What can everyday homeowners do to understand value for money in the solar game? In a booming industry with so many brands and options now present, it is understandable to feel a little lost and confused. Join the club.
There is good news at hand, however. Plenty of other households have embarked on the same exercise, hoping to cash in on a power utility which reduces their energy bills, removes them off public grid reliance and generates a higher level of consistency – it’s a win-win!
This article will delve into the details, outlining real solutions anyone can use when making an educated judgement on their next solar investment for the home.
Industry Accreditation Status
Solar vendors, distributors and merchants alike should all be assessed under the same banner. They need to showcase accreditation with industry members. There are plenty of Australian organisations and bodies who oversee credentials for these parties. Prior to rushing to an agreement, have these checks in place, ensuring peace of mind and demonstrating safeguards for insurance and legal purposes.
Brand Ratings & Reception
Online reviews are tangible currency. Clients across the market will be willing to link up with shared economy apps, social media sites, search engines and beyond to gauge what is valuable. Talks with fellow peers will be enlightening if those contacts happen to have experience buying and installing units in the area. This is one of the most effective ways for clients to seek out high-quality solar experts without the stress of the unknown.
Supplier Warranty Terms
Connecting with the renewable energy industry lends itself to all manner of brand providers, but the real expertise can be hidden in the fine print. Does the warranty agreement offer repairs and replacements? Are there fees involved? How are they protected with the hardware beyond the installation? For infrastructure to truly be sound for the long-term, these guarantees have to be in place and illustrated in clear black and white.
Energy Efficiency & Storage Capabilities
Making a sustainable energy transition will be straightforward under most circumstances. What can complicate the issue in some situations will be the varieties in efficiency metrics and capability of storing power. This is not a one-size-fits-all sort of scenario. Track their energy efficiency rating against industry standards and assess what kind of storage protocols are in play.
Right Shape for the Right Environment
The next phase of the project will point towards system design customisation. There will be specialised formats which suit particular roofs and orientation demands. The target at the end of the day is to enjoy as much sunlight exposure as possible for the longest period of time. Ensuring quality and reliability places the focus on dealing with the right supplier, testing their ability to meet objectives and sell a model tailored to the targeted space.
Communication & Supplier Support
Picking the right package from a solar provider requires clients to be savvy with the customer service support options. This points to suppliers who have requisite resources, real people to consult with and genuine guidance and information when requested. Not every brand will meet these public expectations, so it is beneficial to be proactive about assessing these outlets one at a time.
Comparing the Price
Negotiating with solar outlets might be possible depending on the scenario. Certain private sellers and wholesalers may be able to offer a special deal, particularly if there are bulk orders to be sourced. However, under most examples, this is a process of requesting quotes and comparing outlets against one another. This is when the budget is developed and residents can decide what works for their interests financially.
