Perhaps one of the most common and preferred ways to renovate your home to make it greener is by installing solar. But, it is a big decision, so understanding the process and knowing what you need to consider before you add solar is handy. Let’s explore all the options you have!

Assess the condition of your roof

Before you even consider installing solar, it’s a good idea to properly investigate the condition of your roof2. Enlisting the help of a professional can save you lots of money in the long run – after all, if you jump straight into adding solar to your roof and then discover there are structural issues, you may have just wasted your hard-earned dollars. You may also like to consider the material your roof is made out of and whether this is built to sustain the weight of solar2.

Where will your panels go?

While you’re assessing the suitability of your roof, it’s also worth noting whether you have space on the sides of your roof that will reap the most benefits of solar2. When it comes to deciding where to put your panels, the best spots are the east, west or north-facing sides of your roof3. As the saying goes, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This means that solar panels installed on the east side of your roof will generate more energy in the morning while those on the west side will be most effective in the afternoon3. There is also the option of placing your panels on the north side of your roof, which is said to produce the most energy overall, but keep in mind, this isn’t as effective in the morning or afternoon. A little fun fact to know – east and west facing panels produce around 15 per cent less energy per year compared to north-facing panels3.

When you’re trying to decide the best placement of your panels, consider the points in the day where you’re using the most power. Early risers may find more benefit in east-facing panels while homebodies who enjoy returning home straight after work may opt for west-facing panels3. It all comes down to your personal circumstances, which is something a solar provider will discuss with you before installation.

The equipment that will be installed

You might be thinking that solar panels are the only equipment you’ll have added to your home. Well, there are actually a few other things that will be installed. In addition to the panels, an inverter as well as mounting materials will be required for your system to fully function3. Inverters are generally quite large and bulky, so you will need to make sure there is space somewhere in your house for this to be installed. Generally, inverters are mounted to the wall inside a garage so it’s out of the way of living areas3.

Another piece of equipment that is optional but which you may like to enquire further about is a consumption monitor. Where an inverter tells you how much energy your solar system is producing, a consumption monitor will show how much electricity is coming or going from your home3. This allows you to develop a better idea of the extent to which you are benefitting from solar.

Will you get a battery?

In addition to the above equipment, you may also like to consider purchasing a battery with your solar system. Not everyone does this, but it is a way to make the most out of your solar as it works by storing extra energy generated by your panels that goes unused1. A major benefit of a having a battery is that you can continue to power your house in the event of an outage3. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that batteries can cost a lot upfront and it can take a bit longer to see a return on investment3.

Choosing a provider and panels

There are so many solar providers and panels to choose from, it can be the most overwhelming part of the process. Save yourself the trouble of finding out one provider is too costly by shopping around and getting quotes from various providers2. It also pays to check reviews and chat to friends or family who have solar to get some good recommendations3.

When it comes to choosing the best panels, research is your friend (again). Different companies will have their favourite panels, so it’s worth educating yourself about the pros and cons of each type to get a better idea3. Keep in mind that while one type of panel may be more expensive, this is generally because the higher the quality, the more reliable it is (in the opinion of the experts)3. Panels deemed to be better quality also tend to have longer warranties, so if there is a problem, you won’t find yourself out of pocket to replace panels3.

Additional info to keep in mind

You might be thinking you’ve got it, you know solar like the back of your hand now. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind to ensure you’re making the best decision for your circumstances.

  • No matter how many panels you choose, it costs the same amount in labour to install the system, so make sure you capitalise on this and install the number of panels that will give you the best results1.
  • Don’t forget to check your home insurance policy. While your solar system may be covered under warranty for a while, once it comes out of warranty, any damage or repairs will come out of your pocket unless your insurance policy covers this2.
  • There are often Government rebates and incentives for installing solar as well as if you choose to sell back stored power to an energy company. It’s a good idea to enquire about this when you’re looking into solar to maximise the benefits1.

If you are looking to get solar, Queensland Country Bank offers a Green Reno Loan which can help you fund the installation and set you on track to making your home greener.

 

Terms and conditions of Queensland Country Bank’s Green Reno Loan apply. Review the relevant TMD’s available at queenslandcountry.bank. Normal lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees apply and are available on request.

General Advice Warning: This information is intended to be general in nature and is not personal financial advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information in this article, you should consider the appropriateness of the information provided. In particular, you should seek independent financial advice.

Sources

1Sean Cochrane, Super Green Energy Solutions.

2Energenic Solar, 2021, 15 things to consider before installing residential solar panels, https://energenic.com.au/installing-residential-solar-panels/

3Finn Peacock, 2023, Solar 101: Buying solar – 2023 edition, Solar Quotes, https://www.solarquotes.com.au/solar101.html