Here comes the sun – can I go solar?
People switch to solar power for two main reasons – the energy is free, and it’s an ecofriendly alternative.
But not every house can accommodate solar panels.
If your home has a typical iron, Colorsteel, concrete or clay tile roof, it is likely to be able to have solar panels attached. But decramastic tiles, slate and any other form of shingle roofing could be problematic.
Wesley Feng, an adviser for Solar City in Auckland, says that company won’t work with decramastic tiles that were installed before 1990 as they may contain asbestos. He also says shingle roofs are not acceptable as there is a chance they may leak where the system is attached.
A spokesperson for Harrisons Energy Solutions says slate and butynol roofs are off limits.
‘‘We also look at the orientation of the roof and its size,’’ says Feng.
‘‘If the roof is too small, there might not be enough space for the panels to make it a viable option. Similarly, if it is south facing [away from the sun], it wouldn’t be worth doing. Northfacing or east-west orientations are best. ‘‘We look at shading as well, as the roof needs to get plenty of sun.’’
Harrisons will often lift solar panels up on tilted frames to maximise exposure to the sun.
Because Solar City owns the solar panels and batteries it installs on homes, and charges a flat, fixed monthly fee for a 20-year term, the company has other restrictions.
‘‘Residents must be the homeowner, and their average monthly power bill must be in excess of $110. If it is less than that amount, then the usage is too low to make it a viable option for the homeowner,’’ says Feng.
‘‘We want to make solar more affordable – the initial investment in the panels and batteries can be quite huge [for people doing it themselves].’’
Feng says it can cost $20,000 for panels and batteries. Harrisons’ average installation cost, not including batteries, is between $7000 and $10,000. A large family using multiple appliances will require a system in excess of $10,000, plus batteries.
The company recommends investing a little extra up-front for a ‘‘reputable branded system that you can expand in size later, and that will also easily integrate with leading battery brands – not all will’’.
If you live in Auckland, Solar City’s system will provide estimated savings of $240 in the first year and $16,480 over 20 years. If you live in Otago, the company estimates savings of $470 in the first year and $18,750 over 20 years.