Why does size matter? And why you should care
Everyone’s goal when installing rooftop solar on their home or business is to save money on their electricity bills. While it may seem that installing a larger system that costs more money won’t be worth it, this is far from the truth.
On a price-per-watt basis, the larger you go, the better off you are. This price is affected by a number of things. Read on to find out what they are and how the affect your system.
Installation Factors
Whether we are installing 3kW or 13kW, we always take the same amount of care to ensure our customer is happy with the product they paid for.
While it obviously takes longer to install 25 panels on a roof, rather than 10 – our rates for installation do not change as much as you would think.
For instance, it is quicker, and thus more cost-effective, to install one 6kW system rather than two 3kW systems. This factors in travel, ordering stock and administration related work that is seldom considered by customers. This is one of the reasons why price-per-watt of a larger solar system is cheaper.
All of our installers across Australia know how to install a great range of systems, and no matter if it’s a tile east-west split or a large commercial roof – they take the care to get it done both safely and quickly.
To get a quote from LG Platinum Partner and LG Dealer of the Year (NT) and Finalist (QLD): click here
Products
While factors like installation costs and government rebates (STCs) are not determined by the homeowner, one significant factor is – brand preference.
Customers choose products depending on price, warranties, how long they plan to live in the house and desired system efficiency. We offer a range of solar products to suit each customers preferences and budget.
For a comprehensive list of all the products we supply, click here
SolarQuotes has a great article demonstrating how much the price-per-watt of inverters decreases with system size. While there are some outliers, notably micro-inverters which do not change, you are better off spending a little extra to get a larger system.
The same goes for solar panels – the more you buy, the cheaper each individual one is. We can also install your system to be compatible with future technology, specifically batteries as they become more and more viable.
Off-Grid Capabilities
With the continuing decline of feed-in-tariffs across the country, the financial viability of going completely off-grid is becoming more appealing.
The idea of getting your energy from the sun, storing it in batteries attached to your home and then using all that power yourself is great. This is what we believe to be the future of energy at SEM Group.
For a reliable source of power, regardless of weather conditions you must install the maximum amount of solar you can on your roof. In addition to this, you should have several quality solar batteries to ensure your home has the power it needs 24/7.
The main draw back with an off-grid system is the price of solar batteries. In late October last year, TESLA CEO, Elon Musk, announced that the price of TESLA’s PowerWall 2 will be halved within 5 years.
While batteries do not pay for themselves within their warranty at current prices, if the price of both batteries and feed-in-tariffs continue to decline then we will see an increase in the number of non-grid-reliant systems – making for a greener Earth.
Here Are Some Off-Grid Systems We Installed Recently
Brett Adams, Co-Director of SEM Group Australia, is giving a seminar highlighting new technology and off-grid systems on March 27th!
STCs
As discussed here, while they are not going anywhere for another 9 years, “solar rebates” will continuing to decrease – meaning the sooner you install a large system, the more you save.
Let’s crunch some numbers..
If you install a common 6.6kW system in 2021, you receive roughly $3400 in government rebates. However, if you install a system around 10kW, which most homeowners can, your rebate increases to the $5300 mark.
These rates are dependent on the state you live in. SolarQuotes.com.au have developed a helpful calculator to see how much you are eligible for: click here