Temperatures climbed in January and so too did interest in installing solar panels – 2019 is gearing up to be another big year for small scale solar power in Australia.
Here’s what Australians using the SolarQuotes service last month were looking for in a system.
Solar Power System Sizing
The proportion of Australians wanting a 6kW solar system or larger capacity stayed stable in January, at a whisker over 58% where a capacity was noted. There was also higher percentage of submitters who wanted advice on choosing a solar power system size – close to 33% compared to 31% in December .
Solar Power Installation Timeframe
Interest in having a solar power installed immediately dropped off substantially in January to 21% (December was 26% and November 24%). But the vast majority of quote-seekers still wanted panels installed within 3 months – 84% vs. 86% in December and November.
Price And Quality Preference
Xmas and school holidays may have put a drain on finances, but Australians still weren’t compromising on solar quality. Approximately 80% were interested in a system that was “a good mix of quality and price” (79% in December). Around 12% were wanting a top quality (most expensive) system and 7% a quote on a “good budget system”.
Battery Ready Systems
January saw a small drop in the proportion of those wanting a battery-ready system – from 30% in December to around 29% in January. While most solar power systems are “battery-ready”, we ask this question on our quoting form to help inform system design.
Concurrent Installation Of Solar + Storage
A bit over 8% said they wanted battery storage installed along with their solar panels, down on December’s 9%. Although battery prices are dropping, installing one still an expensive proposition and much better bang for buck can be gained through spending more on a larger PV system.
Battery Capacity Choice
For those who wanted a concurrent battery installation and had a capacity in mind, approximately 16% expressed an interest in a 1-5kWh capacity device, 48% wanted a 5-10kWh battery and 36% a 10kWh+ system. 50% wanted advice on battery sizing, down on December’s 53% and November/October’s 55%.
Intended Battery Application
A touch over 3% were wanting a solar battery primarily for backup purposes (~4% in December), while a little under 50% wanted it for minimising grid electricity consumption – same as December. 47% wanted a battery for both applications (46% in December).
Pre-Solar Electricity Bills
Where average quarterly electricity bill amounts were known, 49% of submitters reported $500 – $1,000; quite a jump on December’s 45% and back at November levels. Again in January, 11% reported quarterly electricity bills of $1,000 or more. With their energy costs so high, it’s little wonder these folks were seriously considering solar energy as a way of reining in their power bills.
About The auSSII
The auSSII report is based on details submitted by thousands of Australians who utilise our obligation-free solar quoting service every month to gain pricing and advice from SQ’s network of carefully screened installers.
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About Michael Bloch
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