An on-site consultation to design a solar system will improve the benefits. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Households making the decision to install rooftop solar are primarily motivated by the financial benefits, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of their home. However, even though the price has fallen considerably in recent years, the upfront cost is still thousands of dollars.
Customising the design of a solar system may sound like a luxurious extra, but according to experts, an on-site inspection will ensure the right system is installed, providing plenty of benefits and mitigating the risk of getting it wrong.
True Connection Electrical owner and director Tim Middleton says that by taking the time to book an on-site consultation, rather than using an online template or getting a quote over the phone, homeowners could save money and avoid possible confusion.
“By bringing someone to your home, the installer can really get a better gauge on the house and what system would suit your property best,” Tim says.
“They can look at the property, see some of your power bills as well as the positioning of your house to see when you’d be getting the best sunlight, including what trees or buildings are shading the property, and make a thorough assessment using all the extra information from being on-site.”
Tim says that while you can get a quote online or over the phone, the on-site visits will ultimately save money in the long run.
“You can get a system installed after a phone call, but it is a risk; sometimes the quote might not be perfectly accurate, and they may have misjudged the size of the system or the number of panels that needed to be installed, which just extends the process and can end up costing more money.
“For the sake of a 20-minute consultation, it does make all the difference.”
A visit from a certified electrician can also provide an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your future solar system regarding the impacts it will have on your property and the ongoing costs of running it.
They can also work with you to determine the most suitable type of solar system for your home, ensuring you maximise your energy efficiency and savings.
Another benefit of an on-site visit is that the experts can assess if any of your appliances should be replaced or upgraded to help save you even more money and help the environment in the process.
“They can see if it would be worth replacing your hot water system or your stove so you can get the most out of your solar installations, which is obviously something that needs to be done in person so we can properly evaluate.
“Ultimately, if you can line up a time, it rarely takes more than 20 minutes, and the system will be customised to fit your property perfectly.”
For more information or to book a consultation for a customised solar system, visit True Connection Electrical.
