Updated on 11 October 2024
When is the best time to install solar panels in Australia? While summer may bring soaring temperatures and an abundance of sun, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best time to make the switch to solar energy.
In fact, the low-peak season, particularly in the months leading up to summer, might be the perfect time to start exploring your options – and here’s why!
Solar panels need sunlight, not heat
Solar power is generated through either solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems. Solar thermal, as the name implies, takes advantage of the sun’s heat to produce steam. However, most rooftop solar panels in Australia are photovoltaic — they transform sunlight into electricity.
Solar systems work best when the sun is shining and there’s no denying that the days are longer on average in summer than other seasons. The angle of the sun, coupled with the strength of the sun’s radiation, means that some solar systems can generate twice the electricity in summer, than in the shorter days of winter.
However, as solar PV panels utilise light rather than heat, the higher temperatures of summer don’t necessarily correlate to higher yields for your solar panels. In fact, rather than boosting the performance of solar panels, very hot days may actually have a negative impact on your solar panel’s ability to generate power. An overheated panel won’t be an efficient panel.
They say that where there is life, there is hope. Well, in the solar industry, we say that where there is light, there is solar. In Australia, we’re fortunate to experience periods of sunny weather year round with solar generation output steadily climbing from mid-August, to peaking around December.
In fact, Australia is one of the sunniest countries in the world, with many big cities that get fewer than 90 days of overcast weather. Our sunniest state is Western Australia, followed closely by Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland. On average, no matter which time of year it is, Australia receives around eight hours of sunlight per day. That means there are plenty of opportunities for you to harness its power!
Lower demand = better solar deals and faster installations
It doesn’t take an industry expert to know that summer is big business for solar. Solar companies boost advertising spend and Australians are suddenly lining up to make the switch.
For this reason, installing solar during low peak season can result in more affordable prices and quicker turnaround times for installations. As demand for installations increases, so too does the likelihood that you’ll be faced with inflated costs and lengthy installation wait times.
By installing your system at a less-popular time of year such as autumn, winter or early spring, you’ll take the pressure off installers and be able to enjoy significant savings. Instead of waiting for your installation to be completed, you can start reaping the benefits right away.
Start summer solar-ready
Installing solar panels in the low peak season also means you’re set up to harness the sun’s energy when sunshine hours increase during summer. Long before winter makes its way back in and spring is just a possibility on the horizon, you could have solar panels up and running generating clean energy for your home.
Solar energy summer
Solar energy is most effective in summer, when the sun is shining brightly for most of the day. However, solar panels can still be effective in other seasons. In fact, solar panels can even be effective in winter, as long as the sun is shining for at least a few hours each day.
Solar installation seasons
If you’re keen to start seeing great returns straight away, consider installing in spring. Spring is actually the second best time for solar energy production, with summer obviously taking out first place.
During spring, Australia gets on average around 12 hours of sunlight. This gives your panels more than sufficient time to soak up the sun’s rays with the added benefits of better solar deals and faster installation times just before summer.
Spring: Spring is a good time to install solar panels, as the weather is mild and there is less rainfall. However, the sun is not shining as consistently as it will be in summer.
Summer: Summer is the peak season for solar panel installations in Australia. The sun is shining brightly for most of the day, and there is little rainfall. However, summer is also the busiest time of year for solar installers, so you may need to wait longer for your installation.
Autumn: Autumn is another good time to install solar panels. The weather is mild and there is less rainfall than in summer. However, the sun is not shining as consistently as it will be in summer.
Winter: Winter is the least popular time to install solar panels in Australia. The sun is not shining as consistently as it will be in summer, and there is more rainfall. However, you may be able to get a discount on your installation if you install solar panels in winter.
The best time to install solar
In addition to the season, there are a number of other factors to consider when choosing the best time to install solar panels in Australia. These factors include:
- The location of your home or business: If you live in a region with high rainfall, it may be better to wait until the dry season before installing solar panels.
- The energy needs of your home or business: If you have high energy needs, you may want to consider installing solar panels sooner rather than later.
- The cost of solar panels: Solar panels can be expensive, so it is important to compare prices from different installers before making a decision.
- Government incentives: There are a number of government incentives available to help offset the cost of solar panel installation in Australia.
- Solar installer availability: The demand for solar panel installations can fluctuate seasonally. Scheduling installation during off-peak seasons might result in better pricing and availability.
- Get multiple quotes from different solar installers. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible price for your solar panel installation.
Energy Matters helps Australian home and business owners receive personalised solar quotes through our large network of high-quality solar installers. With Energy Matters, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal on solar energy. We only work with reputable solar installers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality solar systems.
There’s never a ‘bad’ time to install solar
While installing in low peak season is the perfect way to get ahead of high demand and receive great value for your dollar, there isn’t really a ‘bad’ time to install solar. With average annual savings on your electricity bill upwards of 30%, you can’t really go wrong. In fact, waiting for the ‘right time’ to install solar is a false economy and just means you’re missing out on real, proven savings in the meantime.
Remember, a solar system will, on average, give you 20+ years of service. You will ride the highs and lows of the seasons for many years, well beyond your payback period.
What season you install your system in is really negligible in the big picture. Take heart in knowing that regardless of WHEN you make the investment, you will be making a GOOD investment.
Ready to start slashing your electricity bills and take advantage of low peak season benefits?
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You can also call us on 1800 EMATTERS or email our friendly team for expert, obligation-free advice.
