If you are planning on buying solar panels, you will find both cheap solar panels and expensive products to choose from. When having a limited budget, it might be tempting to go for the cheapest solar system to save money.
Is it a good idea to go for cheap solar products, or is it better to invest in a more expensive model? And what parts of the solar system should be prioritised quality-wise?
Here you will find all the answers you are looking for!
First of all: What is a cheap solar panel?
For Australian households, the cost of a 6.6kW solar panel system is usually somewhere between $5,500 and $9,000. The price will vary based on your location and the STC rebate where you live. On average, the price is around $6,700 or so.
Because of this, any solar panel system that costs less than the average can be defined as “cheap”. For instance, if you find a $5,000 solar system – this might be a good deal!
Are cheap solar panels worth it?
The answer to this question is both “yes” and “no”. If your main priority is to save money upfront as you buy the solar panel system, a cheaper product might be a great choice. At the same time, cheap solar panels might not have the same quality as the more expensive ones.
If you are looking for a solar system that will save you from costs in the future, you might want to choose among high-quality products. These may be more expensive, but not necessarily. There are many high-quality solar panels that also are considered budget-friendly.
Don’t save money on the inverter
For anyone who wants to cut their costs when buying a solar panel system, it might be a good idea to save money on the panels rather than other system parts – like the inverter or battery.
In the solar panel system, it is the inverter that does the “heavy lifting” as it converts direct current (DC) energy to usable alternating current (AC) energy. Without the inverter, your home appliances will not be able to use the energy.
In most cases, the inverter is the most expensive part of the solar system. But compared to solar panels, it also has a shorter expected lifetime. Because of this, you will normally have to replace it before replacing the panels.
Because of this, it is not necessarily a good idea to choose a cheap, low-quality inverter. Instead, you should focus on finding cheap solar panels, as these usually come with a long warranty period.
You can save money from solar rebates
When you are considering getting a solar panel system, it is important to remember that you will get a solar rebate from the Australian government. This will reduce your costs significantly.
In 2022, the STC rebate will usually cover around $447 per kW of the system installed. But remember, the rebate size might vary according to location and system size. In some parts of Australia, the rebate will be more significant than in other areas.
In addition to this, you might be eligible for local state rebates where you live. In some Australian states, it is even possible to get a battery or inverter rebate. In other areas, you might get interest-free loans to help you finance the solar system.
The STC rebate will usually be included in the solar quotes you will get from the installer, but state rebates are often not included. Make sure you get all the rebates that you can claim, to make the solar installation as cheap as possible.
Where to find cheap solar panels?
When searching for solar panels, you might want to find a retailer that can give you different price alternatives. In most cases, the retailers will have both cheap and expensive solar panels in store.
Remember to look into the specifications for each solar panel system, to make sure you will get a system that meets your requirements. It might be good to know your average power consumption, to be able to find the right solar system size.
Find reputable manufacturers
If you want to buy cheap solar panels, it is important to find a reputable manufacturer with a well-established service and warranty department and long experience. Make sure the installer has a CEC certification.
As long as the manufacturer has a good reputation and is certified, you should be able to buy cheap solar panels without having to worry about performance or quality.
Remember, the solar panel installer will help you find a solar panel system that is suitable for your household in terms of power output and size.
Find a cheap solar panel system today, and enjoy the benefits of going solar!