What you need to Know about Solar Power before you buy.

Since the introduction of the solar Rebate in Australia there are a lot of company's out there who have jumped on the band wagon to make a quick buck. Find out what you should be asking to get the best deal for your power bill.

Solar power is a great asset to any home or business for that matter. It is a big financial decision probably third after a house and car. For this reason it is worth researching how you can get the pest from your solar install.

I have put together some tips to look out for.

In Australia it is a legal requirement for the electrician installing the system to have an Install accreditation by the Clean Energy Council, this is so that you have an electrician who knows the relevant regulations that apply to Grid Connect Solar systems.

Make sure you get what you paid for or even before that make sure you get a detailed quote with exactly what you are getting. Often an installer will have to change the brand of inverter or panels due to supply from overseas. If you have been quoted one brand and then get another you would not be happy as I have seen done before because the install company got cheaper equipment.

Find out what type of Racking the installer is going to use on the roof as thin box 25mm aluminum is not as good as stand off racking as this allows the air underneath to ventilate the panels. Solar panels have a negative temperature coefficient, meaning they de-rate the amount of power that they produce.

If you have a tiled roof make sure the installer is going to use hooks, that are purpose designed for exiting the roof, between the tiles, thus eliminating the chance of tiles cracking and the roof leaking during heavy rain. Another problem with drilling holes into tiles is that they are then sealed with silicon which dose not have good long term properties when subject to extreme hot and cold like on a roof.

Another question you should have answered and probably ask for in writing is when will the system be installed. One company I worked was telling their customers eight weeks and then not receiving their install for up to a year.

After you have had your system installed it is very important to keep a track of how it is performing. You can do this by recording the total power out put usually displayed as E-TOTAL, every week or so along with the date so it can be worked out if the system is performing to the manufacturers specifications and warranty levels. Most panel manufacturers offer a % output warranty over a couple of time frames. There-for it is important to know how the solar system is performing right from the start.

Solar power systems are the way to go, personal I pay no power bill so I know it works, and it is a great long term investment.