Solar power is a clean, renewable and affordable source of energy that can reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint.
By having DNA Queensland Electrical install your solar panels on your roof, it can also increase the value of your property.
It’s also possible that you may be eligible for government incentives.
However, to get the most out of your solar system, you need to maintain it properly and regularly.
On the Sunshine Coast QLD, there is plenty of sunshine throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar power. However with the type of coastal climate we endure from time to time it’s best to have a regular maintenance program in place.
(More about that later)
According to some web search results, the cost of a 6.6 kW solar system on the Sunshine Coast can range from $4,000 to $9,000, depending on the quality of the components and the installation service. These costs understandably can vary as the average figure not only includes the cost of solar panels, but the inverter, quality of mounting system and type of building structure for installation.
However, the upfront cost of solar installation can be offset by various factors, such as:
The federal government offers a rebate scheme called the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which allows you to claim small-scale technology certificates (STCs) for your solar system.
The number of STCs you can claim depends on the size and location of your system, and the current market price of STCs. As of January 2023, you can claim up to 100 STCs for a 6.6 kW system on the Sunshine Coast, which can reduce your cost by up to $3,5002.
The Queensland government does not have a mandatory feed-in tariff scheme for solar power, but some electricity retailers offer voluntary feed-in tariffs for the excess electricity you export to the grid.
The rates vary depending on the retailer and your contract, but they can range from 6c - 20c per kWh3. This means you can earn money for the power you don’t use and lower your electricity bills even further.
By using solar power instead of grid electricity, you can save money on your electricity bills every month. The amount of savings depends on your electricity consumption patterns, your solar system size and performance, and your electricity tariff rates. However, as a general guide, a 6.6 kW system on the Sunshine Coast can produce about 24 kWh of electricity per day on average, which can cover most or all of your household’s energy needs.
To get the best from your solar power installation, you need to ensure that your system is operating efficiently and safely at all times.
This requires regular maintenance and cleaning of your solar panels and other components.
Some of the reasons why maintenance is important are:
Dust and dirt.
Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on your solar panels, reducing their ability to absorb sunlight and generate electricity. This can lower your system’s output by up to 25%. To prevent this, you should clean your panels at least once or twice a year, or more often if you live in a dusty or polluted area.
Damage and wear.
Your solar system is exposed to harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, hail and heat, which can cause damage and wear to your panels, inverter, wiring and mounting system. This can affect your system’s performance and safety, and may even void your warranty if not repaired promptly. To avoid this, you should inspect your system regularly for any signs of damage or deterioration, and contact a qualified electrician if you notice any issues.
Optimisation.
Your solar system may need some adjustments or upgrades over time to keep up with your changing energy needs and preferences.
For example, you may want to add more panels or batteries to increase your system’s capacity or storage capability. Or you may want to switch to a different electricity retailer or tariff plan to get a better deal for your solar power. To optimise your system’s performance and savings, you should review your system’s data and feedback regularly using a monitoring device or app.
To get the best from your solar power installation your maintenance program is the best way to protect your valuable investment. A maintenance program will ensure that homeowners on the Sunshine Coast in and around Warana will always get the best supply of power.
Solar power can help you save money on your electricity bills, earn income from feed-in tariffs, reduce your carbon emissions, increase your property value and enjoy reliable and clean energy. It’s imperative to get the most out of your solar system, by maintaining it properly and regularly by cleaning your panels, inspecting your components and optimising your settings.
Solar power is a clean, renewable and affordable source of energy that can reduce your electricity bills and carbon footprint. Installing solar panels on your roof can also increase the value of your property and make you eligible for government incentives. However, to get the most out of your solar system, you need to maintain it properly and regularly.
