Buying solar is a big investment, and like with any big investment, it’s important to put time and research in before you make a decision about the right panels, inverter, installer, and system size. If you’ve been thinking about solar you may be wondering if there is a better time of year to install solar, whether to maximise output, get a good deal, or not have to wait too long.
We’ve written a list of the best times of year to install your system, based on our decade of experience in the industry.
Four factors to consider when choosing the time of year to get solar
1. During the winter lull
Winter is the quietest time of year in solar, and that makes it the perfect time to get your solar installed. With short wait times, you can get in early, and be ready for the sunnier times of year, with high production. Generally the solar industry is quiet between January through to August, making it a good time to get a fast install, or get a good deal.
2. Before summer starts, to maximise value
Solar production varies throughout the year based on the amount of sun and the length of the days. Installing a system just before summar starts will mean you’ll be ready to make the most of the sunniest months of the year, and the associated benefits of maximum production early on in your system’s lifetime. Although solar production averages out in the long run, you’ll get an early boost in these high production months.
3. Before the end of year incentive decrease
Australia doesn’t have a solar rebate, but it does have a Government incentive which will cover a portion. Unlike a rebate, this incentive is paid directly to the installer, based on the number of Small Scale Technology Certificates (or STC’s). You’ll see the benefit in the price on your quote, because solar STC’s are actually a discount off the final price, not a cash handout.
The incentive will decrease by 8% each January, until the scheme ends in December 2030. This incentive should be the least important factor when choosing the right time of year to install solar. Why? Solar panels are increasing in size rapidly, so you’ll make up for the 8% loss in the extra size of your system each year, as new larger panels come to market.
4. Ahead of the Christmas rush
Christmas is the busiest time of year for solar installs in Australia, as families think about high summer electricity bills and getting their home upgrades completed before the holidays. If you’re planning to install solar and don’t want to wait long periods for a quote or installation, it might be best to look at booking your solar install earlier in the year.
So, when is the best time of year to install solar?
The truth is, there’s no bad time to buy solar, just busier times. Solar is a long-term investment that will give you many years of lower electrical bills. Although you may get a better deal, or a higher incentive, or a higher production in the short term, your solar will pay for itself many times over once the system is installed.