Question 1

How effective is a Solar System in terms of value for money?

Accepted Answer

The sun offers an abundant, clean source of power, and with Waikato enjoying over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year, there's a substantial amount of free, renewable energy just waiting to be harnessed. After covering the upfront cost of your solar power system, every bit of energy it produces from then on comes at no cost at all.

Question 2

Is my roof suitable for Solar Panels?

Accepted Answer

Modern solar panel technology and adjustable tilt mounting mean most roofs can now support a highly effective solar power system.Roof orientationRoofs that face north, northwest or northeast capture the most sunlight over the course of a day, making them the ideal choice. That said, east- or west-facing roofs can still work well for solar panels.Roof pitch The ideal tilt angle depends on your latitude. In New Zealand, the best angles typically range from 23–36° in summer and 51–61° in winter. If your existing roof pitch doesn't match these figures, panels can be fitted onto tilt frames to achieve the optimal angle.Roof sizeYou'll generally want around 24 m² of usable roof space — roughly the size of a car park — though smaller areas can still work if you opt for higher-efficiency panels. Your Harrisons Solar expert can advise on the best approach for your space.Shading on roofWhile today's solar panels can tolerate a degree of shading, strong energy output requires the panels to be shade-free for most of the day. Shadows cast by trees, nearby buildings or chimneys can noticeably reduce your system's performance. If shading is a concern, the best way to understand its impact is to arrange a shade analysis with your local Harrisons Solar expert.Roof structureA typical solar system — panels, frames and all — weighs around 275 kg. As part of the site inspection, your roof will be assessed to see if extra structural support is required. Since mounting also involves drilling into the roof, it's essential to confirm the structure can handle this without compromising its integrity.

Question 3

Is Solar right for me?

Accepted Answer

Installing a solar system in your home involves weighing up a range of factors. In most cases, though, the benefits are compelling enough to make solar a smart choice — and an effective way to significantly cut down your power bill.

Question 4

How does solar power work?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels capture sunlight and send it to the inverter, the inverter converts the power into house power for you to use in the home

Question 5

Will My Solar Panels Work During A Power Outage?

Accepted Answer

When your solar panels are exporting power to the grid, a lineworker carrying out repairs could be exposed to an electrical hazard — potentially a serious one. That's why all grid-tied inverters are designed to automatically shut down the solar system during a power outage. However, if your system includes battery backup, you can still keep the power running even while the solar system itself is switched off.

Question 6

How can I optimise the savings on my Solar System?

Accepted Answer

To maximise your savings, aim to run high-energy activities — like heating the pool, doing laundry or showering — during daylight hours, when your solar panels are actively generating power. At the same time, try to cut back on power use at night, since that's when your system isn't producing energy of its own. Adding equipment such as timers and controllers can help further reduce your reliance on the grid overnight and shift more of your usage into daylight hours.

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