in your area, and consult with a professional solar provider like us, so we can help you plan the best financing options for your needs.

How can I finance my solar panel system?

With the likes of solar loans, incentives and rebates, tax credits and attractive buy now, pay later financing options, solar energy has never been more affordable! Get to know more about these items here, and always conduct your own up-to-date research.

Will solar panels increase the value of my home?

Investing in a solar panel system not only saves you money in the long-term, but it’s shown to increase your property value. With a quality solar panel system, the right documentation and real estate agent, you should be able to sell your home for it’s maximum value, all the while enjoying clean energy. Get to know more about the details and consumer sentiment studies here.

 

More questions?

If you’ve got any more questions, give us a call. 1300 4 SOLAR. We look forward to providing you more clarity!