Electrical & Lighting Services

In general, solar is worth it for people living in Queensland and New South Wales. This is due to the abundant sunshine and high electricity costs. Solar systems help reduce electricity bills and provide a more sustainable energy source. Additionally, the federal government offers incentives like the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, which can help offset the initial installation costs.

A good quality 6.6kW system can save a home on average $1,600 per year.

Solar panels typically last around 25-30 years, with some even lasting longer. Although their efficiency may decrease slightly over time, most panels these days maintain about 80% of their original efficiency after 25 years. The panels used by Gardel Electrical & Solar come with a full 25-year warranty.

The cost of a 6.6 kW solar system in Brisbane can vary depending on the specific components and installation factors. However, a rough estimate would be between $5,000 to $8,000 (this includes the government incentives).

Brisbane benefits from abundant sunlight and high electricity prices just like most of Queensland. Installing solar panels in Brisbane will help you save money on electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. Additionally, government incentives make solar panels even more attractive.

Yes, the solar rebate, also known as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, is still available in Queensland. This federal government incentive helps to reduce the upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, it is essential to check the current status of the rebate as government policies may change over time. Currently the rebate ends on the 31st December 2030.

The cost of a 10kW solar system in Brisbane can vary depending on the specific components and installation factors. However, a rough estimate would be between $9,000 to $14,000 (this price includes the government incentives).

The most significant downside to solar electricity is its intermittent nature. Solar panels only produce power during daylight hours and as such their output can be affected by factors like cloud cover and shading. This limitation can be addressed by installing battery storage systems, which store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during periods of low solar generation.

The number of solar panels you need depends on factors like your energy consumption, the efficiency of the panels, and the available roof space. To estimate how many panels you need we use the below process.

1. Determine your daily energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) by reviewing your electricity bills.

2. Consider the average sunlight hours in your location taking into account any shading issues as well as tilt and Azimuth.

3. Choose the efficiency and wattage of the solar panels.

4. Divide your daily energy consumption by the production of sunlight hours and the panel efficiency to get the required solar panel capacity.

5. Divide this capacity by the wattage of an individual panel to estimate the number of panels needed.

Solar panels still produce electricity on cloudy days, albeit at a reduced efficiency. The amount of power generated depends on the thickness of the cloud cover and the type of solar panel. Some advanced solar panels are designed to capture diffuse sunlight, allowing them to generate more power on cloudy days.

Luckily, here in Queensland we don’t have too many very cloudy days.

Yes, solar panels are mostly recyclable. As they reach the end of their lifespan, recycling programs can recover valuable materials like silicon, aluminium, glass, and metals.

However, not all recycling facilities have the technology to process solar panels, so it is essential to research local options and work with companies that provide solar panel recycling services. As time moves on and technologies change, recycling of the panels will improve.