Why Quality Matters When it Comes to Solar Panels
- Logan Haggerston
There are many factors that come into play when making the decision to purchase solar:
- the need for cheaper electricity bills
- planning to sell and wanting to add value to a home
- wanting to reduce reliance on the grid and large energy suppliers
- conscious of carbon footprint and wanting to reduce strain on the environment
- plus many other financial, environmental and personal reasons that might apply.
Mid-sized quality systems can cost between $7K – $10K, but cheap solar manufacturers might advertise their low quality systems for $3K – $4K which excites potential buyers.
Unfortunately, a cheaper solar panel usually isn’t something to get excited. A cheaper solar panel is exactly that: they are made from cheaper materials, they go through less quality assurance testing or none at all and they are a big gamble for homeowners wanting to reduce electricity costs.
How to Tell the Difference Between Cheap and Quality Solar Panels?
Reputable solar manufacturers, dealers and installers have come to the conclusion that “you get what you pay for”. Unhappy customers also know this to be true. We’ve seen countless bad experiences thanks to poor installation practices and cheap quality panels.
The most important questions to ask yourself when choosing your solar panels are:
- Does the panel manufacturer have a good track record?
- What is the manufacturer’s warranty policy on the panels?
- Is it easy to access the manufacturer warranty information or has the manufacturer made it unclear?
- Does the installer have good reviews online?
The answers to these questions will give you a good indication of whether you are about to purchase cheap or quality solar panels.
If you’re still not sure who the manufacturer is and what their policies are after 10 minutes of research, chances are you’re looking at a cheap solar panel. Reputable installers will have reviews on their Facebook page or on Google, so this shouldn’t be hard to find.
Cheaper quality solar panels or inverters are more likely to fail earlier. The manufacturers who produce these cheaply made panels are less likely to honour warranty agreements, especially if they suddenly go out of business right when you are looking for their help.
Of course, not all manufacturers are like this. There are many manufacturers who actually care about the quality of their products, honour their warranty agreements and make sure your panels last as long as possible on your roof. There are also installers like us who always follow best practice, want you to get the most out of your new solar panels, give great customer service and have the reviews to prove it.
Feel free to give us a call or request a quote if you’re ready to talk solar with a local Newcastle installer. HCB has carefully chosen our partners and suppliers, so you won’t see any cheap solar from us. We are proud to be Newcastle’s Approved LG Dealer. The products we recommend are truly the best in the country.
If you’re looking for more information about solar power and solar panels, check out the Beginner’s Guide to Solar. It’s 17 pages of information, tips and things to avoid specifically for those who are interested in or thinking about purchasing solar.
Key Takeaways
- Quality matters in solar panels for efficiency, durability, and overall value.
- Cheap solar panels may save money upfront but often lead to issues and higher costs in the long term.
- It's crucial to research panel manufacturers, warranty policies, and installer reviews before purchasing.
- Quality solar panels come with comprehensive warranties and reliable customer support.
- Investing in quality solar panels from reputable manufacturers and installers ensures better performance and satisfaction.
