Solar PV Grid System Checklist


Buyer Beware; Don’t purchase a Solar PV Grid System without being well informed;

Installing a new PV system onto a roof is a relatively simple task, but there is a wide range of difference between suppliers and the quality of products & components used………..  Use this list to confirm you are making the right choices before you make this big investment decision;

Equipment

  1. Are the proposed inverters rated to operate in ambient temperatures to 60o without fans?  (With fans, it’s not a question of if, but when they will fail, and whether the whole inverter will fry.)   Zero moving parts means less risk of failure.
  2. Are the cooling fins visible on the front of the unit?  Dust and objects limit the effectiveness of horizontal fins, and mud wasps nesting will block hidden fins causing the unit to shut down or fail.  When inverters overheat, they are designed to shut down, losing power production on the best days, but if they fail totally in time, your warranty will not cover these external causes.
  3. Are the proposed inverters transformer-less?  Transformers are less efficient and are prone to eventually short circuit.
  4. Do the inverters have long term and comprehensive internal data logging capacity?
  5. Do the inverters have good communications systems built in for monitoring?
  6. Are the proposed PV panels of high quality construction and include at least 3 bi-pass diodes to minimise shade or fault related issues?
  7. Are the PV panels built with toughened glass to prevent damage from all but catastrophic weather events?
  8. Have the warranties been properly checked to ensure there is solid protection for the client and no hidden opt outs for the manufacturer?
  9. Are only high quality racking systems compliant to Australian standards with the wind codes of the area used?

 Is accurate advice given to allow for Solar Investment Returns?

  1. Has ownership  been explored to ensure maximum financial benefits?
  2. Has a structure been created to maximum government subsidies?
  3. Have the best connection arrangements been explored?
  4. Have accurate, justifiable cost/benefit figures been provided?

Suppliers

  1. Are all personnel involved properly licensed for their task and Clean Energy Council approved?
  2. Are they locally owned and operated?
  3. Is same day response available in the event of a detected problem?
  4. Are their representative technically trained, knowledgeable and licensed?1
  5. Do they personally inspect the site or building plans prior to making final recommendations?
  6. Have they provided full and comprehensive data to support a proposal?
  7. Do they provide accurate, believable figures on power production rates over the life of the system?
  8. Do they demonstrate leadership and understanding of the whole project?

Value for money.

  1. When I divide the final cost by the actual number of watts/hr, who has the best price?
  2. Do they offer good value for money or just a cheap product and service?

Sunshine SolarLife checks all of the above, for your secure long term investment and peace of mind don’t settle for less!

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