There are a few pitfalls to avoid in your quest for the perfect solar match. And while solar power remains popular among Australian consumers, so are low-cost and potentially dangerous alternatives such as cheap solar systems.
Most people are duped by false claims, companies that cut corners or vanish as quickly as they appear, and cheap offers that turn out to be too good to be true. Fortunately, these traps can be easily avoided. Here are some of the mistakes people make while looking for a solar energy solution, and how you can avoid them.
Avoid Cheap Solar Systems
You’re probably thinking of going solar because of the possible financial savings. However, saving money on the type of solar array that you install is not the place to cut corners.
Keep in mind that although purchasing inexpensive solar panels might seem to be a good idea now, the short-term savings will cost you more money in the long run when you have to repair defective or damaged device parts that failed prematurely.
This does not, however, imply that you must purchase all of the best solar batteries and disregard small solar cells in favor of larger ones. Unless you’ve become an expert in your own right and know how large a solar panel is best suited for your home, the advice of a knowledgeable installer you can trust is truly invaluable.
We, at Venegy Australia, are the experts you can rely on if you are considering going solar; we only use high-quality, premium solar panels and inverters from well-established and trusted brands. Feel free to speak to Venergy’s utility EPC team by calling 1800 836374.
Believing That a Cheap System Would Work Just as Well as a Premium System
With the abundance of solar panels across Australia, it’s easy to assume that all solar companies are the same and that it’s best to go with the cheapest system available. Accepting the cheapest quote you can find could lead to major problems down the road, and those same systems usually come with little to no after-sales support.
Cheap solar systems are frequently more costly in the long run than paying more for a premium system from a premium supplier in the first place. When it comes to inexpensive solar panels, you sometimes get what you pay for: low-quality or poorly installed panels, defective inverters, a system that fails to meet its obligations, and bad or non-existent after-sales customer service or assistance.
Looking for a good inverter? Read our A Guide to Choosing the Best Solar Inverter for Your Home.
How Companies Deceive Customers with Extremely Low Prices
The harsh reality about solar systems is that one out of every four solar systems will fail within the first few months of installation. Despite the fact that the solar market in Australia is saturated with poor quality products, they nevertheless manage to mislead customers due to the attractive pricing.
Here’s what you need to know: high-quality products do not start at $4,000 even for a 5kW to 6.6kW system. Unfortunately, many households opt for a system according to price rather than quality. And the worrisome fact is that the majority of these customers are already aware of the risks of these cheap systems.
So why do customers want to purchase inferior quality products? Some of the most common tricks that companies have up their sleeves are mentioned below. Be mindful of them to avoid falling into their beguiling tactics.
Advertisement Scams
As the word implies, an advertising “scam” is a fake advertisement that appears on multiple social media channels, websites, and blogs.
Retailers have a lot of sales experience. They know what consumers want to know and what they want to hear. Techniques to sell more frequently appear, and the majority of them – including the fake ones – have proven to be successful.
Bait and switch is a technique in which retailers “bait” consumers by advertising low-priced solar systems that include both panels and inverters. The consumers are unaware that these ads contain terms and conditions of sale. Merchants are able to swap the products for their “equivalents,” which are, as you would expect, inferior. Another related scheme involves retailers listing a low price for the panels and inverters. However, they do not disclose the specifics, such as the product’s brand name.
And, of course, there are very few companies that tout their panels as Tier 1, where in fact, they are crappy and will not withstand the harsh climate conditions.
What you can do about it: Do your own research first. Be wary of advertisements that appear to be “too good to be true”.
Poor Workmanship and Bad Installations
Warning! Cheap solar systems are dangerous and will cost you more!
All it takes is a bad installation to turn your solar panel experience into an expensive, worst nightmare.
You can find a variety of choices simply by searching for installation services. Many customers will start by looking at the prices and then choosing the most affordable option. Unfortunately, it’s possible that these installers aren’t even properly trained and qualified.
Solar power systems usually have direct current operating at a high voltage. In itself, it is dangerous, but a certified professional would know how to keep things running safely. Without proper skills and experience, many things can go wrong, and you could put other people’s lives at risk.
What you can do about it: Get in touch with certified and experienced solar installers to arrange a quote.
Cheap Solar Panels
What you can do about it: Simpy stay away from systems that are too cheap. Only use Tier 1 or high reputation solar panels.
Remember that your home is one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever possess, so when choosing a panel to install on your roof, make sure it’s a high-quality panel that will last for decades.
Cheap also means low-quality, which is exactly what the solar panels are – and why they are so inexpensive. These retailers have a knack for selling their wares products. They usually promise that they will only sell high-quality solar panels. Unfortunately, these panels can only provide acceptable performance and will quickly degrade.
When looking for a reputable solar panel, pay attention to the warranties available and the length of time the manufacturer has been in business. Longevity of a manufacturer indicates that it will weather the ups and downs of the solar industry, lowering the chance of them going bankrupt and leaving you with a worthless warranty.
Did You Know? About 750 solar companies have gone bankrupt since 2011, leaving thousands of customers without any support or warranty to fall back on.
Need More Solar Buying Tips?
For more tips on solar systems, read our Solar 101: How to Find Quality Solar Panels and Installation guide or talk to our helpful team of experts for no-obligation, no-pressure, and free advice, including more solar purchasing tips.
