Solar power systems can be a long-term investment, so think twice if you’re planning on moving home in the next few years. That said, a solar power system can certainly add value to your property.
Getting a return on your solar investment
Installing a solar system at home can be a significant and long-term investment. For most households and small businesses, solar is worth the upfront cost.
"How much is solar saving me?"
A solar energy bill can’t show you what you’ve saved. The only way is to compare previous non-solar bills from similar periods. Be careful not to judge the benefit of solar by the size of your feed-in credit, which usually only represents a small part of any saving.
Sometimes a feed-in credit doesn’t appear on a first bill. This may because your smart meter hasn’t been configured for solar use. Alinta Energy can help arrange this.
Three things to consider before going solar
Staying long?
Save while the sun shines
Most people will get the fastest return on their investment by using solar power while it’s made - during daylight hours. Don’t rely on the feed-in credit to pay for your investment as it won’t be anywhere near the saving you can expect from using solar power when it’s made.
Is your home solar friendly?
The angle of your home in relation to the sun is a key factor to consider. Shade from trees or other buildings can also affect your home’s ability to generate solar power. Make sure you get lots of advice from specialist providers before taking the plunge. Also be sure to explore any eligible state and federal schemes that will subsidise your investment in solar. If you decide to install solar panels, ask your installer if you qualify for a solar subsidy and how you can arrange to receive it.
Once your system is installed
Once solar panels are installed on your home, you’ll need approval from your electricity distribution company (they own the poles and wires). The process for this approval varies between states and jurisdictions.
To ensure your meter is correctly configured and can record how much electricity you’re exporting back into the grid, we will need to arrange for a meter exchange or for the existing meter to be reconfigured.
If you need advice on this, please feel free to contact us.
Good question!
A. The excess electricity your solar system generates is exported to the grid for other customers to use. Your electricity retailer will pay you for your contribution at a rate called the feed-in tariff, which is usually calculated in cents per kWh.
A. One that combines a competitive electricity reference price / Victorian Default Offer (that sits below the Government’s set price) and a competitive feed-in tariff.
A. If you have a solar system large enough to power your home and appliances during daylight hours, you’ll reduce your electricity bill substantially. This is by far the best way to make your solar system pay for itself.
A. You should see a feed-in credit from your first bill. If it doesn’t appear, this may be because your smart meter hasn’t been configured for solar use along the way. Alinta Energy can help to look into this to get you set up correctly.
A. The only way is to compare previous non-solar bills from similar periods. Be careful not to judge the benefit of solar by the size of your feed-in credit, which usually only represents a small part of any saving.