Installing and connecting solar panels
3 min readWorld over, businesses are switching to solar energy for power. Solar power is one of the best renewable energy sources that you can depend on for your operational needs. The solar power system, equipped with solar controllers makes sure that the current is regulated for your specific use. They also ensure that there is no overcharging of batteries. If you are looking to install a solar PV system at your business premises, here are a few tips to find the optimum solution.
Do your research
The first step towards installing a solar PV system is research. You will find relevant information from various sources such as the following:
- NSW Fair Trading’s solar installation checklist
- Guide to Installing Solar PV for Business and Industry by Clean Energy Council
- Australian Government’s business.gov web page
Select an electricity contract
Once you have gathered relevant information, contact your electricity retailer to find out about how the change to solar will impact your electricity rates. The retailer will also arrange a new digital meter for you when you switch to solar energy.
Make sure to check:
- If your existing discounts will change if there are any feed-in tariffs and how it compares to IPART’s recommended benchmark rate for solar exports
- The trade-off between general electricity discounts and feed-in tariffs
- If there are any additional incentives
- Late payment fees or discounts for timely payments
Find an accredited installer
Once you get the details sorted out, get quotes from several solar installers. Make sure you choose an accredited installer. Check the Clean Energy Council’s website for finding an accredited installer.
Get details such as:
- total cost of the system and installation
- anticipated start and completion dates
- of the size and output specification of the system and the inverter specifications
- average output estimate, especially during the best and worst months of the year
- warranties and guarantees
Usually, your solar installer will manage your connection to the grid.
Costs
Installing a solar PV system might need upfront investment. The larger the system, the higher the cost. There might be schemes such as the Commonwealth Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme to reduce these upfront costs. Apart from this, some commercial establishments also offer leasing facilities so that customers can lease solar PV systems. Finance plans for purchase are also available.
However, an outright purchase is usually more cost-effective. So, do your research before you decide on the payment method for your solar PV.
Contact the distributor
If you need specific information and specific answers, your electricity distributor is the best source. The distributor can give you detailed information on connecting your solar PV system to the grid. It is always better to get an expert opinion especially if you are looking forward to installing solar PV in your commercial or residential properties.
Before you go ahead with the installation, make sure that you get the answers to all the important questions you have such as:
- Will solar power reduce my electricity bills?
- How much savings can be expected on the electricity bill with a solar PV system?
- How much will be the cost of a solar PV system?
Once you have your answers, go for a reliable service provider, and choose a system that suits your business need. Pay special attention to the solar panels and controllers so that you can get the maximum operating benefit from the installation.
