Even the very best and most reliable brands can be subject to damage, improper installation and general degradation. Improper installation is best avoided by not choosing the cheapest systems offered. The good news is that most problems with correctly installed solar panels in Australia can be solved relatively easily if you know what to look for.

Dirt and Grime

One of the most common reasons that your solar panels aren’t performing efficiently as they should is a build-up of dirt or grime. Like any item that’s left outdoors, solar panels are subject to dust, dirt and other debris gathering on them. This can affect the efficiency of your panels.

Common issues include dust, bird droppings, leaves and ash from nearby fires. It’s recommended that your solar panels are cleaned at least once every 12 months, if not more frequently. Rain does a lot of the work for you, but it never hurts to give them a clean every now and again. If you can access your solar panels, just use warm, soapy water without harsh chemicals. This is more than enough to clean them.

Flat roof mounted panels this is especially important. Being flat they naturally collect more grime and this can effect the output of the system if they are not cleaned.

If you can’t reach your panels, you can use a hose from the ground if that’s practical. Otherwise, contact your installer because it’s likely they offer a cleaning service or be able to recommend one they know.

Birds

Believe it or not, birds can cause havoc with solar panels if left unchecked. If your solar panels are mounted on the roof, birds can build nests underneath them. This isn’t a problem in itself, but if birds are near your panels regularly, they’re likely to scratch them or even damage the wiring. If you notice birds or nests, it’s a good idea to call a pest control expert.

Alternatively, you can take precautionary measures by installing mesh wire or other forms of bird deterrent. This is easiest done at installation time. There are ways to prevent birds from nesting under our solar panels without causing harm to them.

Potential Induced Degradation

If you’ve noticed a significant decrease in the amount of electricity your solar panels are producing, it could be down to the PID effect, or Potential Induced Degradation.

This means you’ve got a difference in voltage between the solar panel and the earthing, and this causes a partial voltage discharge. Basically, you’re losing an amount of voltage, and it’s also potentially damaging the long-term effectiveness of your panels.

Because this issue isn’t obvious to the naked eye, you’ll need to call your trusted solar professionals to inspect the problem for you

Issues with your inverter

Solar inverters have the crucial task of converting direct current (DC) energy from your solar panels to alternating current (AC) energy that your home uses. As a vital part of the system, you’ll certainly notice if there is a problem.

Inverter technology has improved over the years, however, inverters still usually don’t last as long as your panels. You may find you need to replace the inverter in around 15 years, rather than the 25 years that your solar panels are expected to last.

The great thing is that most modern inverters have very clear displays where you can see the errors that are occurring. Always check the error messages against your user manual, and it should be quite easy to work out what’s going wrong. One of the most common inverter problems is following a blackout; the breaker may be automatically turned to the OFF position, so always check this first.

All good  inverters sold today come with a monitoring app that can be set up on your phone so you can monitor the production levels of the system. You can set the app up to send you an alert if there is an issue with the inverter.

Looking for solar panel experts?

If you’re looking for high-quality solar panel installation in Sydney, then look no further. SolarBright is here to take care of all your solar needs, including solar panels, solar inverter and solar battery installation and solar hot water systems. We offer a full set of solar services for all residential and commercial properties. To find out how much you can save by making the switch to solar, contact the friendly team at SolarBright today for your free consultation.

Read Also:
Four Reasons You Should Consider Solar Battery Storage
The Price Of Everyday Products Is Rising – Save Money With These Powerful Solar Products

The post 4 Common Solar Panel Problems in Australia – and How to Avoid Them appeared first on SolarBright.

In 2010, with the help of generous government rebates, a 5kW solar panel system cost around $10,000. Today, despite lower government subsidies, a quality 6.6kW system has a price of around $5,000.

Most solar products are produced in China. The costs of producing solar panels and solar inverters have reached rock bottom in the last few years. Consequently, many manufacturers are struggling to make a profit due to fierce competition.

Solar System and Solar Panel Costs in Australia

Thanks to government subsidies, solar panel costs are lower in Australia. Thus, solar power systems are more affordable here than in most parts of the world. Despite this, consumers in Australia often feel confused by the large variation in the advertised prices for solar systems.

For example, a typical 6.6kW solar power systems with entry-level products can be quoted anywhere between $3,500–$7000 by different retailers and installers.

How can there be such huge variation in price for similar products? To answer this question, we need to look at the costs endured by solar businesses, and the different models for solar businesses operating in Australia.

Types Of Solar Businesses in Australia

There are three main types of solar businesses:

Established Solar Retailers

Usually, these businesses are a “full service” business. They will have an operations centre and warehouse. They offer free in-house consultations for potential customers. They have the qualifications and sufficient resources to complete jobs successfully and safely. Solar retailers can be more reliable than other businesses, as they have dedicated customer service and technical support personnel.

Unfortunately, what we see now is some large solar retailers adopting a low-cost model with low quality service for customers. These retailers run their operations from overseas call centres in India or the Philippines. Often they reverse-auction their installation work out to subcontractors to get the cheapest installation price.

Marketers

These are usually micro-businesses run by operators who utilise subcontractors. The products are collected from distributors and wholesalers before delivering them to customers. Typically they have an attractive website and a virtual office address. These businesses operate on very slim margins, and it is impossible for them to service customers over the long term. In many cases, these businesses hide their shortcomings  by offering customers reputable brands at ridiculously low prices.

Installers

These are usually tradies with no base of operations. They run the business from their vans, purchasing products from distributors and wholesalers. In most cases, these installers find themselves a job for the day and have insufficient profits to provide a good level of customer or after-sales service.

The Costs Involved with Installing Solar Panels

Running a professional business in any sector is always costly and never easy. All businesses that supply and install solar panels in Australia face both direct and indirect costs.

1. Direct Costs:

These costs include the essential items to complete a job. For example, a 6.6kW solar power system with entry level components may incur the following costs:

The costs detailed above are the bare minimum for a cheap 6.6kW solar system. These costs would increase when better products and quality workmanship (installers) are added to the job.

Marketers and installers operate under the above cost structure; their operations are transactional with a minimal focus on customer service. Customers can forget about after-sales service – it’s not part of the deal!

2. Indirect and Fixed Costs:

These costs are essential in offering customers a high level of customer service and meeting the expectations for after-sales service. These costs include:

• Payroll costs
• Rent fees
• Marketing
• Fleet expense
• IT platforms fees
• Utilities
• Accreditations and licensing
• Insurances
• Provisions to cover long term warranty policies.

Professional solar retailers incur both types of costs. Their prices are higher to meet these costs and also to account for the cost of providing a better before and after sales experience for the customer.

It is important to remember that businesses must be profitable to meet customers’ expectations and remain sustainable. Therefore, they need to add a reasonable profit on top of their costs. The mark up is typically in the 15% -30% range.

Right now, we can see operators offering 6.6kW solar system for as low as $3,000 and offering 10-25 years warranty! It is impossible for a viable business to deliver a quality and safe system at this unrealistic price.

Selecting the Right Solar Retailer

Choosing the right company that offers professional consultation, design, installation, and customer service is crucial for ultimate customer satisfaction. It can also mean the difference between getting a safe and unsafe installation.

Going solar is a long-term investment.

Customers need to consider these seven conditions when selecting a company to provide their solar:

• Did the business understand the specific needs and requirements by visiting the premises and providing a consultation? Or did they just email a quote from an overseas call centre, a virtual office with a premium address or even from a backyard office?
• Have the appropriate products, system size and design been considered? Or is it a one-size-fits-all approach?
• Does the business have a physical address to visit and contact if necessary? Or does it just have a colourful website with a diverted phone number and many fake online reviews?
• Does the business seem to have resources to cover any unexpected outcomes during or after installation? Or is it a one-man show with limited resources?
• Will the installation be done professionally to maintain the integrity of the roof and avoid water leaks and fire danger?
• How likely is it that the warranty will be honoured? About 1,000 solar businesses have folded over the last few years. Many of them appeared again under new banners because they were unable to meet their warranty and financial obligations.
• Finally, is the price competitive? Or is it too good to be true?

Choosing a solar system that will deliver years of trouble free service is not decision to be made on the criteria of who has the cheapest solar panels.

The cheapest solar power system with the cheapest solar panels may save a few hundred dollars at the beginning. In the long term it may cost thousands more in generating less solar power, repairs, worthless warranties and of course, the heartaches.

The post Solar Panel Costs and Solar System Prices 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.

1. Solar panels don’t work when it’s cloudy

The optimal weather conditions for solar panels are clear, sunny days. When your solar panels receive uninterrupted, direct sunlight, they will perform at their best. Clouds obviously reduce the amount of direct sunlight your panels receive, and therefore reduce solar energy production. However, it’s not quite true that solar panels don’t work in cloudy conditions.

You’ll experience a reduction in efficiency, but your panels will still produce some energy. In addition, some modern solar panels deliver good performance in low light conditions. Naturally, if the cloud cover is very thick and conditions are overcast, it will drastically reduce performance. But if clouds are moving quickly and still allowing bursts of sunlight, the efficiency reduction will be less. 

2. Cheap systems are the best value

Like most things in life, cheap is rarely the best. Many people opt for super cheap solar package deals because they seem too good to be true. The idea is that a lower upfront cost means the system pays for itself faster. 

In theory, this is true, however, cheap systems may not perform as well, meaning fewer savings on an ongoing basis. Therefore, an unreliable system may actually take longer to pay for itself than a more expensive, high-quality one. 

Not to mention, if repairs and failures are frequent, it can turn into a nightmare. It’s always worth paying a little extra for quality and reliability.

To learn more on the dangers and pitfalls of cheap read our blog on this topic HERE. 

3. Solar panels use more energy to make than they actually save

While many of us focus on the time it takes for a system to pay for itself financially, there’s another payback that’s important: the energy payback. Here, we refer to how long it will take for solar panels to produce the same amount of energy that it takes to make the panels. 

Best estimates put this period at around 2 years. So, in 2 years, your solar panel has already offset the energy cost of its manufacture. Assuming your system produces for around 30 years, that’s 28 years of clean, green energy gains for the planet. 

4. The hotter the temperature, the better the solar energy production

This myth can definitely be debunked. Naturally, heat goes hand in hand with bright, sunny conditions, so when it’s hot, you can usually expect good solar production. With that being said, most solar panels used in Australia are rated to perform best at around 25 degrees Celsius. Once the mercury rises above 25, most solar panels will actually reduce productivity. 

For each degree over 25, solar panels may lose between 0.20 – 0.50 percent of energy production. So, it’s completely untrue that hotter temperatures result in more solar energy generation. 

5. Solar panels will give me power in a blackout

Unfortunately, this isn’t quite true. The solar inverter in the solar system is connected through your main electrical board to the electricity grid. If your system produces more solar energy than you use, the excess automatically goes to the main grid. In the case of a blackout, the inverter senses that the grid is no longer connected and automatically shuts down, 

However, the best way to ensure you’re not at the mercy of the main grid’s blackouts is to buy solar battery storage. While more expensive, battery storage lets you store excess power and use it at night when your system isn’t producing. Many batteries can be configured with backup options to provide you with power during blackouts.  

Want to know more about solar energy?

The team at Solar Bright has the expertise to help you make the right choice. During our free consultation, we examine your existing energy consumption and costs, as well as your energy usage patterns. This allows us to recommend the right size of the solar system and the perfect products for your household’s needs. 

To find out how much you can save and how to access government solar energy incentives, contact the team at Solar Bright today. We’ll help you join the green revolution and save plenty of money in the process.

Read Also:
Calculate Your Solar Panel Payback Period With These Simple Steps
The Risks Of Cheap Solar

The post The Top 5 Solar Myths Debunked appeared first on SolarBright.

When considering solar, it can be useful to understand when and how you will make your money back on your investment. Here we will discuss the components that contribute to the solar panel payback period and how to calculate your own return on investment.

What is a solar payback period?

Put simply, the solar payback period is the time in which it will take for you to save as much on your energy bill as you paid for your solar system. 

Payback periods can range in length due to the many variables that come into play. On average, you can expect to wait anywhere between 3-6 years before your solar panels will have paid for themselves. This is a comparatively fast payback period when you consider the lifespan of your solar system is approximately 25-30 years. 

What factors go into calculating my solar payback period?

There are a number of aspects to consider when you want to work out your solar payback period. Most will be dependent on your location and energy provider. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a reputable solar provider – they can guide you through the process, and provide an accurate picture of the costs involved and how they will impact your payback time frame. 

However, as a general guide, here are the main factors that will affect your calculation: 

1.   The cost of energy per kilowatt (kWh)
2.   The size of your intended solar system
3.   How much energy your solar system produces
4.   The cost of your system
5.   How much of the solar energy produced will your home consume (or more precisely, how much energy will be returned to the grid)

How do I calculate my solar payback period?

As mentioned, when calculating your payback period, it’s important to use figures specific to your location. In doing so, you will end up with a more precise outcome and a better understanding of how long it will take to recoup your initial investment. 

Review a few of your latest energy bills to gather the data you need. Here we will be using average figures based on current New South Wales prices: 

•         Cost of energy: 20 cents per kWh
•         System size: 5kW
•         Energy produced: 20kWh per day
•         Feed-in tariff: 7 cents per kWh

Scenario 1: Using all 20kWh of solar energy per day

This scenario assumes your home will use all 20kWh of energy your solar system can produce each day, with no unused energy returned to the grid. 

The formula required to calculate your payback period will be: 

•         20 cents per kWh X 20kWh per day

= $4.00 SAVING PER DAY

= $1,460 SAVING PER YEAR 

Payback Period

= $1,460 / 365 days

= just over 3 YEARS 

Scenario 2: Using 70% of the 20kWh of solar energy per day

This alternate scenario assumes your home will only use 70% of the maximum 20kWh of energy your solar system produces each day, with the excess 30% returned to the grid. 

In this situation, energy retailers offer a feed-in tariff, crediting your account for every unit of energy you contribute back to the grid. Therefore, the calculation to work out your payback period will be: 

•         20 cents per kWh X 20kWh per day

= $4.00 

$4.00 X 70% energy used

= $2.80 SAVING PER DAY 

PLUS 

7 cents per kWh feed-in tariff X 20kWh per day

= $1.40 

$1.40 X 30% energy returned to grid

= 30 cents CREDIT PER DAY 

Payback Period

= $2.80 + 30 cents

= $3.10 SAVING PER DAY

= $1,131.50 SAVING PER YEAR 

= $1,131.50 / 365 days

= just over 4 YEARS 

Expert solar advice and support with SolarBright

For more information about how to calculate your solar panel payback period, the highly skilled team at SolarBright is here to help. With close to 15 years of industry experience, we have the expertise to guide you through the ins and outs of the solar installation process, including providing advice regarding your home’s potential for energy generation and helping you determine your return on investment.

SolarBright consultants use a specialised satellite-based solar mapping software to design each solar system. This software takes into account the location of the house, panel model, panel size, and the orientation of the panels, to calculate the estimated annual production of the system. They then use this data to calculate the pay-back time.

So, contact SolarBright today to arrange a free consultation and find out more about how solar energy can benefit your home and save you money on your power bills.

Read Also:
7 Tips To Keep Your Energy Bill Lower During Winter
Commercial Solar Installation Process

The post Calculate Your Solar Panel Payback Period with These Simple Steps appeared first on SolarBright.

Solar energy can be similarly confusing unless you have a quality monitoring app at your disposal – mySolarEdge is changing the way we use solar.

What is mySolarEdge?

The mySolarEdge app allows users to easily track and manage the performance of their SolarEdge solar system. You get valuable, easy-to-read, real-time data on not just their solar energy consumption, but also production from solar panels.

Linked to your SolarEdge inverter the app lets you see what really happens with power consumption in your home. Plus, you’ll also be able to see how your system is performing in any weather condition. Because it’s remote, you don’t even need to be home to monitor your household’s energy.

If you install a SolarEdge Energy Bank solar battery you can monitor the battery as well. The battery can be configured to provide backup power with the addition of the backup unit. This allows the battery to provide power to the home in a blackout. The home backup is also controlled through the mySolarEdge app.

To monitor energy consumption in the home you will need to make sure that a SolarEdge energy meter and CT unit is installed.

Real-Time Visibility of Energy Production

One of the best features of the mySolarEdge app is being able to watch your energy production in real-time. You’ll be able to see what times of day your system produces the most energy, giving you an incredible advantage. Once you know when your system generates the most power, you can start scheduling appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers to operate during those key periods.

Monitor Your usage

You can also track your power usage with the app in real-time. You can see your self consumption – that’s when you are using power produced by the panels. You cab also see the power you are consuming from the electricity grid.

For this to happen you need to have an energy meter connected. We recommend this to all customers who are considering installing a SolarEdge system.

Tracking energy is particularly valuable during high consumption periods, offering a real idea of which appliances cost you the most money. If you know you’ve set the washing machine to run during a certain time, simply check the app and see how much your consumption increases as a result. With this information, you can get smarter (and more sustainable) about the way you use energy.

We’ve all been guilty of leaving the lights on while out. But now, thanks to mySolarEdge, you’ll be able to see just how much impact that has on your daily energy consumption.

When it comes to saving energy in the home, knowledge is certainly power, and that’s what the mySolarEdge app delivers.You get real time insight to help lower you power bills and know when its time to expand you system if needed.

Charts to Make Analysis Easy

The mySolarEdge app delivers easy-to-read charts, making analysis easy. You don’t need to watch everything in real-time if you don’t want to, because that’s impossible. Simply check your daily, weekly or monthly reports to find out when you use more power and when your system produces more energy. The charts are extremely user-friendly, so anybody can learn more about their household energy production and consumption.

Control Smart Home Devices

Televisions, fridges, washing machines…the list goes on. Almost every home appliance is available in a ‘smart’ version these days. Essentially that means they’re connected via WiFi, allowing users to control them remotely.

Let’s say you’ve gone to work and you know the dishwasher is fully loaded. You can now use the mySolar Edge app to identify a big difference between production and consumption during the day, and start your dishwasher remotely. You can also remotely control lights and other appliances that are needlessly drawing power while you’re not home.

Maximise Your Savings with mySolarEdge

Ultimately, the mySolarEdge app is all about maximising the potential of your SolarEdge solar system. From controlling smart devices and saving power to identifying peak periods of production, there are countless ways for families to save money. If free energy from the sun wasn’t already good enough, you can now also make that energy go further.

By spreading power-hungry appliance usage throughout the day, or focusing on peak energy production periods, you can decrease your reliance on the main grid even further. mySolarEdge is changing the way families monitor and manage energy consumption, reducing costs along the way.

Find Out More About mySolarEdge Today

SolarBright are proud suppliers of SolarEdge solar panels, solar inverters and energy solutions. If you want to future-proof your home with smart SolarEdge products, contact the team at Solar Bright. You can even prepare your home to power an electric vehicle with free solar energy. Be part of Australia’s clean, green revolution and start slashing your energy bills today.

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The post The mySolarEdge App Revolutionising the Future of Home Solar appeared first on SolarBright.

Increased selling potential

The simplest answer to whether solar panels will increase the value of your home is ‘yes!’. Buyers know that a home with solar panels represents ongoing electricity savings for the life of the solar system. Basically, those annual energy savings can be put directly into a person’s mortgage, and buyers are aware of this. As such, they’re willing to pay a little extra for a home with a solar system installation.

Solar panels in Australia represent great value for you as a home seller, and for the home buyer. You can legitimately charge a bit more for your home, and the buyer is usually happy to pay because they receive the long-term benefit of reduced energy bills.

The green revolution

More and more Australians are joining the green revolution. Whether it’s installing solar panels, campaigning for less reliance on fossil fuels or simply making more eco-friendly choices around the house, Aussies are well and truly on board the green train. This means solar panels are an extremely attractive feature for people when they’re buying a home.

Ultimately, if a home buyer wants solar energy, they have two options. They can buy a house without solar and get it installed themselves – this might cost them $6,000, so they’ll likely want a reduction in the house price. Alternatively, they can buy a home that already has a solar panel installation and pay the full asking price. The latter is probably more appealing and less complicated for most people, so if you don’t have solar, you risk losing buyers or needing to reduce your asking price to satisfy them.

Don’t get left behind the market

Due to the enormous uptake of residential solar energy in Australia, homes with solar panels are becoming the norm. When you go to put your house on the market, you’re always competing with other similar homes in your area. If homes don’t have certain features, they can quickly be crossed off a buyer’s list, and one of those features is likely to be solar energy in the coming years.

Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes when considering 5 different homes in one suburb. All of those homes have a second bathroom except one. A second bathroom is a common requirement these days, and homes without this feature are left behind or sell at a reduced price. In the future, solar installations will be so widespread that they will become standard, expected features in homes. So, you can install now or risk longer sale times and decreased prices in the future.

Increased rental returns

Remember that not all home buyers intend to live in your home. Many are investors and plan to use it as a rental property. It’s a no-brainer that landlords can charge more rent for a house with solar panels because the tenants’ living expenses are already reduced. Depending on the house size and energy usage, many people can slash up to $2,000 off their annual electricity bill by going solar. Rental property owners know this and can effectively charge up to $40 more per week for their property.

As such, a home with solar panels becomes a much more attractive proposition for investors. If you’re selling a home, you can likely generate more interest and higher prices among investors because they know they can profit heavily in the long run.

Need help with solar panel installation?

If you’d like to increase the future value of your home while also enjoying the benefits of solar energy right now, we’d love to help you out. Solar Bright are the experts you can count on for honest, reliable advice and the best solar products in Australia. Book a free consultation today, and find out how much you can expect to save thanks to solar energy.

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• The MySolarEdge App Revolutionising The Future Of Home Solar
• Why Install A Solar Power System?

The post Will Solar Panels Increase the Value of My Home? 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.

Strong Savings on Business Energy Costs

Firstly, and probably most importantly, from a business perspective, solar energy provides considerable financial savings. All businesses want to reduce operating expenses and put more cash back on their balance sheet – one of the best ways to do this is by lowering your energy costs.

We’ve helped plenty of businesses save money by installing solar, and most of them end up slashing their energy costs in half. Some generate even more savings than that, such as Dentro Joinery who reduced their energy costs from $30,000 per year down to $12,000.

How much you can save varies for each business and depends on your power usage patterns, power costs and the size of the system that can be installed on the roof space.

When we propose a solar solution for a business, we use advanced software to map out the potential new system. This shows us just how much solar energy you could generate per year. The design software considers the solar panel selected, the solar irradiance at the site, panel orientation and panel tilt. We also analyse your existing energy costs and usage, giving us a full breakdown of how much you could expect to save annually the projected return on investment.

Most Business Energy Use is During Daylight Hours

Solar energy is free while the sun shines. The solar works in conjunction with the main grid power. During the day the solar system can power the business or cover a proportion of the power requirements depending on the size of the solar power system.

Because most businesses work during hours when the sun is shining, solar energy offsets far more of their electricity expenses than it would in a residential home where the families are often elsewhere during the day.

So, unless you do most of your business at night, the savings you’ll generate from solar energy are likely to be immense.

Business Solar Systems Pay for Themselves

There is, of course, a setup cost associated with installing a commercial solar system on your business premises. You can pay for it outright or take a 5-year finance option. Many choose the finance option because it allows them to spread the expense more evenly, making it a cash-flow friendly decision.

Many businesses find that their energy savings more than cover the cost of repayments for those first 5 years. So, essentially, the system pays for itself and can be cash flow positive from day 1. In addition, once you’ve paid the finance for the system, the savings are all yours. Considering the general lifespan of solar panels is between 20-25 years, that means you could end up with free electricity for another 20 years after paying for your system.

Solar for Business Reduces Your Emissions

Many businesses these days are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions and work with a more sustainable business model. If being environmentally conscious is part of your corporate governance plan, then it’s worth considering going solar. You’ll reduce your emissions and we can even tell you by how much.

Consumers Love Environmentally Friendly Businesses

Of course, being environmentally conscious isn’t just about doing the right thing. There’s a commercial benefit to your business too. Consumers are becoming more informed about the companies they support, particularly in terms of their sustainability practices. So, by going solar, you have the potential to attract more customers who are willing to support you rather than your competitors who haven’t made the shift to renewable energy.

Which Businesses Benefit the Most From Solar?

Most businesses can benefit from installing solar energy. It especially benefits those industries with the highest energy requirements are most likely to reap the best rewards. Here at SolarBright, we’ve personally helped countless businesses slash their energy bills, including the following industries:

• Agricultural businesses
• Car Dealers Child Care Centres Churches
• Clubs and pubs
• Commercial office space providers
• Engineering shops
• Joineries
• Frozen food wholesalers
• Manufacturers
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Service Stations
• Warehouse and logistics facilities

The fact is, aside from the setup costs, solar energy is free. Once your system is paid for, you’re getting free energy from the sun, which means it helps insulate you from rising power costs. Basically, if you’re a business that uses power during the day, you’re going to benefit from installing solar.

Talk to the Experts in Commercial Solar Power Systems Today

When you’re considering solar energy systems for your business, there’s only one name you need to remember. SolarBright are your experts in planning and designing commercial solar systems to save you money. We’ve got a proven track record of excellent service, and we only sell products that are tried and tested to perform well in Australian conditions.

There’s never been a better time to install solar, so if you want to future-proof your business against rising energy prices, contact the experts at SolarBright and book a COVID safe no obligation business solar consultation today.

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The post Is Solar for Business a No Brainer? appeared first on SolarBright.