7 Reasons Why Now Is The Right Time To Install Solar

During these times with more people at home power bills will increase. Solar pays for itself and saves you money from day one and keeps doing it for years. Now more than ever, solar makes great financial sense.

When you consider these seven top reasons for getting solar power installation now, you realise why many families regard solar as essential in helping provide economic security for the household, and why now is the perfect time to go solar.

1. More People Now Working From Home And Power Costs Are Rising

With the pandemic there have been changes to our lifestyles. We have seen an increase in people working from home. Even with workers returning the to the office, we are seeing more flexibility in the work place.

This has led to many office workers now choosing to work from home at 1 to 2 days per week. Employers are allowing this flexibility. it helps keep their workforce happy in a tight employment market.

One of the outcomes of these circumstances is that daytime power use will immediately increase for families.

On top of this in July 2022 power prices rose up to 17%, and more increases are predicted. Consequently, power bills are rising again. By installing solar now, you will avoid the possibility bill shock and it will help secure your energy future.

2. Solar Works From Day 1 On Reducing Your Power Bills – And Keeps At It For Years

By deferring solar you will still have to pay increased power bills – and otherwise paying money out to the power company that could have been invested in solar. Your next three $700 power bills would pay for more than half of the system. Instead, if you defer, it will go from your pocket into the power company coffers.

The best thing about solar is it reduces your power bills from day one. It is an investment that pays for itself and will give you returns for many years into the future for the life of the system.

A typical 6.6kW system installed in Sydney will produce around 9,300kWh of power per year. A kWh of power you buy from the power company costs around $0.29. If you can use 70% of the power it produces (6,510kWh) it will save you almost $1,900 per year! The system will pay for itself in under 2 years.

After 2 years it just keeps saving you money for the life of the system. After 15 years it could save you over $20,000. Why delay? Help secure your economic security now. Every month delayed costs you money.

During these times with more people at home power bills will increase. Solar pays for itself and saves you money from day one and keeps doing it for years. Now more than ever, solar makes great financial sense. When you consider these seven top reasons for getting solar power installation now, you realise why many families regard solar as essential in helping provide economic security for the household, and why now is the perfect time to go solar. 1. More People Now Working From Home And Power Costs Are Rising With the pandemic there have been changes to our lifestyles. We have seen an increase in people working from home. Even with workers returning the to the office, we are seeing more flexibility in the work place. This has led to many office workers now choosing to work from home at 1 to 2 days per week. Employers are allowing this flexibility. it helps keep their workforce happy in a tight employment market. One of the outcomes of these circumstances is that daytime power use will immediately increase for families. On top of this in July 2022 power prices rose up to 17%, and more increases are predicted. Consequently, power bills are rising again. By installing solar now, you will avoid the possibility bill shock and it will help secure your energy future. 2. Solar Works From Day 1 On Reducing Your Power Bills – And Keeps At It For Years By deferring solar you will still have to pay increased power bills – and otherwise paying money out to the power company that could have been invested in solar. Your next three $700 power bills would pay for more than half of the system. Instead, if you defer, it will go from your pocket into the power company coffers. The best thing about solar is it reduces your power bills from day one. It is an investment that pays for itself and will give you returns for many years into the future for the life of the system. A typical 6.6kW system installed in Sydney will produce around 9,300kWh of power per year. A kWh of power you buy from the power company costs around $0.29. If you can use 70% of the power it produces (6,510kWh) it will save you almost $1,900 per year! The system will pay for itself in under 2 years. After 2 years it just keeps saving you money for the life of the system. After 15 years it could save you over $20,000. Why delay? Help secure your economic security now. Every month delayed costs you money. The image above shows the dramatic difference from one bill to the next after installing solar. 3. Finance Options Available If you do not want to outlay the outright cost of a solar system SolarBright has options available for you. With no upfront costs and for less than the cost of a coffee a day you can help secure your economic future. In many cases it is a cash flow positive situation where the savings from the systems will cover the cost of the coffee and put some money in your pocket. Imagine that instead of having to fork out for a surging a power bill all you need is less than a coffee a day to own a system that is covering this cost anyway in most cases! And if down the track you are in a position to payout, you can.* 4. Aussie Dollar Uncertainty Another thing to consider is that the Aussie dollar has been on a roller-coaster ride since March. By delaying getting solar now you may be exposing yourself to price increases down the track. With most solar panels and inverters imported from overseas, many vendors are now flagging that they will have to increase prices for these components and these price rises will be passed on to consumers. By getting solar now you reduce your exposure to the volatility of the currency markets and any coming price increases. 5. Government Incentives Decreasing Each year the government incentives for solar decrease by 7%. These are the Small Technology Certificates or STC’s. On a 6.6kW system the current government incentives amount to $3,600 – take advantage of these current incentive rates in 2020 by installing solar now. 6. Solar Is Perfect If You Are On A Fixed Income Another consequence of the volatility in financial markets is that for people relying on fixed incomes from investments is that their incomes may fall. One of the ways to combat a falling fixed income is reduce your fixed and variable expenditure or costs. As discussed above solar reduces your power bills and can put money in your pocket from day one and continue to do so for many years. If you do not invest in solar you will still have to pay your power bills. Even with modest bills of $250 a quarter that is $10,000 of dead money over 10 years. 7. Solar Is Good For The Environment Solar produces clean, free energy making solar great for the environment. A 6.6kW system in a typical installation in NSW will offset over 8,000kg of carbon emissions per year, adding up to 160 tonnes over 20 years. So not only will the system pay for itself it will also make you feel good that you are doing your bit to help the environment. With all these reasons going solar now if you can is a wise and sensible decision. SolarBright is Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer and since 2008 we have helped over 11,000 customers and businesses across NSW save thousands off their power bills with solar. Solar is classified as an essential service and during the restrictions imposed by the response to COVID-19, SolarBright is able to continue to safely supply and install solar with procedures designed to keep our customers and employees safe during the journey of going solar. For more information you can check our web page covering this topic.

The image above shows the dramatic difference from one bill to the next after installing solar.

3. Finance Options Available

If you do not want to outlay the outright cost of a solar system SolarBright has options available for you. With no upfront costs and for less than the cost of a coffee a day you can help secure your economic future.

In many cases it is a cash flow positive situation where the savings from the systems will cover the cost of the coffee and put some money in your pocket.

Imagine that instead of having to fork out for a surging a power bill all you need is less than a coffee a day to own a system that is covering this cost anyway in most cases! And if down the track you are in a position to payout, you can.*

4. Aussie Dollar Uncertainty

Another thing to consider is that the Aussie dollar has been on a roller-coaster ride since March. By delaying getting solar now you may be exposing yourself to price increases down the track.

With most solar panels and inverters imported from overseas, many vendors are now flagging that they will have to increase prices for these components and these price rises will be passed on to consumers.

By getting solar now you reduce your exposure to the volatility of the currency markets and any coming price increases.

5. Government Incentives Decreasing

Each year the government incentives for solar decrease by 7%. These are the Small Technology Certificates or STC’s.

On a 6.6kW system the current government incentives amount to $3,600 – take advantage of these current incentive rates in 2020 by installing solar now.

6. Solar Is Perfect If You Are On A Fixed Income

Another consequence of the volatility in financial markets is that for people relying on fixed incomes from investments is that their incomes may fall.

One of the ways to combat a falling fixed income is reduce your fixed and variable expenditure or costs. As discussed above solar reduces your power bills and can put money in your pocket from day one and continue to do so for many years.

If you do not invest in solar you will still have to pay your power bills. Even with modest bills of $250 a quarter that is $10,000 of dead money over 10 years.

7. Solar Is Good For The Environment

Solar produces clean, free energy making solar great for the environment. A 6.6kW system in a typical installation in NSW will offset over 8,000kg of carbon emissions per year, adding up to 160 tonnes over 20 years.

So not only will the system pay for itself it will also make you feel good that you are doing your bit to help the environment.

With all these reasons going solar now if you can is a wise and sensible decision.

SolarBright is Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer and since 2008 we have helped over 11,000 customers and businesses across NSW save thousands off their power bills with solar.

Solar is classified as an essential service and during the restrictions imposed by the response to COVID-19, SolarBright is able to continue to safely supply and install solar with procedures designed to keep our customers and employees safe during the journey of going solar.

For more information you can check our web page covering this topic.

Solar Panel Costs And Solar System Prices

Over the last 15 years solar has been one of the fastest growing industries in Australia. During this time the solar panel cost and the price of standard solar systems has fallen dramatically. This is mostly due to improvements in technology.

In 2010, with the help of generous government rebates, a 5kW solar panel system cost around $10,000. Today, despite lower government subsidies, a quality 6.6kW system has a price of around $5,000.

Most solar products are produced in China. The costs of producing solar panels and solar inverters have reached rock bottom in the last few years. Consequently, many manufacturers are struggling to make a profit due to fierce competition.

The Cost of Roof Top Solar Has Fallen Over the Last 15 Years.

Solar System And Solar Panel Costs In Australia

Thanks to government subsidies, solar panel costs are lower in Australia. Thus, solar power systems are more affordable here than in most parts of the world. Despite this, consumers in Australia often feel confused by the large variation in the advertised prices for solar systems.

For example, a typical 6.6kW solar power systems with entry-level products can be quoted anywhere between $3,500–$7000 by different retailers and installers.

How can there be such huge variation in price for similar products? To answer this question, we need to look at the costs endured by solar businesses, and the different models for solar businesses operating in Australia.

Types Of Solar Businesses In Australia

There are three main types of solar businesses:

Established Solar Retailers

Usually, these businesses are a “full service” business. They will have an operations centre and warehouse. They offer free in-house consultations for potential customers. They have the qualifications and sufficient resources to complete jobs successfully and safely. Solar retailers can be more reliable than other businesses, as they have dedicated customer service and technical support personnel.

Unfortunately, what we see now is some large solar retailers adopting a low-cost model with low quality service for customers. These retailers run their operations from overseas call centres in India or the Philippines. Often they reverse-auction their installation work out to subcontractors to get the cheapest installation price.

Marketers

These are usually micro-businesses run by operators who utilise subcontractors. The products are collected from distributors and wholesalers before delivering them to customers. Typically they have an attractive website and a virtual office address. These businesses operate on very slim margins, and it is impossible for them to service customers over the long term. In many cases, these businesses hide their shortcomings  by offering customers reputable brands at ridiculously low prices.

Installers

These are usually tradies with no base of operations. They run the business from their vans, purchasing products from distributors and wholesalers. In most cases, these installers find themselves a job for the day and have insufficient profits to provide a good level of customer or after-sales service.

The Costs Involved With Installing Solar Panels

Running a professional business in any sector is always costly and never easy. All businesses that supply and install solar panels in Australia face both direct and indirect costs.

  1. Direct Costs:

These costs include the essential items to complete a job. For example, a 6.6kW solar power system with entry level components may incur the following costs:

Item

Typical Cost Inc GST

Cheap solar panels

$3,070

Cheap 5kW inverter

$550

Low quality installation

$1,880

Balance of system (roof mount kits)

$440

Outsourced marketing (purchasing leads from third party)

$250

Total Costs of Products (with $0 Profit)

$6,190

Rebates

-$3,403

Price to customer after rebates with $0 Profit

$2,787

The costs detailed above are the bare minimum for a cheap 6.6kW solar system. These costs would increase when better products and quality workmanship (installers) are added to the job.

Marketers and installers operate under the above cost structure; their operations are transactional with a minimal focus on customer service. Customers can forget about after-sales service – it’s not part of the deal!

2. Indirect And Fixed Costs:

These costs are essential in offering customers a high level of customer service and meeting the expectations for after-sales service. These costs include:

  • Payroll costs
  • Rent fees
  • Marketing
  • Fleet expense
  • IT platforms fees
  • Utilities
  • Accreditations and licensing
  • Insurances
  • Provisions to cover long term warranty policies.

Professional solar retailers incur both types of costs. Their prices are higher to meet these costs and also to account for the cost of providing a better before and after sales experience for the customer.

It is important to remember that businesses must be profitable to meet customers’ expectations and remain sustainable. Therefore, they need to add a reasonable profit on top of their costs. The mark up is typically in the 15% -30% range.

Right now, we can see operators offering 6.6kW solar system for as low as $3,000 and offering 10-25 years warranty! It is impossible for a viable business to deliver a quality and safe system at this unrealistic price.

Selecting The Right Solar Retailer

Choosing the right company that offers professional consultation, design, installation, and customer service is crucial for ultimate customer satisfaction. It can also mean the difference between getting a safe and unsafe installation.

Choosing the Right Solar Retailer Will Ensure a Safe Solar Installation.

Going solar is a long-term investment.

Customers need to consider these seven conditions when selecting a company to provide their solar:

  • Did the business understand the specific needs and requirements by visiting the premises and providing a consultation? Or did they just email a quote from an overseas call centre, a virtual office with a premium address or even from a backyard office?
  • Have the appropriate products, system size and design been considered? Or is it a one-size-fits-all approach?
  • Does the business have a physical address to visit and contact if necessary? Or does it just have a colourful website with a diverted phone number and many fake online reviews?
  • Does the business seem to have resources to cover any unexpected outcomes during or after installation? Or is it a one-man show with limited resources?
  • Will the installation be done professionally to maintain the integrity of the roof and avoid water leaks and fire danger?
  • How likely is it that the warranty will be honoured? About 1,000 solar businesses have folded over the last few years. Many of them appeared again under new banners because they were unable to meet their warranty and financial obligations.
  • Finally, is the price competitive? Or is it too good to be true?

Choosing a solar system that will deliver years of trouble free service is not decision to be made on the criteria of who has the cheapest solar panels.

The cheapest solar power system with the cheapest solar panels may save a few hundred dollars at the beginning. In the long term it may cost thousands more in generating less solar power, repairs, worthless warranties and of course, the heartaches.

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