Solar power is growing in popularity in Auckland.
More and more Auckland homeowners are exploring whether solar is a good option for them.
And with electricity prices currently skyrocketing (with more increases forecasted), you might be wondering if solar power is the solution for your family. Especially as it is meant to be great for sustainability too.
The question on everyone’s lips is, does the installation of solar panels offer a way to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint?
Here’s everything you need to know about solar panels, from their benefits to key considerations before installation.
Are Solar Panels Worth The Investment?
The climate and geographical location of our city make solar panels a really effective option for Aucklanders. While we may not have the epic sunshine hours of Northland or Nelson, we have a moderate climate and enough consistent sunshine hours to make solar panels efficient. In short, they can be worth the investment if you have the right setup.
These are just a few considerations when deciding if solar panels are right for you:
- Electricity Costs: It’s no secret that energy costs have been on the rise lately, and power companies are indicating further rises in the coming year. Solar panels allow you to generate your own power and reduce your reliance on the grid. This can mean significant savings on your monthly energy bills.
- Solar Buy-Back: You might even be able to make some money from your solar panels. If your panels generate excess energy, you can sell it back to the grid via the buy-back schemes that some energy providers offer. While you won’t be able to retire on your earnings, it can potentially help to offset the initial installation costs.
- Return On Investment: So, how long does it take for your energy savings to outweigh the cost of the initial investment? Typically, the payback period is around 8-12 years, depending on the size of your system and your energy usage. After this period, your system will effectively provide free electricity for the remainder of its lifespan (which can be 25 years+).
- Property Value: Homes that have solar panels installed are very attractive to potential buyers. That’s because people know they are buying into a more energy efficient home which is great for cost savings and sustainability.
What Are The Benefits Of Solar Panels?
Sure, solar panels are known to give you cheaper power bills, but are there other benefits to having them installed at your place? There are actually numerous advantages, here are some of them:
- Lower Energy Bills: We can’t look beyond the major benefit of solar panels and that is lower energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you reduce the amount of power you need to purchase from the grid, resulting in long-term savings.
- Sustainability: Solar energy is renewable and clean, quite literally converting the power of the sun into actual power in your home. This helps to lower your family’s environmental impact by reducing a reliance on more resource hungry energy sources.
- Independence: When you have an effective solar system installed, you won’t need to rely on the electricity grid anywhere near as much. This gives you energy independence, offering protection against rising energy costs and unexpected power outages.
- Versatility: Solar panels don't only keep the lights on. They can also power things like electric vehicle chargers, hot water systems and outdoor appliances. This maximises their value and your savings!
- Low Maintenance: Often you need to consider maintenance costs when installing a new electrical system. The good news is that solar systems require minimal maintenance. Most will only need occasional cleaning and periodic checks by a professional electrician to ensure they remain at peak efficiency.
Considerations Before Installation
Solar panels certainly offer many advantages, but there are some things you will want to consider before jumping into the investment. They are:
- Roof Suitability: Not all roofs are made for solar panels. The orientation, angle and size can all impact the amount of energy your panels could generate. North-facing roofs are the most ideal for solar, but not essential. An experienced installer can provide solutions for other orientations.
- Sunlight Accessibility: To work at maximum efficiency, your panels will need maximum exposure to sunlight. Trees, buildings, or shadows can limit the efficiency of your solar panels. A simple site assessment from a professional installer will help you determine the best placement to maximise efficiency.
- Solar Batteries: Solar power is most effective if your household consumes energy during the day when the panels are actively generating electricity. To maximise the energy generated during the day, you will want to install solar batteries. That way, you can store energy throughout the day for use at night when the sun is no longer shining. It will add to the cost of your system, but will offer greater energy independence and flexibility.
- Initial Investment: Solar systems can vary in cost, but will typically range from $8,000 to $15,000. While you will save on your energy bill immediately, you will need to consider whether the initial investment outweighs the savings for your family’s budget.
- System Maintenance: As we already mentioned, solar panels are pretty low maintenance. However, they still require regular cleaning and inspection to ensure optimal performance. You will need to factor these costs into your budget as working with a professional electrician for this routine maintenance is essential.
Professional Solar Panel Installation
Installing solar panels is not a DIY job. You will need to select a trusted Auckland electrician to complete the job for you. Here at Retrolec, solar panels are our speciality. We can tailor a system to your specific needs whether it is for a new build or retrofitting to an existing home.
From selecting the right system size to handling maintenance and repairs, we have you covered. Whether you want to reduce your energy bills, live more sustainably, or increase your property value, solar power is a smart investment.
Get in touch with the Retrolec team today to discuss how solar panels can transform your home!
