Solar panels can reduce your electricity bill in the long run, but the upfront cost is large. So decide carefully and collect information from more than one source.
First understand your need:
1. Look at your electricity bills for the last 6 to 12 months and work out the average monthly units.
2. A rough guide: in a sunny place a 1 kW system can produce about 4 to 5 units a day. The real output depends on location, season and shade.
3. You need clear, shade-free space on the roof. As a rough idea, 1 kW needs about 10 square metres.
Main types:
1. On-grid: connected to the electricity department's meter. No battery, so the cost is lower, but it can stop working during a power cut.
2. Off-grid: comes with a battery. It works during a power cut, but the battery adds to the cost.
3. Hybrid: a mix of both, at a higher price.
Check these before buying:
1. The warranty of the panels and inverter, and the company's service network.
2. The quality of the panels and the experience of the installer. Take quotes from at least 2 to 3 places.
3. Government subsidy schemes change their rules and amounts over time. Confirm the latest details on the official portal or with your electricity department.
4. Ask about the net metering process and fees in advance.
5. Get every cost (panels, inverter, wiring, installation, GST) written separately in the bill.
Work out the payback: divide the total cost by the yearly saving to see in how many years it pays for itself.