If you are considering going solar, it is important to find a solar panel system that will meet your expectations when it comes to both efficiency and price. To make sure the solar system is as beneficial as possible, many Australians choose to get a site inspection.
Is a site inspection something you need? And what will the inspector do? Here is everything you need to know about solar site inspections!
What is a solar site inspection?
A solar site inspection, assessment or analysis is a property inspection that you undertake before installing a solar panel system. A solar installer with a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accreditation will do the pre-installation inspection.
Do you need a site inspection, or is it optional?
In many cases, it is possible to install a solar panel system without an upfront site inspection. You should have a site inspection performed before getting the system installed. There are many benefits associated with site inspections:
1. Determine whether a solar system is feasible
The perhaps biggest advantage of having a site inspection is to determine whether your property is actually feasible for a solar panel system. Both sunlight conditions, roof strength and other factors may affect whether a solar system is beneficial/possible to install or not.
2. Get a price estimate
When having a site inspection, you can also get a more accurate price estimate from the solar installer. If you ask for a price estimate without an upfront inspection, the estimate will often be less accurate. With a site inspection, there will be no expensive surprises!
3. Ask questions
Another reason to have a site inspection before going solar is to be able to ask questions directly to the installer. Besides interacting with the solar installer, you will be able to evaluate their professionalism and assure yourself that the company is a good choice.
What do you get with a solar site assessment?
The installer will inspect relevant parts of your property and determine what solar solution will be suitable for your home. The installer will do a variety of things when visiting. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Evaluating sunlight conditions at the property
During a site inspection, the solar installer will evaluate the sun conditions at your property, as the expected amount of direct sunlight will affect the efficiency of solar systems.
The installer will look at the local weather statistics and see if there are any buildings or trees nearby that may cause shading of the solar panels.
Permitting requirements
To be able to get your solar panel rebates you will need specific permits. This is something a solar installer may help you with during the site inspection, either by connecting you with the right instances or by doing it for you.
The installer can help you arrange deals with your energy retailer for new meters. In order to get your feed-in tariffs can mean adjusting or replacing your electricity meter.
Finding the right system size and type
Based on your power consumption and the sunlight conditions, the solar installer will give you recommendations when it comes to solar system size and type. The number of possible solar panels will also depend on your roof size.
Inspection of the electrical system
Your solar panel system will have to be connected by cables to the house, the solar battery (if you have one), the grounding system and the local grid.
The solar installer will usually inspect the existing electrical system in your home, and evaluate where the cables should go, and how many cables will be needed.
Checking the switchboard for compatibility
If you are considering a grid-tie solar system, you will need a compatible and well-functioning net meter and switchboard. When coming to the site, the installer will evaluate and control the system, and check if it is compatible.
If you have a traditional electricity meter, you will probably have to upgrade it to a smart meter (net meter), which may affect the total installation price.
Finding a location for the inverter
A solar panel system will also need an inverter, a device that is responsible for converting the DC current into usable AC current for your home appliances. During the site inspection, the installer will figure out where to place the inverter.
Placement of the solar panels
When visiting your home for a site assessment, the solar installer will also determine how and where to place the solar panels on your roof. He or she will evaluate the optimal angle and direction based on where the sun will hit the roof.
Get a site inspection today
Are you planning on investing in solar panels for your home? If so, it may be a good idea to have a site inspection upfront. An installer will help you find the best solar system for your needs and property.
Find a CEC-approved installer today, and get started!