When businesses look for ways to streamline overhead costs, they often need to consider their energy consumption. Companies can access numerous benefits by reviewing energy use and switching to more efficient alternatives.

So, how can going solar benefit your business?

Keep reading as we discuss what you’ll gain by switching to solar power to support your daily business operations.

Beating The Energy Crisis

Australia is currently struggling under the burden of the energy crisis, which has caused energy prices to spike. Electricity bills have spiked by over 20% in the last year. What does this mean for businesses?

If your energy bills increase, your business may need to make the following considerations:

• Your profit margins may be lower due to excess spending on energy.
• It will take more work to make financial forecasting and planning decisions.
• The business may need to increase the price of its services to account for the increased expense and protect profit margins.

With all this in mind, Australian businesses can benefit from pursuing an energy option that makes them energy independent. With energy independence, the company can avoid vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices and gain more certainty for the future.

Reducing Monthly Overhead Costs

In addition to helping businesses to reduce their vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices, solar panels installation can help them to mitigate monthly overheads. By investing in a solar system, companies can free up future expenses, allocating them toward their priorities.

Businesses can use solar power to cover a portion of their energy consumption. This all depends on the amount of usable space available for solar panel installation, their budget, and whether they wish to use a solar battery.

Solar Battery To Accommodate Operational Hours

Some businesses believe they cannot use solar power because they operate primarily at night. However, companies can still use energy generated from their solar panel even when it’s dark – they just need to invest in a solar battery. A solar battery will provide storage for the power generated by its panels, allowing them to use it during non-sunlight hours.

A solar battery has additional benefits, too. You can store your excess energy for later use, or you can sell this energy back to the grid for profit. By selling renewable energy back to the grid, you are helping to reduce the area’s overall non-renewable energy consumption – helping to do some good!

Business Grants And Rebates

If your business is small and cannot cover the upfront cost of installing a solar system, you may be able to access a business grant or rebate. The Australian government’s solar power initiatives allow you to access a loan for the upfront cost of solar panels, batteries, and inverters. You can repay this initial loan in instalments to break up the price. This means you can access solar power sooner without creating a budget and saving up.

The rebate will cover up to 50% of the initial cost of your solar panel system on your rooftop. This equates to around $3500. Once you have repaid this grant, your business will receive ROI on the savings it makes from decreased energy prices – which, in the current climate, could be a high cost.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Many businesses are considering ways to go green and mitigate their environmental and planetary impact. Solar systems allow you to go straight to the source. Of course, you can implement intelligent energy-saving technologies to reduce your energy expenditure. However, installing a solar system means you can completely replace a large chunk of your energy consumption with renewable and entirely green energy.

Easy Maintenance

Once you have installed your solar panels, you will not need to allocate much time or energy towards maintenance. To ensure your solar panels are in top condition, optimising the amount of energy created, you must clean them with soft cleaning tools and soapy water. If you already pay for window cleaning services, you can easily delegate this task to your window cleaning professionals. Besides cleaning, there are relatively few maintenance requirements for solar systems.

Easy Installation

Installing solar panels typically only takes a few days. First, you must ensure that your business’s building is eligible for solar panel installation, with plenty of usable, unshaded space. Then, you must ensure space for your solar inverter – the part of your solar system responsible for converting the energy – which you can install in a loft, garage, or storage cupboard. If you are accessing a grant or rebate, you must choose a solar installation company accredited by the grant program. Once your solar panels are installed, all you need to do is clean them and ensure that no trees or buildings cover or block the light to your solar panels.

Considerations To Make Before Opting For Solar Panels

Before installing and reaping solar panels benefits, you must make some decisions. Here’s what you’ll need to consider when opting for solar panels in Sydney:

• Light exposure – you need to find space for your solar panels where trees or other buildings will not block the light.
• Renting – if you rent your commercial building, you will not be able to install solar panels. This decision ultimately lies with your commercial landlord.
• Payment – you must decide how to pay for the solar panels, whether you wish to pay the upfront cost or use government aid.
• Components – you’ll need to decide what type of solar panels to buy, along with the inverter, battery, and other features you’d like to install.

All these considerations allow you to determine whether solar panels are the right path for you.

Summary

Businesses stand to gain incrementally by installing solar panels – particularly in the modern climate. Solar panels can be your saving grace against turbulent and unpredictable energy costs. Consider these benefits and whether solar panel installation might be the right choice for you. For reliable and accredited solar panel installation, contact our friendly team at SolarPath.

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One study revealed that over half of the businesses surveyed suffered as a result of the energy crisis. The current energy crisis has brought about the need for businesses to focus on energy independence.

To increase this, businesses are looking towards commercial solar installation.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to commercial solar installation for business owners. This guide will discuss the benefits, installation process, and considerations for businesses when installing commercial solar systems.

Benefits Of Commercial Solar Installation For Businesses

Let’s discuss what solar panels can do for your business and how suitable they are for commercial properties.

Can Adapt To Both Small And Large-Scale Business Needs

Whether you’re a smaller or larger-scale business, you can invest in solar panels. Solar panels can replace a portion or all of your energy consumption. The only factor that affects your viability for solar installation is the amount of space you have for installation and solar system storage.

Reduces Carbon Emissions

When a business invests in solar panels, they are taking steps to become more eco-conscious and think ethically about their environmental impact. Solar panels provide reliable and sustainable energy, allowing businesses to exercise corporate responsibility.

Reduces Monthly Overheads

Energy prices have soared in the last year, and many businesses need help to keep up with this change while still offering competitive services to their clients and customers. Solar installation can help businesses drastically reduce their monthly overheads and vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices. Financial forecasting and planning become easier with lessened dependence on energy bills.

Considerations To Make Before Investing In Commercial Solar Panels

Before investing in solar panels for your commercial property, you must know your options and the additional features you can access. Consider the conditions listed below before you set a plan.

Usable Space

Finding usable space for your commercial solar installation isn’t as simple as it appears. You’ll need to consider these factors to determine whether you have suitable and usable space:

• Shade – although you may have rooftop space, it could be obstructed by other buildings and trees. If the rooftop is shaded for most of the day, there may be better investments than solar panels for your company.
• Ground space – if you do not have any available rooftop space, you can use any ground space or lots surrounding your building.
• Space – you’ll also need to determine whether you have sufficient space to accommodate the number of solar panels you wish to install.

You should consider these things before contacting an installer for commercial solar energy systems.

Owning Your Commercial Property

You may be unable to install solar panels if you rent your commercial property. Before considering switching to commercial solar power, reach out to your landlord. Ultimately, they will decide to invest in solar panels for the property. If you own your commercial space, you will be able to make the decision independently, and you will not need to seek permission.

Grants And Rebates

A Solar for Business program in Australia can help you cover the upfront cost of investing in solar panels. You can cover almost 50% of the upfront costs for your solar power initiative. The maximum offering with this rebate is $3500. Using this rebate can help you access solar panels as soon as possible without taking the time to save and allocate funds for the upfront cost.

Operating Hours

You need to consider solar panel viability in line with your operating hours. If your business opens at night, you will not benefit from solar power. However, if you invest in a solar battery system, you can store the energy you generate during the day to use later at night. This means that you will need to include the cost of a solar battery in your budget.

What’s Involved In Commercial Solar Installation?

When you invest in solar panels for commercial use, you need to contact a reliable installation expert with the proper certifications. If you are accessing a grant to fund your solar panels, you must ensure you choose a commercial solar installation expert approved by the grant program.

Once you have chosen an installer, you will need to discuss with them the components you need for your system:

• Solar panels – you must choose high-quality solar panels sourced from a reliable manufacturer. The solar panels should have the relevant certificates, or you could invest in a lower-quality product with replaced parts.
• Solar inverter – the solar inverter is part of your solar system and is responsible for turning the energy generated by your solar panels into usable energy for your business. You must decide where to store the solar inverter for easy access. You can choose a loft area, outbuilding, or garage to store this component.
• Investing in a solar battery allows you to store the energy your panels generate for later use, which is ideal for businesses that operate at night.

Once you have discussed these components with your commercial solar installation provider, you can begin the installation process. However, it doesn’t end there. Once your solar panels are installed, you will need to maintain them.

The maintenance requirements for solar systems are relatively few. You must ensure that your solar panels are not blocked by dirt, debris, or shade. By cleaning your panels and mitigating the growth of trees and shrubs, you will ensure that your solar panels are working optimally, helping you to achieve ROI.

Summary

There are many reasons why installing solar panels for your commercial property is a good idea, but the energy crisis is the most significant motivator. If you’re considering installing solar panels, you need to know that they are viable and understand the components you need before contacting an installation expert.

If you are seeking to install solar panels for your company, contact our installation experts at SolarPath.

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When purchasing solar panels for your home, you need to consider the features and other systems you would like – including a solar battery.

But what is a solar battery, and why is it important?

Keep reading to learn about solar batteries, what they do, and why they are essential for your home’s solar system.

What Is A Solar Battery?

A solar battery is an optional feature you can install for your solar system. It allows you to store energy produced by your solar panels for later use or to sell back to the grid and make a profit.

Solar storage helps you maintain more independence from the grid by allowing you to use solar power outside sunlight hours. So, when your solar panels are not generating energy, you can still use solar energy to power your home.

First, you must decide on a product. The solar battery price is between $3,500 and $13,000, depending on the battery size you need to accommodate your solar system. You can discuss the options with your solar installation expert, who can point you toward the most suitable product. 

A solar battery is around the same size as a small carry-on luggage suitcase and will fit into your home easily. When it is installed, your solar panel installer will find the most suitable location for the panels that are as close to the central consumer unit as possible. You can place your battery in the loft, the stairs, or the garage. 

You can also choose how much storage capacity you need from your battery. Some products come with mobile applications that check how much energy is stored in your battery – allowing you to make more intelligent and energy-efficient choices around your home.

Benefits Of Installing A Solar Battery In Your Home

If you are still trying to decide whether you need a solar battery for your solar system, consider the benefits listed below.

Less Grid Reliance

When you invest in solar storage for your home, you do not need to worry about non-sunlight hours or seasons. When sunlight exposure is minimised, you can still power your home using solar energy. Your panels don’t produce any additional energy during this time, and you would need to rely on power from the grid otherwise. If you are planning to live off-the-grid, a solar battery is essential – ensuring you can light, heat, and power your home when the sun isn’t shining.

Selling Energy

When you store your excess energy in a battery, you can sell this energy back to the grid to turn a profit. Should you produce more energy than you need, you can sell it rather than sit with a full battery and waste energy. 

When you sell your energy back to the grid, please note that the payment you receive will not be a cash amount. Your energy provider will simply put the cost of the energy towards your monthly energy bill. This way, you can reduce your monthly overheads and put the money into your savings account for a rainy day.

Reduced Electric Bills

If you continuously rely on energy from the grid at night or when your solar panels are inactive, your energy bills may increase. In light of the recent cost of living crisis, homeowners are seeking new ways to become more energy independent. Solar batteries allow you to increase your independence and reduce your vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices – which have been financially devastating for many people worldwide.

If you can reduce your electric bills in any way, now is the best time to act. In 2023, you should consider adding a battery to your system to make drastic savings.

No Noise Pollution

You will suffer from noise pollution and fumes if you rely on a generator when your solar system is not generating power. The generator could become bothersome to your neighbours, and the noise could interfere with your sleep. Switching to a battery is the best option to reduce your generator use and ensure no noise pollution for you and your neighbours.

Greater Energy Insights

If you opt for a solar battery with mobile management features, you can access an interface that shows you precisely how much energy you have in storage. To get through long winter nights and ensure you have enough energy to last, you can compare the energy left in your solar battery with your hourly energy usage on your smart energy meter. 

This will allow you to turn off devices that are consuming too much energy, manage your energy use and avoid using power from the grid.

Why Is 2023 The Right Time To Buy A Solar Battery?

It is safe to say that we live in uncertain times with the recent pandemic, conflict, and energy crisis. In 2023, you must consider how to live more independently and reduce your vulnerability to global events. 

Since the energy generated by your solar panels is free, you can generate significant savings without worrying about how much energy you use each month. Many people are reducing their energy usage and limiting their use of AC systems, heating, and lighting to save money – with a solar system and battery system; you don’t need to worry.

Summary

If you’re considering upgrading your solar power system and installing a solar battery – now is the best time. You can reduce your vulnerability to fluctuating energy prices and have more independence in your energy supply. If you’re interested in learning more about solar batteries or have committed to purchasing one – reach out to our friendly team of experienced solar installers here at SolarPath.

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How The Solar Panel Rebates Will Change In NSW in 2023
How Solar Energy Benefits the Local Economy

If you’re considering solar panel for your home, you’re probably aware of the solar rebates and grants on offer. However, these rebates are not fixed and can be subject to change over the years.

Want to learn what the solar rebates will look like in 2023? 

Keep reading as we discuss the solar rebate, how you can access it, and how it will change in the upcoming year.

What Is The NSW Solar Rebate?

The NSW solar rebate program makes solar panels more accessible to citizens living in NSW. The government has created a mission statement to reach Net-Zero emissions by 2050, and the solar rebate is essential in making this happen. 

It provides homeowners with a rebate of up to $7000 or a loan for solar panels. However, this rebate is not without stipulations, and you must meet the following requirements to access the funds:

• The solar panels must be compliant with industry standards.
• You must have the solar panels fitted by a professional installer registered with the SSTC program.
• You must be a homeowner.
• You must be receiving the Low Income Household Rebate.
• You must wait to install solar panels at your home.
• You must live in an eligible region.
• Your home must be suitable for solar panel installation.

If you meet these requirements, you may apply for the solar rebate. To apply, you can contact your local solar panel installer registered with the NSW rebate establishment and enquire about the program.

How Will The Solar Rebate Change In 2023?

Every year, on January 1st, the solar rebate reduces. This change is part of the phase-out program, aiming to reduce the rebate to 0 by 2031. So, if you’re planning on applying for a solar rebate in 2023 after January 1st, you should be aware that the rebate will reduce from last year. Ensure that whatever source you use to find out about the rebate is up-to-date. 

The reduction should motivate you to move your plans for solar panel installation closer, as you won’t get as much support next year or the year after. 

Regarding subsidies, in 2023, you can expect to receive a discount between $2000 to $7000 on the upfront cost of your solar panels. The upfront cost of your solar panels will increase by 4-5% yearly.

Where you would be eligible for 124 STCs in 2022, you will only be suitable for 110 STCs in 2023, so you will have 14 fewer certificates toward your solar panels.

Why Use The Solar Rebate In 2023?

If you’re taking advantage of the solar rebate to fund your solar panel installation, there is no time like now. Acting quickly and installing your panels this year will give you around 5% more off the upfront cost than next year. So, you should consider investing in them as soon as you can. Below are other reasons you might consider installing solar panels in your home this year.

The Cost Of Living Crisis

The pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have caused a spike in the cost of living for many citizens worldwide. Everyday food items are becoming more expensive, and energy costs are rising. The energy crisis is driving many homeowners toward sustainable energy alternatives. Living independently from the grid will prevent you from falling victim to fluctuating energy prices. Decreasing your energy expenditure will improve your quality of life and place you in a more advantageous position to cope with the cost of living crisis.

Global Warming

Global warming is at the top of the mind for many people, and if your new year resolve is to reduce your impact on the planet, solar panels are a great place to start. Solar panels can help you to decrease your carbon footprint without using less energy. You can still enjoy your tumble-dried clothes, night lights, and air conditioning without feeling guilty about your impact on the planet. Solar panels align with any green new year’s resolution, providing sustainable and reliable energy.

Increasing Your Home’s Value

Now more than ever, homebuyers seek energy-efficient homes when purchasing a property. The cost of living crisis has changed how people buy homes, and the focus has shifted heavily towards monthly energy bill costs. Taking advantage of the solar rebate now will help you to increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to prospective buyers when you sell. 

Increasing Your Savings Pot

The pandemic and recent cost of living crisis have taught us the importance of life savings, and there is nothing to say that the future will not be just as turbulent. You can ensure a steady savings pot with the money you save from your solar panels. The more savings you have, the more resources you will have should another global emergency arise.

Profitable Energy

If your solar panels generate more energy than you need, you can sell this energy back to the grid and make a profit. So, not only will you save on your energy expenditure, but you can also create more profit each month. 

Access Your Solar Rebate Now

Now is the best time to use the solar rebate and make the most of the government’s offering. If you’re considering changing your energy usage, the solar rebate can help you become less vulnerable to fluctuating energy prices. 

You can reach out to our team of certified solar installation experts here at SolarPath. We can help you access your solar rebate and get the help you need to access solar and sustainable energy.

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Skylights are a great way to enhance your space’s natural light and make energy savings. However, skylights aren’t suitable for every type of building due to differences in the roof structure. 

Find out why tubular skylights are an excellent investment for your business. We explain what a tubular skylight is and why installing tubular skylights will quickly generate ROI for your business.

What Are Tubular Skylights?

Tubular skylights are an alternative to regular skylights. To install regular skylights, you need ceilings not separated from the roof by attic space or structures. If you have attic space, you can install tubular skylights. 

Tubular skylights differ in shape from regular skylights. Instead of a pane of glass, a tubular structure is installed. It is filled with reflective lights that help the light pass down the tube. The tube can pass through your attic space and into your ceiling, flooding the room below. 

The rest of this post will discuss the numerous benefits of tubular skylights for businesses.

6 Reasons Why Tubular Skylights Are A Great Investment For Your Business

Below is a list of why tubular skylights might be the right choice for your business or commercial office space.

Saving Energy

Opting for a natural light source over electrically powered lighting can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. With the climate change crisis in full swing, businesses need to consider how to lower their carbon footprint and reduce their impact on climate change. Switching to natural light sources can spare a vast amount of wasted energy.

Saving Money

In addition to worrying about the climate crisis, businesses have a newly developed concern – energy prices. The fluctuation in energy prices can severely affect your business’s profitability. To combat fluctuating energy prices, you can consider switching to a renewable energy source by installing solar panels or making more minor and less expensive changes, like installing tubular skylights.

Suitable For All Building Types

Many businesses cannot use natural energy sources to light their office space due to the structure of the building. However, tubular skylights present a solution, as they are suitable for all building types and can traverse attic space to provide a bountiful supply of natural light. 

Providing Natural Light

Natural light is highly beneficial for general health and well-being. Many people find unnatural lighting unflattering and harsh on the eyes, particularly in commercial spaces. Providing more natural light for your employees in their workspaces will improve the feel of your office and can be more healthy, positively impacting your employees’ mental health and productivity levels. 

Budget-Friendly

Not all businesses have the budget to install hefty renewable power solutions like solar panels for conserving energy. Tubular skylights are budget-friendly, allowing companies to reduce their reliance on artificial light sources and save energy – without needing to allocate a lofty budget.

Making Your Space Feel More Open

If your lighting systems produce dull or dim light, switching to natural light can do wonders for opening up your space. Dark and dimly lit places can feel smaller, less clean, and less open. Optimising the amount of light in your area can improve the space’s feel and make it more modern and bright. 

How Many Tubular Skylights Can You Install?

The number of tubular skylights you should install in your office space depends on the size of the area and the number of skylights the structure of the room can support. 

It is recommended to install one or two tubular skylights in the centre of the room for moderately sized rooms. To give you an idea of how much light your tubular skylights will produce, the wattage for a tubular skylight is between 300 and 1400 watts. The average lamp has around 60 watts. 

If you’re looking for a super bright space, we recommend installing as many tubular skylights as possible. As with windows, the surface area of the lights will dictate how much light they will let into the room.

What If You Can’t Install Tubular Skylights?

If tubular skylights aren’t suitable for your space due to the building having multiple stories, you might consider the benefits of a solar LED skylight. The solar LED skylight does not produce natural light but instead uses solar energy to power lights on a screen, creating the image of a regular skylight. 

Although the light is artificial, it can be preferable to a regular commercial lighting solution, as it is much more attractive. Some LED skylights are customisable, and you can select an image for the screen. 

The screen has wires that connect it to small solar panels attached to your roof. Even if your office building has multiple stories, you can install solar LED skylights.

Tubular Skylights Vs. Regular Skylights – Which Is Best?

When deciding between tubular skylights and regular skylights, it’s important to remember that the right solution depends on your commercial space’s structure. If you do not have a ceiling that connects to your roof, you won’t be able to install regular skylights. 

However, regarding the amount of light allowed into the room, regular skylights are more effective than tubular skylights. Additionally, standard skylights can open to allow for more ventilation in your space depending on your window type.

Regular skylights can become dirty or covered if placed underneath trees and need more maintenance and cleaning. Tubular skylights make an excellent and adaptable alternative to their standard counterparts.

Summary

To spare your business’s profit margins in light of the energy crisis and to lower your carbon footprint, you might consider installing skylights. When it comes to skylights,  you have a few options – tubular skylights, regular skylights, and LED skylights. The right choice for your building will depend on the structure of the building and your personal preferences. 

Curious to learn more about energy-efficient solutions for your business? Reach out to one of our solar experts at SolarPath for a chat. We’re here for all your energy-efficient needs!

Solar power is becoming more appealing as the energy crisis continues. Solar systems allow homeowners to gain independence and break free from fluctuating energy prices.

If you decide to switch to solar energy for your home, you must know how to choose the right solar and battery system.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the components of a solar and battery system and how to choose high-quality parts so that your solar investments last.

What Components Do You Need For A Solar Power System?

Before you commit to solar panel installation, you need to know all the parts required to make up a functioning solar system. This knowledge will allow you to calculate the cost of installing this to power your home.

Here are the components you’ll need to consider for a solar system:

• Solar panels – many people think of solar panels when they think of solar power. The solar panel is a photovoltaic panel that absorbs UV sunlight to convert it into energy for your home.
• Solar panel inverters – a solar inverter is responsible for taking the energy generated from your solar panels and converting it into usable energy for your home. The inverter takes the direct current energy (DC) and turns it into alternating energy (AC) to power your appliances, heating systems, and lighting systems.
• Solar batteries – on some days, you may only use a little of the energy your solar panels generate. Instead of simply wasting this energy, you can store it using a solar battery. The solar battery allows you to keep power for another day, or you can even sell your energy back to the grid to make a profit and increase your ROI from your solar panels.

The solar battery is optional to the system but can be extremely helpful when considering your ROI. If you’re calculating the cost of your solar panels, you will also need to factor in the installation price.

Tips For Choosing A Solar And Battery System

If you’re looking to purchase components for your solar power system, keep these tips in mind to ensure your system works at optimal capacity.

Find A Reputable Provider

When purchasing solar panels, a solar inverter, or a solar battery, you must be careful about where you get it. If you do not choose a reputable provider, you could be faced with the following issues:

• Your solar system components might be made up of parts that have been switched out for cheaper versions.
• Your solar system might be refurbished.
• You won’t know if your solar system is up to code.

To avoid this, you need to know that the company providing your solar panels can guarantee the quality of their products. Look for the proper certification and small-scale technology certificates to ensure that these solar system components are up to industry codes and standards.

Additionally, if you choose a reputable company, you could access a warranty, guaranteeing that your solar panels will last.

Knowing How Many Panels You Need

Your household may only need a certain amount of energy, and purchasing too many solar panels could be a waste. You need to decide whether you still wish to rely on the grid for energy or if you wish most of your energy to be provided by your solar panels. If you want to power your home entirely using your solar panels, there is a calculation that can help you to know how many panels you need. 

First, figure out your monthly energy consumption by looking at your bills. Then calculate your neighbourhood’s peak sunlight. Multiply these figures together, and divide them by a solar panel wattage. This figure will indicate how many panels you need to power your home using solar power.

If you still wish to rely jointly on power from the grid, apply half this number of solar panels. You will still save on your energy, and you will lessen the cost of your solar panels.

Beware Of Dodgy Sales Tactics

There is so much advice out there that it can be difficult to know who to trust. However, there are some key indicators that you’re being taken advantage of. If you spot any of the following sales tactics, this could be a red flag, and you should avoid buying from this company:

• Time-sensitive discounts – don’t let time-sensitive discounts sway your investment in solar panels. You need time to weigh your options, and these marketing tactics can cause you to rush your purchase.
• Pressure – your solar installer or provider should not rush you or make you feel pressured. 
• Very low prices – If the product’s price is too low, this could indicate that the company is selling solar products with swapped parts or defects. When buying solar panels, you should gather multiple quotes to ensure the price isn’t suspiciously low compared to competitor quotes.
• Limited information – your solar panel installer and provider should provide you with all the information you need to maintain and service your solar panels over the years. It could be a bad sign if your provider isn’t giving you this information.
• Overpromising – all solar panels are likely to provide you with similar ROI. Beware if the seller promises you returns on your solar investment in a concise amount of time.

Looking out for these signs could prevent you from being taken advantage of when buying solar system components for your home.

Summary

Buying solar panels for your home is relatively straightforward, but it requires knowledge of what a solar system needs and the number of solar panels you need. Looking out for red flags can help you spot solar system manufacturers and providers offering low-quality services and allows you to know who you can trust.

Looking for solar system products you can count on? Reach out to our friendly team of experts here at SolarPath to discuss your options.

More and more families and homeowners are investing in solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and reduce their monthly energy bills. The benefits of solar panel are numerous – but what’s involved in the installation process, and how long does it take?

If you’re joining the many homeowners investing in solar panels, you need to know what you’re signing up for. In this helpful guide, we will talk you through installing solar panels from start to finish, so you will know how long the process will take. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Install Solar Panels In Your Home?

Solar panels are a costly investment, and you’re required to allow contractors onto your property to install them – so why go to the trouble?

Well, there are many reasons why installing solar panels in your home is an excellent choice:

• Solar panels reduce your monthly energy spend – you reach ROI quickly with solar panels, as you make savings monthly, gaining access to a more significant portion of your earnings.

• Solar panels provide renewable energy – if you install solar panels in your home, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and you don’t have to feel guilty when you turn the AC or heating on.

• You can sell excess energy back to the grid – did you know that you can store energy in a solar battery and sell your extra power back to the grid? You can profit from your solar panels’ energy if you don’t need it.

Those are just a few benefits of installing solar panels in your home. If you’ve decided to install solar panels in your home, you need to know what to expect during the installation process. Below is a list of the steps and processes of solar panel installation from start to finish.

What Happens When You Have Solar Panels Installed

Here are the steps involved in solar panel installation.

Step One – You Recieve A Quote From The Solar Panel Provider And Installer

Once you’ve decided to install your solar panels, you need to get a quote for both the cost of the solar panels and the cost of installation. Usually, you would purchase your solar panels and installation from the same place. Still, if you decide to source the panels and installation from separate providers, you will need a quote from each company.

You shouldn’t always opt for the first quote you receive. Instead, gather quotes from all the best solar panel installers in your area, then compare to gauge which is priced most competitively. 

Although, price isn’t the only consideration. You should not opt for companies offering more inexpensive solar panels and installation than other companies, as this may indicate that they could replace parts with cheaper versions or cut corners regarding installation.

Step Two – Your Installer Will Perform An Inspection

To understand how to best fit solar panels for your home and to ensure your home is suitable for solar panels, you will need to have an inspection performed. The things the inspector will look for to determine solar installation potential include:

• Branches and trees – your inspector will look for any tree structures or branches that could block the light for your solar panels, making solar panels unsuitable for your home.

• Tall buildings – your solar installer will look for tall buildings that could block the light to your roof for significant portions of the day, meaning you wouldn’t get the best return on your investment.

• Roof angle – your installer will need to know the roof’s pitch and which direction it is facing to understand how best to position the panels and maximise light exposure.

• Roof condition – if your roof has dampness or any other structural damage, this could mean that installing solar panels would only lead to further issues.

If your installer has determined that your roof is suitable for solar panels, then they will be able to begin planning how they will fit your solar panels.

Step Three – Set Up Scaffolding

To begin installing your solar panels, the solar panel installation experts will set up scaffolding to ensure safety during the process. Setting up scaffolding is the most lengthy step in the installation process.

Step Four – Attach Roof Anchors

Roof anchors are anchor points that your solar installer will attach to the rafters in your loft by lifting your roofing tiles. Installing roof anchors will ground your solar panels and fix them on the roof.

Step Five – Install Solar Mounts

Solar mounts are the part of solar panels that attach the panels to the anchor and raise them above the roof’s surface. The solar mounts are essential to ensure your solar panels tilt at the optimal angle for light exposure.

Step Six – Install The Panels

Once the solar mounts are secured, your installer can fix the solar panels to the mounts at the correct angle.

Step Seven – Install The Solar Inverter

Without the solar inverter, your solar panels would not produce usable energy. The solar inverter is responsible for transforming Direct Current (DC) energy into Alternating Current (AC) energy, which you can use to power your household appliances. 

The solar inverter is usually installed in your loft space and connected to the solar inverter using a wiring system. The installer will then connect your inverter to the consumer unit, allowing you to access solar power through the power outlets in your home. Our blog about solar inverters should explain why you need a solar inverter for your home.

Step Eight – Testing And Solar Battery Installation

Once the installation experts have fitted your inverter, they can test the solar system to see if everything is in working order. They will do this by monitoring each element in the solar system, switching the power off and on again to analyse its efficiency. If you have decided to invest in a solar battery, the installer will fit it once the system is in working order and test it accordingly.

How Long Does It Take To Install Solar Panels?

Generally, the installation takes around two days or more. Each process in the solar panel installation process usually takes:

• Roof anchors – 1 hour
• Solar mounting – 1 hour
• Solar panels – 2-3 hours
• Solar inverter – 1 hour
• System testing – 1 hour

Thinking Of Getting Solar Panels?

Hopefully, this guide has given you a clear idea of what to expect when installing solar panels in your home. If you’re considering solar panels for your home, reach out to SolarPath today – our team is always on hand to give you a free quote and answer any of your questions regarding the installation process.

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If you’re investing in solar panels, you will need the advice of a solar panel installation expert. The expert will educate you on all the different components that make up a solar system – including solar inverters.

What is a solar inverter, and why do you need one?

Keep reading as we discuss what a solar inverter is, its role in your solar system, and the different types of solar inverters. 

What Is A Solar Inverter?

A solar inverter is a power inverter designed to convert energy harnessed by photovoltaic panels (solar panels) into energy that you can use to light, heat, and power devices throughout the home.

When your solar panels harness energy from the sun’s rays, the type of energy they generate is a direct current (DC). The kind of energy you need to run appliances around the home is an alternating current (AC). Solar panel inverters convert DC energy to AC energy, allowing you to use power from your solar panels around the house.

When you have solar panels installed in your home, the expert will usually install your solar inverter in an accessible location in your loft or attic. If you wish to store any excess energy from your solar panels, your installer can also fit your system with a solar battery. The solar battery connects to the solar inverter.

There are a few different types of solar inverters:

• String inverters – the solar panels are connected in a series within a string inverter system. All your panels must be positioned at the same tilt in a string inverter system.

• Microinverters – the solar panels are connected parallel to one another in a microinverter. However, if one of your panels stops working, this may affect the performance of the other panels in a microinverter system.

Why Do I Need A Solar Inverter?

Without a solar inverter, your solar panels are useless. You could harvest direct current (DC) energy, but you would be unable to use it. You need alternating current (AC) energy for your lighting, heating, and appliances. Without a solar inverter, you can’t use your solar panels for anything.

How To Choose A Solar Inverter?

When choosing a solar inverter, there are several factors you must consider:

• The size of your system – you need a solar inverter that can match the energy output of your solar panels. The amount of DC energy your solar panels produce is called your DC rating. Your solar inverter’s DC rating should match the DC rating of your solar panels.

• Affordability – you should look for a solar inverter that is priced competitively, but you should avoid solar inverters that are priced too cheaply. Browse for solar inverters to gauge an idea of the standard price. This will allow you to select a competitively priced inverter. If you opt for a cheaper one, you could invest in a lower-quality product with fewer accreditations and cheap manufacturing materials.

• The location – you will need to review where you wish to place your solar inverter. Most solar installers will fit the solar inverter in your loft. However, the heat in your attic could cause your solar inverter to have a decreased lifespan. Plus, you cannot check your inverter regularly to see if it works correctly.

• Inverter types include different kinds of inverters, such as string inverters and microinverters. To know which type is best for your system, contact SolarPath and get some advice.

Summary

A solar inverter is a crucial component in a solar power system – it is the part of a solar panel system that converts energy from photovoltaic panels into usable energy for the home. Speak to your local solar system installer, and ask which solar inverter best suits your system.

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Skylights can be an excellent way to increase the amount of light in your home. Darker homes can cause a lower mood, creating a dim and dingy appearance in our homes and making it difficult to concentrate on our daily tasks.

Rather than keeping the lights on in your home all day, you might consider installing an LED solar skylight by contacting your local Sydney solar installer. Keep reading to understand the differences between these two types of skylights and which would be better suited to your home.

What Is A Skylight?

A skylight is a window installed on your roof so that the optimal amount of sunlight enters your room. Skylights generally must be installed on a slanted roof, otherwise, the skylight could collect rainwater or become dirty quickly. Since skylights can be difficult to reach and clean often, you don’t want a skylight that will inevitably become dirty.

A skylight ensures that sunlight enters your home at all hours during the day and is an excellent solution for homes with north and south-facing windows that may not receive a large amount of natural light throughout the day.

Skylights are an attractive feature in the home and can help to create a bright, open space, making your home appear more spacious. However, some homes do not have the space or optimal structure for skylight installation.

What Is An LED Skylight?

LED skylights are the perfect solution for homes that do not have the structure to support traditional skylights. 

Using artificial lighting throughout the day to keep your space bright and increase visibility increases your energy bill. To reduce your monthly energy bill and enhance your home’s energy efficiency, you might consider installing an LED skylight.

LED skylights are attached to solar panels, which means the light produced by the skylight is sustainable. You can install LED skylights in offices or the home, and they create an artificial image that makes it appear as though there is a large window on the ceiling.

When you install LED skylights, you get the light and visual aesthetic of traditional skylights; only they can be adapted to suit any ceiling in your home.

The Differences Between LED Skylights And Skylights For Your Home

The critical difference between LED skylights and skylights is that one is artificial, and the other uses natural light. Another is that LED solar skylights are more versatile and can suit any home style and home layout. Your home might be better suited to LED skylights for the following reasons:

• If your home’s building layout does not support the installation of traditional skylights.

• If other buildings block your home’s view. The view from a traditional skylight would be unsightly, and less light would be able to enter your home.

• If you wish to choose the image that is portrayed on your skylights.

• If you wish to reduce your use of artificial lighting, switch to a more energy-efficient and sustainable lighting solution.

• If you wish to make your office layout more attractive and help support the mood of employees, as well as prevent headaches caused by poor lighting or severe artificial lighting.

Skylights are not suitable for every home, and you can get the same visual appeal as skylights using an LED skylight. Contact your local solar installer, SolarPath, to get more information on LED skylights.

Summary

Poor lighting can have a negative impact on your mental health and can make your space appear smaller and less inviting. If you can’t have skylights installed in your home, consider investing in LED solar skylights. Your home will be bright, open, and inviting, and your home’s lighting will not increase your carbon footprint!

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