Solar panel quotes Perth

As Australians try to break free of fossil fuels and get closer to attaining 50 per cent renewable electricity by 2030, Perth residents are well placed to take advantage of solar energy with the city's ample sunshine.

Solar panels can easily provide eco-friendly energy for homes in the city, so read on to find out if solar panels are a good idea in Perth, how much you could save, and the process for having panels installed in your home.

Are solar panels a good idea in Perth?

Solar panels can be an excellent idea in Perth because it receives ample sunshine. In fact, Perth might have the reputation of being one of the most remote cities on Earth, but it is also one of the sunniest. It leads as one of the country's top solar cities with an impressive daily average of 8 hours of sunlight according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

What return can you get from solar panels in Perth?

Savings from solar panels can vary depending on a number of factors including your current electricity rates, the price of your solar system and how much electricity you use during the day. Read on below for some estimates.

With a standard 5kW solar power system, you can save around $2,000 a year and the system will pay for itself in about 3 - 5 years, according to WA's largest electricity provider Synergy.

An efficient 10kW system with between 31 to 40 panels can produce approximately 44 kWh per day, and if most of this energy is consumed then a household can expect to save from $400 to $700 per billing cycle according to Infinite Energy.

What's the process for installing solar panels?

Below is a standard outline of the process for installing solar panel systems. Solar installers in Perth all have their unique style of installation of panels and systems but typically the below pattern is always followed with only some variances:

1. A site and roof assessment are carried out by the solar company. Measurements of the roof are taken. The structural integrity of the home undergoes strict examination to ensure it can carry the weight of the panels and racking system. Readings are collected to check sun and shade exposure.
2. The installation company completes all paperwork and permits.
3. Panels, inverter, racking system, and other necessary components to complete the job are ordered.
4. The roof undergoes prepping, the racking system is installed, the inverter and electrical system are then wired to complete the connections so the system can start converting the direct current (DC) energy from the panels to alternating current (AC) energy for your home's use.
5. All inspections are carried out.

How much do solar panels cost to install in Perth?

According to Synergy a 2kW solar system costs between $3,100 to $5,400 for eight panels. The system has the potential to save about $850 per year in energy. A 5kW system costs about $5,100 to $8,900, boasts 19 solar panels and can save over $2,000 per year in energy. You can get a general idea about how much solar panels cost in our guide to solar power.

How much electricity does my home need?

If you are unsure about how much electricity you need, then you should take a few minutes to look at your bill to determine your family's electrical use. You can also read your home's meter to see exactly how much power your household is using.

A large household uses more electricity than a household with only a single person or couple. You can use an energy calculator to see how much electricity each appliance in the home uses.

Do I need approval to install and connect solar panels in Perth?

To connect solar installations to the electrical grid you will need to obtain your local utility company's approval, and depending on where you live you may need to notify the local council. The approval is for safety reasons and to ensure that the entire installation is safe to connect and operate. Most networks have a simple form that the solar installer will fill out to gain approval.

If you have a home that is heritage listed, then you will need to research if you need council approval for the specific property.

How to get a solar panel quote in Perth

You can obtain quick online solar panel installation information by comparing websites and looking at online reviews. Solar Quotes and Solar Choice both provide solar quotes from local companies. You simply enter the address where you plan on having the panels installed to obtain a free quote. You can also post your project on online marketplaces such as Airtasker or Oneflare and then read reviews of companies that give you a quote.

Check out our guide to solar panel quotes for more information about what information you'll need before asking for a quote, and how to compare quotes.

How to compare solar panel installers

Here are a few tips about how to compare solar panel installers in Perth:

• Only hire a CEC-accredited installer to handle the installation of your solar panels. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has been put in place to represent the various businesses within the clean energy sector. Both the installers and the systems should always have CEC accreditation which shows that they adhere to all quality standards.
• Always check to see how long the company has been in business. A company with longevity shows dependability and stability.
• Ask questions about the company's experience.
• Check the online reputation of the company to make sure they have good reviews.

What solar incentives are available in Perth?

In addition to lower electricity bills and earning "feed-in" tariffs for sending electricity you generate back into the grid, there's also an upfront government rebate for eligible solar panel installations.

The current upfront discount for solar panel installation from the government is part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme. It provides an upfront discount in the form of Small-scale technology certificates or STCs, with roughly one STC awarded for every megawatt hour the system will generate.

As mentioned above, the rebates differ depending on your location, when the installation took place, and the size of the system. If you install a 6.6kW system in Western Australia costing approximately $10,000, then the rebate would reduce the cost by as much as about $3,700 according to Solar Calculator.

There are some eligibility criteria you must satisfy before you take advantage of the incentive, including that the installer and system must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited or approved.

Bottom line

Perth's ample sunshine makes solar energy a good choice to consider. If you're interested, get quotes from more than one installer and compare them to get the best deal. Then you can start utilising the sunlight and saving on your energy bill while reducing your carbon footprint.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy the panels myself?

No, you can purchase the panels through the installer you choose to go with.

Can I install solar panels myself?

Solar panel installation is not a DIY project. It requires a skilled professional due to the fact it involves electrical wiring.

Is it harder to sell a house with solar panels?

No, it's not harder to sell a house with solar panels. Solar panels are often not visible when looking at the house from the ground, and today more people are embracing the benefits of clean energy.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels can easily last 25 years if installed correctly and maintained.

What angle and what direction should my solar panels be installed at?

Ideally, solar panels should be installed at a 20 to 30-degree angle on a north-facing roof in Perth.