In today’s world, with energy costs on the rise, it makes sense for homeowners to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. Here are some simple tips that can help lower your home’s energy usage and keep your energy costs down throughout the year.

Use smart home technology

It seems like there’s a smart version of almost every appliance now. And that’s a win for people who want to save money. While you might think more technology means more electricity usage, that’s not always the case.

Smart lighting, for example, saves money because you can control lights from anywhere. If you’ve left one on during the day, you can turn it off remotely using a smartphone. Lighting can even be motion-sensor controlled, so the lights are never on unless they need to be (i.e. when someone walks into the room). The same goes for all types of smart appliances.

You can even control the heating in your home with smart technology, such as only turning your heater on a short time before arriving home. Being able to control electronic devices and appliances remotely certainly saves you money.

 Install a solar energy system

Installing a solar energy system is an investment in the long term. While there is a significant upfront cost, a solar power system can lead to massive energy savings. All of your energy needs during daylight hours can come from free solar energy, reducing energy bills each month.

If you choose to purchase a solar battery too, then you can store excess energy and use it at night. With free energy from the sun, and the ability to store it, you can almost break completely free of energy retailers and be more self-sufficient.

 Insulate your ceiling and walls

Adding insulation to your home is easier than you think. Your roof cavity is quite easily accessible, and therefore it’s not hard to add insulation batts up there to prevent heat from escaping through the roof. With proper ventilation, you can also prevent moisture buildup in the roof cavity.

Insulating walls in an existing home is a little more complicated. However, you can now purchase sprayable foam insulation that only requires a small hole in the wall. By keeping heat inside during winter, and conversely keeping heat outside in summer, your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. As a result, you save money on electricity.

Weatherstrip your doors and windows

Weatherstripping is a great way to save energy. It’s easy to add, and it can be removed without damaging your doors or windows. This keeps drafts from coming into your home through cracks between the door frame and its surrounding trim. But it also stops warm air from escaping your home. As we mentioned above regarding insulation, when your heating and cooling system doesn’t need to work as hard, it costs much less to run.

Use natural light

Natural light is an excellent way to brighten up your home and save money. Sunlight streaming in through your windows helps warm your house in winter, therefore saving money. Plus, you won’t need artificial lighting during the day, so there are more savings. Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your home. They can be installed in almost any room of the house, and they’re an efficient way to bring natural light into your home by using less electricity than other types of lighting. 

Run costly appliances during off-peak energy times

Even if you don’t have a solar installation, you can still be smart about energy use. Washing machines, dryers and dishwashers are notoriously expensive to run. Check with your energy retailer to find out when the peak and off-peak times are. Electricity is cheaper in off-peak periods, so this is the perfect time to run your expensive appliances.

If you do have solar energy, you can save even more by following the same principle. Set your costly appliances to operate during daylight hours when they can be powered by free energy from the sun. This will help you maximise solar savings, or simply cut your electricity costs.

Want to consider a solar installation for your home?

Solar is an excellent way to save money and help the environment. It’s a win-win, so if you’d like to know how much money you can save with a solar power system at your home, contact the team at SolarBright today.

Read Also:
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last? 4 Main Considerations
Who Thought Solar Panels Would Be An Investment Decision For Business Owners?

The post The 6 Top Energy-Saving Tips for 2023 appeared first on SolarBright.

Solar panels are becoming more and more popular as they become cheaper and offer greater efficiencies. But as technology advances, this means there are multiplying options available for solar panels in Sydney. With that in mind, one of the key things you should look for when purchasing them is longevity. The longer your panels remain in good working order, the longer you’ll enjoy free solar power without having to replace your panels. 

Here’s what you need to know about how long your solar panels will last. 

The three main types of solar panels

While technology is always advancing, there are three common types of solar panels available in the Australian market. These are usually grouped as follows: 

• Monocrystalline: The pure silicon in monocrystalline panels allows electrons to move freely, and therefore they provide a higher level of efficiency. These are now the main type of panel installed.

• Polycrystalline: Previously the best option, and certainly the cheapest, polycrystalline panels aren’t as efficient as monocrystalline, and therefore have fallen out of favour. However, some are still available and are usually lower priced than mono panels.

• Thin-film: These are made with a thin photovoltaic film. These panels are flexible. They have a lower efficiency so require more roof space to achieve a desired output compared to conventional panels. Thin film panels are rarely used in residential solar systems.

Understanding solar panel degradation

Performance degradation occurs in all panels, no matter how expensive they are. As the panel ages the power out decreases each year. As mentioned above, though, better-quality panels are expected to last longer. After 25 years, good-quality panels will still be producing around 85% of the original power rating.

All panels sold in In Australia must have a performance warranty covering this. We discuss this in more detail below.

There are several factors that cause efficiency to decrease over time. These include rain, hail and other forms of weather damage, but UV exposure, thermal cycling and certain weather conditions can also affect them. 

Typically, efficiency degrades by between 0.5% – 3% per year. If you look after them and you’ve invested in quality panels, you would hope this stays towards the lower end of the scale. 

So, how long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are one of the most durable components of a solar power system. They can last for 25 years or more if you take care of them properly. We’ve explained efficiency degradation above, but that doesn’t mean your panels stop working. They just produce a little less solar energy each year, and in most cases, you won’t even notice the difference. 

When you consider that you can get a 25-year product warranty on many offerings, you can assume that they will last at least this long. We’ll talk about warranties next because this is another key factor in determining how long they should last. 

Understanding solar panel warranties in Australia

Warranties are a great way to ensure that you get the most out of your investment. But you might be surprised to know there are two different types of warranties available. These are: 

•  Product warranty: This covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of time after delivery. The length of the manufacturer’s warranty varies depending on the brand, but it’s usually somewhere between 10 and 25 years. This might also be known as a manufacturer’s warranty.

• Performance warranty: This guarantees that your system will produce at least 80% of its rated capacity after 25 years. If, at any stage during this period, your panels stop producing 80% of their capacity (in normal solar-generating conditions), you may be eligible for a claim.

So, in most cases, you’ll be covered for 25 years, and there’s no reason your panels can’t last beyond that period. 

Looking after your solar panels

Solar panels don’t need a lot of attention, but you should be giving them a quick clean at least every six months. Don’t use any abrasive chemicals, but a simple wipe-down with warm, soapy water is fine. As always, ensure you are safe on your roof while cleaning them, and if you need to, call in the experts for a scheduled clean instead. 

Looking for quality solar panels in Sydney?

SolarBright is a leading supplier of high-quality, long-lasting solar panels in Sydney. If you’re keen to join the green revolution and start saving on energy bills today, we’d love to hear from you. Check out our range or contact our friendly team today.

Read Also:
Solar Panels For The Home: The Top 5 Installation Considerations
Energy Star Rating & NFRC Standards For Skylights

The post How Long Will My Solar Panels Last? 4 Main Considerations appeared first on SolarBright.

A new solar installation at your home is a great way to save money on electricity bills. With energy prices rising, there’s never a bad time to make the switch to solar. Plus, you get to be part of the green revolution and do your part for the environment. Whatever your motivating factor is, you should consider everything before purchasing solar panels. Of course, working with a reputable solar retailer and installer makes the process a lot easier. But for those who like to do a bit of research first, here’s what you should consider for a new solar installation.

Understand your energy requirements

Before you even start looking at local solar installation providers, you need to understand what your energy requirements are. The best way to do this is to look over your previous energy bills. You’ll be able to identify what times of year you use the most energy, and your bill also provides detailed energy consumption data.

When you book a consultation with Solar Bright, we help you assess your energy needs based on the size of your home, your family circumstances and your historical energy usage. You can leave the in-depth analysis to us, and we will suggest the solar panel system size that would best suit your needs.

Consider your roof

Every roof is a little different. You may have a sloped roof or a flatter roof. Neither of these precludes you from having solar panels, but certain installations can cost more depending on complexity.

Firstly, there needs to be enough room on your roof for the number of solar panels you wish to install, and the roof needs to support the weight. This is usually not an issue, but on some older homes, it doesn’t hurt to check.

Also, check that your solar retailer will visit your home prior to preparing a solar quote for you. They will take the time to understand your energy needs, check your roof condition and the main switchboard. This will ensure all is OK for a solar panel installation.

Be aware that many installers will only do business over the phone and online. Take this as a warning sign. In this instance, the only person you will ever see will be the unknown man in the white van who turns up on the day of installation. If they perceive any “site issues”, they will demand extra payments on the day prior to starting work.

Solar panel positioning

For maximum solar efficiency, your panels should be facing north. This ensures they capture as much sun as possible during daylight hours. However, you also need to make sure your panels aren’t obscured by shade. So, if north-facing panels aren’t possible, east or west-facing is also fine.

In every state, there is also an ideal tilt that your panels should be installed with. Typically, the tilt angle should be around the same as your location’s latitude. See the table below for ideal solar panel tilt angles across all capital cities.

• Sydney – 33.9 degrees
• Melbourne – 37.8 degrees
• Brisbane – 27.5 degrees
• Adelaide – 34.9 degrees
• Perth – 31.9 degrees
• Darwin – 12.5 degrees
• Hobart – 42.9 degrees

Choose the right type of solar panel for you

There are several types of solar panels out there, and even more brands. The key is finding the best quality solar panels at the most reasonable prices, rather than simply looking for the cheapest. Generally, you get what you pay for with cheap solar panels. If you want them to last and continue offering good output for years to come, it’s important to choose from reputable manufacturers.

Make sure the panel They should also be made from Dual Glass to ensure they don’t suffer from moisture ingress and other problems in future.

Choose licensed solar installers

When choosing a solar panel installation company, make sure they are licensed by the Clean Energy Council. This will ensure that they have met all of the requirements for a professional installer and have also gone through an extensive training program.

It’s also important to note that some states require additional licenses for electrical work and HVAC systems. So, ensure your solar installer has all the relevant certifications allowing them to work in your state.

Be aware that one of the most expensive parts of the solar system is not the panels or the inverter, but the technicians on the roof. Many solar companies can offer appealingly cheap solar systems as they cut corners on the installation. Again, you get what you pay for.

Learn more by reading our blog on the dangers of cheap solar.

Looking for the best solar installation in Sydney?

SolarBright is your trusted provider of solar panel and solar installations in Sydney. If you want to know more about how solar can benefit your family, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation. We will assess your home’s suitability for solar and even tell you how much money you can expect to save on energy bills.

Read Also:
4 Common Solar Panel Problems In Australia – And How To Avoid Them
How To Choose The Best Solar Panels

The post Solar Panels For The Home: The Top 5 Installation Considerations appeared first on SolarBright.

Even the very best and most reliable brands can be subject to damage, improper installation and general degradation. Improper installation is best avoided by not choosing the cheapest systems offered. The good news is that most problems with correctly installed solar panels in Australia can be solved relatively easily if you know what to look for.

Dirt and Grime

One of the most common reasons that your solar panels aren’t performing efficiently as they should is a build-up of dirt or grime. Like any item that’s left outdoors, solar panels are subject to dust, dirt and other debris gathering on them. This can affect the efficiency of your panels.

Common issues include dust, bird droppings, leaves and ash from nearby fires. It’s recommended that your solar panels are cleaned at least once every 12 months, if not more frequently. Rain does a lot of the work for you, but it never hurts to give them a clean every now and again. If you can access your solar panels, just use warm, soapy water without harsh chemicals. This is more than enough to clean them.

Flat roof mounted panels this is especially important. Being flat they naturally collect more grime and this can effect the output of the system if they are not cleaned.

If you can’t reach your panels, you can use a hose from the ground if that’s practical. Otherwise, contact your installer because it’s likely they offer a cleaning service or be able to recommend one they know.

Birds

Believe it or not, birds can cause havoc with solar panels if left unchecked. If your solar panels are mounted on the roof, birds can build nests underneath them. This isn’t a problem in itself, but if birds are near your panels regularly, they’re likely to scratch them or even damage the wiring. If you notice birds or nests, it’s a good idea to call a pest control expert.

Alternatively, you can take precautionary measures by installing mesh wire or other forms of bird deterrent. This is easiest done at installation time. There are ways to prevent birds from nesting under our solar panels without causing harm to them.

Potential Induced Degradation

If you’ve noticed a significant decrease in the amount of electricity your solar panels are producing, it could be down to the PID effect, or Potential Induced Degradation.

This means you’ve got a difference in voltage between the solar panel and the earthing, and this causes a partial voltage discharge. Basically, you’re losing an amount of voltage, and it’s also potentially damaging the long-term effectiveness of your panels.

Because this issue isn’t obvious to the naked eye, you’ll need to call your trusted solar professionals to inspect the problem for you

Issues with your inverter

Solar inverters have the crucial task of converting direct current (DC) energy from your solar panels to alternating current (AC) energy that your home uses. As a vital part of the system, you’ll certainly notice if there is a problem.

Inverter technology has improved over the years, however, inverters still usually don’t last as long as your panels. You may find you need to replace the inverter in around 15 years, rather than the 25 years that your solar panels are expected to last.

The great thing is that most modern inverters have very clear displays where you can see the errors that are occurring. Always check the error messages against your user manual, and it should be quite easy to work out what’s going wrong. One of the most common inverter problems is following a blackout; the breaker may be automatically turned to the OFF position, so always check this first.

All good  inverters sold today come with a monitoring app that can be set up on your phone so you can monitor the production levels of the system. You can set the app up to send you an alert if there is an issue with the inverter.

Looking for solar panel experts?

If you’re looking for high-quality solar panel installation in Sydney, then look no further. SolarBright is here to take care of all your solar needs, including solar panels, solar inverter and solar battery installation and solar hot water systems. We offer a full set of solar services for all residential and commercial properties. To find out how much you can save by making the switch to solar, contact the friendly team at SolarBright today for your free consultation.

Read Also:
Four Reasons You Should Consider Solar Battery Storage
The Price Of Everyday Products Is Rising – Save Money With These Powerful Solar Products

The post 4 Common Solar Panel Problems in Australia – and How to Avoid Them appeared first on SolarBright.

So it’s taken that pressure off, this has to be a friendship interaction, and this has to be a romantic interaction. The platforms highlighted below are legal, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. OurTime.com is a dating site that caters to singles 50 years and older. Registration is free, and you can view profiles of singles in your area. The app is easy to use, and you can connect with local singles that interest you. Starting a conversation here is very easy because your potential matches are meant to comment on a specific piece of information on your profile.

They are oriented on varied countries and on the varied nationalities. There hookupguru the sites with the diverse prices and the diverse functionalities. You will need a premium membership to use the site’s full potential. For example, messaging people as a free member lets you only use the message feature to send site-generated icebreakers, while Standard members can only send winks and add folks to their favorites.

• Meetup.com is another popular platform, however it’s not built around dating.
• Research from Berkeley University in California suggests there is a dropoff in interest after online daters meet face-to-face.
• This may have something to do with most of its features being free.
• Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted July 5-17, 2022.
• A line of research initiated in recent years links dark personality traits to the reasons for using Tinder.

So until then, I’m delighted and would like to say thank you towards the present software for providing usa together. I got most positive and negative experiences previously, and many consumers actually shattered the emotions.

How to use dating apps like a pro

The date can be online or physical, with the latter costing the paying party any expenses incurred during the meet-up. If the date is to take place in a venue that requires an entry fee, your partner should pay for that too. As to how much you get to take home, the going rate averages $80 to $100 per date. Also, as an attractive member, you have an option to negotiate the bid if you feel the amount is too. After submitting your request, you’ll receive a confirmation email giving you access to the site. This is an adult dating website where bids are placed to win a date.

The Dangers of Dating App Meet-Ups

Reverting to characteristics of traditional sexual scripts, women may find themselves further entrenched in unwanted gender roles. Feminist Gail Dines has opined that pornography is “a cultural force that is shaping the sexual attitudes of an entire generation” and a “major form of sex ed today for boys.”

Most importantly, you get to set the budget for the entire date. What this means is that you get to keep the full-price amount. Finally, you don’t have to disclose your personal identity if you are not comfortable with a bidder. For the chance to get paid to date a millionaire or just the average Joe, you pay a subscription fee of $59.99 for 30 days.

Basically, you’re given a random profile with the option to either “like” them or “X” cross them out – sort of like Tinder’s swipe feature. Most of the members on SearchingforSingles are from the US, but you can still find users worldwide! Plus, there are also more women than men on this hookup site, if that’s what you’re after. Tinder has been called the harbinger of the hookup-fueled “dating apocalypse.” But the truth of the matter is, hooking up isn’t anything new . And as for Tinder, sure, it can be used for swiftly finding a one-night stand, but there are plenty of other apps that are better suited for that task. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles away to meet your date when you find the perfect match – as Tinder lets you only access singles near your location.

The post Hook Up on Tinder appeared first on SolarBright.

The temperatures in your roof cavity can reach between 50 to 70°C during an Australia summer. This heat is transferred to the ceiling in the home,  impacting living spaces. The best way to reduce these high temperatures is to install a MaxBreeze Solar Roof Fan.

How Does a MaxBreeze Solar Roof Vent Work?

The MaxBreeze is a new generation rooftop ventilation system that replaces the traditional wind driven (whirly-bird) vents. It works like a whirly-bird by removing heat and stale air however it operates using solar as the power source.

The compact MaxBreeze has a solar panel that generates, clean free electricity when the sun is shining. This power is used to run a brushless DC electric motor that is connected to the extraction fan.

The smart, efficient MaxBreeze is thermostat controlled. When the roof cavity heats up to about 30°C, the thermostat turns on the MaxBreeze allowing the fan to extract the warm air.

Just one MaxBreeze has been proven to replace 6-8 whirly-birds – making for a much cheaper and simpler installation, with more impressive outcomes.

Key Features of the MaxBreeze Solar Powered Roof Fan

By removing the hot air MaxBreeze keeps your roof space cooler. This results in a more comfortable home and reduces the load on the air-conditioner to help save on power costs.

Moves Air Efficiently

MaxBreeze has been proven to move over 20 times more air than traditional whirly-birds.

Saves on Energy Costs

Roof cavities can get extremely hot during the day making living spaces expensive to cool. MaxBreeze works effectively during the day to make your living spaces comfortable and reduce your air conditioning costs.

Reduces the Risk of Moisture to Prevent Mould

The MaxBreeze ensures that air is continuously and efficiently circulating through the home reducing the condensation to help prevent mould.

Turns On and Off Automatically

MaxBreeaze uses a smart thermostat to turn the unit on when the heat builds up inside the roof cavity. It turns itself off after removing the heat. Unlike the old fashion whirley birds on a cold day, the MaxBreeze will not turn on. This keeps the warm air inside your roof cavity to help warm your home.

Made for Harsh Australian Conditions

MaxBreeze has been designed and tested in our harsh Australia conditions. On a stifling hot summer day with no breeze, the MaxBreeze will work quietly and efficiently to extract the hot air from the roof cavity helping to cool your home.

Australian Designed and Owned.

The MaxBreeze is designed and owned by SolarBright.

Can Solar Roof Vents Work at Night?

Standard solar roof vents can only operate when the sun is shining. However, there are MaxBreeze models that can operate night.

The MB400 Zephyr is a model that can run at night. During the day when the sun is shining the units works like a standard solar roof vent removing the hot air.

However, it features a second solar panel with a built-in battery. During the day the sun charges this battery. At night the battery powers the MaxBreeze solar roof vent, allowing the fan to continue cooling the roof cavity.

There are also models available that can be plugged into a power point to provide power to run the fan at night.

***********

Australian summers produce some of the most hot and harsh conditions and home-owners want to make their homes as comfortable as possible.

With power companies forecasting a 35% rise in power prices over the next year, this means running air-conditioners will become more expensive. The MaxBreeze solar roof fan is an easy, cost-effective solution to help make your living spaces cooler.

It helps reduces the workload on the air conditioner on hot days by removing hot air from the roof cavity. It has the added benefit of helping protect your home from moisture build up in the roof.

Let the free power of the sun do the work for you while you become more energy independent!

For more information contact SolarBright today

Read Also:
4 Considerations For Choosing The Best Solar Battery
Who Thought Solar Panels Would Be An Investment Decision For Business Owners?

The post How Solar Roof Vents Help Cool Your Home appeared first on SolarBright.

Why do you need solar battery storage?

In a typical grid connected solar system setup, there are two main components: the solar panels that generate solar energy, and the solar inverter that converts solar energy into electricity. The only problem is that the solar energy from your panels can only be used as it’s produced. So, if your solar panels generate more power than you need, the excess energy is typically sold back to the main grid.

Your electricity retailer will only offer you a feed-in tariff of around 5 to 10 cents a kWh for this power. It also means when the sun isn’t shining, like during the evenings, you still need the main electricity grid to power your home. This electricity will cost you about 35 cents a kWh.

With solar battery storage, you don’t need to worry about any of that. The excess solar energy you produce during the day is stored in a battery and used when the panels stop producing power. Solar battery storage will help you gain energy independence. Some battery systems can also be setup to provide backup power to the home when there is a blackout. This improves your energy security.

How to find the best solar battery

Choosing a solar battery comes down to your personal needs. Every house is different, with varying levels of energy usage. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to solar battery storage. Here are some of the things you should consider when choosing your solar battery.

1-Capacity

The capacity of a solar battery is probably the most important thing to measure. Battery storage is expressed in kWh, which is essentially power multiplied by time. As such, the capacity tells you how much power your battery can store, and how long it will last. This obviously depends on how much energy you use in your home.

Generally, if you’re unsure of the capacity requirements, it’s best to choose more rather than less. This gives you flexibility in case your energy consumption increases.

It is important to make sure solar system will be able to produce enough excess power to fill the battery each day.

2-Power rating

The other key measurement is the power rating, which is expressed in kW. This rating tells you how much power can be drawn from the battery at any one time. If you have appliances that require a lot of electricity, you’ll want to be sure your solar battery can deliver the required output to keep everything in your home running smoothly.

3-Back up power in a blackout

Another consideration is do you want backup power during a blackout? Many batteries can provide power your home if there is a power outage. The battery will need to be specially set up by the installer to do this. Often extra hardware may be needed.

Some batteries cannot charge from the solar if the grid is down. You will only be able to use the charge that is in the battery. Other systems will allow you to keep charging the battery from the solar until the power comes back.

4-Battery life

You can measure a battery’s quality by its expected throughput and cycles. This refers to the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged. Throughput is also important here because it tells you how much electricity can be pumped through your battery in a lifetime. Generally, this will be reflected in the warranty.

A battery may offer a 10-year, 10,000 cycle warranty. This means the battery is warranted for 10 years or 10,000 cycles, which ever milestone is reached first.

SolarBright’s solar battery options

Perhaps the most well-known solar battery option is the Tesla Powerwall 2, which is a 13.5kWh battery that is powerful enough for most modern residential homes.

However, here at SolarBright we also offer the Sungrow Modular SBR Series batteries. These powerful units can be expanded in 3.2kWh modules from 9.6kWh to 25.6kWh. You can even join four fully stacked Sungrow batteries together for a whopping 100kWh capacity. Although that’s far more than most residential homes need, it does give you enormous flexibility.

Need more information?

SolarBright is your local expert for solar installations and solar battery storage in NSW. You can book a free consultation today and one of our solar experts will visit your home. We can tell you how much money you could save with any of our amazing solar packages

Whether you want a full solar and battery storage solution or a standard solar panel installation, we’re the team you can count on. Contact us today and be part of the green revolution!

The post 4 Considerations for Choosing the Best Solar Battery appeared first on SolarBright.

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.

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:

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.

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.

The post Solar Panel Costs and Solar System Prices appeared first on SolarBright.

Australia experiences many sunny days with long daylight hours in summer. This makes it ideal for solar. However, our summers are very hot and roof temperatures easily reach 65°C. making it harsh for panels. We experience southerly busters and east coast lows that generate high winds, storms and clouds. All up, Australian conditions are tough on solar panels.

This means Australian consumers need to carefully consider which solar panel they choose. Does it have the technology and features to not only survive, but to thrive, in our tough environment?

MPS-390N Features That Make it Ideal for Australia

The Max Power MPS-390N is designed to thrive in harsh Australian conditions. It features dual glass, a low-temperature coefficient, bifacial technology, N-Type cells, and long Australian warranties. Other panels may have one or two of these features. None has them all except the Max Power 390N. It is built for Australia,

Here we investigate these premium technologies and features of the MPS-390N. This will help you understand why the 390N panel is a safe choice for Australian consumers.

Dual Glass for Extra Toughness and Longevity

The MPS-390N has dual glass, meaning it has a glass sheet on both the front and the back of the panel. Most solar panels in the Australian market only have a glass front sheet. The backing sheet on these panels is made of plastic.

Dual glass adds the extra strength and longevity a panel requires in Australian conditions. They are a tougher panel. This extra toughness is reflected in the long Max Power warranties.

Most plastic-backed panels have only a 12 or 15-year product warranty while the MPS-390N has a 25-year product warranty (more on warranties later). This extra strength also helps the panel when subject to high winds.

When continually exposed to extreme heat conditions on the roof in summer, a plastic backing sheet can begin to peel off. Once this occurs, moisture can get into the panel cells and cause the panel to fail. Hence the shorter product warranties on plastic backed panels.

Don’t accept a panel as a premium panel if it is not dual glass.

Another benefit of the glass backing sheet is it helps heat to escape the cells faster than a plastic backing sheet. This helps keep the panel cooler on hot days, making the panel perform better.

Low  Temperature Coefficient for Better Performance

We all know that solar panels need sunshine to make electricity. One would think that the hotter it is, the better the solar panel will perform. However, this is not the case. Solar panels are most efficient at an air temperature of 25°C. Above this temperature, the panel performance begins to fall as the temperature rises. The temperature coefficient measures this drop as a percentage of panel output.

A lower temperature coefficient means better performance in hotter weather. This is essential for a country with hot weather such as Australia.

The Max Power MPS-390 has temperature coefficient of -0.31%, the best we have seen of any 390W panel in Australia. On hot days the Max Power will produce more power than competing panels, another factor making it ideal for Aussie conditions.

This delivers customers more power and savings over the life of the system.

Bifacial Technology for Improved Performance and Efficiency

Bifacial technology means that the cells in the solar panel can produce power from the front of the cell and the reflected light on the back of the cell. This helps deliver improved performance and better efficiency for the MPS-390N panel.

This allows the panel to make the most of strong, sunny Australian conditions resulting in increased production and more savings for Max Power customers.

Use of N-Type Cells

We all know that Australia has widely variable conditions from heat waves through to La Nina rain events. Although known for the sunshine, we do have variable weather with cloudy days. This means you need a panel that copes with this variation in conditions.

The Max Power MPS-390N uses superior N-Type cells. Most panels use standard P-Type cells. One major advantage of N-Types cells is they have outstanding performance in low light conditions. This means on cloudy days, or early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is low, the Max Power will produce more power than standard panels. This is another reason the 390N is ideal for Australian conditions.

Backed with Long Australian Warranties

Max Power Solar is an Australian solar company. This gives you peace of mind knowing that the panel is backed by a local Australian company, not an offshore supplier.

Solar panels come with two separate warranties. The product warranty covers the panel itself (workmanship and materials), and the performance warranty covers the output of the panel over time.

The Max Power MPS-390N has a 25-year product warranty covering the panel. Many competing panels will only have a 12 or 15-year product warranty.

Under Australian regulations, all solar panels sold in Australia must have a performance warranty. The output of solar panels decreases as they get older. The performance warranty warrants the panel output after 25 years. This does not mean the panel will last 25 years, though.

Most panels will lose about 20% of their power over 25 years. However, the Max Power 390N performance warranty covers 30 years, one of the longest in the industry. After 30 years, the panel is warranted to punch out a huge 87.4% of its original power.

Over the life of the panel, the Max Power will out produce other panels. This is another win for Max Power customers with more power and more savings over the life of the system.

Conclusion

The key technologies and features built into the Max Power MPS-390N make it ideally suited for tough Australian conditions. No other panel packs all this into one package.

Dual glass delivers strength and longevity for the panel. A low-temperature coefficient allows it to outperform other panels in our hot weather. Bifacial technology improves the panel performance and increases efficiency, delivering more power and more savings. Superior N-Type cells deliver outstanding low light performance, so the panel is suited to variable Australian conditions.

Underpinning these great features and technology is the peace of mind coming long Australian warranties and local support.

All of this combined makes the Max Power MPS-390N solar panel the ideal choice for Australian conditions.

Download the Max Power MPS-390N Brochure and Datasheet

Contact SolarBright for more information.

The post Why the Max Power MPS-390N Panel is Ideal for Australian Conditions appeared first on SolarBright.

Many Australians are feeling the pinch right now, with everything from lettuce to petrol costing more each day. Coupled with interest rate rises and low wage growth, the average Aussie needs to find other ways to save money. When you think about it, reducing unnecessary costs is almost the same as giving yourself a pay rise.

There are so many ways to save money around the home. Some will have a small impact while others will be quite dramatic. So, it’s really your choice on how much you’d like to save. Every little bit adds up, and there are several money-saving ideas that won’t cramp your lifestyle.

One of the best places to start is with your power bill. Electricity and gas prices are skyrocketing right now, meaning cutting energy usage has never been more important. Rather than spending your time shopping around for better gas and electricity deals, these options can help now and in the future.

Solar Installations

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about solar energy, now might be the time to pick a side. It seems crazy that we pay so much for electricity when the sun provides us with more than enough free energy to power our homes. Installing rooftop solar is a great way to slash your energy bills. A basic on-grid solar power system can power your home all day, and you only need to pay for power at night.

Alternatively, you could invest a little more and get an off-grid solar solution with battery storage. This means all of the excess power your solar panels generate during the day can be stored and used at night. You’ll practically never have a power bill again.

Of course, the cost of installing solar can be prohibitive to some, so talk to your local solar retailer today. They can let you know how much you’ll save, and they can even give you information about government rebates and schemes to make solar panel installation cheaper.

Solar LED Skylights

If you’re not ready to make the full leap to solar power yet, that’s ok. There are other solar products you can take advantage of without committing to a full system installation. One of those options is an LED skylight.

Traditional skylights give you natural light in the home during the day, but they aren’t much use at night. A solar LED skylight with a small storage battery, however, gives you free light whenever you need it. It consists of a diffuser kit with LED lights installed on your ceiling, a solar panel and battery on the roof, and a cable connecting the two. Skylights installation is an easy and economical way to cut down your electricity costs.

Solar Hot Water

The other solar option you have is likely to make an even bigger impact than your skylights. Hot water is one of the biggest electricity costs we have in modern residential homes. So, what if you could heat all of your water for free rather than using gas or electricity?

Solar hot water tanks, as the name suggests, are heated by solar energy. Solar hot water heaters can be placed on the roof or on the ground, and are installed alongside a solar panel that delivers all the energy you need. Why pay exorbitant gas and electricity prices when you can get all the hot water you need thanks to the sun?

Solar Roof Ventilation

We often forget about ventilation in the energy-saving discussion. However, proper ventilation is crucial to keeping your costs down. Heat can get trapped in your roof cavity without proper ventilation, and this ultimately causes mould and moisture problems. It also means the heat finds a way into your home and air conditioners need to work harder.

Consider installing proper roof cavity ventilation such as a solar roof ventilator. A solar-powered roof ventilation fan like the MaxBreeze uses a small solar panel to drive a brushless, quiet DC electric motor and fan. The fan is thermostat controlled so the unit will start operating when the roof cavity reaches about 30°C.

It will help keep your home cool in summer without cranking the AC all day. And in winter on a cold, windy day it will not operate, keeping warmer air in your cavity, unlike a whirlybird.

Contact SolarBright today

SolarBright can save you money in more ways than one. From LED skylights and solar-powered roof fans to solar and battery installations in  Sydney, we’ve got your back. If you’d like to make the switch to solar energy and stop wasting money on energy bills, contact our team today. We’ve got solutions for every home, every family and every budget.

Read Also:
7 Reasons To Choose Max Power Solar MPS-390N Panel Now LG Solar Has Gone
Who Thought Solar Panels Would Be An Investment Decision For Business Owners?

The post The Price of Everyday Products is Rising – Save Money with These Powerful Solar Products appeared first on SolarBright.