Choosing the right solar consultant is vital to getting your solar project off the ground. You want to find someone with a great reputation, who is licensed and certified, and has a track record of success in the solar industry. This isn’t the only thing to look for, but it will help you make sure you are getting the most from your project.
Cost-per-Watt of solar panels
The cost-per-watt of solar panels has dropped dramatically over the past decade. The average price of a solar panel has gone from around $4 per watt in 2006 to less than $1 per watt today.
The solar industry was saturated with subsidies in the past, and the government’s removal of these subsidies has been a major factor in the dramatic drop in prices. However, even with the subsidies removed, the market is still very competitive.
As a result of the competitive nature of the solar sector, many manufacturers are selling components at a loss to the Australian market. This has led to a shift in the type of components used by solar installation. As a result, the average cost of solar panels has dropped ten-fold in the last two decades. This trend is expected to continue.
According to Navigant Research, the installed cost-per-watt of solar panels will fall 3 to 8 percent each year between 2013 and 2020. This is good news for consumers, but it is not yet clear how much longer this trend will hold.
Quality of equipment
When choosing a solar consultant, it’s important to take into account not only the company’s reputation but also the quality of equipment they sell. There are a number of criteria to evaluate, including the warranty, efficiency and other performance features.
The best solar equipment isn’t necessarily the most expensive. A good solar panel may offer a longer lifespan than a cheaper model. Also, a solar panel with a higher upfront cost will typically have a better performance warranty.
Whether you’re going to purchase a new PV system, or just have your existing system serviced, you’ll want to evaluate the quality of the product and the quality of the installer.
It’s often hard to compare the various options available to you, especially when it comes to the quality of the equipment. The best way to do this is to look at the technical specifications for each of the products you’re considering. These will help you determine how well the system performs, how long it will last, and how well it will maintain its power.