How much will a complete installation cost?
The cost of solar panels has continued to change over the past decade behind different government incentive schemes and increased diversity in the panels, inverters and suppliers on the market.
Being an informed consumer is increasingly important. Similar to buying a car or a computer, you’ll want to be sure that your system is a sound investment that best meets your needs at a reasonable price.
It is important to be clear on what you want from your solar PV system. Are you after a system that will partially offset your energy consumption for 5-10 years before requiring a system upgrade? Or do you want a system that will completely offset your household’s electricity use for the next 25 years? Like buying a second-hand car as opposed to a brand-new sports car, these two solar PV systems are both sound investments depending on your needs, but will vary significantly in price.
The price of your solar PV system can also be affected by variables including:
• Government rebates and support schemes – these vary in each state
• Location – Capital or Regional Australia
• Number of panels – different panels produce various ‘watts’ and therefore may require a smaller quantity of some brands with higher production levels.
• Orientation of panels – Northern exposure rooftops give maximum return, with Eastern and Western rooftop displays dropping production by 5-15%.
• Type of panels – Cheaper grade panels, also give lower performance creation, and add to the possibility of failure over the long term.
• Type of inverter – Higher costs with an inverter means that the likelihood of longevity is there, since the inverter is the major equipment piece in the installation, poor quality is not recommended
• System design and configuration – To attain the highest return for investment, some panels may be positioned differently to obtain the highest illumination.
• Shipping costs for equipment and parts - Capital or Regional Australia
• Contractor installation costs – Unqualified CEC contractors can install systems for a fraction of the cost of qualified tradespeople, however, in relation to warranties, it makes sense to pay more for a local qualified tradesperson.
• Removal of trees or other shading – Environmental factors are always a problem as far as PV installations are concerned. PV installations usually are installed to estimate the losses caused by the shading (if any) of trees, and then the PV owner can decide if the estimated loss of production, warrants the removal of the factors.
• Type of roofing – Both Tiled and Tin roofs are able to have PV installations fitted to them. Through MSC there are no additional costs involved with Tile and Trim Deck roofs. Asbestos and Slate Roofs however, CANNOT be installed upon.
• Height of roof – Unless higher than 6.5m, installation costs do not change greatly.
• Site preparation needs – Additional work such as roof cleaning is not necessary, but in the case of older roofs, and loose roof sheeting or existing broken tiles, these are factors that should be dealt with, prior to installation.
Effectively a well designed PV array should pay for itself within 4-5 years.
This is an option we can offer, through the HIGHEST QUALITY German Engineered Panels and Inverters.
