Fast read
Purchasing a cheap solar & battery system may seem like a good idea initially, but it will cost homeowners considerably more in the long run. Cheap systems come with poorly built solar panels and inverters, questionable warranty agreements, and short-cut installation practices.
Some main reasons you should avoid cheap solar include quality issues, warranty issues, dodgy installation and lack of after-sales service. Therefore, searching for and choosing a reputable company that offers quality products, professional installation, and reliable after-sales service is essential.
This will ensure that your solar and battery storage system will last a long time and provide the maximum savings on your energy bills.
Should I buy a cheap solar system?
Choosing a cheap solar system might seem like a good idea at first, but it can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Like the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Cheap solar systems often have problems like poorly made solar panels, unreliable warranties, and rushed installation.
Here are some important reasons to avoid cheap solar systems:
- Low-quality parts: Cheap solar panels may not last long and might not produce as much energy as better ones.
- Questionable warranties: The warranties that come with cheap solar systems might not cover everything you need, leaving you to pay for repairs later on.
- Rushed installation: Some companies might rush through installing your solar system, which could lead to problems later on and even safety hazards.
In short, while it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s usually better to invest in a higher-quality solar system. That way, you’ll save money and have peace of mind in the long term.
Quality issues will arise
The promise of free energy alongside an enticingly low initial cost may seem irresistible for someone wanting to escape high electricity bills.
As the saying goes – nothing in life is free and cheap solar systems will, unfortunately, often cost a homeowner a lot more than expected in the long run. Sub-standard solar systems usually come with low-quality solar panels, budget solar inverters and clever corner-cutting in the installation.
The reason that the panels you are being offered are cheap is because they are not quality-made. The materials used could be better, and this is especially a problem in Australia’s scorching heat. This will, of course, affect the lifespan of your solar system.
Solar panels look like simple devices and appear nearly identical from a distance. However, one might not realise the intricacies of manufacturing quality silicon cells, connecting them with perfect soldering connections and combining them into a perfectly sealed weatherproof solar panel.
A quality panel takes a high level of care, monitoring and quality control. Unfortunately, cutting corners to make cheap panels that look okay to the naked eye is easy.
Solar panels should last 20+ years
When you expect the panels (and inverters), for that matter, to have a long life (25 years+ for panels and 10 years+ for inverters), there is no room for compromising on quality, particularly in the harsh climate conditions across Australia.
If you purchase a cheap solar system, know there will likely be many quality issues with the main components after only a few years.
In the solar panel system’s early years, you will achieve poor energy production and faster degradation of panels. Faster degradation means less and less energy production.
Unlikely that this will be apparent in the first year, but by years two to five, you will likely experience several problems with the different components.
Warranty issues will develop
Many cheap solar systems come with overpromised warranties.
Many solar sales-focused companies, especially Australia-wide ones, have a range of innovative ways to avoid their warranty obligations.
For example, cheap solar system retailers will void customer warranties if the homeowner does not provide cleaning and maintenance for their solar power system every three to six months. The same solar company will charge high maintenance costs to deliver this unnecessary service.
Although cleaning is recommended for solar panels, once every three months is a bit too much, especially since they can usually be cleaned sufficiently when it rains.
Another way to avoid warranty claims is to import the panels and inverters and close the company after a few years. Therefore the customer has nowhere to go if issues arise.
Dodgy warranty practices
Unfortunately, the cheap – I am advertising on price – solar companies know that – so they now claim to sell quality, but the price charged tells the facts.
These solar sales companies directly bring cheaper panels and inverters into the country to lower costs. Sometimes they are procured via flyby night wholesale channels, with the product manufacturers not having an Australian office to handle warranty issues when they arise.
This creates an issue where you have no recourse for a warranty when the products fail, and the original sales company disappears (Which happens like clockwork with cheap solar system sales companies – usually after 3 to 4 years. Overall, 800 of these have closed their doors since 2010).
Poorly sized batteries
Cheap, price-focused solar advertisements are abundant, but affordable battery deals are hard to come by. The reason is that batteries are not cheap to purchase in the first place because of the raw material costs.
Also, the technical knowledge needs to be further developed to install a battery. So if you see a cheap battery offer, in most cases, the battery size is so small it’s next to useless. So ensure your battery has at least 10 kWh capacity, preferably more.
Unsafe installation practices common with cheap solar systems
The other problem with buying the cheapest solar system on the market is that it usually comes with a dodgy, poor-quality installation.
Typically, when the system and installation come at an extremely low price, the installer, paid per job, must take shortcuts during the installation process.
In most cases, with these cheap solar systems, the retailer will subcontract the job to an inexperienced solar panel installer at a remarkably low cost.
They will not take the due care and will not complete the job to the standard required. Incorrectly installed solar systems can cause numerous additional problems. Poor installation may result in failures because of poorly connected panels and cables, inadequate protection with isolators and cable conduit, as well as subpar fixing of panels and inverters.
Then when you have problems with the system, it can be almost impossible to get the company to correct the difficulties/ Also, when you chase the company to fix the issue, your solar PV system will not produce electricity.
No after-sales service with cheap solar systems
The final issue with choosing the cheapest solar system on the market is that the company which provided you with the system will most likely not support you if you encounter any after-sales issues.
With more than 800 solar businesses going bankrupt since 2011 in Australia, there have been close to 600,000 solar customers left with failing rooftop solar systems and nowhere to turn to.
These systems are known as ‘orphaned’ systems, and there are thousands across Australia. To avoid a failing system with no support from the initial company, be sure not to opt for the cheap solar system.
Like any significant financial investment, don’t let price be the only deciding factor. Unfortunately, in most cases, it probably is if it sounds too good to be true.
Understandably, most solar buyers hope to reduce their energy bills, so it makes sense that many go for a cheap solar system option. However, you need to view a solar system as a long-term investment, so you should expect to wait a few years before seeing returns.
Make sure you take the time to do your research to make an educated decision that isn’t based on the cheap solar system option available.
