Majority of the households in Australia with solar panels have an annual income lower than the state average, according to a recent study by the REC Agents Association.
This bit of news shatters the misconception that rooftop solar panel systems are only for rich and middle class families. The REC Agents Association said that its study measured the uptake of solar panels by postcode and income. It found out that almost all households belonging to the top 10 solar suburbs had an income lower than the state average.
The study also showed that almost 50 per cent of solar panel systems installed in Australia are in the countryside, which is surprising given that these communities only make up a third of the housing stock in the country. Another interesting finding of the RAA study is that solar uptake is lower in areas with high income levels.
It also revealed the factors that can affect rooftop solar uptake include building or house suitability, type of home ownership, level of home and renovation activity, and importance of energy bills.
A RAA official stressed that the results of the study illustrates why the government should not alter the Renewable Energy Target of the country. Fiona O’Hehir said that the RET helps lower income families afford solar power systems, and that without it, poor households would be vulnerable to spikes in electricity bills.
Energy Savings
Solar power system comparison service Solar Choice says that the average home in the country utilises about 20 kilowatt hours of energy every day. An average solar system capable of producing 3.5kilowatts would be able to generate around 13.5 kilowatt hours of electricity per day, which represents savings of as much as 70% from an average electricity bill.
Solar Choice adds that it projects that 28 per cent of the 8.2 million homes in Australia will harness solar power by the end of the year. It says that half of the Australian households, or 4.8 million, are well-suited to tap solar energy.
Solar Power Deals
Since solar panel systems are not geared towards the rich as many critics of solar panel would like to emphasize, experts suggest that consumers looking to cut down on their electricity costs find solar power deals in their areas.
Solar company Infinite Energy reminds consumers to look for locally based warranties that could last up to 25 years. The company says that solar panel systems that were designed or produced abroad that don’t have warranty usually costs higher. Consumers may also have to wait longer on shipments aside from risking themselves to defective components should they choose panel systems made outside of Australia.
The company also suggests that prospective solar power panel systems buyers ask for at least three quotes first before buying. It warns that buyers be wary of cheap solar panel systems as this could be a red flag and indicative of defects.
It also recommends that buyers ask their friends, colleagues and relatives who have had experience in installing solar panel systems at home before buying a solar panel system.
