In recent years, residential and business demand for solar panel installers has increased.

Changing from using the grid as your primary energy source to solar energy has several benefits. Going solar makes sense, whether from an environmental standpoint or simply because you want to reduce energy costs.

Check out the top 4 advantages of going solar.

  1. Beneficial To The Environment

Solar energy is a renewable energy source because it is produced by the sun. Solar panels assist you in reducing the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming by being installed on your roof.

This clean energy source produces no greenhouse gas emissions; thus, there are no unfavourable environmental repercussions.

By going solar, you can contribute to the movement to generate less electricity using fossil fuels.

Fossil fuels are still burned to produce most of the electricity used today. Ten billion tonnes of CO2 are thought to be released into the atmosphere annually. Smog and acid rain are also caused by other pollutants, including sulphur and nitrogen oxides.

  1. Lower Power Costs

You can reduce the quantity of power you need to purchase from your retailer by connecting to a solar system. The main advantage of installing solar energy is that you can typically cut the amount of electricity used by up to 53% or even 100% when using batteries.

By taking part in what is known as a ‘feed-in tariff’, you can also become a net exporter of excess electricity. You get this reward from the grid for any extra clean energy your solar panels create.

At the beginning of solar in Astralia, there used to be very high feed-in tariffs that someone would get as an incentive to invest in an installation.

Going solar still provides a fantastic return on investment because electricity is still quite expensive. The typical payback period is 3 – 5 years – much better than leaving your money in the bank!

  1. Low Cost Of Maintenance

In general, solar panel systems don’t need a lot of upkeep. Most solar panels have a warranty lasting between 10 and 25 years, and reputable models are made to resist all types of weather.

  1. Boost The Worth Of Your House

Your property’s market value could increase with a solar system. A study conducted by realestate.com.au revealed that 85% of respondents thought solar panels added value to houses.

Another Origin Energy survey revealed that 77% of Australians believe a solar-powered house is more valuable than one that relies on conventional energy sources. The survey revealed that 57 percent of house owners would spend an additional $10,000 on a solar-powered house.

Contact Online Air & Solar for more information.

Want to make the most out of your solar panels? If yes, upgrading them is one of the best decisions you can make. For homeowners currently having a 3KW to 10KW capacity solar panels can switch to 15KW or 20KW solar systems to generate more clean energy and keep their property powered round the clock.

Moreover, with new technological changes introduced every year, replacing your old model panels with modern ones ensures a consistent supply of fresh and energy efficient renewable power. As solar panels usually have a lifespan of around 25 years, getting them upgraded before they exhibit a degradation in performance can maximise your solar returns to a great extent.

Here are some things to keep in mind while upgrading a solar panel system:

  • Write Down Or List All Your Requirements

The foremost thing to consider is finding out how many solar panels you may need on your rooftop. You can consult a solar installer for the right guidance as this decision impacts the power generation capacity, costs involved in upgrading panels and also influences the overall solar maintenance costs in the long run.

Depending on whether you are planning a residential or commercial solar installation, you can decide what capacity panels you need as most of them usually are 80% energy efficient and produce power only during the direct sunlight hours.

  • Don’t Forget To Upgrade Or Replace The Inverter

When you have decided on the capacity you want your existing system to upgrade with, don’t forget about the inverter, as they are usually sized based on your panels’ electricity output.

In comparison to power optimisers and string inverters, micro-inverters make an ideal choice. They are more convenient than standard inverters and can easily handle any power surge in capacity.

  • The Size & Cost Of A Solar System Is Limited

Unless sticking to a specific capacity solar system is obligatory in your region, choosing the size of panels you want to install is totally at your discretion. To help make an easy decision, you can schedule a ‘network analysis’ by a power grid company at a decided cost.

They’ll investigate your solar panel voltage and distortion to help determine the size and capacity you should opt for.

  • Consider Adding New Panels On The Ground

In case, you are planning an upgrade but have limited space on the roof, opt for adding ground based panels that are a lot more accessible compared to rooftop panels. Ground panels are the best choice if you have adequate land space but limited roof space.

So, these were some of the common things to consider when planning to upgrade a residential or commercial solar panel system. If you are looking for a trustworthy and best solar company to assist you, Online Air and solar has got your back. 

Investing in solar panels is an intelligent choice that can save you hundreds of dollars in years to come. Whether you have selected solar for playing your part in generating clean energy or just wanted to reduce your electricity bills, proper maintenance is a boon that can further improve the performance of a rooftop solar installation and make it work just like new.

Why Do Solar Panels Need Regular Cleaning?

Over time, the functioning of solar panels may degrade with the accumulation of dirt and debris that can really affect the efficiency of solar systems by up to 25 per cent. Also, rain and bad weather conditions can wash away the dirt and bird droppings directly onto the panels, which can make them hard to produce energy.

Though solar panel cleaning is not a tough job, it can be actually dangerous for naives to climb up the rooftop with wiring all around. The best solution is to call on a professional solar installer having prior expertise in installing and cleaning all types and sizes of solar systems.

Most Recommended Ways To Clean Solar Panels

  • Connect a water hose from ground level to clean the panels.
  • Use ground level water hose for rinsing the rooftop solar systems.
  • Try using isopropyl alcohol as an ideal method to clean stubborn stains.
  • Use soft bristled brushes and plastic mesh to scrub the dirty surface.

Expert Tips For Top Class DIY Solar Panel Cleaning

For homeowners who want to save money with do-it-yourself cleaning for solar panels, examine the panels carefully to stay on the safe side. Utilise quality equipment and chemical-free products to avoid any harm to the panels. Some easy yet effective cleaning tips include:

  1. Take a long extension pole with a special sponge pad attachment to clean your panels from the ground. Use a squeegee and a soft cloth to smoothly clean the panel glass without making any scratches.
  2. Combining a simple dish soap and warm water solution can also do the job. In case of oily residue accumulation, rubbing alcohol diluted in water is considered the best choice.
  3. The other option is to use a liquid cleaner that ensures a scratch-less cleaning and allows the water to evaporate quickly, thereby avoiding any water stains.
  4. Rinse the panels thoroughly with pure water, as hard water may leave streaks and spots on the panels that may ruin their appeal.

When To Bring In A Solar Cleaning Expert?

If you have a rooftop solar installation, hiring a solar cleaning expert to keep your panels in shape is the best choice. By having professionals by your side, there’s no need to worry about quality cleaning, safety, and compliance. Along with saving you with the inconvenience of having to ascend the roof, experts are always equipped with the best equipment to deliver reliable services.

At Online Air and Solar, our team of solar installers specialise in the installation, cleaning, and maintenance of solar panels of all types and sizes. If you are up with a solar cleaning project, feel free to contact us right away.

In its state budget, the Andrews Government made an announcement regarding the extension of the Solar Homes program in Victoria and some updates done to it. The budget provides more than $42 million in funding to help households that are not in a good financial condition by installing solar panels and batteries.

Though most of the program remains the same, there are some amendments done to the battery subsidy.

What’s Changed & What’s Not Changed!

Solar Panels: As per the reports, the solar panel subsidy level remains the same and stays maintained at a $1,400 point-of-sale subsidy on every solar system purchase for this year.

Solar Victoria announced that 64,000 subsidies will be available for both owner occupied and rental households that are interested in going solar by installing solar PV systems in the financial year 2022-23.

Solar Battery: In the updated version of the Solar Homes program, solar batteries will witness a significant subsidy reduction. The current program provides a point of sale discount that goes maximum to $3,500, but the new one will drop the discount to a maximum of $2,950.

This reduction in rebate came after a slight drop in the market price of batteries. But there are other rebates too that you can apply for, bringing the total for 2022-23 to 5,200.

Ever since the inception of the Solar Homes program in 2018, more than 193,000 homes have received support for installing solar-powered systems, solar water heaters and solar batteries.

Stan Krpan, CEO of Solar Victoria, said the Solar Homes program has been continued to deliver energy benefits to the community. With this, we can power Victoria’s transition to a renewable and clean energy future.

Not only this, the program provides greater access to various subsidies and solar loans available for both households and businesses. Solar Homes program is expected to support up to 40 per cent target for renewable energy for Victoria by 2025, with household PVs generating up to 12.5 per cent of the total expectation.

Victoria currently leads the nation with an early investment in renewables and continues to drive down the energy bills and create thousands of new jobs in the solar sector.

If you want to get your residential or commercial solar panels installed under the Solar Homes Program, feel free to contact us for a consultation and no-obligation quote.

Solar panel systems play a great role in improving the value of a property. No matter, you own a residential or a commercial premise, solar energy is a profitable asset that always delivers a good return on investment by boosting the resale value of a property.

If you are wondering how solar panels can help enhance the value and beauty in the long run, here are some potential answers to your query.

  • Reduction in Overhead Cost

When it comes to business, there are many overhead costs that can make or break your profits. One such expense is the electric energy bills that pumps out hundreds of dollars from your pocket every month. By installing solar panels and generating your own electricity, businesses can see a significant downfall in their electricity expenses, thereby witnessing a reduction in overhead costs.

  • Lower Electricity Bills

As per the latest survey report, businesses in Australia are saving up to 31% of their energy costs by installing solar panels. If you are selling your commercial property, potential buyers can reap the benefits of powering the whole building with solar panels and save thousands of dollars on electricity throughout the year.

  • No Maintenance Required

Properties that are self-sufficient in producing their own energy are favoured by buyers when looking to invest in a business space. Solar panels are not only cost saving in terms of energy generation but also requires less maintenance. No matter, how severe the weather outside is, they tend to stay in shape for years to come without any costly maintenance.

  • No Grid Energy Dependence

Commercial properties having a solar installation enjoys energy independence. This means there’s no longer to depend on the grid for electricity supply. Buyers are more attracted towards buildings having a solar installation and capable of producing own energy.

So, these were the few reasons that compels potential buyers to invest in a commercial property having a solar installation. If you are looking for a reliable solar company to get quality solar panels installed on your residential or commercial property, talk to our solar installers at Online Air and Solar.

Solar panels are gaining immense popularity over the years and helping households in generating their own electricity at low costs. No matter, which capacity solar system you are planning to install, each of them offers a number of benefits that are worth the money spent. If you are investing in a solar installation for your home or business, take a look at the pros you are going to enjoy for years to come.

• Lower Costs Of Electricity

With more and more people working from home, electricity demand increased at a tremendous rate in 2020. The electricity usage and utility bills will continue to go up for many households as the rise in people working from home continues to grow this year. Having solar panels on the rooftop can help offset increased energy costs and save you with money.

• Higher Home Resale Value

Having rooftop solar panels can greatly improve your home’s resale value with a better return on investment. According to a study, solar panels can boost the selling price of a property by up to 4.1%.

• Minimal Maintenance Costs

Compared to all other electrical installations, solar powered systems require minimal maintenance and repairs, thereby saving you time and money. Also, natural damages from storms or bad weather conditions are covered by your homeowner’s insurance and warranty offered by solar panel companies.

• Reduced Environmental Impact

If you are concerned about the rising global warming and carbon footprint, you can contribute to making the earth more clean and green by switching to solar. Solar power allows you to harness the natural energy of the sun to power your property without contributing to local air pollution.

• Increased Energy Independence

Installing solar panels means you can generate your own energy that makes you more self-sufficient by reducing your dependence on energy companies and grid electricity. Solar panel system combined with a high-capacity storage battery or generator provides enough energy to keep your property powered even on cloudy days.

So, these were some proven ways that can help you decide why you should get a solar panel installed along with explaining its advantages. If you are looking for a reliable solar company in Melbourne to power your home with solar energy, Online Air and Solar is here for you. Call us anytime for a no-obligation quote.

Solar energy is the need of the hour to ensure zero emissions and preserve natural resources. This renewable source of energy not only saves you with money on electricity bills but also fetch you twice the bang on your buck by using and storing the previously generated solar energy.

According to a report formulated by the Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET) for Solar Victoria, households having solar panels are more likely to save up to an average of $1,073 a year. This value depends on the size and capacity of the solar system you have installed and the amount of energy generated.

If you are already saving money with solar, Solar Victoria is here to boost your savings with additional rebates on storage battery installation anywhere in Victoria. If you get an 11kwH storage battery installed in your home, you are eligible of saving approximately $650 on electricity bills every year. 

The estimated number of savings households are generating in Victoria with solar installation is estimated to be around $159 million in total for a year.

Benefits Offered By Solar Homes Program

With the introduction of the Solar Homes Program in 2018, Victorian households have managed to make a positive impact and are estimated to have:

  • Reduced the use of electricity from the grid by ~30%.
  • Reduced annual electricity bills by an average of $1073 per household.
  • Consumed 27% of the solar they generated.
  • Providing 38% of the total household electricity use.
  • Saved an average of two tonnes of CO2 emissions in a year.
  • Reduced CO2 emissions by an additional 5.6 tonnes through export to the grid.
  • Exported 10% more electricity than the average capacity.

The estimates listed above are the result of the data studied from households located in the AusNet Services distribution zone. When it comes to solar, savings can be improved if the costs of importing the electricity are reduced for every kWh of solar a household generates and imports to a grid.

The Solar Homes Program introduced by Solar Victoria has, till date, provided more than $270 million in rebates to make solar accessible, drive down the energy costs and tackle the climate change.

Posts navigation

Online Air & Solar
Online Air & Solar
133 Google reviews
third sendemail
third sendemail
December 14, 2022.
Fantastic work been done at my place today. Very professional job they have delivered and they are happy to answer all your questions if you are not sure about. Very high recommend to anyone looking for solar job be done with confident.
David Mile
David Mile
December 7, 2022.
Despite some technical issues and delays, my experience dealing with people was always present and professional.
Ian A
Ian A
December 1, 2022.
They did a fantastic job with the installation and showed us how to get the mobile app working and explained everything perfectly. They took all the packaging away so we didn’t need to dispose of anything and even vacuumed up after they finished and everything was installed very neatly. Considering the amount of work required on the roof, only two roof tiles broke but they replaced them with new ones and even left us a couple of spares. Overall we’re very happy with the job they did.
Kim Barter
Kim Barter
December 1, 2022.
Had the pre installed check yesterday, lovely chap inspected our place, did a good job and look forward to the install. They did also installed a unit on the house next door and they were happy with the work.
Rob S
Rob S
November 17, 2022.
The team arrived on time as communicated with me, performed a fantastic solar install and explained the system. Highly recommended!
Colin Power
Colin Power
November 15, 2022.
Great service, everyone was friendly and helpful. The installation was smooth and they did an excellent job. Will highly recommend to all my friends and family. And to anyone looking for a solar system I highly recommend Online Air & Solar
Karen Oliver
Karen Oliver
November 15, 2022.
The team from Online Air and Solar were really terrific They arrived when they said they would and worked with the rather trying weather conditions to get the job done and were so polite and professional throughout the entire process and very neat and tidy also I am very pleased with the work they have done and have even already recommended them to my sister who is looking at having similar work done and will happily recommend them to anyone else
Chiskins
Chiskins
November 12, 2022.
Brett and his team turned up on time, we had a quick discussion on how the installation process would play out and where I would like the inverters and cables leading to them. Following their departure there was no trace of them being here, everything was left clean and tidy. I would highly recommend them.
Brett Tisdale
Brett Tisdale
November 7, 2022.
So professional we are very happy. We were stepped through the whole process and everything was done as we were advised. They even called our energy provider so we didn't have to follow up on anything ourselves. The installer who did the install cleaned up afterwards and took all the rubbish with him. So happy it was such an awesome experience to have professional people sort it all out for us. Would give them 10 stars if I could.