So you think you’re ready to take that big step of owning a solar energy system? The
first important things you need to consider are your capacity to support the new
system and the product itself. Whether you want to look them up by yourself or if you
are planning to book a consultation with your prospect solar energy provider, here are a
few related questions you need to keep in mind.


DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ROOF?
You need to know if your roof can support the solar panels. The panels will increase the amount
of weight on your roof so it must be structurally sound to hold that extra load. It is also important
to note if your roof is damaged, needs repair, or if it’s old and will need a replacement within the
next few years. It is best to fix those before going through with a solar installation so you won’t
have to deal with additional costs of dismantling and reinstalling the system after these issues
have been addressed.


Next is the right roof shape and type. Roofs come in all different shapes and sizes — flat, mono-
pitched shed or lean-to, curved, pyramid, and more. These types have different degrees of
pitch, which can affect the panel’s exposure to the sun and therefore your energy output.


It is always recommended to have a solar professional to evaluate these things for you.


HOW MANY PANELS WILL YOU NEED?
Solar panels are like sponges for the sun. The more light they get, the more energy they
produce. Thankfully, Australia is one of the sunniest places on earth, so you’re in a prime
location for solar power.


To know how many solar panels are right for you, find how much energy your home needs and
compare this to how much potential energy your solar system can produce. This should be
assessed on a case by case basis, but a reputable solar company can always guide you
through the process.


WHAT ABOUT WARRANTIES?
Do you have the warranty information for the panels that you are thinking of installing? While
solar panels are known for being durable and long-lasting, it is still important to ensure that
you’re covered in case anything should happen during their lifetime. Warranties, which usually
cover equipment and production performance, vary by manufacturer. Moreover, there are a
number of components connected to your system, such as the inverter, monitoring equipment
and software, and even the racking, that may be covered under separate warranties by other
companies.

Check with your solar provider if they offer a strong warranty and will service the system for free
without hassle. Ask what happens to your warranty if the manufacturer is acquired or, at some
point, goes out of business.


WHERE ARE THE PANELS SOURCED?
If your installer sources your solar equipment directly from an overseas supplier and goes out of
business, it will be difficult and expensive to make a warranty claim. You’ll have to ship your
faulty equipment overseas, back to the original supplier. It is often cheaper to buy a whole new
system than to repair or replace your existing system under warranty!
Ask your installer:


● Who manufactures your inverters and panels?
● Does the manufacturer have an office in Australia?
● Does the manufacturer have a strong presence in Australia and no intention of leaving?


Why choose Climasolar?
Installing solar panels does not happen overnight. Our goal at Climasolar is to make that
journey easy and hassle free for our clients. We tailor every system to fit their requirements.
Together, we map out the installation process, making sure everything they need is ready–from
getting permits and documents, to choosing the right equipment, up to installation, connection,
and maintenance.
Sources: lgenergy.com.au; solarquotes.com.au