If you have been looking for a way to reduce your electricity bills, then you have probably thought about harnessing solar energy. Solar power uses the energy of the sun to provide your home with electricity, greatly reducing your dependence on the electric grid. Depending on the nature of your solar installation, you might even end up the supplying electricity to the grid instead of them supplying you.

How do I get started with solar panels?

Installing solar panels isn't a particularly complex job, but to comply with Australian standards and all legislative requirements, it does need to be undertaken by a qualified electrician. Your chosen electrician will ensure that the selection, matching, and configuration of all the parts of your new solar system is completed in accordance with legal standards and the manufacturers specification. They will then connect up the solar panels and inverters. Finally, they will make the electrical connection to the power supply in your building and check everything is correct before turning the system on.

What are the risks with solar panel installation?

If solar panels are properly installed by a professional electrician then they should not cause you any problems, but if you don''t use an approved contractor, then you risk both electrical and structural problems. Attaching the panels improperly to the roof could not only void your roof warranty, but cause leaks into your property. Then there is the obvious risk that fitting solar panels involves working at heights. Those professionals responsible for installing panels will all have taken part in extensive training to ensure that they are able to remain safe while working on a roof. They will know what precautions to take to avoid injuring themselves and others while completing the installation on your roof, but an unqualified installer could sustain a serious injury falling from your roof.

Finally, there is the danger of electrical problems if the solar system is not wired safely. The solar panel produces a high DC voltage, which is converted to an AC voltage for use around your property. By law, you must have a licensed electrician to work on this voltage, and the work must be fully approved before it can be switched on.

Is solar power right for me?

If you have looked at the options and aren't sure whether or not solar power is the right solution for your property, then talking through the possibilities with a professional electrician can be a great way to find out whether a solar installation can be added to your building and learn exactly what it might look like.