If you're considering investing in solar power for your home in Auckland or any area of New Zealand, you're not alone. More Kiwis are turning to solar power to save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
Here, we'll share some tips for choosing the right solar panel system for your home, so you can start enjoying the benefits of clean, green energy.
Determine your Energy Needs.
Determining your energy needs is essential in choosing the right solar panel system for your home. By understanding your energy usage, you can determine how many solar panels you need to generate enough electricity for your home. Here are some steps to help you calculate your energy needs:
Look at Your Electricity Bill
Your electricity bill will provide valuable information about your energy usage. (First) look at the statement and note your monthly and annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Checking your statement will give you an idea of how much energy you use per month and year.
Consider Your Future Energy Needs
Think about any changes you may make in the future that could affect your energy usage. For example, if you plan to buy an electric vehicle, you may need to factor in the additional energy required to charge it.
Use an Online Solar Calculator
Online solar calculators can help you estimate your energy needs based on your location, the size of your home, etc. These calculators will consider your daily energy usage and estimate how many solar panels you need to meet your energy needs.
It's important to note that your energy needs may vary depending on the time of year or weather conditions. However, by following these steps and using an online solar calculator, you can get a good idea of how many solar panels you need and what size system will be most cost-effective for your home.
Analyse the Orientation and Shading of Your Roof.
According to a recent analysis of Auckland suburbs by Lynker Analytics, some suburbs have higher solar production potential than others. For example, the suburbs of Titirangi, Green Bay, and Henderson have been rated as the top three for solar production potential. Meanwhile, suburbs such as Parnell, Orakei, and Remuera have lower solar production potential due to factors such as shading and roof orientation.
The orientation and shading of your roof are critical factors in determining the size and type of solar panel system that is best for your home. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, so they need to be exposed to as much sunlight as possible to generate sufficient energy. Here's what you need to consider:
Roof Orientation
The ideal roof orientation for solar panels is north-facing in the northern hemisphere and south-facing in the southern hemisphere. A north-facing roof will receive the most sunlight throughout the day, so you can install a smaller solar panel system and still generate the energy you need. However, if your roof faces east, west, or south, you can still install a solar panel system. It may require a larger system to produce the same energy as a north-facing roof.
How Shading Affects Solar Panel Systems
Shading can have a significant impact on the performance of your solar panel system. Even a tiny amount of shade can reduce the energy output of your solar panels. In some cases, removing trees or other obstructions causing shading around your home may be necessary.
Other Factors for Solar Panel Systems
Other factors that can affect the performance of your solar panel system include the pitch of your roof, the size of your roof, and the weather. For example, a steeper roof pitch can improve the performance of your solar panels by allowing them to capture more sunlight.
A more extensive roof can also accommodate a larger solar panel system, generating more energy. The weather can also affect the performance of your solar panel system. For example, hotter weather may cause your solar panels to produce less energy due to heat resistance.
The orientation and shading of your roof are critical factors in determining the size and type of solar panel system that is best for your home. By working with a qualified solar installer, you can assess your roof's orientation and shading and design a solar panel system that meets your energy needs.
Look for Quality Panels and Inverters
When investing in a solar panel system for your home in New Zealand, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right panels and inverters. These components are the backbone of your system, and their quality will play a Significant role in determining how much energy your system produces, how long it lasts, and how reliable it is.
Efficiency of Solar Panel Systems
The efficiency of your panels and inverters will determine how much energy your system can produce. Look for panels and inverters with high-efficiency ratings, as these will allow you to generate more power with fewer panels and smaller system sizes.
Durability of Solar Panel Systems
Your solar panel system will be exposed to the elements and must withstand harsh weather conditions over many years. So look for panels and inverters designed to be durable and long-lasting, with warranties of at least 25 years or more.
What are the Costs?
Of course, the cost is also an essential factor when choosing panels and inverters. While it's important to invest in high-quality components that will last, you also want to choose a system that fits your budget. Be sure to get quotes from multiple installers and compare the cost of different panel and inverter options before deciding.
Once you've chosen your panels and inverters, it's vital to have them installed by a qualified professional with experience working with the specific components you've chosen. Using a professional will help ensure that your system is installed correctly and will perform at its best for many years.
Choose a Reputable Installer
Once you've chosen the right solar panels and inverters for your home in New Zealand, the next step is to find a reputable installer who can help you design and install your system. This step is just as crucial as choosing high-quality components, as the quality of the installation can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your system.
So, how do you choose a reputable installer? Here are a few key factors to consider:
Licensing and Experience of Your Installer
Look for an installer who is licensed and experienced in solar panel installation. Ask about the installer’s qualifications and certifications, and find out how long they've been in business. Experienced installers are more likely to be familiar with local regulations and building codes and are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges during the installation process.
Don’t Forget about Ongoing Maintenance
Once you've invested in a solar panel system for your home in New Zealand, it's essential to keep up with ongoing maintenance to ensure your system is running at its best. This means regularly cleaning your solar panels to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that can accumulate on the surface and reduce their efficiency.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your solar panel system:
Schedule Regular Cleaning of Your Solar Panel Systems
Solar panels should be cleaned at least once or twice a year, depending on your location and the amount of dust and debris in the air. You can hire a professional cleaner or clean the panels with a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent.
Check for Any Damage
Regularly inspect your solar panels for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or discolouration. If you notice any damage, contact your installer to have it repaired as soon as possible.
Monitor Your Solar Panel Performance
Keep an eye on your system's performance and note any changes in energy production. If you notice a significant decrease in production, it may be a sign that your system is not functioning correctly and needs to be serviced.
Some solar panel systems have a monitoring system that can track your system's energy production and send you alerts if there are any issues. A monitoring system can be a useful tool for keeping up with maintenance and catching potential problems early on.
By staying on top of ongoing maintenance, you can help your solar panel system last for many years and continue to produce energy at peak efficiency. So don't neglect this important step in your investment in renewable energy. With a little effort, you can enjoy the many benefits of solar power for years.
Remember to Research
Choosing the right solar panel system for your home in New Zealand requires careful consideration and research. By keeping in mind key factors such as your energy needs, panel efficiency, quality, installer reputation, and ongoing maintenance, you can make an informed decision that will provide long-term benefits. Also, check out our article on the future of Solar energy in New Zealand.
Investing in a high-quality solar panel system, can reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources and potentially save money on your energy bills. In addition, you will be making a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Don't forget to take advantage of any government incentives or rebates available for installing solar panel systems in your area. These can offset the initial installation cost and make it a more affordable option for homeowners.
About Endless Energy
Endless Energy is a reputable solar power company that provides services in Auckland. Their mission is to help customers save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. We have also developed Circular Solar.
They have a team of experienced professionals who provide comprehensive services, including consultation, installation, and maintenance, to ensure their clients get the most out of their solar panel investment.