Questions and things to look out for regarding being offered solar power

tebbybabes on 06/12/2023 - 15:58
Last edited 08/12/2023 - 15:13

I've always been interested in getting a system, but since we live at the bottom of a hill wish bushland with tall trees to our north, I always figured it wouldn't make much power. This is considering how difficult it is to dry our clothes in the yard for around 6-8 months in a year.

I got doorknocked a few days ago by a mob offering solar installs that have a guarantee that I'll be ahead financially - have no idea how they'll secure that. They're also proposing that if I take up one of their plans, I can keep paying the same amounts for power as my current bill, but instead of paying the power company, I'd be paying them as amortization for the install, until the amount is paid off and then I won't have to pay anything at all afterwards. Basically, the goal was to have no cash out at this time.

Now, everything sounds too good to be true and all my spidey senses are twitching. But I did give him the benefit of the doubt and scheduled a virtual "one-on-one" with a consultant that will supposedly work through all the details compared to the quickie version from the door knock.

Can you guys share some things to ask about and things to be aware of, so I can at least look like I have an intelligent thought in my head?

Cheers.

*update - 08/12
Just an update. I had a nice conversation with the mob doing this.

They straight up told me after the usual pleasantries that after reviewing our site, there was no way a solar install would be financially viable for us. They were very apologetic for wasting my time.

So I never got around to the actual marketing spiel, but at least they were on level with regards to my place.

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Comments

  • m a c9 on 06/12/2023 - 16:09
    +1

    Get as much detail as possible from them, tell them you'll think about it, etc - then ask the exact same question to another solar company and see what they say.

    I had a someone who wanted to put solar on their standalone carport. One solar company said honestly it won't be worth the effort and money, etc. Another solar company said it's totally doable, you'll get x number of panels, generate x amount of power, save you xx per bill cycle and you'll recover the costs in x many months, etc.

    You just gotta ask around.

  • Drakesy on 06/12/2023 - 16:10
    +3

    Yeah, don't do it.

    If you want solar, organise it yourself and pay upfront. The buy now pay later ones are effectively a loan and when you find out the solar isn't generating as much as their "calculations" showed you'll be left to cover the gap and are generally locked into extensive terms at large interest rates.

  • Carussell on 06/12/2023 - 16:32
    +2
    1. Get three quotes for similar systems / specs from 3 different reputable companies.
    2. Ensure those quotes are for similar specs.
    3. Avoid 'no cost 'scams, it will cost you dearly overall
    4. Ensure the components they quote you on are high quality ie Fronius or SMA inverter and REC 420w panels
    5. North facing is the ideal mounting location for the panels
  • JIMB0 on 06/12/2023 - 16:38
    +1

    I wouldn't use a door knocking company. Where do you think the money comes from to pay for the people to knock on doors and hassle you.

    • Drakesy on 06/12/2023 - 16:44
      +1

      ComMisSIOnZ.
      From memory the people that go about hassling innocent old ladies in the street for money to pay for a child in poverty get something like 50% of every dollar that gets donated. So much for helping charities.

  • MrHyde on 06/12/2023 - 16:45
    +2

    Read up on www.solarquotes.com.au. Lots of articles there on how to choose a solar system that suits you.

  • tebbybabes on 06/12/2023 - 16:51

    Thanks for all the input.

    I haven't had the one-on-one yet, but if I was REALLY SERIOUS, I'd defo be getting multiple quotes and comparing apples to apples. Like I said, I already had the feeling that my location would have been a poor choice.

    The one-on-one almost feels like someone spruiking a time share so my BS meter is twigging like crazy, but I have nothing better to do that afternoon, and since I was already interested in solar, I figured I can get some info.

    Very grateful for all the tips about panels, amount generated, specs!!

    • cloudy on 06/12/2023 - 21:38
      +1

      If you are sure your north side is shaded it’s likely any west or east facing roofing is partially shaded too, and won’t be good enough to make solar worthwhile.

      It just doesn’t work

  • brad1-8tsi on 07/12/2023 - 00:18
    +1

    if they are door knocking then don't do it. They are on commission and will do anything for a sale

  • tebbybabes on 08/12/2023 - 15:13

    Just an update. I had a nice conversation with the mob doing this.

    They straight up told me after the usual pleasantries that after reviewing our site, there was no way a solar install would be financially viable for us. They were very apologetic for wasting my time.

    So I never got around to the actual marketing spiel, but at least they were on level with regards to my place.

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