Many South Africans are driven to switch to solar energy as a result of growing electricity rates, climate change, and rolling blackouts.
While there are lots of advice and articles on what questions to ask prospective solar businesses before buying, you should really pay attention to what questions your solar supplier asks YOU. Their attention to detail and the questions they ask may reveal a lot about their expertise, competence, and level of service (as well as assist you to prevent any unpleasant surprises).
There are seven key questions that your solar company should ask you.
1. What do you hope to accomplish with your solar power or backup energy system?
It’s critical that your potential solar system supplier comprehends your goals for installing a solar energy system. Everyone’s requirements and aspirations are different, and there is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution — what works for the family down the street might not work for you. A reputable solar energy supplier will figure out what your needs are.
A competent solar energy supplier will figure out if you want the quickest return, the greatest grid independence, loadshedding electricity, a route to going fully off the grid, decreased environmental impact, power price security, or enhanced house value. Your solar supplier will be able to design a battery storage, solar panel, or combination solution to what works best for you rather than someone else if you offer this information.
2. Do you have a budget in mind that you’d like to stick to?
Early on in the process, a simple answer regarding your budget will save you and your solar supplier time and money in the long run. Knowing your financial constraints from the start will enable the solar business to create a solution and quotation that meets your needs and avoids any unpleasant surprises.
Our advisors will ensure that you receive the greatest and most efficient solution for the money you’re prepared to spend once they know your budget. This procedure also assists you in comprehending the prices associated with various solar energy system alternatives and what you may expect.
3. Can you send us a copy of your most recent electricity bill?
Your electricity bill provides a lot of data that will assist any solar energy expert in providing an appropriate quotation for your home solar system.
The expert may size your home solar system based on how much energy you use each day, how that use fluctuates over time, and how much you pay for power.
4. Do you consume more energy during the day or at night?
Is there someone at home or any major appliances that run during the day?
Although it may appear invasive, the answer to this question has to do with when people are at home and how much energy you consume. It will go a long way toward assisting a solar energy expert in correctly sizing a system to meet your needs and goals. Your response will aid in determining how much solar energy you will use, how much of your current power bill the solution would cover, and the total financial advantages of the suggested solution.
5. Courl you please send us a picture of your distribution board and meter?
And where exactly are they?
For a good solar energy provider, your power bill isn’t the only useful source of information. A snapshot of your distribution board or energy meter can aid a consultant in determining how much space is available for the planned solar system and whether any additional expenditures will be incurred (for example: if the distribution board is cramped or full, in an unusual location, or far away from where the panels or inverter will be installed). Having this information in advance allows experts to address any additional expenses with you as soon as possible, rather than being surprised on the day of installation.
6. Is there internet access (WiFi) on the premesis?
Because most solar energy systems are connected to an internet-based monitoring platform, it’s critical that you have access to wifi so that your solar supplier can remotely monitor the performance and advantages of your system. With this online monitoring set up, your provider’s experts may remotely log into your system and identify any issues that may be affecting performance. In certain cases, having your system linked to reliable and continuous Wifi is a requirement of the warranty – if you don’t have it, your guarantee may be voided.
7. Do you have any installation-related requirements or expectations for your solar power service?
If you’re going on vacation or need your new system installed by a specific date, let your solar energy supplier know so they can schedule an installation date that fits your schedule. Consider whether you have any specific demands or requirements for where the inverter should be put or where the solar panels should be positioned on your roof. No respectable solar energy supplier wants you to return home to find solar panels installed in places you didn’t expect them to be or an inverter mounted on a wall that detracts from the aesthetics of your outdoor dining area.
In Closing
Purchasing a solar energy system is a significant investment, and you want to know that you’re working with an experienced solar supplier that can not only give you honest and good advice, but also has the skills and understanding to build a system that’s tailored to your unique needs.
The questions that your possible solar energy solution asks you might indicate a lot about their expertise, competence, and service quality. We take the time to discuss the best alternatives for your specific scenario at Kouga Renewables, and we ask for your requirements, budget, and goals up front. We are certain that by following this procedure, we will save you time, money, and worry in the long run. Better yet, we offer a free personal evaluation of your home and solar compatibility. All you have so do is select a time that works best for you.
