Category: Solar Energy

In 1958, NASA made history by becoming the first organisation to successfully harness solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. PV panels were prohibitively expensive at the time. But during the space race, NASA could easily afford to use solar technology when powering its satellites.

As solar panels became cheaper and more efficient, they slowly trickled into the consumer market. But until 10 or so years ago, they remained very niche – only available through certain channels.

Today, however, solar panels are everywhere – available online, at hardware stores, and through installers. And they’re cheaper than ever, with prices continuing to fall every year.

The problem that consumers face isn’t where to buy solar panels.

It’s where best to buy them.

Should You Buy Solar Panels via Retail or Wholesale?

Because of solar’s rapid growth, the line has blurred between wholesale and retail panels. Many top manufacturers now make their technology available to end-users – allowing anyone to buy high quality PV modules and install them on their own.

This wide availability is a win for consumers. They can easily comparison shop without having to go through traditional gatekeepers like installers.

However, this ease and convenience come at a cost.

For example, there exists a growing trend in Australia in which “Solar Cowboys” quickly set up PV installation firms in pursuit of quick and easy profits. For tips on avoiding this, read our article here.

But there’s another problem as well.

Solar panel selection is highly dependent on geography, climate, and use cases. PV modules that might be perfect for the German market won’t necessarily deliver the same benefits if installed in Australia (and vice versa).

And this explains why you should never buy solar panels without first doing a careful analysis of the home or business on which they’ll be installed.

At Solarbank, for example, we are partial to Trina and LG solar panels because they are ideally suited for Australia’s sunny, arid climate. Even still, we don’t choose one make or model over another until we have:

• Discussed your financial and environmental goals.
• Examined your historical electricity consumption.
• Carefully analysed your home’s solar power potential.

Only then can we recommend the optimal solar panel configuration for your needs.

Are We the Best Place to Buy Solar Panels in Australia?

If you’ve found a PV technology you like, we can easily accommodate your preferences. However, the high quality solar panels we use are ideally suited for Australia’s climate. And our teams have rigorously tested each design in the field to ensure these modules are up to the task.

Better still, we’re able to take advantage of wholesale pricing and bulk ordering before passing on substantial savings to you – our customer.

And because we custom design every PV system we install, you also enjoy the highest possible utility bill and carbon savings from your installation over the next 20 to 25 years.

Most Australian businesses and homeowners rely on grid electricity to power everything from mobile phones to air conditioners to heavy machinery. However, this electricity is already incredibly expensive, with no indication that rates will come down soon. If anything, they’ll keep going up with each passing year.

Worse still, this grid power is generated from fossil fuel, which is terrible for the environment.

Against this backdrop, going solar is a no-brainer. By installing panels, you can create your own electricity from sunshine – an energy source that is both free and clean.

But getting started isn’t as simple as installing some panels and connecting them to your home’s or business’s electrical system. Before you can harness this clean and free energy, you need a solar power inverter first.

What Is a Solar Power Inverter?

Our modern appliances rely on alternating current (AC) electricity. But the electricity from your solar panels comes out as direct current (DC) power.

To make this solar energy usable within your home or business, you need an inverter to convert DC electricity to AC power in real time.

However, solar power inverters come in a wide range of different makes and models. And which one to install ultimately depends on:

• What features you need from your solar power inverter.
• How you plan on using the energy from your solar panels.

Why We Recommend Fronius and SMA Solar Power Inverters

There is no shortage of high-quality solar inverters on the market. And if you’re already partial to one, our experts can easily accommodate your needs.

But in Australia, the 2 inverter technologies we install most often come from Fronius and SMA. Below are just some of the reasons why we prefer using their solar power inverters:

• Both are solid workhorses that consistently deliver outstanding performance.
• They enjoy unrivalled track records built on decades of solar experience.
• They offer industry-leading warranty coverage to help safeguard your solar savings.
• They come with remote monitoring so you can track your solar installation’s performance in real-time.
• Both are infinitely customisable – allowing for a large range of residential and commercial applications.
• They come with rival (but equally effective) cooling technologies, making them ideally suited for Australia’s warm climate.

Last, but not least, Fronius and SMA inverters can easily be configured for on-site solar battery storage or electrical vehicle (EV) charging.

You might not need either of these options right now. But you might in a few years. And it’s comforting to know that the inverter you install today can support your energy needs as they evolve over time.

Let Us Help You Find the Right Solar Inverter for Your Panels?

If your goal is to go solar and maximise your savings, we can’t say enough positive things about SMA and Fronius. The solar power inverters they produce have consistently helped our own customers enjoy the highest possible returns from their clean energy investments.

However, if you prefer using another inverter technology instead, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect solution for your solar power needs.

In our last post, we covered the rise of Solar Cowboys – i.e. unlicensed or low-quality installers attracted by easy profits. This trend is made possible by Australia’s lack of regulatory oversight. There simply aren’t many legal requirements to become a photovoltaic (PV) installer.

So in an unregulated market like ours, how can you be sure that your solar installer is qualified to complete the job?

Unfortunately, there is no surefire way.

However, one common distinguishing characteristic is whether the installers you meet with are recognised by third-party licensing and certification organisations. And in Australia, very few bodies carry more weight than the Clean Energy Council (CEC) – one of the most trusted accrediting agencies in the country’s solar industry.

What Makes the Clean Energy Council Unique?

The Clean Energy Council is an independent regulatory body that certifies solar installers as being professional, honest, and licensed. Membership is 100% voluntary. But joining the CEC is a powerful indicator of an installer’s commitment to:

• Responsible sales and marketing.
• Solar PV industry best practices.

Actually becoming CEC – Accredited Solar Installers involves a lengthy application process that includes:

• Proof that the installer has been in business for at least one year. This helps to weed out fly-by-night operations.
• A Self-Assessment Compliance Check. The honour system applies here, but an installer’s self-reported answers must be consistent with the next step.
• Annual financial and integrity inspections conducted by external auditors.
• Reconciliation of any consumer complaints collected by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

In addition, all PV installers must sign a binding “Code of Conduct” pledge before they can display the CEC – Approved Solar Retailer logo on their websites and marketing materials.

Also, keep in mind that CEC accreditation isn’t a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process, complete with annual inspections. And one must consistently pass these yearly checks to remain in good standing with the Clean Energy Council.

Find some more information on what it means to be a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer here

Solarbank is a Proud Member of the Clean Energy Council

At Solarbank, we’ve worked very hard to earn (and maintain) our status as a CEC – Approved Solar Retailer. And if you’re in the market for a professionally installed PV system that will deliver many decades of measurable savings and carbon offsets, we would be thrilled to earn your business and trust.

If you decide to go with another PV installer instead, that’s okay. Just make sure that any candidates you interview are also CEC accredited solar installers as well. Doing so is the single best way to protect yourself from:

• Low-quality workmanship.
• Expensive system repairs.
• Lost savings (and high bills).

However, it is possible for a Solar Cowboy to display the CEC logo without having gone through the approval process. So just to be 100% sure, you should verify each installer’s credentials (including ours) by visiting the Clean Energy Council’s free directory of Approved Solar Retailers.

Let Us Help You Go Solar the Right Way

In Australia, there’s lots of sun, and it’s free to harvest, meaning anyone can install photovoltaic (PV) panels and generate their own free electricity.

No permission necessary.

This ease and convenience make solar power very appealing to do-it-yourself (DIY) installers. They can even legally sell their installation services to others if the demand is there.

And in a sunny market like Australia, demand for solar power is definitely there.

But Australia’s lacking of effective solar panel installation policy and regulatory oversight have paved the way for “Solar Cowboys” – i.e. unlicensed installers who don’t follow the industry’s best practices.

Commissioning a Solar Cowboy to install Solar PV panels on your property exposes you to a host of worrying concerns:

• Safety issues emerge whenever unlicensed installers work with high voltage electrical equipment.
• You’re leaving money on the table since amateur PV installations don’t generate as much energy per square metre.
• Unlicensed solar installations don’t qualify for certain incentives – like the Grid’s feed-in tariff.

So in the absence of any government solar panel policy, how do you maximise the benefits of your clean power investment while minimising the above risks?

Here are some tips for navigating Australia’s Wild West energy landscape.

1. Keep It Professional

Only hire licensed solar installers with extensive electrical training and certification. Credentialed contractors know what they’re doing and can reduce the likelihood of injury or property damage both:

• During the installation process itself.
• After your PV system comes online.

Equally important, professional solar installers can legally grid-connect your PV system, allowing you to:

• Receive electricity at night, when your panels stop working.
• Monetise the daytime solar electricity you feed into the Grid.

To review our electrical license, click here.

2. Check for Accreditations

Removing non-licensed installers can help narrow down the list a lot. But this alone isn’t enough.

It’s also a good idea to review each installer’s accreditations and memberships. Doing so can help you quickly weed out fly-by-night operations from more established installers who take clean energy seriously.

For example, Solarbank is a:

• Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer
• Smart Energy Council Member
• Tesla Energy Certified Installer

3. Review Testimonials

The next step involves reviewing testimonials and case studies from actual customers. By learning from their experiences, you’ll have a much better idea of what to expect when working with that installer.

At Solarbank, we proudly publish our testimonials here and our case studies here.

And if you’d like us to connect you with previous customers in your neighbourhood, let us know.

One Final Solar Installer Tip

After whittling down your list, there’s one final step.

You should meet with each potential installer in person. This approach allows you to gauge their style and whether they use high-pressure sales tactics (as many Solar Cowboys do).

At Solarbank, we want you to go solar. But the technology sells itself. And there’s no need to use aggressive sales tactics.

We’re simply facilitators who:

• Outline the numerous benefits of installing solar panels on your roof.
• Inspect your property to analyse its solar potential (free of charge).
• Help you extract the most value from your clean power investment.

That’s it.

In an earlier post, we explored some of the more obvious benefits of solar panels in Australia. The moment you install photovoltaic (PV) technology on your property, you begin enjoying:

• Financial savings (because of your smaller monthly utility bill).
• Environmental savings (due to your smaller carbon footprint).

These 2 benefits are enough to motivate a growing number of businesses throughout Australia to explore commercial solar power.

However, there are several less obvious benefits of rooftop solar panels.

Below are 3 of the biggest you can expect as a business owner.

1. Emergency Daytime Power

Most solar PV installations are Grid-tied, allowing you to receive continuous electricity 24/7:

• During the day, the bulk of this power comes from your solar panels.
• Once the sun goes down, all of the electricity comes from the Grid.

But with the right type of solar inverter, it’s possible to configure your PV installation so that it delivers continuous daytime power – even if the entire Grid goes down during a blackout. And with on-site batteries storing daytime solar electricity from your PV system, you’ll also have continuous power at night as well.

If yours is a business that needs guaranteed, uninterrupted electricity – both day and night – solar can provide this.

2. Reduced Cooling Costs

The ability to generate your own free electricity from sunshine can help dramatically reduce your monthly utility spending.

But the savings actually go much deeper than that.

This is because the shading from your PV panels can make your rooftop up to 2.5° cooler . As such, you don’t need to spend as much money on A/C and cooling during the hottest months of the year.

If your rooftop isn’t suitable for PV panels, we can install a solar carport instead. This approach delivers the same benefits as rooftop solar panels. And it also provides shade for your employees’ and customers’ cars.

In addition, we can install electric vehicle charging ports with your solar carport, allowing every EV driver in your organisation to fuel their commutes with free and clean sunshine.

3. Property Value Increases

If you own (instead of lease) your commercial property, going solar can increase its resale value – often by a lot:

• According to one analysis, the value increases by an average of $20 for every $1 in annual utility bill savings that your solar PV system delivers.
• In another analysis, researchers found that properties outfitted with PV technology spent significantly less time on the market.

Both of these studies were US-specific. But the basic principle still applies. To lock in guaranteed financial and environmental savings, future property buyers are consistently willing to pay a premium for solar-enabled homes and businesses.

Ready to Claim These Commercial Solar Benefits?

The primary reason business owners go solar is to save money and help protect the environment. These benefits manifest on Day 1 and continue for the 25+ years of your solar panels’ warrantied lifetime.

However, the true ROI of your clean power investment is substantially larger once you factor in the numerous hidden benefits mentioned above.

The basic concept and benefits of solar panels is very simple:

• Install photovoltaic (Solar) panels on your roof.
• Start generating your own clean energy on-site.
• Watch your monthly electricity bills go down.

These benefits explain why millions of homeowners across Australia continue turning to sunshine to power their lives. Installing solar panels offers immediate and measurable savings.

However, the benefits of solar panels are considerably greater among commercial customers.

And here’s why.

1. Commercial Solar Delivers Larger Savings

In Australia, most businesses operate during normal daytime hours – precisely when solar panels generate the most energy:

• In the absence of these solar panels, businesses must pay peak electricity rates.
• With panels installed, however, businesses enjoy massive utility bill reductions.

These savings don’t simply make your business more sustainable. They also make you more competitive.

If your organisation follows nighttime hours instead, then all the energy generated from your solar panels (during the day) goes into the Grid. And thanks to Australia’s feed-in tariff program, your utility provider is required to compensate you for this clean electricity – in the form of credits that you can apply to future bills.

So you actually enjoy even larger savings.

Either way, solar is an investment that pays for itself – many times over.

2. Commercial Solar Delivers Tax Benefits

Commercial solar customers qualify for many of the same incentives that residential ones do – including the aforementioned feed-in tariff.

But as a business owner, one of the primary benefits of rooftop solar panels is that you can treat your solar installation as a tax deduction as well. As a result, going solar is actually more affordable for commercial users than it is for homeowners.

Standard disclaimer: we are not tax advisers. And to maximise this deduction, you should consult with your accountant about how best to amortise or depreciate your solar power investment.

3. Commercial Solar Attracts More Business

Whether you’re a residential or commercial customer, going solar is good for the environment. Rather than rely on Grid electricity generated from fossil fuel, you’re able to power your home or business with clean sunshine.

But as a business owner, your solar investment can help generate more sales. That’s because customers increasingly prefer doing business with ecologically responsible companies. And few investments demonstrate your commitment to the planet more than installing solar panels can.

You’re not simply paying lip service to environmental protection. You’re actually “walking the walk” (and saving money in the process).

Moreover, the advantages of this corporate social responsibility (CSR) extend well beyond your customers. Commercial solar power can also help you attract better vendors, suppliers, investors, and employees.

Ready to Enjoy These Commercial Solar Benefits?

Every business is different. And you’ll need to analyse your own goals to determine if the cost/benefit of solar panels makes sense for your organisation.

But when done correctly, solar is a risk-free investment that can help:

• Save you money.
• Reduce your taxes.
• Protect the planet.
• Attract new business.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are a renewable energy technology that converts free sunshine into clean electricity. And in a sunny market like Australia, going solar is a no-brainer for many homeowners and businesses.

However, solar PV panels:

• Don’t work as well on cloudy, overcast days.
• Don’t work at all once the sun goes down.

So how do solar customers enjoy 24/7 electricity access during these times?

There are really 2 main options – solar batteries and feed-in tariffs .

Solar Batteries at a Glance

On-site solar batteries allow you to store the daytime electricity from your PV panels for nighttime use.

This approach is normally used for rural properties that are too far from the Grid. But even in cities, installing solar batteries offers true energy independence – provided you have enough production and storage capacity installed.

How Feed-in Tariffs Work

A feed-in tariff (FiT) is a special incentive that allows you to “feed” surplus solar electricity to the Grid – in exchange for utility credits. Depending on which FiT you’re enrolled in, the credits generated can be as high as $0.20/kilowatt-hour, which is quite generous.

The FiT essentially allows you to monetise the sunshine hitting your roof. And because your PV installation is grid – tied with a bidirectional meter, the entire utility network acts as virtual storage for your solar panels:

• During the day, your utility meter logs any solar electricity that you feed into the Grid. And you accumulate credits.
• At night and on cloudy days, the meter logs any power taken from the Grid. And you rack up usage charges.

At the end of every billing cycle, you only pay for the “net” difference in electricity bought and sold. As such, it’s technically possible to receive negative utility bills (which many of our customers do).

However, there is a third option that combines the best of what batteries and the FiT offer. And in Australia, this approach is quickly picking up steam.

Making the Case for Solar Batteries AND Feed-in Tariffs

A growing number of residential solar customers are now combining solar batteries with the feed-in tariff. This approach is not truly mainstream yet – given the relatively high cost of installing batteries. However, combining both together does offer important benefits.

With on-site batteries, you can better time when you feed solar electricity into the Grid – allowing you to:

• Avoid peak demand charges and time-of-use (ToU) price hikes.
• Receive the highest rates when feeding power into the Grid.

In addition, this approach makes the entire Grid greener since you’re able to send clean solar electricity into the network – even when the sun is down. Not only does this help shrink the community’s carbon footprint, but it also resolves solar power intermittency by smoothing out peaks and valleys.

Which Approach Is Best: Solar Batteries, Feed-in Tariffs, or Both?

Every homeowner comes to the table with slightly different goals, budgets, and expectations. And which option to choose ultimately depends on your needs – since each of the above strategies carries their own pros and cons.

What are solar feed in tariffs?

Solar feed in tariffs are what you get paid for solar energy you produce, but do not use. When solar energy is produced, your home gets the full benefit of free solar power from the sun. But if you’re not at home, or not using much energy, the power is automatically sent to the power grid. You may get paid for the power which you send to the grid and this is called a solar feed in tariff.

While a normal electricity “tariff” is the rate you’re charged for power you use, a solar “feed in tariff” is the opposite – the rate you earn for solar energy you produce.

Most of the time, a solar feed in tariff is made up of:

1. A contribution from the state government to encourage household uptake of solar power
2. A contribution from the energy retailer to act as an incentive to choose their services

Most state government contributions to solar feed in tariffs are now very minimal or non-existent.

Are solar feed in tariffs different to solar rebates?

YES! Many people refer to solar feed in tariffs as “solar rebates”, but this is not accurate. Solar feed in tariffs are energy rates you get paid. Solar rebates are upfront discounts you receive in order to buy a solar system. While solar feed in tariffs have reduced dramatically in the past several years, solar rebates are still quite generous. Solar rebates may make up 25% or more of the total solar system cost.

Are solar feed in tariffs different across Australia?

YES! As stated above, solar feed in tariffs are usually a combination of state government and energy retailer incentives. State governments often have dramatic differences in what they offer. Energy retailers usually keep things simple and stick to 1 rate across Australia – but this is entirely up to the retailer.

What types of solar rebates/feed in tariffs are there in NSW?

Solar Feed In Tariffs NSW

Solar feed in tariffs in NSW are currently quite abysmal. Retailers will offer between $0.00 and $0.12. Usually $0.06/kWh is quite standard. So while many residents pay upwards of $0.30/kWh for power they use, they may only be able to get $0.06/kWh for power they produce. The good news is, it’s not nothing!

Example:

Energy use: 20kWh/day

Solar production: 21kWh/day

Energy use while solar is producing power: 9kWh/day

Energy use purchased from grid: 11kWh/day

Solar power sent to grid: 12kWh/day

Using the example above, the 12kWh/day sent to the grid would be an extra $262.80 off an annual electricity bill (on a 6c solar feed in tariff) – which is better than nothing!

Solar Rebates NSW

Solar rebates starting decreasing (again) at the beginning of 2017. Rebates for solar panel system purchases are legislated Australia-wide – but they vary based on zone (determined by the weather – potential energy production).

For a 5kW solar power system in Sydney NSW, you can expect to receive a rebate of around $3,648*

*Based on $38.00 STC value and 96 STCs

Sydney solar feed in tariffs

Solar feed in tariffs in Sydney are not fantastic. Since the NSW government decided not to offer anything for solar energy, many people thought it was the end for solar power in NSW. While you may still be able to get 6c or more for your solar feed in tariff in Sydney, it may be worthwhile considering a solar battery system as an alternative.

Solar batteries – the solution to poor solar feed in tariffs?

A solar battery system using a solar battery such as Powerwall 2 is an excellent alternative to sending energy to the grid for a pittance in return. A battery system allows you to store excess energy to use later on instead of sending energy to the grid @ 6c and buying it back later @30c +!

Solar feed in tariff changes

Although recent changes to solar feed in tariffs in Victoria mean they will enjoy more than double their current rate shortly

Thinking of installing a solar power system in Sydney? There’s a lot to think about.

Here, we’ve covered some of the most common ‘traps’ people in Sydney fall into when buying a solar power system. We will also go over the most important things to consider when buying a solar system, and how to choose the right system for you.

1. Types of Solar Power Systems Sydney

There are many different different types of solar power systems and the components within them. Firstly, there are different solar panel technologies on the market (monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels for example). Second there are Microinverters vs standard “string” inverters to consider. Then there are considerations around going for a hybrid “battery solar systems” using a battery product such as the Tesla Powerwall or a regular “grid-connected” solar power system. System design and components also vary dependent on whether the installation is a residential solar power system or commercial solar systems Sydney.

Solar System Sizes Sydney

The first major consideration when choosing a solar system is the size. This is based mainly on your energy usage. Power bills will typically tell you how much your average daily energy use is which is a good place to start, although average total daily consumption will include both daytime and night time energy use.

The image below is an example of energy usage over a 24hr period for a family home.

Determining the right size for your solar system is not always straight forward. But it helps to consider:

• How much is your daily average energy use (21kWh/day is typical for a home)?
• How much of your energy use is during the daytime – or could loads such as pool pumps be changed to daytime?
• Do you want to install extra capacity for batteries later on?
• Which direction is your roof facing? – inefficiencies might make it wise to increase the system size.

Residential solar system Sydney

Residential solar systems are typically made up of:

1. Solar panels
2. An inverter or inverters
3. Racking which fixes the solar panels to your roof (different for tile/tin roofs)
4. Electrical switches & wiring

Each part of a solar system is important. Solarbank use top quality solar panels such as Trina and LG. Take a look at our solar panels comparison for more information. We recommend Fronius and SMA inverters or Enphase microinverters.

Solar power systems

A residential solar power system consists of the above components. It is important to correctly size a solar system to ensure your objectives are met. Using high quality components and a having a quality installation are critical to ensuring you get the benefits of your solar power investment in the long term.

Solar battery systems

Residential solar power system owners are likely to benefit from adding a battery to their system to store excess solar power generated during the day for use at night. Solar systems with batteries are still “grid-connected” but have a battery to absorb excess energy for later use. When the battery is completely discharged power can still be drawn from the grid. Complete solar battery systems such as the Tesla Powerwall 2 can be retrofit to any existing solar power system.

2. Solar System Sydney Prices & Returns

For most customers, the greatest consideration is how much a solar power system will cost, compared with how much it will save them. One measure of this is Return On Investment (ROI). As an example, you might pay *$4,000 for a 2kW solar system and save $800 per year (a 20% ROI) whilst a 5kW system might cost *$8,000 and may save you $1,400 per year (a 17.5% ROI). Most customers will consider both the total annual return and the ROI as a percentage of the system cost.

*Pricing and returns are examples only and do not constitute a quote – please contact us for a solar system quote

Solar System Prices Sydney

As mentioned above, overall system price compared with total yearly savings is an important measure for many people considering purchasing a solar system. Of course as with anything, paying a higher price does not always mean you get high quality – BUT high quality products and services will always come at a higher price than inferior ones.

System Sizes

Naturally larger solar systems cost more than smaller systems – but the increase is not linear. Because installation is usually quite a significant portion of overall system cost, getting a larger solar system is often more cost-effective. Also consider that the STC rebates are dependent on the number of solar panels installed. So in many cases adding additional panels only marginally increases the total system cost.

Typical solar system Sydney sizes (residential):

• 3kW solar system Sydney
• 4kW solar system Sydney
• 5kW solar system Sydney
• 6kW solar system Sydney
• 8kW solar system Sydney
• 10kW solar system Sydney

Nowadays, a typical Sydney residential solar system is between 4kW and 6kW.

3. Commercial Solar System Sydney

Commercial solar systems usually vary in size from between 10kW and 100kW. Once a commercial solar system goes over the 100kW mark, it enters into a different category. This eliminates eligibility for STC rebates (upfront discount on purchase of solar system) and enables the creation of LGCs (discount is received over time based on generation of energy).

4. Common Traps – Solar System Sydney

There are some common traps for buyers to be aware of when purchasing a solar system. These can result in reduced savings from the system, shorter lifespans, warranty problems and potentially disastrous failures in the worst cases.

Paying Too Much

Salespeople can be cunning, and buyers should be aware that not all products or installers are equal. Salespeople may come up with reasons which make an inferior product seem like a good buy, in order to sell it at top dollar. This is naturally not something one would want, but it’s not the worst thing that could happen when buying a solar system.

Paying Too Little

People who love a bargain will soon discover that there are many cheap options in the solar market. Some companies focus on volume and sell solar systems at rock-bottom prices to get more sales. For the customer, this usually comes with poor-quality products, fast (hurried) installations and cheap components.

Buying Inferior Products

Inferior products will likely lead to poor performance, frequent failures, warranty claims and worse. Solarbank only offers the highest quality components all-round to ensure the highest quality installation.

‘Sub-Par’ Installers

The system installation is a very important part of getting a solar system. An installation done properly will ensure that you get the full benefit and that your solar system will last for many years into the future. A poorly installed system may look unsightly, have many faults and lead to anything from small failures and leaky roofs to catastrophic electrical failures.