Frequently asked questions

We are happy to answer any of your questions, here is some answers on frequently asked questions about solar panels.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF HAVING SOLAR ENERGY?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity prices in the future. How much you can save depends on the electricity company rates in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

HOW WILL SOLAR IMPACT ON MY PROPERTY VALUE?

Studies show that homes with solar systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own the solar system, rather than lease it. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value.

HOW DO SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PANELS WORK?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s UV energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through the inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house (or business) or send it back to the electricity grid.

CAN I GO COMPLETELY OFF THE GRID WITH SOLAR PANELS?

Once you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw electricity from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you are using at any time, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you are using. It is possible to go completely off the grid with a solar system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.

WILL I CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AN ELECTRICITY BILL ONCE I HAVE INSTALLED SOLAR?

It depends on the size of the solar system that you get installed on your premises and how you are using your power. In most common cases without oversizing your system it is likely your power bill will be under $100 per quarter. We have customers that wanted a larger system than what they needed by exporting around 40 percent of the system’s production, their power bill can be negative which means that they are no-longer paying an electricity bill and are receiving money back from the electricity company.

HOW MUCH WILL SOLAR SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COST ME EACH YEAR?

Solar panels are made of durable tempered glass and require very little maintenance for the 25 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you do not even need to clean your solar panels regularly. Most equipment manufacturers include warranties, and vary depending on the company.

WHAT FINANCING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO MAKE SOLAR SYSTEMS MORE AFFORDABLE?

There are two solar financing options: You can purchase your system in cash or take out a solar loan to buy your system. Regardless of which option you choose in most cases if you are paying in cash then your system will pay for itself in less than 3 years as a worst case scenario. If you go through solar finance in most cases it is a 5 year payback period however you will be paying less each quarter than your current electricity bill.

CAN I AFFORD SOLAR?

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford solar. $0-deposit solar financing options make it easy for homeowners to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.

WHAT SIZE SOLAR SYSTEM SHOULD I GET?

The size of your solar system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as what time of day you use your electricity. Once Universe Solar has a copy of a recent electricity bill for your property we are more than happy to work out the correct size solar system for your circumstances as well as provide specific dollar figures on how much you will be saving each quarter.

HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT A GOOD QUALITY SOLAR SYSTEM TO LAST?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding our rugged Australian conditions.
Even though solar is a relatively new technology we have many examples of systems in Australia working for more than 20 years. The solar products have changed over the last 20 years and the products we use today have a longer lifespan than 30 years.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE TO SELL MY HOUSE AFTER I HAVE INSTALLED SOLAR ON IT?

If you own your solar energy system, your house will sell at a premium: studies have shown that solar increases property values. If you have bought your solar system on finance you will need to pay the solar system off in terms of your finance agreement.