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Jun 8, 20215 min read

Is It Worth Switching to Solar Power in 2021?

Over the last few decades, solar panels have become so popular in Australia for homes as well as commercial spaces, and for many good reasons but, for those who might still be on the fence, the biggest question is this: Are solar panels worth the hype?

The Advantages of Solar Panels

Here are the reasons why more people are taking advantage of solar power:

· Hugely Reduced Electricity Costs

· Free, unlimited, Renewable energy source

· Solar power can be stored for night-time use

· Minimal maintenance costs

· Energy independence

· Sell excess solar power back to the grid

· Government incentives

· Quick return on investment

· Increased property value

· Solar power helps fight climate change

· wide range of solar products

Hugely Reduced Electricity Costs

Saving money on energy bills is the biggest advantage of going Solar. By generating free electricity from the sun, there is a lesser need to buy power from the grid.

Free, Unlimited, Renewable Energy Source

The sun is a renewable energy source, which means that solar panels can generate electricity without running out. As a renewable source, Solar power is also a cleaner energy and solar energy itself is free! Who doesn’t want free electricity?

Solar Power Can Be Stored for Night-Time Use

Modern solar systems now come with batteries that can store daytime-generated power for use later at night. This is great for families that consume more power in the evening and commercial businesses that operate through night-time hours.

Minimal Maintenance Costs

Thanks to advanced Solar technology, the maintenance of Solar panels is now easier than ever. Once installed, the system should be able to run by itself.

25-year warranties cover most panels, so there is no need to check or fix the system every week. The only maintenance required is to clean the solar panels once in a while to get rid of dust and dirt.

Energy Independence

A properly installed solar system can generate enough energy for an entire Australian household without having to buy power from the grid. This means that homeowners won’t have to deal with electricity price increases ever again. Not relying on the grid also means the home electricity supply is more stable and won’t be affected by power outages or maintenance work on power lines.

Sell Excess Solar Power Back to The Grid

If a solar system generates more power than what is consumed by the household, this excess energy can be sold to the grid for cash. Because of this incentive, some homeowners deliberately upgrade their systems for the sole purpose of selling excess energy back to the grid.

In addition to making extra cash, selling solar energy to the grid means helping the community consume cleaner energy pulled from the sun.

Government Incentives

Another advantage of switching to solar power is government rebates. Although these rebates differ from state to state, they all offer a significant reduction in the cost of installing solar panels. Many schemes also offer zero-interest loans that help first-time buyers make the switch in a more affordable manner.

The Australian government also offers feed-in tariffs for households that can generate excess power they don’t use. These tariffs are fixed rate or time variable and the amount varies from state to state.

Quick Return on Investment

Solar panels are a sound investment because homeowners and businesses can get back in a few years the funds they’ve invested.

Although solar panels have a high upfront cost, the money saved on power bills each month can help pay off the cost of the system and, once the solar system is paid off, the money saved on power bills can then go to other household expenses instead.

Increased Property Value

Because solar panels are able to generate free electricity, this is a known and desirable asset which increases property value: Homes that already have solar panels are easier to sell at a higher price than those that do not.

Solar Power Helps Fight Climate Change

Solar panels produce clean, renewable energy without zero emissions. Therefore, solar energy does not contribute to greenhouse gasses, unlike burning fossil fuels. Generating electricity that does not harm the planet is, in fact, one of the most popular reasons why people are switching to solar power.

Wide Range of Solar Products

Another advantage of solar panels is the huge range of solar products available. Having a variety of options is a massive advantage for homeowners who need solar panels that are specific to their needs:

· High performance Solar panels

· Good budget systems

· Solar heating systems

· Integrated battery storage options, for an all-in-one system.

The Disadvantages of Solar Panels

Here are some usual reasons Australians might be hesitant to make the switch to Solar:

· Upfront cost

· Solar installation depends on available space.

· Solar power generation is climate dependent.

· Solar panels are fixed on the roof.

· Solar panel manufacturing can be harmful to the environment.

Let’s look at these worries in more detail.

1. Upfront Cost

The main reason why people hesitate to go Solar is the initial investment which may be too expensive for some. However, with the prices of Solar panels coming down and Government rebates on offer, installing a solar system in 2021 has become much more affordable.

2. Solar Installation Depends on Available Space

Solar panels require a big installation space, so they may not be suitable for small houses. If the roof is not big enough, then it means downsizing the system or rethinking the idea of going solar altogether, but don’t give up – research alternative system shapes and sizes.

3. Solar Power Generation Is Climate Dependent

Solar panels can only generate electricity if sunlight hits the surface. So, if the sky is completely black, then no energy is produced, BUT solar panels can still generate power on cloudy or rainy days and, whilst they do perform best when the sun is out, your Solar battery will have plenty of stored power ready for you.

4. Solar Panels Are Fixed on The Roof

When the installer sets up solar panels on the roof, they pretty much stay there for good. Moving to a new home does require additional fees to dismantle, rewire, and transport the solar panels to another location. Consider this monetary and time cost if you feel like you might want to move to a new house in the near to medium future.

5. Solar Panel Manufacturing Carries a Carbon and Pollution Footprint

Although solar panels generate clean energy, the process of building these panels can harm the environment. Mass production of photovoltaic panels may result in burning fossil fuels and leaving plastic waste behind. However, the offset of this is green energy that is produced, which would be lower than the carbon and Pollution footprint your home would produce without Solar, over the lifetime of the panels.

Why You Should Switch to Solar Power in 2021?

With the price of solar panels steadily decreasing, Government incentives may not be there forever - another good reason to jump on-board the Solar power train.

If you are located in Newcastle, Maitland, Central Coast, or Hunter Valley, talk to one of our ASP Level-2 electricians at Real Electrical Solutions to discuss your solar needs. Contact us today on 0403306842 or email admin@realelectricalsolutions.com.au for further enquiries.