Is My Building Suitable For A Solar Power System

Posted by solar directonline on June 16th, 2018

Several aspects will need to be evaluated to determine if your home is a good solar site, such as orientation, space available, shadows on the space available and your current electricity usage. The best site will be one with adequate north-facing roofs that have no shade. Variations on that will cut into the productivity of the system.

How long will my grid connect solar power system last?

The life of Solar modules that have been tested in the field showing small reductions in power output after 20 years, mostly because the glass surface becomes a bit dull and reflects more light. All our solar panels carry an output warranty of 25 years. There are solar panels delivering power in Australia today that were installed more that 30 years ago. The electronic components such as inverters, being the most sensitive, will last 10 -15 years.

Learn more about the components Energy Matters uses in grid connect systems.

What type of warranty is supplied with the system?

• Solar Panels: minimum 10 year product warranty and 25 year performance guarantee
• Inverter: 5 – 10 year warranty.
• Mounting System: 10-year product warranty (manufacturer)
• Workmanship: 5 year warranty on workmanship (installer)

Should I choose monocrystalline, thin film or polycrystalline solar panels?

Between monocrystalline and polycrystalline there isn’t a lot of difference except that a polycrystalline panel is slightly larger than the equivalent wattage in monocrystalline. Thin film panels are larger again and the extra space can take up valuable rooftop real estate in terms of adding extra panels at a later date. There are other issues to consider with thin film panels, explained in further detail here.

What can affect the costs of installing a grid connect system?

A base installation rate includes the grid connect system being installed on a pitched metal roof facing north with appropriate surface area available.

Additional costs will be incurred for a flat or tiled roof; any equipment upgrades and extended warranties.

If my energy requirements increase, can I upgrade the system?

Yes. Additional solar panels can be added at any time to increase generating capability but you might have to upgrade to a larger inverter. Alternatively you could purchase a larger inverter when installing the system initially and then plan to add some extra solar panels later.

What about the energy it takes to produce a solar power system?

Although solar electricity is pollution-free, PV systems require a certain amount of energy, which must be ‘reimbursed’ before they can be considered as renewable and clean. This is known as “embodied energy”. An assessment from the International Energy Agency concluded in mid 2006 that roof-top solar PV systems recover their energy content (from manufacturing and recycling) within 1.6 to 1.8 years in Australia. That figure has since improved.

Once they have reimbursed their initial energy input, roof-top PV systems can avoid the emission of 40 tonnes of CO2, depending on their location and on the local electricity mix available. Roof-top PV systems in Australia during their 30 year lifespan are expected to produce around 17 times the amount of energy needed for manufacture, installation and dismantling.