Is Solar Electricity Worth Getting?

Weighing Up the Pros and Cons of Solar Electricity

The Pros

• The federal government is still offering installation incentives that can save you up to 40 percent.
• State governments still have solar electricity tariffs available.
• Solar electricity has shown to improve the value of a home.
• You save on your electricity bill.

The Cons

• Solar panels can detract from the appearance of your home.
• Weeks of rain can impact on your solar electricity production.
• There is an initial outlay for solar electricity.

These are the current savings offered by the Government using the Small Scale Technology Certificates.

Like any major purchase, solar electricity should be properly looked into prior to buying. There is a lot to consider, which is why many of us will create some sort of ‘Pros & Cons’ list. We want to ensure that we are not being misled, that we are getting a great deal. The purchase needs to be beneficial and obtain our desired results. So, here are some important things should be considered when looking at solar energy.

Firstly, the ‘Pros’ to getting solar electricity installed. At present, there are a number of great incentives still available to getting solar energy installed in your home and/or business. One of the major benefits is the current incentives on offer from the Australian government. This is based around the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which will save you up to 40% on the cost of the system. This is a major benefit. Most solar energy suppliers will provide you with the subsidised price, advising you of the STCs component.

If you export surplus solar electricity back into the power grid, many state governments have a tariff in place. This tariff is a payment for the provision of solar energy. Once these tariffs used to be very strong, depending on the state. Though they have dropped, you are still able to sell your solar electricity back into the grid. If you live in states like Queensland, you may find that you are able to get better tariff rates through different retailers

The retail industry is providing feedback that homes with solar electricity actually receive a higher valuation. Having a solar system installed is adding to the asset your home represents. To actual value is going to be dependent on your location, location, location and the size of your home. Adding solar electricity is going to be a lot cheaper than renovating a kitchen or bathroom, and it is going to yield a good return.

Solar electricity saves you money – this is the main reason most people will install solar. Depending on your electricity consumption, solar can slash your power bill substantially. With the rate at which electricity bills are rising, (if you really want to know, you can read more here – this article states; “In real terms, the rate of increase for electricity has been 30% in Perth, 41% in Adelaide, 73% in Brisbane and 107% in Sydney”), This sharp increase in pricing is showing signs of slowing down, and the CPI is not keeping pace. So, solar electricity provides you not only with the best way to save money, but also the chance to make some back thanks to the tariffs. You will see real results in your power bill once solar energy is installed, and the great thing is that this is for the long term (thanks in large to the great warranties offered with solar products).

Now the ‘Cons’. Some people do think that that solar panels can detract from the appearance of your home. If you were to have 15 panels on the street facing aspect of your roof, then on first look, many people may agree with you. However, is this enough to dissuade you from installing solar electricity? Solar installers completely understand this situation, and they will talk you through a number of options to ensure that you are going to be happy with the end result. The other important factor to take into consideration is that many now view the solar energy panels as an environmentally friendly, benefit (see the above paragraph on real estate). Perceptions are changing, and solar electricity is now being viewed as responsible home ownership. The fact that over 1.4 million Australian homes have solar electricity installed is testament to this.

Unfortunately, the weather is something that none of us are able to control. It is, however, important to note that your solar electricity system will still be generating power even on overcast days. The solar panels do not respond to the heat of the sun. The panels use UV-Rays to generate power. In real terms, the only time you should see any real impact from the weather is due to days of consistent rain. This is why the hybrid solar electricity systems are fast becoming the system of choice. They have the ability to store surplus energy thanks to batteries, and can still export and import electricity from the power grid.

Finally, there is the cost for the solar electricity system and installation. As they say, “there is no such thing as a free lunch”. However, a lunch where the Australian government will cover up to 40% is always going to be better than full price. Add to this the fact that tariffs are still available, and you are going to see a huge difference in your power bill. This con, isn’t so much a con, it is more a part of the decision-making process. We all make decisions based on what we are willing to pay for certain things, and we base that decision on our budgets and our perceived value of the item. When it comes to solar electricity systems, you will be able to discuss your budget and consumption requirements with the solar installer. In addition to this, they will be able to provide you with some options in regards to different brands of solar panels and inverters. Always do your due diligence, and ask questions to ensure that you are able to make an informed decision. Your solar installation company are there to assist you, and should provide good customer service based on the investment you are looking at making.

Customer service is important in this industry, and it is a focus of SAE Group. This is why we have received awards like the #1 Solar Installer in Queensland, for 2 years running. If you would like more information on solar, or would like to receive an obligation-free quote, call us today!