The rising prices of electricity have catalyzed Australia’s adoption of solar energy as an alternative to coal fired electricity.) However, the upfront prices of solar installation can be steep. Unsuspecting Australians may be lured by the promise of a great solar installation, at a steal of a price by unscrupulous businesses.
But despite the low, low price upfront, these installations may eventually cost thousands more. In an audit performed by the Clean Energy Regulator estimates that tens of thousands of solar installations were unfit and potentially unsafe. Of the 1.2% of rooftop solar inspected by the regulator, one in six were not performed to industry standards. And around three in a hundred were unsafe. While we only utilize trusted professionals to perform the installations, not every business does this.
Solar installers who do not use accredited professionals may or may not be for malicious reasons. Some may be attempting to reduce costs (to offer you a more attractive price) while others may be ignorant and negligent. However, as a Clean Energy Council accredited solar retailer in Cairns and Townsville, we’ve conformed to a code of ethics and have met the criteria offered by Australia’s solar industry’s peak professional body. As a result, we have a reputation to uphold and therefore lead (or at least, commit to lead) by example.
In one instance, a homeowner who spent $8,000 for a solar installation that was expected to last for at least 25 years only lasted less than five years. Poorly installed systems are not unusual, with an alarming number of house fires caused by incorrect rooftop solar installations.
Steve Attard, of the Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) says homes can be destroyed in fires caused by rooftop solar systems. The DC isolator, a component which can be installed on roofs to disconnect the flow of electricity from solar panels can become defective. Even when installed correctly, moisture can infiltrate due to exposure to the weather. Therefore, it is important to not only have a professional install the part but also check, or maintain, on an ongoing basis.
Another issue that many Australians seeking to install solar face is whether or not to install a battery to their solar system. It can be tempting to add a battery system to “secure your electrical needs” to avoid drawing from the grid. Even more attractive are the spectacular prices that some businesses are offering.
However, as an ambassador of the solar industry, we do not routinely recommend installing batteries. They are not an economically justifiable addition unless you need energy security. The payback periods are generally longer than the lifespan of a battery. Furthermore, batteries need to be installed professionally. Furthermore, the audit also identified that some installed batteries as having the risk of potentially, causing electric shock, a gas explosion, fire and chemical exposure. That said, when we install a solar system, we work to make it battery friendly, so that when battery installations do become more economical and affordable, you can take advantage of it.
Unfortunately, not all installers are licensed or accredited. This can reflect poorly upon the entire industry. At Greenfield Energy, we are a CEC accredited solar retailer and one of the select few in Queensland. While we do not offer the cheapest solar installation, our customers have chosen us because we offer the best value, with safe products and at a reasonable price.
So if you’re considering a solar installation, fill in the form below and we’ll provide a free energy audit that will help you identify the right solar installation for your needs. At the very least, we can offer you a second opinion. Fill the form to get started today.