Evergreen electrical - Local brisbane solar
Are Solar Panels Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
Thinking about switching to solar? It's not just about cutting electricity bills or being eco-friendly. Our guide dives into the world of residential solar. We help you figure out if solar is the smart choice for your home.
With over 283 days of sunshine each year, Brisbane is ideally situated for solar energy production. This consistent sunlight not only promises abundant energy generation but also aligns perfectly with the city's energy needs, especially during hot summers when electricity demand peaks.
Having solar panels in Brisbane can significantly reduce reliance on the grid, thanks to the city's clear, sunny days maximising their efficiency. This means more energy produced and more savings in your pocket. Additionally, local feed-in tariffs, incentives and rebates for solar installation sweeten the deal, making it financially attractive to invest in solar panels.
The bottom line? Brisbane's and indeed Queensland’s sunny climate isn't just good for your tan; it's perfect for capturing solar energy, offering both financial savings and environmental benefits.
The majority of homeowners opt for roof-mounted solar panels over ground-mounted systems, primarily due to space efficiency and aesthetic preferences. Before committing, it's essential to assess whether your roof is up to the task. Here are the five key points to consider:
Evaluating these aspects will help ensure your home’s roof is suitable for a roof-mounted solar panel system, allowing you to maximise the benefits of solar energy efficiently.
Investing in solar panels requires an upfront cost, covering the panels, installation, and related equipment. Despite the initial price, the long-term benefits quickly start to manifest through substantial savings on electricity bills. Brisbane's plentiful sunshine means these systems efficiently generate power, leading to lower energy costs over time. Without delving into government incentives or property value discussions, it's clear that the financial outlay for solar can be offset by the savings made on energy expenses, making solar a wise choice for those looking to reduce their electricity bills in the long run.
To quantify the initial investment, consider this: In 2024, opting for top-tier, quality hardware and Tier 1 solar panels, you'd be facing costs after applying a government rebate of approximately $2,664. Here's an estimate of system size and cost range:
In Brisbane, the average solar installation size is 10.56kW, striking a balance between cost and efficiency for long-term savings. The payback period for such a system is typically between 4 to 6years, influenced by energy prices, personal energy use, and feed-in tariff rates. Please note, these figures are indicative, and prices fluctuate. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, requesting a solar quote is advised.
Get a Free Solar QuoteIn Queensland, leveraging solar rebates and feed-in tariffs significantly lowers the cost of solar panel installation and boosts your savings. The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme offers a rebate by issuing (Small-scale technology certificates) STCs, reducing installation costs based on your system's size and location. This can cut the upfront expense by up to a third.
Solar feed-in tariffs reward you for excess electricity your system sends back to the grid, with rates in 2024 typically between 8c to 12c per kWh. In South East Queensland, electricity retailers set competitive rates, while regional Queensland benefits from a fixed rate, ensuring a steady return on your solar investment.
Claiming these benefits is straightforward, if you choose to install solar with Evergreen, we would apply rebates directly to reduce installation costs. For feed-in tariffs, simply register your solar system with your electricity retailer. These incentives make solar panels a more attractive and financially viable option for Brisbane homeowners. Check out the best energy retailers for solar feed-in tariffs here.
Grid-Tied Solar Systems offer a lower initial investment and the opportunity for savings through feed-in tariffs, where excess energy is sold back to the grid. This setup can quickly offset its costs, typically within 5 to 8 years, making it a practical choice for those looking to reduce electricity bills while staying connected to the grid for reliability.
Off-Grid Solar Systems demand a higher upfront cost due to the necessity for battery storage and a larger array of panels to ensure energy independence. This option is suited for homeowners seeking to eliminate reliance on the utility grid, offering long-term savings by cutting electricity bills entirely. The return on investment includes the value of complete energy autonomy and protection against rising electricity costs.
Both options can enhance property values, with grid-tied systems appealing to a broader market due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. In contrast, off-grid systems may attract buyers looking for sustainability and independence.
Where sunshine is plentiful, solar panels often generate more electricity than your immediate needs. This surplus can either be fed back into the grid, earning you a feed-in tariff, or stored in a solar battery for later use. Given that electricity costs exceed feed-in tariffs, storing excess solar power for personal use can lead to greater savings, aligning with Canister Blue's insights on Queensland's solar advantages.
However, the investment in solar storage systems, costing between $8,000 and $12,000, requires careful consideration. The break-even point for a solar battery—recouping the initial outlay through savings—can have a payback period to between 10 to 15 years. With good batteries having a lifespan of 5 – 15 years and carrying a 10-year warranty, there's the possibility that your warranty or battery lifespan are out of alignment with your payback period. This factor is crucial for Brisbane homeowners evaluating the financial viability of adding storage to their solar setup, balancing the immediate benefits of energy independence and savings against the long-term investment return.
Top-tier solar panel manufacturers typically offer a performance warranty, which can be up to 25 years. This type of warranty guarantees that your panels will operate at a certain efficiency level for the duration, ensuring a predictable output and savings on your electricity bills. Additionally, there's often a product warranty, covering defects and ensuring quality workmanship, which usually lasts between 10 to 12 years.
Solar inverter warranties are also crucial, given that the inverter is a pivotal part of your solar system, converting sunlight into usable electricity. These warranties vary but generally range from 5 to 10 years, with some brands offering extensions.
Understanding the specifics of these warranties and what they cover is essential. They protect against performance dips and manufacturing defects, but regular maintenance is still needed to keep your system running optimally. Moreover, choosing products from reputable brands with solid warranties can significantly impact the long-term value of your solar investment.
The team at Evergreen were amazing throughout the whole process of quote, enquiries, installation and finalisation. We've had our solar system installed the last week and it has been smooth sailing since.
Holly was great person to speak with as first point of call. We've had great chats while we got a solution together and questions answered with appropriate response times. Price was very competitive compared to the others on the market and the big name places such as origin and racq. Due to the uniqueness of our installation, Dan was kind enough to come out and give it his thumbs up prior to any deposits were made. Dan came out on the day of install and introduced myself to Cam and crew who were amazing and got the whole system installed up and running within one day!
I would highly recommend the Evergreen Team - thank you so much!
Evergreen Electrical installed a 10.12kW array (across two strings on four roof aspects), 10 kW 3-phase hybrid inverter and a 25.2 kWh battery. All panels on one of the strings had Tigo optimisers to deal with some afternoon shading.
This was my dream system and Evergreen provided by far the most economical & competitive quote (out of several quotes I obtained), but not at any expense to their professional and prompt service, quality of product and quality of install. The sales team answered my many RFIs promptly and worked with me patiently to get the best arrangement and layout. The installation team were professional, explaining everything to me along the way and did a great job on the install.
The system is working brilliantly and with the string on my eastern aspect, it is producing from 7am. I switched over to a VPP and the system is now making me money.I am very happy with Evergreen, very highly recommended.
Maintaining your solar panels is essential to ensure your investment continues to yield returns efficiently over its lifespan. While solar power systems are designed for low maintenance, periodic checks are crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Inspection Frequency: For residential systems, a thorough electrical inspection every couple of years is recommended to ensure the system performs well and safely. Larger commercial setups might need annual checks.
Cleaning Needs: Solar panels do collect dust and debris, but in Brisbane, where panels are typically installed at an angle, rainfall often cleans them sufficiently. However, panels on flat roofs or in areas with heavy pollution or bird activity may require more frequent cleaning.
Monitoring: Utilising the monitoring systems that come with most solar inverters can provide early warning signs of performance issues, allowing for proactive maintenance.
Warranty Coverage: Regular maintenance is compatible with keeping your solar system within warranty conditions. Most issues, like inverter failures or wiring problems, are covered under warranty, provided you've used certified components and installation services.
Cost Considerations: The cost of maintenance and cleaning varies, but investing in regular checks can prevent more significant expenses down the line by identifying and fixing issues early.
Navigating the financial aspect of acquiring a solar energy system is key for homeowners looking to harness the sun's power. Dan Knight, Co-Founder of Evergreen Electrical, stresses the significance of making solar power both accessible and affordable for all.
"My mission is to make quality solar systems attainable for every household, aligning with their budgets and aspirations, without the burden of debt. We stand by transparency, offering clear, upfront information and solutions tailored to meet individual energy goals without hidden costs or unnecessary complexity. It's about straightforward, honest advice and ensuring our customers can invest in solar with confidence and financial peace of mind" Knight reflects.
With the average cost of a 6.6 kW solar system around $9,000, finding the right financing solution is crucial. Thoughtful financing can turn solar investments into monthly savings, outweighing the loan costs, including interest, and making solar power more viable for a wider audience.
However, caution is advised against enticing "no interest" offers, which often disguise the real cost and can detract from the quality of your solar setup. Independent financing usually yields a better deal, free from the hidden fees tied to convenience offers, ensuring the integrity of your investment.
Exploring various financing options, such as green personal loans, adding to a mortgage, or personal loans, each with its own benefits and terms, helps pinpoint the most cost-effective way to go solar.
How does solar power impact daily energy habits? Switching to solar often encourages more energy-conscious behaviours, optimising electricity use during peak solar production hours to maximise savings.
What happens with solar power during a blackout? Grid-tied systems shut down to prevent back-feeding the grid for safety reasons. However, systems with battery backup or specific off-grid setups can continue to supply power.
Can I expand my solar system later?Yes, solar systems can be designed to allow future expansion. It’s important to plan this with your installer to ensure compatibility and capacity.
How does the weather affect solar panel performance? While solar panels perform best on sunny days, they still generate electricity on cloudy days, albeit at reduced efficiency. Brisbane's generally sunny climate minimises this concern.
Are there any ongoing costs after installation? Apart from potential maintenance or cleaning, there are minimal ongoing costs. Monitoring systems can help track performance and identify any issues early.
Can I monitor my solar system’s performance? Yes, most modern solar systems come with monitoring solutions that allow you to track energy production and usage in real-time, often via a smartphone app.
After delving into the sunny prospects of solar energy in Brisbane, from understanding the suitability of your roof to navigating the financial aspects of solar investment, it's clear that solar panels offer a compelling case for homeowners in the region. With Brisbane's abundant sunshine, the potential for energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and increased property values, solar panels not only present an eco-friendly option but also a financially sound choice.
The journey to solar energy involves considering various factors, including the type of system that suits your needs (grid-tied vs. off-grid), the importance of energy storage solutions like batteries, and the reassurance provided by solar warranties and guarantees. Maintenance is straightforward, ensuring your solar system continues to perform efficiently over its lifespan, while various financing options make solar accessible to a broader audience.
Evergreen Electrical stands at the forefront of facilitating this green transition for Brisbane residents. With a commitment to honesty, integrity, and customer satisfaction, we aim to make quality solar systems accessible to every household. Whether you're looking to reduce your reliance on the grid, save on your electricity bills, or contribute to a cleaner environment, solar panels represent a worthwhile investment.
If you're considering solar panels for your home and seeking a local, trusted, transparent partner to guide you through the process, Evergreen Electrical is here to help. We invite you to get in touch and receive a free quote, tailored to your specific needs and goals. Let's harness Brisbane's sunshine together, turning it into sustainable energy for your home.