1. Is Solar a good solution for me ?
2. If so, what size system is ideal based on my electricity usage (now and in the future) ?
3. What brand of components should I choose ?
4. Who should install my system ?
A good solar consultant should guide you through this process in a consultative way and help you arrive at the solar solution that is ideal for you and your home.
In order to help with this process, Infinite Energy has produced a guide to the questions you should ask any solar company. The questions are below, and also here and you can download a printable copy at:
Questions to ask a Solar Company (click to open)
Does the company sell products from manufacturers who have a significant presence in Australia?
It will be very difficult to make a
warranty claim against a manufacturer if they have no presence in
Australia. Many Chinese manufacturers will ask you to physically send
the panel back to China. Ask for the claim process on all components in writing.
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Are the Solar panels supplied and branded by a large reputable manufacturer?
Be aware of “self branded” panels where a
local solar company sources panels and puts their own brand on them.
You have no way of doing any research on the actual manufacturer, their
manufacturing processes or quality control procedures. This is often a
way of dressing up inferior low quality products.
Choose panels from large well known manufacturers where there is an abundance of information (and scrutiny) available.
If you can’t find a website on the panel, don't buy it.
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Do all the components that make up the system have brands and have information available on the web?
Ask for the brands and models numbers for all the components in the system (panels, inverter, mounting system).
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What Panel mounting system will be used?
The mounting system is a critical
component of a solar system that is often overlooked when choosing a
system – it should secure the panels for the life of the system.
Inferior mounting systems can pose a serious safety issue as time progresses.
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What electrical cables will be used in the system?
This is very important but an area where
many solar companies will cut corners by using 2.5mm cable or 4mm AC
cable (not DC cable). This can be a safety issue and greatly affect
performance of the system.
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Does the Solar Company have a physical that you can visit?
Be aware of “back yard operators” who work from home and only use a PO Box address.
Will these companies be around for servicing or warranty issues in the long term?
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Will the Solar company visit your home and provide a no-pressure consultation?
Purchasing a Solar system is a
significant investment and shouldn’t be rushed. Be very skeptical of any
company offering “today only” deals with high pressure tactics. Quality
systems from reputable companies will be available tomorrow. Be equally skeptical of any solar company
that won’t visit your home prior to making a sale. Ask yourself what
chance you have of getting them to resolve any issues on site after
you’ve installed a system.
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Does the Solar Company
run a significant operation with a dedicated in-house operations and
service team to deal with any issues pre or post sale?
Selling a system is the easy part,
installing to high standard and providing superior after sales service
is the part that many companies neglect.
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Can the Solar Company
give you accurate production estimates including financial projections
such as return on investment and payback periods?
Be skeptical about nice rounded production estimates like “the system will produce 8 units a day”.
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Does the Solar company provide on-site after sales service?
Purchasing a Solar system is a
significant financial investment which will only pay off if the system
produces as it should. Ask how the solar company ensures this happens
after installation. Also ask if they provide on-site issue resolution of
any problems.
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