From Guest Blogger Jayde Ferguson: Why Cheap and Nasty Solar Panels Cost You More Long Term
Solar energy has officially hit mainstream. What was once a limited luxury to those with strong environmental concerns or the money to spend is now a cost-effective and realistic option for many consumers. As solar panels drop in price and become a viable option, the fast growing appeal amongst business and homeowners has boomed incredibly.
But the benefits of solar energy are only there if you make a great solar choice. Unfortunately there’s a lot of ways consumers can make a bad solar choice – and if you’re new to the industry or not technically minded many companies can take advantage of this. Cheap and free solar panels are a prime example of this. Whilst the offer may seem tempting and trustworthy at first, it comes with hidden costs you need to be aware of. Sure, we all want the best deal but like with any investment – you get what you pay for.
With the vast amount of products and information out there on solar panels, it can be hard to find the good facts. Your solar choice can go wrong though – and end up costing you more money long term. Here’s why:
1. Bad Workmanship = Cheap $$
In most trades and for most investment opportunities, low costs don’t always mean quality workmanship. And when you get caught in this trap you spend more money hiring a second person to come fix the bad workmanship of the cheaper person that caused the problem in the first place. Sounds tiring and expensive doesn’t it?
Cost vs. quality is a huge factor when it comes to solar panels because you want to go for something that is designed to last the distance. Solar panels that are manufactured and constructed with quality parts come with less risk failures, malfunction and downtime – all key factors that can cost you more down the track.
To find out whether the company you’re dealing with offer quality solar panels and workmanship, familiarise yourself with what makes a quality solar panel and what doesn’t. Stick to tier one panels and inverters and be sure to research the company, how long they have been in the business for and whether they have been issued with the right solar certifications from the Australian Solar Council or CEC (Clean Energy Council). Even better choose a company accredited with the “CEC Approved Retailers Status” especially set up to better protect you from bad installation companies.
2. Unreliable Energy
Solar panels that are manufactured and designed cheaply may not produce the amount of energy you need because they simply cannot get the job done properly. Which means you could end up requiring more panels on your property than you need – and this costs more.
Before you start shopping for solar panels, you need to understand your energy consumption and needs. If you’re like most people looking for a good return on investment you want your panels to be generating a reliable and efficient source of energy.
3. System Failure Costs
For solar panels to survive the tough conditions and really last, they need to be made from the highest quality parts. Cheap products just don’t cut it. And solar panels that are cheap usually lead to system failure, making you fork out additional money for maintenance and servicing.
When solar panels are made for the lowest cost, manufactures typically use silicon to seal the panels which is a cheap and nasty way to stop moisture getting in. Over time, weather conditions and exposure breaks apart the cheap silicone and the system can fail.
4. Product Selection is a Big Indicator of Quality
The selection of products a company has in store is a good indicator on the overall quality. If a company starts offering you solar products and inverters that come with a price tag that’s too good to be true or ‘cheap’, well chances are it’s going to be a cheap and unreliable product. Likewise, if companies discount systems thousands of dollars on the day, buying beware. Companies that do have this approach with their products tend to have the same approach with their business, so don’t be fooled into thinking you’re going to be getting something is of a high quality. Cheap solar panels can be a sign of cheap business.
These cheaply made panels usually come from companies trying to off load poor quality products which can lead to poor financial health. Do a financial health check of the company you are looking to go with and invest in one that you know will serve you energy needs well. Forking out a little extra money at the start can save you a ton down the track. Always check the Terms and Conditions of sale.
5. Dangerous Installation
Cheap and nasty solar panels don’t just destroy your finances, they can actually be harmful to you, your family and your property. Companies that sell cheap solar panels usually come with unlicensed or unreliable installers which can lead to leaky roof problems, messy installations that can devalue your home and very little (if any) after sales service. They can also lead to incorrect wiring and circuit breakers and water leakage into the system, which can result in major concerns like fire and electrical risks.
According to the CEC (Clean Energy Council), the quality of installation has been on the decline. In 2009 58% of the systems that were audited were rated as high quality with only 12% that required attention. In 2010, only 7% of the systems we high quality and 29% were substandard.
To avoid this issue, it’s best to go with a reputable solar panel company with a good track record. Ensure they are accredited with CEC and only use panels, invertors, modules and other products that have been approved by the CEC. Short warranty periods, quotes that are significantly cheaper than others, refusal to visit the property before completing design and quote and failure to provide a system manual are all signs that you may be dealing with a dodgy solar panel company.
6. No Support or Warranty Process
The length of warranty is big indication about whether the product is backed up by the company and manufacturer. Companies that offer a substantial warranty on their solar products (at least 25 years) will naturally expect their system to last for a long time, with little to no problems. It’s important though to keep in mind that most warranties are only honoured if the installation company is still operating so opt for a company that has a long, proven history in your location.
Panels that are manufactured cheaply usually have no local service support or actual agency to process the warranty. These dodgy products are usually imported directly to wholesalers or retailers to obtain a cheaper price. If the panels or system becomes faulty, you usually find you’ll have to ship it back to China at your own expense. So don’t be fooled by just a long warranty either – warranties are only as good as the company behind it.
Author Bio
This article is written by Jayde Ferguson with assistance from Aidan Jenkins, Managing Director of Infinite Energy – electricity and solar power provider to Perth and South West WA. Connect with Aidan on Google+ or LinkedIn.
