Understanding the importance of solar panel maintenance

Solar panels are designed to withstand different weather conditions but regular maintenance is essential to keep them operating effectively. Ignoring can lead to reduced energy output and also potential safety hazards. In the unique climates of Melbourne factors like dust, bird droppings and seasonal debris accumulate on panels hindering the performance.

Cleaning solar panels regularly

The frequency of cleaning depends on the environmental factors. In urban areas of Melbourne where pollution and dust levels might be higher at edges advisable to inspect and clean your panels every six months. In suburban or rural areas an annual cleaning might be sufficient. But after events like dust storms or heavy pollen seasons additional cleaning might be required. You should always prioritize safety if your panels are located on steep or a multi story roof consider hiring experts. Clean panels during the early morning or late afternoon when they are cooler to prevent thermal shock or injury. You can use a soft bristled brush or a sponge with mild soapy water. It is very important for you to avoid today’s materials and harsh chemicals that could damage your panels.

Monitoring energy output

Keeping a track of solar system performance helps you identify issues instantly. You must know that most solar systems have an inverter with a display showing real time energy production. You need to regularly check the display for an error message or significant drops in output. Many modern systems also offer you online portals or apps that provide detailed analytics of your system’s performance with time. Many modern systems also offer online portals or apps that provide detailed analytics of this performance of the system with time. After installation monitor your system to establish a baseline of the typical performance. This baseline will help you understand the deviations that might indicate problems.

Scheduling professional inspections

No doubt regular cleaning and monitoring can be handled by homeowners but professional inspections are really important for comprehensive maintenance. It’s always recommended to have a qualified solar technician inspector system every one to two years. In areas with extreme weather conditions annual inspections might be more appropriate. Technicians will examine the wiring connections and the inverter to ensure safety. They will also look for different signs of damage like cracks or discoloration which can impact performance. Technicians might use specialized equipment to measure the performance of your system and compare it to expected output levels.

Additional maintenance tips

you need to ensure that your trees are not casting shadows on the panels as shading can greatly reduce energy production. You need to regularly trim any vegetation but encroach on your solar energy. Furthermore, Melbourne ‘s climate can be really unpredictable. After severe weather events like hail storms inspect your system for visible damage. If you suspect any issues contact a professional for a thorough assessment.

So above all you need to know that regular maintenance of your solar energy system is important for maximizing energy, ensuring safety and protecting your investment. by aligning to the routine cleaning monitoring and professional inspections the homeowners like you can enjoy sustainable energy production for several years to come. Just remember while some maintenance tasks can be performed by you but others require professional expertise.

A solar panel converts the light from the sun into electricity. You can then export this electricity to the grid when you don’t need it. By installing solar panels on your roof, DC (Direct Current) electricity can be generated. The DC electricity generated by your solar panels is then fed into an inverter, which transforms the DC electricity into AC power (Alternating Current).

The great thing is, Australia enjoys some of the sunniest weather in the world, which helps it harness the sun’s power during these high seasons effortlessly. Hence, if you are an Australian seeking to know how solar panels work, we have explained it in the following 5-step guide:

• The solar panels you use are made of silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells. By absorbing the sunlight, your solar panels produce electricity through the Photovoltaic Effect. The electricity generated by your panels is known as Direct Current (DC) electricity, and it is not appropriate for usage by your equipment in your house. Instead, your central inverter receives the DC energy (or micro inverter, depending on your system setup).
• From DC electricity, your inverter can produce Alternating Current (AC) electricity, which you can use in your home. After that, the AC electricity is delivered to your switchboard.
• With a switchboard, you can send useful AC electricity to all your appliances in the house. Your switchboard will always use solar energy first, only using additional grid energy when your solar production doesn’t meet your needs.
• Households with solar power are required to install a bidirectional meter (utility meter), which the electricity retailer will install for you. Using bidirectional meters, you can record both the amount of electricity drawn into and exported from the home. It is called net-metering.
• Any unused solar energy is then fed back into the grid. Solar power exported back to the grid will earn you a credit on your electricity bill called a feed-in tariff (FiT). Your future electricity bills will include the electricity you purchase from the grid, as well as credits for electricity generated by the solar power system that you do not use.

With solar power, you don’t have to manually turn it on every morning, or turn it off at night – it will turn itself on and off as needed. Also, you don’t have to switch between solar power and the grid, since your solar system will decide when it makes more sense to do so depending on how much energy your home consumes. In fact, solar systems require very little maintenance (since they are mechanical) which means that you won’t even notice it has been installed. Also, a good quality solar power system will last a long time.

If you have a properly functioning solar inverter (usually installed in your garage or easily accessible), it can tell you how much electricity is being produced at a specific moment in time or cumulatively since it turned on. Many quality inverters feature online monitoring and wireless connectivity.

Does Weather Affect Solar Energy?

The weather has an impact on the amount of electricity that solar systems produce, but not how you might expect.

Clear, sunny days are ideal for generating solar energy. Solar panels are, however, more efficient at colder temperatures than most electronics. In this way, the panel can produce more electricity in the same amount of time. If the temperature rises, the panel will generate less voltage and will produce less electricity.

However, solar panels do not necessarily produce more electricity in the winter as opposed to the summer, despite being more efficient in cold temperatures. During the warmer summer months, the weather tends to be sunnier. There is less chance of clouds, and the sun is out during more of the day. So even though your panels may be less efficient in warm weather, you’ll probably still be able to generate more electricity in summer.

If this seems complex, no worries. Life Solar Consultants are happy to walk you through how solar power works over the phone, via email, or during a no-obligation visit. So, if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to call us on 1300 425 593.

1. Get Several Quotations

As with any other work in your home, make sure to acquire many quotes. This is necessary for obtaining a reasonable price and evaluating the many qualifications and proposals of the firm you are considering.

Having several quotes will enable you to compare different installation methods and equipment options. As an example, consider how the racks will be secured to your roof. The experience level of solar panel installers varies, especially for more challenging materials like clay tiles in roofing. The lack of a proper solar installation will compromise your roof’s waterproof integrity, ultimately resulting in significant costs down the line.

2. Verify Their Experience

As solar power grows rapidly, it is attracting many professionals with a variety of backgrounds. Even though it can be tough to find a solar panel company with sufficient experience, there are several benefits to choosing one. Ensure that the project will not be dumped by the company before it is completed. You should also expect your solar panel installer to display systems they’ve installed for past clients.

3. Don’t Select a Solar Company Solely on Price

Although you may be trying to save money, always opting for the cheapest quote isn’t justified. There are differences in the quality of installation and in the equipment. If you research your options and compare installers, you might find yours is the cheapest in your area. But you won’t know unless you compare them. However, choosing the cheapest installer does not ensure better quality.

4. Look for Experienced Local Companies

You need to avoid solar companies that haven’t been in business for an extended period of time. Rather, you should choose one that has been in business for a long time. Experienced companies will not only be technically competent, but will also likely remain active for quite some time after they complete your project, in case you need a warranty.

5. Customer Service & Strategic Support

Ensure the supplier you choose offers exceptional post-sale customer support. An experienced supplier will provide ongoing information about price and the energy markets, if relevant; provide decision-making tools and resources where necessary; and proactively recommend savings programs and opportunities, especially those related to energy efficiency.

Maybe you would like to ask some questions such as how will customer support be provided – by phone, online chat, or in-person? Will customer support be charged? An energy provider should also offer a dedicated account team to assist clients with optimising their energy strategies.

6. Ask About the Warranty

Each component of a photovoltaic system comes with a warranty from its manufacturer. The installer must explain each component thoroughly. Any malfunctioning component should also be covered by the solar panel installer’s warranty.

The warranties on photovoltaic solar panels are usually divided into two categories: a warranty that covers workmanship and materials, and another that covers power output. Typically, the panels will degrade over time, generating less power every year. Fortunately, the degradation rate should be less than 2% per year. In most cases, there is a power warranty of 25 years, and the product warranty should be at least 10 years, sometimes even 25 years.

7. Payment Options

Even though going solar requires a great deal of financial commitment, there are also a number of affordable options for financing. These lucrative options include green energy loans, power purchase agreements, and leasing options. Regardless of the option you choose, all of them have both positive and negative aspects that you need to consider before making an informed choice.

First up is the green energy loan, made specifically for individuals who wish to employ renewable green energy. Many of these loans have low-interest rates. This option will allow you to purchase the equipment, and you can pay back the balance later.

Next, we have a couple of options that are quite similar. The power purchase agreement will allow you to rent the equipment and pay for the energy you use. Likewise, leasing options have virtually the same benefits, but you have to pay a monthly fee instead of paying at once.

Conclusion

As long as you followed these seven steps to select a solar panel installation company, you will be in a good position to select your solar company. Hence, if you are in search of different options and reliable energy providers, contact Life Solar at 1300 425 593.

Solar power from Life Solar is a safe choice for Australian homes and businesses – our products are well suited to Australia. Our company only uses products that meet Australian standards and are listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved products list. So, let’s get in touch and discuss all the options.

The technology of solar panels has advanced so much that more and more people are installing them. This has led to a significant decrease in the price of solar panels. Each year, the cost of solar panels has been falling by about 10% ever since the decade began.

As prices for gas and electricity continue to rise, increasing numbers of people are using renewable energy. So, now there is a dilemma for Australian estate agents – do solar panels increase the value of a property? If so, by how much? What if they fail to add value and have no positive effect?

So, without further ado, let’s try to answer the question “do solar panels add value to your home?”

How Can Solar Panels Add Value To Your Home?

The reason you had solar panels installed in the first place is probably the same reason they could add value to your home. Lower energy costs.

Everybody wants to lower their energy costs. When buying a home, many buyers consider energy efficiency since it is a requirement on listings.

If you install solar panels, you’ll gain a better EPC score, driving up the valuation of your property. Not only that, but they’ll benefit from them immediately without any foregone cost or hassle. Therefore, it seems logical. Solar panels add value to your home, don’t they? But, it’s not quite as simple as that.

Factors That Determine The Value of Solar Panels

The amount of value that solar panels will add to your home is determined by a number of factors. You can consult an experienced local solar installation company to determine if solar can work for your home based on the orientation, material, and shape of your roof. Other factors that determine solar panels’ value include:

• Place of Residence: Solar installations in active markets typically yield higher returns than those in less developed markets. Solar markets that are active receive ample sunlight, have high solar installation rates and have local incentives such as property tax exemptions and energy rebates.
• The Size of Your Solar Installation: Property values increase proportionally with solar power capacity (and quality). If you want solar panels to increase the value of your home, the panel capacity should correspond to your home’s size.
• System Output: The output is another factor. If you have a larger system installed with more energy generation, you will see more added value from the system.
• Age of Solar System: If your solar system is over 10 years old, you will have to account for depreciation. Older systems will not add that much value to your home when it’s time to sell, because it’s more likely the buyer will need to make repairs sooner or replace parts.
• Replaceability: Much like system age, how expensive or difficult it is to replace parts of your system impacts its overall added value.

Solar Panels Increase Home Value By How Much?

The amount of value that solar panels add to your home will depend on the location and how they were installed, as discussed above. In general, it is believed that homes with solar adaptations sell for 4% – 10% more than those without.

Additionally, homebuyers in Australia are willing to pay more than $10,000 to have solar panels on their houses. Adding batteries would increase this amount even more. Regardless of how you look at it, solar is a very marketable asset for your home.

How Life Solar Can Help You?

Life Solar is passionate about saving homeowners money on energy, taking control of their power usage, and reducing their carbon footprint. We start by conducting an energy audit of your home. Using specialised tests, we will identify where you waste energy (and money) and then offer individualised recommendations for installing solar panels and how to improve efficiency.

Our team is recognised as an approved solar contractor and can help you make smart energy improvements, no matter if you’re considering selling the house or staying in it for years to come.

Speak with a Life Solar staff member today about the process of installing solar panels in your home. Contact us at 1300 425 593 or visit https://lifesolar.com.au to reach us.