More than a million homes and businesses across Australia are using rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate clean, safe and reliable electricity. If you’re thinking about joining them, there are a few things to consider.
Below are the steps you should undertake when purchasing and installing solar PV for your home. Each of the steps is explained in more detail in our Guide to Installing Solar PV for Households.
Businesses looking to go solar will have slightly different considerations, which are outlined in our Guide to Installing Solar PV for Business and Industry.
Step 1: Do your research
Before purchasing a solar PV system, it’s important to make sure the investment will be worth your while. That means identifying the best type and size of solar PV system for your property, as well as looking into the government incentives available in your area.
Step 2: Contact your electricity retailer
Not all electricity companies offer solar-friendly policies. You’ll want to contact your electricity retailer to find out:
- how solar will affect your current rates
- what sort of feed-in tariffs they offer. A feed-in tariff is the amount an electricity retailer pays you for excess power generated by your solar panels.
Our Guide to Installing Solar PV for Households includes a list of questions to ask your electricity company.
Step 3: Find a solar PV retailer and plan your system
It’s important to shop around when buying solar. Before you select a system, talk to different solar PV retailers about your options and obtain several quotes.
You also want to make sure that the company you buy your system from is ethical, reliable and will be there if something goes wrong. The best way to do this is by choosing a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer. Approved Solar Retailers follow industry best practice, use fully accredited installers and offer a minimum five-year guarantee on the entire system.
Read more about finding a solar retailer or view our list of Approved Solar Retailers.
Step 4: Sign a contract
Once you have chosen your system and accepted a quote, your solar PV retailer, installer or designer will provide you with a contract.
There are a few things about the contract you should check before signing. Our Guide to Installing Solar PV for Households has all the details.
Step 5: Install your solar PV system
Your solar PV retailer or installer will install your system and provide you with all the necessary documentation.
Remember – to be eligible for government rebates, your system must be installed by a Clean Energy Council accredited installer.
An Approved Solar Retailer will always use accredited installers. If you’re not buying from an approved retailer, ask to see your installer’s accreditation card or ensure they are listed on our find an installer page.
Step 6: Connect your solar PV system to the grid
Your solar PV retailer will usually arrange for your solar system to be connected to the electricity network on your behalf.
Grid connection processes differ from state to state. Please refer to our small-scale connection page if you would like more information.
Step 7: Use and maintain your solar PV system
Congratulations! Your solar PV system is installed, and it’s time to start saving money on your power bills.
To keep your system working efficiently and safely, you’ll need to make sure it is properly maintained. Find out more about what to do once your system is installed.
Want more information?
For more details on installing rooftop solar, download our free Guide to Installing Solar PV for Households or Guide to Installing Solar PV for Business and Industry.
reference: http://www.solaraccreditation.com.au/consumers/purchasing-your-solar-pv-system.html