Given the amount of money you are about to spend on your solar system and the lifetime expectancy you want in return, there are a couple of factors you should take into consideration before purchasing your solar system. If you want your solar system to last and perform its best, any electrical wiring installation should be done by a licensed electrician (as it is required by law). A CEC (Clean Energy Council) accredited installer should also be supervising the install. Ideally the electrician and the CEC accredited installer will be the same person and should have identification to prove such licenses and accreditation. Below are some examples of good and bad installations: 1. The quality of solar panels and inverter will mean little if they are installed incorrectly and not to manufacturer’s specifications. Warranties may be void if the manufacturer’s installation guidelines aren’t followed, leaving you to foot the bill if the solar company is no longer around. For example:
2. Another often overlooked but very important part of the installation is the water ingress protection of your roof. If you don’t want any leaks, then it is very important your installer uses best practice and appropriate materials for cable entries and fixing the brackets to your roof.
3. Cable support is another factor that gets overlooked, and some shortcuts can be taken. The cable should be supported at regular intervals, so there is no added stress due to sagging. The method of supporting the cable should be done in a way so that it will last as long as the system, e.g. 20 years. Cables dangling in the breeze and sitting on the roof will ware through their insulation over time.
If you have any more questions or would like to see the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) Installer guidelines in full, we will happily provide them on request. Get in touch today to book an obligation free quote - email us at info@perthsolarandbattery.com.au!
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The total solar eclipse that captivated the United States this week was more than just a celestial spectacle (and a reminder to take care of your eyes). It was also a valuable lesson in how to manage electricity grids when a crucial generation source – solar power, in this case – goes temporarily offline.
The last total solar eclipse to pass over the US was in 1979, a year when President Jimmy Carter was in the midst of the energy crisis and struggling with ballooning oil prices. In response, he made a concerted shift to greater energy independence through alternative energy sources such as solar. In 2017, almost the whole world is grappling with the transformation of the electricity industry and the move to renewable energy. Read more here. Over the last few years, Western Australia has become Australia’s leader in the movement towards solar power - and with good reason. With a combination of high electricity prices relative to the national average, and the high levels of sunshine annually (nearly 300 days!), the pay-back for installing solar energy systems is much faster for consumers.
Local businesses are able to source and support consumers and businesses wishing to make the change to solar energy more readily, given that Western Australia is one of the largest producers of lithium in the world - lithium being one of the main materials used to make solar batteries. Read more about what the ABC has to say via this article: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-28/wa-to-triple-rooftop-solar-renewables-report-says/8479778 "Households across WA are bracing for more power bill hikes but experts say there are ways to save. Rapidly improving battery systems mean we're on the cusp of a green power revolution."
With the cost of traditional electricity constantly on the rise, many homeowners are looking into the costs of solar and how it will save them money in the long run. Get in touch today for a free, no obligation quote to compare your electricity costs. |
AuthorPerth Solar and Battery Solutions Archives
September 2017
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