Why should you choose solar?

In recent years, the cost of installing solar has reduced and with solar battery storage fast becoming a viable option for many households, excess solar energy captured during the day can now be used to supply electricity at night, resulting in significant savings.

It generally takes 5-6 years for most homes to pay off their initial investment in a solar power system. By owning a solar power system, you typically own a big share of the electricity you consume, with the savings you make immediately starting to pay off the cost of your investment.

What are the benefits of a residential solar power system?

Solar power saves you money
Every kW/h of electricity you use from your solar power system is a kW/h of electricity you don’t have to buy from your electricity company.

Solar power benefits the environment
By using electricity generated from solar panels, we reduce the need to generate electricity from fossil fuels like coal and gas, which create carbon dioxide (CO2).

Solar power gives you energy independence
By owning your own solar power system, you have the capacity to create your own electricity. This reduces your reliance on the electricity grid and electricity retailers, and increases your control over your future electricity needs, expenses and lifestyle.

Solar power increases your property value
A quality residential solar power system may increase the value of your home. Home buyers are increasingly recognising that a home with quality solar panels installed will have lower electricity costs.

Solar power is reliable
High quality solar power systems are a reliable power source. The sun rises and sets every day and while the sun shines, solar panels will generate electricity. With the help of lithium-ion batteries – which are becoming more affordable – you can also store solar power during the day and use it at night.

How does a grid system work?

A solar power system comprises multiple solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, a DC to AC power converter (inverter solution) and a framing system to hold the PV panels in place.

PV panels are generally fitted on the roof facing a north, east or west, and tilted at a particular angle to maximise the amount of sunlight that each panel receives.

Suburban homes in Australia are connected to the electricity grid via power lines. Our electricity system uses 240V alternating current (AC), but the electricity generated by a solar power system consists of variable direct current (DC). To transform the DC electricity into AC electricity (for ordinary household use), grid-connected solar power systems have inverters attached to each PV panel.

Houses with grid-connected solar power systems consume solar-generated electricity first, before switching to the electricity grid if more electricity is required than the solar power system is able to generate.

Adding a storage battery to your solar power system will enable you to store power in your home during the day for use at night.

What if my house is shaded?

The amount of electricity generated by your solar power system directly relates to the amount of sunlight that your PV panels receive. The more shaded your solar modules are, the less electricity your system will generate.

Using micro-inverters or power optimisers on each panel, instead of one large string inverter (where multiple panels are connected to one inverter) can help with shadow issues. When each panel achieves its maximum electricity output individually, the losses attributed to shade can be reduced by as much as 25%.

If you believe this is an issue for you, ask us if power optimisers or micro-inverters are a potential solution for you.

How many solar panels do I need?

To answer this question, Glow will visit your home for a site inspection, check the roof position, discuss your electricity usage pattern, discuss monitor options and, where applicable, conduct a shade analysis to ensure that the right quantity of the most suitable panels is placed in the optimum position.

As a general guide, a small home (1-2 people) will require a 2-3kW system; a medium home (2-3 people), 3-4kW; and a large home (4+ people), 5-8kW.

It’s wise to consider future expansion capability – both for batteries and future electric vehicles – when buying a solar power system. Buy now with the needs of the future in mind. Choose highly efficient panels and keep spare roof space for future expansion.

Why choose Glow for solar in South Australia?

1. We consider your current electricity consumption and future needs

2. We assess your available roof space to determine optimum panel location

3. We consider the orientation and pitch of your roof

4. We consider the impact of shading across all seasons and time of day

5. We assess the structural soundness of your roof

6. We size the strings of panels for the correct voltage of the inverter solution

7. We ensure the design meets building codes and electrical standards

8. We determine the most suitable location for the inverter and the way the cables are run

9. We consider appropriate monitor options and if batteries are appropriate

What questions should I ask my solar installer?

1. What is the estimated monthly and annual production in kWh of my system in its installation position?

2. What is the estimated solar electricity production in the best and worst months?

3. Who will service and maintain my solar system? Get an address and contact details in writing, preferably of someone reasonably local.

4. Get clear on the responsibilities of each party, including the installer, manufacturer and consumer

5. Who is responsible for connecting your solar PV system to the electricity grid? Is it the installer or another subcontractor? When will it happen?

6. Who is responsible for your meter change? Make sure this is clarified.

7. Ask how the installer will credit your solar rebate (STCs)?

8. Get a detailed handover manual

We can install your solar power system. CLICK BELOW to visit our website for more information on Solar Power Systems.