In today’s world, with energy costs on the rise, it makes sense for homeowners to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. Here are some simple tips that can help lower your home’s energy usage and keep your energy costs down throughout the year.

Use smart home technology

It seems like there’s a smart version of almost every appliance now. And that’s a win for people who want to save money. While you might think more technology means more electricity usage, that’s not always the case.

Smart lighting, for example, saves money because you can control lights from anywhere. If you’ve left one on during the day, you can turn it off remotely using a smartphone. Lighting can even be motion-sensor controlled, so the lights are never on unless they need to be (i.e. when someone walks into the room). The same goes for all types of smart appliances.

You can even control the heating in your home with smart technology, such as only turning your heater on a short time before arriving home. Being able to control electronic devices and appliances remotely certainly saves you money.

 Install a solar energy system

Installing a solar energy system is an investment in the long term. While there is a significant upfront cost, a solar power system can lead to massive energy savings. All of your energy needs during daylight hours can come from free solar energy, reducing energy bills each month.

If you choose to purchase a solar battery too, then you can store excess energy and use it at night. With free energy from the sun, and the ability to store it, you can almost break completely free of energy retailers and be more self-sufficient.

 Insulate your ceiling and walls

Adding insulation to your home is easier than you think. Your roof cavity is quite easily accessible, and therefore it’s not hard to add insulation batts up there to prevent heat from escaping through the roof. With proper ventilation, you can also prevent moisture buildup in the roof cavity.

Insulating walls in an existing home is a little more complicated. However, you can now purchase sprayable foam insulation that only requires a small hole in the wall. By keeping heat inside during winter, and conversely keeping heat outside in summer, your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. As a result, you save money on electricity.

Weatherstrip your doors and windows

Weatherstripping is a great way to save energy. It’s easy to add, and it can be removed without damaging your doors or windows. This keeps drafts from coming into your home through cracks between the door frame and its surrounding trim. But it also stops warm air from escaping your home. As we mentioned above regarding insulation, when your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard, it costs much less to run.

Use natural light

Natural light is an excellent way to brighten up your home and save money. Sunlight streaming in through your windows helps warm your house in winter, therefore saving money. Plus, you won’t need artificial lighting during the day, so there are more savings. Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home. They can be installed in almost any room of the house, and they’re an efficient way to bring natural light into your home by using less electricity than other types of lighting. 

Run costly appliances during off-peak energy times

Even if you don’t have a solar installation, you can still be smart about energy use. Washing machines, dryers and dishwashers are notoriously expensive to run. Check with your energy retailer to find out when the peak and off-peak times are. Electricity is cheaper in off-peak periods, so this is the perfect time to run your expensive appliances.

If you do have solar energy, you can save even more by following the same principle. Set your costly appliances to operate during daylight hours when they can be powered by free energy from the sun. This will help you maximise solar savings, or simply cut your electricity costs.

Want to consider a solar installation for your home?

Solar is an excellent way to save money and help the environment. It’s a win-win, so if you’d like to know how much money you can save with a solar power system at your home, contact the team at SolarBright today.

Read Also:
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last? 4 Main Considerations
Who Thought Solar Panels Would Be An Investment Decision For Business Owners?

The post The 6 Top Energy-Saving Tips for 2023 appeared first on SolarBright.

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular as they become cheaper and offer greater efficiencies. But as technology advances, this means there are multiplying options available for solar panels in Sydney. With that in mind, one of the key things you should look for when purchasing them is longevity. The longer your panels remain in good working order, the longer you’ll enjoy free solar power without having to replace your panels. 

Here’s what you need to know about how long your solar panels will last. 

The three main types of solar panels

While technology is always advancing, there are three common types of solar panels available in the Australian market. These are usually grouped as follows: 

• Monocrystalline: The pure silicon in monocrystalline panels allows electrons to move freely, and therefore they provide a higher level of efficiency. These are now the main type of panel installed.

• Polycrystalline: Previously the best option, and certainly the cheapest, polycrystalline panels aren’t as efficient as monocrystalline, and therefore have fallen out of favour. However, some are still available and are usually lower priced than mono panels.

• Thin-film: These are made with a thin photovoltaic film. These panels are flexible. They have a lower efficiency so require more roof space to achieve a desired output compared to conventional panels. Thin film panels are rarely used in residential solar systems.

Understanding solar panel degradation

Performance degradation occurs in all panels, no matter how expensive they are. As the panel ages the power out decreases each year. As mentioned above, though, better-quality panels are expected to last longer. After 25 years, good-quality panels will still be producing around 85% of the original power rating.

All panels sold in In Australia must have a performance warranty covering this. We discuss this in more detail below.

There are several factors that cause efficiency to decrease over time. These include rain, hail and other forms of weather damage, but UV exposure, thermal cycling and certain weather conditions can also affect them. 

Typically, efficiency degrades by between 0.5% – 3% per year. If you look after them and you’ve invested in quality panels, you would hope this stays towards the lower end of the scale. 

So, how long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are one of the most durable components of a solar power system. They can last for 25 years or more if you take care of them properly. We’ve explained efficiency degradation above, but that doesn’t mean your panels stop working. They just produce a little less solar energy each year, and in most cases, you won’t even notice the difference. 

When you consider that you can get a 25-year product warranty on many offerings, you can assume that they will last at least this long. We’ll talk about warranties next because this is another key factor in determining how long they should last. 

Understanding solar panel warranties in Australia

Warranties are a great way to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. But you might be surprised to know there are two different types of warranties available. These are: 

•  Product warranty: This covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of time after delivery. The length of the manufacturer’s warranty varies depending on the brand, but it’s usually somewhere between 10 and 25 years. This might also be known as a manufacturer’s warranty.

• Performance warranty: This guarantees that your system will produce at least 80% of its rated capacity after 25 years. If, at any stage during this period, your panels stop producing 80% of their capacity (in normal solar-generating conditions), you may be eligible for a claim.

So, in most cases, you’ll be covered for 25 years, and there’s no reason your panels can’t last beyond that period. 

Looking after your solar panels

Solar panels don’t need a lot of attention, but you should be giving them a quick clean at least every six months. Don’t use any abrasive chemicals, but a simple wipe-down with warm, soapy water is fine. As always, ensure you are safe on your roof while cleaning them, and if you need to, call in the experts for a scheduled clean instead. 

Looking for quality solar panels in Sydney?

SolarBright is a leading supplier of high-quality, long-lasting solar panels in Sydney. If you’re keen to join the green revolution and start saving on energy bills today, we’d love to hear from you. Check out our range or contact our friendly team today.

Read Also:
Solar Panels For The Home: The Top 5 Installation Considerations
Energy Star Rating & NFRC Standards For Skylights

The post How Long Will My Solar Panels Last? 4 Main Considerations appeared first on SolarBright.

A new solar installation at your home is a great way to save money on electricity bills. With energy prices rising, there’s never a bad time to make the switch to solar. Plus, you get to be part of the green revolution and do your part for the environment. Whatever your motivating factor is, you should consider everything before purchasing solar panels. Of course, working with a reputable solar retailer and installer makes the process a lot easier. But for those who like to do a bit of research first, here’s what you should consider for a new solar installation.

Understand your energy requirements

Before you even start looking at local solar installation providers, you need to understand what your energy requirements are. The best way to do this is to look over your previous energy bills. You’ll be able to identify what times of year you use the most energy, and your bill also provides detailed energy consumption data.

When you book a consultation with Solar Bright, we help you assess your energy needs based on the size of your home, your family circumstances and your historical energy usage. You can leave the in-depth analysis to us, and we will suggest the solar panel system size that would best suit your needs.

Consider your roof

Every roof is a little different. You may have a sloped roof or a flatter roof. Neither of these precludes you from having solar panels, but certain installations can cost more depending on complexity.

Firstly, there needs to be enough room on your roof for the number of solar panels you wish to install, and the roof needs to support the weight. This is usually not an issue, but on some older homes, it doesn’t hurt to check.

Also, check that your solar retailer will visit your home prior to preparing a solar quote for you. They will take the time to understand your energy needs, check your roof condition and the main switchboard. This will ensure all is OK for a solar panel installation.

Be aware that many installers will only do business over the phone and online. Take this as a warning sign. In this instance, the only person you will ever see will be the unknown man in the white van who turns up on the day of installation. If they perceive any “site issues”, they will demand extra payments on the day prior to starting work.

Solar panel positioning

For maximum solar efficiency, your panels should be facing north. This ensures they capture as much sun as possible during daylight hours. However, you also need to make sure your panels aren’t obscured by shade. So, if north-facing panels aren’t possible, east or west-facing is also fine.

In every state, there is also an ideal tilt that your panels should be installed with. Typically, the tilt angle should be around the same as your location’s latitude. See the table below for ideal solar panel tilt angles across all capital cities.

• Sydney – 33.9 degrees
• Melbourne – 37.8 degrees
• Brisbane – 27.5 degrees
• Adelaide – 34.9 degrees
• Perth – 31.9 degrees
• Darwin – 12.5 degrees
• Hobart – 42.9 degrees

Choose the right type of solar panel for you

There are several types of solar panels out there, and even more brands. The key is finding the best quality solar panels at the most reasonable prices, rather than simply looking for the cheapest. Generally, you get what you pay for with cheap solar panels. If you want them to last and continue offering good output for years to come, it’s important to choose from reputable manufacturers.

Make sure the panel They should also be made from Dual Glass to ensure they don’t suffer from moisture ingress and other problems in future.

Choose licensed solar installers

When choosing a solar panel installation company, make sure they are licensed by the Clean Energy Council. This will ensure that they have met all of the requirements for a professional installer and have also gone through an extensive training program.

It’s also important to note that some states require additional licenses for electrical work and HVAC systems. So, ensure your solar installer has all the relevant certifications allowing them to work in your state.

Be aware that one of the most expensive parts of the solar system is not the panels or the inverter, but the technicians on the roof. Many solar companies can offer appealingly cheap solar systems as they cut corners on the installation. Again, you get what you pay for.

Learn more by reading our blog on the dangers of cheap solar.

Looking for the best solar installation in Sydney?

SolarBright is your trusted provider of solar panel and solar installations in Sydney. If you want to know more about how solar can benefit your family, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation. We will assess your home’s suitability for solar and even tell you how much money you can expect to save on energy bills.

Read Also:
4 Common Solar Panel Problems In Australia – And How To Avoid Them
How To Choose The Best Solar Panels

The post Solar Panels For The Home: The Top 5 Installation Considerations appeared first on SolarBright.

The temperatures in your roof cavity can reach between 50 to 70°C during an Australia summer. This heat is transferred to the ceiling in the home,  impacting living spaces. The best way to reduce these high temperatures is to install a MaxBreeze Solar Roof Fan.

How Does a MaxBreeze Solar Roof Vent Work?

The MaxBreeze is a new generation rooftop ventilation system that replaces the traditional wind driven (whirly-bird) vents. It works like a whirly-bird by removing heat and stale air however it operates using solar as the power source.

The compact MaxBreeze has a solar panel that generates, clean free electricity when the sun is shining. This power is used to run a brushless DC electric motor that is connected to the extraction fan.

The smart, efficient MaxBreeze is thermostat controlled. When the roof cavity heats up to about 30°C, the thermostat turns on the MaxBreeze allowing the fan to extract the warm air.

Just one MaxBreeze has been proven to replace 6-8 whirly-birds – making for a much cheaper and simpler installation, with more impressive outcomes.

Key Features of the MaxBreeze Solar Powered Roof Fan

By removing the hot air MaxBreeze keeps your roof space cooler. This results in a more comfortable home and reduces the load on the air-conditioner to help save on power costs.

Moves Air Efficiently

MaxBreeze has been proven to move over 20 times more air than traditional whirly-birds.

Saves on Energy Costs

Roof cavities can get extremely hot during the day making living spaces expensive to cool. MaxBreeze works effectively during the day to make your living spaces comfortable and reduce your air conditioning costs.

Reduces the Risk of Moisture to Prevent Mould

The MaxBreeze ensures that air is continuously and efficiently circulating through the home reducing the condensation to help prevent mould.

Turns On and Off Automatically

MaxBreeaze uses a smart thermostat to turn the unit on when the heat builds up inside the roof cavity. It turns itself off after removing the heat. Unlike the old fashion whirley birds on a cold day, the MaxBreeze will not turn on. This keeps the warm air inside your roof cavity to help warm your home.

Made for Harsh Australian Conditions

MaxBreeze has been designed and tested in our harsh Australia conditions. On a stifling hot summer day with no breeze, the MaxBreeze will work quietly and efficiently to extract the hot air from the roof cavity helping to cool your home.

Australian Designed and Owned.

The MaxBreeze is designed and owned by SolarBright.

Can Solar Roof Vents Work at Night?

Standard solar roof vents can only operate when the sun is shining. However, there are MaxBreeze models that can operate night.

The MB400 Zephyr is a model that can run at night. During the day when the sun is shining the units works like a standard solar roof vent removing the hot air.

However, it features a second solar panel with a built-in battery. During the day the sun charges this battery. At night the battery powers the MaxBreeze solar roof vent, allowing the fan to continue cooling the roof cavity.

There are also models available that can be plugged into a power point to provide power to run the fan at night.

***********

Australian summers produce some of the most hot and harsh conditions and home-owners want to make their homes as comfortable as possible.

With power companies forecasting a 35% rise in power prices over the next year, this means running air-conditioners will become more expensive. The MaxBreeze solar roof fan is an easy, cost-effective solution to help make your living spaces cooler.

It helps reduces the workload on the air conditioner on hot days by removing hot air from the roof cavity. It has the added benefit of helping protect your home from moisture build up in the roof.

Let the free power of the sun do the work for you while you become more energy independent!

For more information contact SolarBright today

Read Also:
4 Considerations For Choosing The Best Solar Battery
Who Thought Solar Panels Would Be An Investment Decision For Business Owners?

The post How Solar Roof Vents Help Cool Your Home appeared first on SolarBright.

Australia experiences many sunny days with long daylight hours in summer. This makes it ideal for solar. However, our summers are very hot and roof temperatures easily reach 65°C. making it harsh for panels. We experience southerly busters and east coast lows that generate high winds, storms and clouds. All up, Australian conditions are tough on solar panels.

This means Australian consumers need to carefully consider which solar panel they choose. Does it have the technology and features to not only survive, but to thrive, in our tough environment?

MPS-390N Features That Make it Ideal for Australia

The Max Power MPS-390N is designed to thrive in harsh Australian conditions. It features dual glass, a low-temperature coefficient, bifacial technology, N-Type cells, and long Australian warranties. Other panels may have one or two of these features. None has them all except the Max Power 390N. It is built for Australia,

Here we investigate these premium technologies and features of the MPS-390N. This will help you understand why the 390N panel is a safe choice for Australian consumers.

Dual Glass for Extra Toughness and Longevity

The MPS-390N has dual glass, meaning it has a glass sheet on both the front and the back of the panel. Most solar panels in the Australian market only have a glass front sheet. The backing sheet on these panels is made of plastic.

Dual glass adds the extra strength and longevity a panel requires in Australian conditions. They are a tougher panel. This extra toughness is reflected in the long Max Power warranties.

Most plastic-backed panels have only a 12 or 15-year product warranty while the MPS-390N has a 25-year product warranty (more on warranties later). This extra strength also helps the panel when subject to high winds.

When continually exposed to extreme heat conditions on the roof in summer, a plastic backing sheet can begin to peel off. Once this occurs, moisture can get into the panel cells and cause the panel to fail. Hence the shorter product warranties on plastic backed panels.

Don’t accept a panel as a premium panel if it is not dual glass.

Another benefit of the glass backing sheet is it helps heat to escape the cells faster than a plastic backing sheet. This helps keep the panel cooler on hot days, making the panel perform better.

Low  Temperature Coefficient for Better Performance

We all know that solar panels need sunshine to make electricity. One would think that the hotter it is, the better the solar panel will perform. However, this is not the case. Solar panels are most efficient at an air temperature of 25°C. Above this temperature, the panel performance begins to fall as the temperature rises. The temperature coefficient measures this drop as a percentage of panel output.

A lower temperature coefficient means better performance in hotter weather. This is essential for a country with hot weather such as Australia.

The Max Power MPS-390 has temperature coefficient of -0.31%, the best we have seen of any 390W panel in Australia. On hot days the Max Power will produce more power than competing panels, another factor making it ideal for Aussie conditions.

This delivers customers more power and savings over the life of the system.

Bifacial Technology for Improved Performance and Efficiency

Bifacial technology means that the cells in the solar panel can produce power from the front of the cell and the reflected light on the back of the cell. This helps deliver improved performance and better efficiency for the MPS-390N panel.

This allows the panel to make the most of strong, sunny Australian conditions resulting in increased production and more savings for Max Power customers.

Use of N-Type Cells

We all know that Australia has widely variable conditions from heat waves through to La Nina rain events. Although known for the sunshine, we do have variable weather with cloudy days. This means you need a panel that copes with this variation in conditions.

The Max Power MPS-390N uses superior N-Type cells. Most panels use standard P-Type cells. One major advantage of N-Types cells is they have outstanding performance in low light conditions. This means on cloudy days, or early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is low, the Max Power will produce more power than standard panels. This is another reason the 390N is ideal for Australian conditions.

Backed with Long Australian Warranties

Max Power Solar is an Australian solar company. This gives you peace of mind knowing that the panel is backed by a local Australian company, not an offshore supplier.

Solar panels come with two separate warranties. The product warranty covers the panel itself (workmanship and materials), and the performance warranty covers the output of the panel over time.

The Max Power MPS-390N has a 25-year product warranty covering the panel. Many competing panels will only have a 12 or 15-year product warranty.

Under Australian regulations, all solar panels sold in Australia must have a performance warranty. The output of solar panels decreases as they get older. The performance warranty warrants the panel output after 25 years. This does not mean the panel will last 25 years, though.

Most panels will lose about 20% of their power over 25 years. However, the Max Power 390N performance warranty covers 30 years, one of the longest in the industry. After 30 years, the panel is warranted to punch out a huge 87.4% of its original power.

Over the life of the panel, the Max Power will out produce other panels. This is another win for Max Power customers with more power and more savings over the life of the system.

Conclusion

The key technologies and features built into the Max Power MPS-390N make it ideally suited for tough Australian conditions. No other panel packs all this into one package.

Dual glass delivers strength and longevity for the panel. A low-temperature coefficient allows it to outperform other panels in our hot weather. Bifacial technology improves the panel performance and increases efficiency, delivering more power and more savings. Superior N-Type cells deliver outstanding low light performance, so the panel is suited to variable Australian conditions.

Underpinning these great features and technology is the peace of mind coming long Australian warranties and local support.

All of this combined makes the Max Power MPS-390N solar panel the ideal choice for Australian conditions.

Download the Max Power MPS-390N Brochure and Datasheet

Contact SolarBright for more information.

The post Why the Max Power MPS-390N Panel is Ideal for Australian Conditions appeared first on SolarBright.

For many years, the LG NeON panels were considered the best available in the Australian market, featuring leading technology backed with a long (25-year) product warranty.

Now LG solar is gone, customers who wanted LG panels must now consider other panel brands. When selecting another panel brand, you need to closely look at the technology, features, and warranty to see if it is equal to, or even better, than the LG NeON H+.

The Max Power MPS-390N combines leading technology with great looks.

Let’s make a comparison of the Max Power MPS-390N 390W panel with the equivalent LG panel, the LG390 NIC-E6 390W NeON H+, and see how the Max Power stacks up. We look at 7 major reasons why the Max Power is the obvious alternative to the LG NeON solar panel.

If you have a solar installer in Sydney offering another panel brand such as Jinko, Q-Cell, REC, or Sunpower as an alternative to LG, question them on the 7 points we discuss below. You will then truly see how their panel rates.

Why the Max Power MPS-390N is the Perfect replacement for the LG NeON Panel

 1. Dual Glass

This refers to the solar panel having both the front sheet and the backing sheet made of glass. In most standard panels the backing sheet is plastic. In harsh conditions like scorching Australian summers, roof temperatures can easily reach 65°. This can cause the plastic backing sheet to begin to delaminate. If this occurs, it allows moisture to get into the cells and is a common cause of panel failure.

Panels with Dual glass are stronger and last longer than standard panels. The Max Power 390N is a dual glass panel whereas the LG Neon H+ is not, it has a plastic backing sheet like most panels.

Verdict: Max Power wins.

2. Bifacial Technology

Bifacial technology on a solar panel refers to the panel having solar cells that can produce power from both the front and the back of the cells. The major benefit of this is increased panel efficiency. The panel will produce more power, resulting in greater savings for the customer.

The Max Power 390N is a bifacial panel and the LG Neon H+ does not have this technology.  LG did produce a range of bifacial panels, the LG NeON 2 range, and these were even more expensive than the NeON H panels.

Verdict: Max Power wins.

3. Temperature Coefficient

The panel temperature coefficient may be obscure to you, but it is very important. It seems counterintuitive, but the hotter a solar panel gets, the less efficient it becomes, and less energy is produced. The temperature coefficient measures the percentage of the power output that is lost for every degree of air temperature above 25°C.

A panel with a lower temperature coefficient delivers better output in hot weather compared to other panels. This is a crucial advantage in a hot climate like Australia’s. The Max Power 390N boasts the best temperature coefficient we have seen for a 390W panel in Australia. At -0.31% it beats the LG panel at -0.33% and the Hyundai 400W at -0.34%.

Verdict: Max Power wins.

4. High Output from a Normal Footprint – More Watts per Square Metre

Higher output per square metre is important. Increasing energy consumption, especially for cooling in summer, and a move to electric vehicles, will see consumers wanting to maximise the solar output from their roofs. It makes sense to choose a solar panel with the highest wattage output per square metre.

The Max Power Solar MPS-390N leads the LG 390W NeON H+ with 213.77 watts compared to 211.69 watts.

Verdict: Max Power wins.

5. High Efficiency

Another tick for the Max Power here with 21.35% efficiency versus 21.2% for the LG. Higher efficiency means higher production and more savings for the consumer.

Verdict: Max Power wins.

6. Long Australian Warranties and Local Support

One of the major attractions of the LG NeON panels to Australian consumers was the warranties that came with the panel. The LG had a 25-year performance warranty and a 25-year product warranty. Most other panels only have a 12 or 15-year product warranty covering panel materials and workmanship.

All solar panels degrade over time, with the output decreasing as the panel ages. The performance warranty covers the warranted output of the panel after 25-years. Many panels will degrade to 80% of original output after 25-years. The LG 390NeON H+ was warranted with annual 0.33% degradation after the first year and at 90.6% after 25-years.

The Max Power MPS-390N has 25-year product warranty like the LG. The performance warranty is longer than the LG at 30-years with 87.4%.

Max Power Solar is an Australian solar company and brand, and as such the panels have an Australian warranty. Max Power also has local support when LG support is now offshore in Korea.

Verdict: Max Power wins.

7. N-Type Cells

Both the Max Power and the LG have N-Type cells. Most other panels have P-Type cells. N-Type and P-Type refer to the doping process used during the cell manufacture.

N-Type type cells offer major advantages over the standard P-Type cells, that’s why LG chose them for the NeON H+, and why Max Power chooses them for the MPS-390N.

N-Type cells have lower Light Induced Degradation compared to P-Type cells, meaning the panel will produce more power over its lifetime. They are also better performance in low light conditions such as early morning, late afternoon and on cloudy days. Again this means higher yields and greater savings for the consumer.

Verdict: Max Power and LG are equal and both are superior to every standard panel that has P-Type cells.

***

A table comparing the major specifications and features of the MPS-390N and LG 390 NeON H+ is on this page HERE.

You can download the full comparison table HERE.

Examination of the technology and features in the panels show the MPS-390 is the obvious choice for customers who were considering the purchase of LG NeON H+ solar panels. There is not one key technology or feature where the Max Power MPS-390N does not surpass or equal the LG 390 NeON H+.

We have not even examined the superior economics and payback of the Max Power MPS-390n compared the LG. With the LG panel you paid a premium for the brand.

If you want more information on the Max Power Solar panels, or are looking to move to solar power in Sydney contact SolarBright today.

The post 7 Reasons to Choose Max Power Solar MPS-390N Panel Now LG Solar Has Gone appeared first on SolarBright.

So if you have not got the cash for solar today, and wait for example three years, you could have lost close to $1000 in rebate support.  Solar with finance, given the current low-interest environment, can still give you great savings.

*This graph is not an accurate reflection of the financial outcome for each customer. It is there to highlight the overall beneficial opportunities of solar finance.

At SolarBright we offer several ways to finance solar through our partners with easy monthly instalments, which are often lower than the amount of electricity savings you will enjoy. So this means financially you will be ahead from day one.

Solar Finance – Some Options Available

Some of the major finance options we offer at SolarBright are:

A Brighte Green Loan is a type of credit provided by Brighte to a customer on the condition that the money is used for something the lender deems eco-friendly such as solar PV systems, home batteries, MaxBreeze or solar hot water products.

A Brighter Green Loan is structured much the same as a personal loan. However, a green loan is used to finance energy-efficient products and benefits from a reduced rate compared to a personal loan.

Aside from the loan’s purpose, the eligibility criteria for the Brighte Green Loan is similar to those for other credit products.

When you apply, Brighte will consider your income, credit history (and credit score), whether you are an Australian citizen/resident, and whether you have filed for bankruptcy in the past.

You will be required to provide Brighte with your personal information, including your address and phone number, as well as proof of your income, employment status, assets etc.

Brighte offers a fast and easy payment platform and a quick and simple application process.

The Brighte Green Loan has an easy to understand and complete application process and our friendly staff can assist you with some general questions you might have about this finance option about the details.

Brighte’s Green Loans offer a long loan term varying from 2 to 7 years, and they come with a fixed interest rate of 5.89% p.a. A range of $1,000 to $30,000 can be borrowed and there is an account keeping fee of $1.50 per week, and a loan establishment fee applies. The loan terms can go from 24 to 84 months.

The eligibility criteria include to be over 18 years old and an Australian resident or citizen; to own or purchasing a home; be employed, self-employed, a self-funded retiree; or receiving the Government Age Pension; have an Australian driver’s license or Passport or Medicare Card and provide the two most recent payslips or 90 days of bank statements. Another advantageous feature of Brighte’s finance options is that there are no early repayment fees.

Plenti previously known as RateSetter has financed many thousands of residential and commercial solar systems over many years.

They provide both variable and fixed unsecured personal loans. Their interest rate is linked with the length of the loan, the amount applied for and the information you provide in your application.

Plenti strives to build a ‘smarter, fairer and faster’ borrowing experience and SolarBright has been using them with a high customer satisfaction level for many years.

The lending platform is not only simple to navigate, but makes it quick and easy to check your rate, fill in the application, get the approval and finalise your loan

Plenti offers a personalised rate that rewards you for your good credit history. The interest rates can start from a low of 6.5% per annum.

A Plenti loan allows you to benefit from solar sooner and more easily than you would otherwise be able to. Paying for your solar energy system while enjoying the savings often results in money in your pocket right away with a good return when comparing your new energy bills to what you’re paying per month.

Our friendly SolarBright staff can run with you through your likely solar savings and the regular loan payments to show you how the loan for solar can be financed relatively easily.

The Plenti loan terms range from 3 to 7 years, and with many plans to choose from, it’s easy to find the one that’s just right for you. Making the switch to solar helps save the environment and helps you save big money in the long term.

Their green personal loan is flexible, allowing you to borrow an affordable amount between $2,001 to $50,000 that they feel confident is within your capability to repay, over the 3 to 7 years term.

They do not charge early repayment fees, so if you have an additional income and decide to pay back the loan earlier – no problem. One key condition for the loan is that you have an annual income greater than $20,000.

Energy Ease is an Australian payment option provider that specialises in commercial solar and energy efficiency projects. They boast no upfront payments and instant pre-approval on their competitive payment plans.

Energy Ease is geared towards businesses looking to finance their large-scale energy-saving projects to cut down their power bills, with payment plans that span from $3,000 to $5 million and repayment terms of up to 10 years.

Energy Ease offers a range of solar financing options as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Performance Guarantee Agreements (PGA) and Loan/Chattel Mortgage.

SolarBright’s Commercial Solar specialists have assisted our clients with guiding them through the Commercial Solar Finance process in many instances and can assist you anytime.

Power Purchase Agreements are ideal for companies that are committed to reducing their carbon footprint but do not have the substantial physical space to install their own renewable energy system or do not want the liability of maintenance upkeep.

Performance Guarantee Agreements are similar to a Power Purchase Agreement, but also comes with a performance guarantee on your system’s electricity generation, only available through select Energy Ease premium installers such as SolarBright.

Their Loan/Chattel Mortgage allows you to own the solar equipment from day one with no upfront costs, as well as claim depreciation on the equipment on your balance sheet.

The equipment itself serves as security for the loan, and often, the interest of the loan repayments are tax-deductible.

These finance products each have their own pros and cons that must be considered to choose a loan or financial product most suitable to your solar power installation needs and situation.

Talk to us about your commercial solar needs and finance options today.

The post A Look at Solar Finance appeared first on SolarBright.

Let’s look at how your solar systems perform under different conditions.

The best conditions

Naturally, bright sunlight at the height of summer is the best time to for maximum power output from your solar system. The days are longer during summer, so the number of hours per day that are considered ‘peak’ performance time is longer. The best times of day are usually 10 am – 4 pm, but in summer, you can probably add an hour or two on to either end of this.

Basically, clear, unaffected sunlight for prolonged periods will deliver you the best results.

Does temperature matter?

The outdoor temperature does affect solar panel energy production, but perhaps not in the way you’d think. The ideal temperature for solar energy production is around 25 degrees Celsius. Rather than producing more energy if the temperature rises, solar panel efficiency is actually negatively affected.

All solar panels have a coefficient listed on them, generally between 0.20 – 0.50 percent. Essentially, this is the percentage of efficiency your solar panel will lose for every degree Celsius over the optimal temperature.

For example, in high temperatures such as 35 degrees, you could lose around 5% efficiency in your panels.

The impact of clouds

Clouds generally reduce the amount of direct sunlight that can reach your solar panels. As a result, this decreases the efficiency of your solar energy system. It’s difficult to accurately predict the difference in energy production on a cloudy day because the clouds vary so greatly. Thick, consistent cloud cover will certainly impact your system’s performance. However, on windy days where clouds move quickly, your panels may still receive bursts of direct sunlight.

Some panels work better than other panels on dull or cloudy days. Solar panels that use N-Type solar cells have much better performance in low light situations.

Ideally, a clear, cloud-free day is best for maximum efficiency. However, during winter, where clouds are prevalent, you may lose anywhere between 10% – 25% depending on the type of cloud cover. To keep an eye on this, you can use a solar energy monitoring app attached to your solar inverter (like the mySolarEdge app if you have a SolarEdge system) and monitor it in a range of other weather conditions.

What other factors affect solar energy production?

Naturally, the number of solar panels and the capacity of your solar inverter will affect how much energy you can produce. However, in terms of efficiency, there are a couple of other factors that can limit your energy production.

Shade

If your solar panels are affected by shade, it can reduce the amount of energy produced. Most importantly, with traditional string inverter solar systems, if one panel is affected by shade, all the panels on that string will suffer. The output of each panel will drop to the level of the lowest performing panel. So, always try to install panels on parts of the roof that aren’t obstructed by trees or other forms of shade.

If you have shade issues that cannot be avoided, a system that has power optimisers attached to the panels will help. The optimisers let every panel in the system work to its maximum output. So, if one panel is affected by shade, all the other panels will keep pumping out full power.

Position of solar panels

The direction that panels point in relation to north can vastly affect the power production of the system. A professional solar retailer will use a specialised, satellite-based solar mapping tool. This is used to map the panels onto your roof. It considers the direction that panels face and the geographic location and can calculate the estimated power output of the system.

In every state around Australia, there are recommended angles that solar panels should be installed on for maximum efficiency. Most roofs are pitched to a certain angle, and many solar panels are installed to match the roof pitch. However, if you have a flat roof the panels can be mounted on tilted mounts to reach the recommended angle for best production.

Solar panel cleanliness

You need to keep your solar panels clean and preferably have them cleaned professionally once a year. This removes the build-up of grime, dust, dirt or even bird droppings that can affect solar energy production. If you do choose to clean solar panels yourself, make sure you’re safe on the roof and never use harsh cleaning products.

Professional solar panel installation

SolarBright is your local expert for solar panels in Sydney. We partner with only the best solar panel, inverter and solar battery storage solutions, so you can be assured of high quality every time. You can even book a free consultation with our team, and we’ll analyse your current consumption to recommend the best system for your needs.

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The post How Does the Weather Affect the Efficiency of My Solar Panels? appeared first on SolarBright.

A few years ago, a particular popular solar panel which was the most installed brand in 2015 and 2016. The panel had a manufacturing fault in the way the backing sheets were laminated. This resulted in water getting into the panels and creating corrosion, making the panel fail. Guess where they failed first in the world? Yes – in Australia and especially in Sydney along the coastline.

We have a combination of environmental factors that can out solar panels and inverters under stress. Our region has a much higher salt content in the air as we are often close to the coast (within 15 km), Also during parts of the year we have a higher humidity than many other parts of the world.

Combined with our regular rainfall and strong winds, this creates a unique exposure to the elements for inverters and panels alike. This is why cheap solar can disappoint in Sydney and NSW. To help you navigate your path through the solar purchasing journey, here are 7 important tips to help you on the way.

Tip #1 – Only Quality Systems Will Last in the Harsh Australian Environment

Given the tough environment locally, it is recommended to only use quality panels, inverter solutions and racking to put the solar system together. Select great equipment to get the best long-term savings. A PV system is only as good as its weakest link.

Please do not discount the importance of quality installation work. For example, if we use a top-quality panel and a great inverter, that whole system can still perform poorly if an undersized electrical cable has been chosen to run the solar back to the switchboard.

Or if someone tried save a few dollars on the racking and mounting brackets and use a few less roof mounting brackets. Some installers to have the attitude of “The mounting brackets are under the panels, so no one will notice if we put in a few less. This will save us time and money”.

Tip #2: Use An Experienced Installation Company.

A solar energy system for your home is a long-term investment. If installed properly it will increase the value of your home, while also providing you with free renewable electricity during the day. If the solar system install not done correctly, it will cause innumerable holdups, and added cost.

The choice of which solar installer to use is probably even more important than the choice of which brand of solar module to purchase. That’s why you must always work with a CEC-certified solar installer. The Clean Energy Council certified or accredited installers in Australia (CEC). The CEC ensures that the installers have received the necessary training and meet the design and implementation standards.

SolarBright has many CEC approved installers, and we have been installing solar PV and solar hot water systems for more than a decade. In that period, we have installed close to 10,000 systems on homes in the wider Sydney region, from Gosford to Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and Bondi – as well as in regional NSW, as far away as Tamworth and Port Macquarie. This long-term approach also ensure we can support your solar system with good after sales support.

Tip #3: Choose the Right Installation Company to Ensure Solid After Sales Support

If you’re looking to purchase solar for your home, you can feel a little overwhelmed. It’s difficult to know how to choose between a cold caller, a door-to-door salesperson, or somebody trying to offer you a massive discount if you purchase their product on the spot.

Check they have the right resources to offer solid post sales support. Do they operate out of company owned premises? Or just a fancy CBD address with an overseas call centre? Some solar installation companies that appear to be large national businesses operate like this. The only person you will ever see is the man in the van that turns up on installation day.

Installers searching to do a cheap job frequently fail to visit your home prior to the installation. When considering solar ask them to send out a consultant to meet with you and conduct a site inspection. In this inspection they need to consider roof tilt, switchboard, shading, and electrical grid connection. Steer clear If they so no and say we can do it all over the phone and via email.

If they will not meet with you before purchase, how will they send someone out if there is an issue with the system? These types of solar companies are called Solar SALES companies. Their focus is on the sale now, not the service in the future.

Lower priced systems means that the installer has not got the funds to put aside sufficient resources for after sales service. This means that if your system breaks down after a relatively short period, you may find it difficult to get the initial installation company to get back and fix what went wrong.

Yes of course, the system is less expensive initially, but you’ll save less money over the long term, as you will dismantle such a solar system, earlier than a quality solution.

Going with a well-established business like SolarBright increases your chances of receiving continuous support and allows you to speak with a real person if you need to file a warranty claim.

Tip #4: Avoid Installers Using Unlicensed Subcontractors

Sadly, there are several individuals and businesses out there that are willing to sell you cheap solar power systems. They cut corners to achieve the cheap price. What you want is a quality installation which will give you a solid long lasting energy solution.

To be able to sell very cheap some solar companies employ sub-contractors who then use workers with little electrical qualifications, because such employees are cheap. This lack of knowledge is then reflected in the quality of the installation.

At SolarBright we only use inhouse staff or sub-contractors that have worked with us for many years. They specialise in solar and have all the appropriate licences and qualifications.

Tip #5: Make Sure to get a Good Monitoring Solution

To be able to check the performance of the system, ensure that that inverter in your system comes with a monitoring system. This important as it allows you to check everything is functioning properly.

It will also allow you to compare past performance with current performance and will send alerts if there are any issues with your system. If you add an optional energy meter to the solar system you will be able to track your power consumption and export as well

SolarBright PV systems come with monitoring solutions to allow you to observe the critical information to determine the overall solar and solar battery system performance.

Tip #6: Think Ahead for Batteries, EV Charging and Smart Appliances

Simply switching out previous home equipment for relatively new “clever” systems and technologies can be an excellent way of opening your residence to innovation, enabling you save some cash on utility services while also gaining access to new aspects of convenience, safety and reliability.

When most people think of intelligent homes today, they think of internet-connected products like heating systems and home entertainment. Many people, nevertheless, are unaware that new tech innovations also apply to solar. You could maximise the benefits of renewable power in your household by combining solar power and intelligent devices, for example to heat your hot water with solar electricity.

The main reason that smart home technology and solar power complement each other so well is that they really strive to make your home run as effectively as possible.

While smart home systems can help you save resources and costs by letting you programme your optimal temperature through a smart temperature controller or turning off your lights when you’re not at home, solar energy will help you maximise the economic and environmental benefits of your estate.

SolarBright can advise you what solar system is right for you today, so it can generate enough electricity in the future to charge an electric vehicle, or battery for night-time consumption or divert the excess solar electricity during the day into hot water generation.

Tip #7: Make Sure You Check the Product Warranty is Strong

Solar panel warranty coverage safeguards your assets and are an essential component of any solar installation.

There are several types of warranty coverage that protect your panels and recognising the difference between them as well as which products have the best warranties is critical to ensuring you get the best possible deal for your solar power system.

A solar panel does degrade over time and the panel will come with two warranties – a performance warranty and a product warranty. The performance warranty warrants as a that the panel will still produce 90 percent of initial production capacity after 10 years and 80 percent after twenty-five years as a minimum.

A standard product warranty will generally guarantee 10 to 15 years of trouble-free operation. The product warranty protection for a solar panel serves to protect you against troubles such as manufacturing problems water entering the panel or premature corrosion issues.

Between these two warranties, the Product Warranty is the more valuable, as its much more straight forward to claim. Let’s say you notice some corrosion on a panel and the inverter has shut the system off for safety reasons. That’s a clear warranty case and the panel manufacturer should come to the party to replace the product. On the other hand, a performance warranty will require a more sophisticated analysis of the ongoing performance of the system and is harder to prove. For this reason, go with strong product warranties and be not hoodwinked by long, but less meaningful performance warranties.

A Final Word – How to Choose the Company to Buy From?

When selecting an installer or retailer to process your solar system installation, it is important that you make sure they are CEC approved retailers and installers. SolarBright has this extra qualification.

The CEC Approved Solar Retailer programme shows companies selling renewable power to are committed to honest and reliable marketing efforts as well as industry best practices.

The programme, which has been approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), aims to increase customer service and education, so solar customers can make an informed choice with peace of mind.

Accreditation from the CEC is a must-have qualifying criterion for anyone involved in the installation of solar power systems. People who have been accredited by the Clean Energy Council have completed the required coaching to construct and configure the solar system, solar battery storage, and other renewable energy components. CEC-accredited installers strive to adhere to the best practice, resulting in mechanisms that are secure, dependable, and satisfy customer needs.

If these two criteria have been met by your retailer and installer, there are a few other things you can look for to make sure you get the best service. Firstly, your quote must be comprehensive, including a suggested system design, predicted production, warranty conditions, and a detailed list of elements.

Secondly, you must never feel compelled to make a purchase. The decision to move ahead with purchase and a payment is yours alone, so make sure you are comfortable with the info supplied.

Have you gotten answers to all of your queries? Do you know the mechanism of setup, grid connection, and monitoring? Have you been notified of any accessible after-sales assistance?

When choosing SolarBright you can be assured our decade plus of solar experience will give you a peace of mind installation at a fair price, ensuring you save on your electricity bills for years to come.

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The post 7 Tips on Choosing the Best Solar for Sydney & NSW appeared first on SolarBright.

The Benefits of Commercial Solar for Your Business

First up let’s look at the main reasons why you should consider commercial solar energy to help power your business.

Massive Savings on Energy Bills

Every business wants to lower its operating costs. Energy bills are a big part of your ongoing expenses that affect your cash flow. Unless you have solar battery storage, free energy from the sun needs to be used as it is generated to get the maximum savings, which is perfect for most businesses.

If you conduct most of your operations during daylight hours, you’ll be wiping out much of your energy bill with a big enough solar system because your business will run primarily on solar. You’ll only use energy from the main grid during times when the sun isn’t shining or your system isn’t producing enough to power your whole building or business.

Check out our commercial solar case studies. 

Finance Payments May be Tax-Deductible

There is an upfront cost to installing a solar system, and many businesses choose to finance this cost. The great thing is these finance payments may be tax-deductible (always check with your accountant first). Secondly, the savings you make on your energy bills is usually more than the monthly finance payment. So, it’s actually a cash-flow-positive move. Of course, this is not financial advice, and you should seek professional taxation and financial advice prior to making a decision.

The System Pays for Itself

Before too long, your solar system will pay for itself. By that, we mean the savings you’ve made on your electricity bills will outweigh the upfront cost/finance costs for the system. After that, you begin to realise the full benefit and maximum savings because you’ll have no finance payments and reduced electricity bills.

Commercial Solar Installation Process Explained

The commercial solar installation process is more complex than residential solar. With a stronger emphasis on planning and design, this is where you need experienced professionals on your side. Here are the 4 main steps of getting your commercial solar system installed.

1. Site Evaluation and Power Use Analysis

All commercial solar installations start with a site evaluation. Your solar installer will look over your site to determine how your system will connect to the grid. They will also evaluate the building itself, checking for shaded rooftop areas that may limit solar production, as well as undertaking any surveys required.

Prior to designing a system, the solar provider will analyse your current energy consumption and usage patterns to determine the size of the system you’ll need. It is best to give them your bills for the previous 12 months so they can see the usage patterns and seasonal variations.

This information will allow them to understand your actual costs per kWh so they are able to calculate your estimated savings and return on investment. Understand that the power costs for businesses per kWh are lower than for domestic consumers. Other costs are made of fixed fees and charges such as your daily connection cost, which will remain the same after solar.

2. System Design

All commercial buildings are different, and installing solar panels is usually more complex than a residential rooftop. So, careful planning is required to design a system that provides you with maximum benefit. The system design will not only show where the panels will be mounted (rooftop, ground, other structures), but they will also show how they will be arranged to ensure the system catches maximum sunlight.

As part of the system design, the solar retailer will provide details of the estimated power output of the system using specialized solar mapping software. Using this information, they will be able to model your estimated financial savings and return on investment.

Your solar supplier will need to advise you on the regulatory and local government requirements regarding a commercial solar installation. For systems over 10kW in size, most councils require you to seek approval. The installer will also advise you regarding any special requirements from the energy distributor.

Any system up to 30kW is subject to the same grid connection rules as residential solar. Commercial solar systems between 30 and 100kW have special requirements to protect the power grid from all the power that they produce.

In many cases, the power distributor will insist on an export limiter being fixed to the system. This limits the amount of power that can be sent back to the grid. This will be stated in the documentation from the power distributor covering the permission to connect. Ensure that you see this documentation prior to installation.

3. Construction and Installation of your System

The time it takes to construct your system can vary depending on the size of the system and the complexity of installation. Because most commercial buildings have flat roofs, in some cases the solar panels need to be mounted on tilts to achieve an optimal angle.

Cherrypickers will need to be used to access the roof. In larger installations with taller buildings, cranes may be used to lift the panels and the mounting rails and materials onto the roof.

The installation time frame will vary with the size and complexity of the system and whether the system requires tilt mounts. Your installer will advise you regarding installation timing.

It’s crucial to work with solar installers who are experienced in commercial work because they will complete the construction and installation phase with minimal disruption to your business.

4. Connection

Finally, it’s time to connect your system. The system will have been tested and checked and now commissioned. This is the final step, where your installer confirms that your system is up and running, and your energy retailer is notified of the change in your energy setup.

Make sure that the installer has set up a good monitoring system for your commercial solar system that allows you to measure both the power production of the system as well as your power consumption and trained you on how to use it. This should allow you to check production and consumption down the hour. Make sure someone in your business has the responsibility to check this at least once a week.

Your solar provider should have also provided an inspection and maintenance schedule for your system.

If you want expert advice, experienced commercial system designers and the highest standard of workmanship, look no further than Solar Bright. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses realise the benefits of solar, and we tailor every installation to suit the needs and budget of each business. Contact the professional team at Solar Bright and find out how you can start saving money.

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