When you’re building a new home, there is a huge number of things to consider. You’ve got budgets, builders, colours, locations and a host of other decisions to make. Another one you might forget amongst all the chaos is solar energy.
Solar installations are becoming increasingly popular amongst Australians looking to save money on their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re building a new home, there’s no better time to join the clean energy revolution by installing solar systems.
The best time to install solar
Installing a solar energy system during the home build process is a lot easier and more cost-effective than doing it later. Firstly, you can run all of the wiring for your solar system before the walls are plastered. You can also install a solar-ready electricity meter from the start, which saves having to replace it.
It is also much simpler for multi-level homes to install solar panels on the roof while scaffolding is already in place. While your solar installer will take care of the installation process, their time comes at a cost. Therefore, installing solar panels is cheaper when the installation process is quick and easy.
Your new solar installation will pay for itself
By installing a solar system for a home, it will start paying for itself straight away. On-grid solar energy means your home is powered by the sun during daylight hours, and you rely on the main electricity grid (your power company) for the rest of your power use. So, how quickly the system pays for itself varies from home to home.
As a rough guide, though, most solar systems pay for themselves in around three years. In simple terms, the monthly savings on your energy bill will add up to the entire cost of your system in around three years, so after that, the profit is all yours. You can even sell any excess energy you generate back to the main grid, giving you additional credit on your bill.
Considerations when installing solar systems
There are a few things to consider when installing a solar system for a home, and you get an advantage by planning during the home build. The following considerations can tie into your building planning to ensure you get the maximum benefit from your solar panels.
Roof orientation: If you can build a north-facing roof, you’ll maximise the daily sunlight.
Surrounding areas: What’s next to your new home? Bigger houses? Larger trees? You can plan the placement of solar panels to avoid them being in the shade.
Other intrusions: You may plan roof intrusions like chimneys or satellite dishes. Keep these away from solar panels to avoid casting shade.
Save time and money by planning ahead
Finally, planning ahead saves time and money on your solar installation. Have your solar installers work directly with your builders for the most cost-effective installation. It’s easy; tell your builder you’re installing a new solar system for your home with AHLEC!
Considering using Solar Panels to Power Up your Home and Save the Environment? Here are some factors to take into account before making the change.
Cost:
Before investing in solar power, it is important to factor in the cost, which may depend on the size of your home, the type of panel, and the installation expenses. Researching different solar panel models can help you to make an informed decision and find the best value. At AHLEC, we can assist in finding the optimal solar panel system for your home.
Location:
The amount of sunlight your area receives annually will affect the electricity the solar panels can produce. Therefore, before adding solar panels to a darkened area, it is important to evaluate the strength of your roof to ensure it can support the weight of the panels. AHLEC can assist in assessing your roof and discovering the most suitable solar panel system for your residence.
Time:
When considering a solar panel system, timing is the essential factor. It could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to install and get the system fully operational, depending on the size of the system. Therefore, estimating a timeline modifier can be challenging, and delays can occur.
If you want to make the best choice for your home, AHLEC is here to help. Reach out to us to discover the advantages of the solar panel system.
