Perth
West Australia

Solar products and information to enhance lifestyle and reduce energy use, in Perth and regional W.A.

Though ideal in most instances, solar is not equally functional for everyone!

Solar Option is a strong advocate for solar energy, with the conviction that maximum efficiency is always the prime aim (or you may be wasting your money). Solar Option is committed to provide and install the most efficient solar option available for the job, at a very competetive price. If solar is not suitable/practical, will advise most appropriate alternate/efficient product.

Solar energy products are some of very few lifestyle purchases that can both pay for themselves and give a return on the investment (ROI), with reduced ongoing expenditure. BUT, only if done correctly.

Done incorrectly would be both an initially expensive purchase and ongoing cost for the (possibly reduced) life of the product, with no prospect of any ROI.

It all relates to system efficiency and time of use. The difference between maximum efficiency and a barely functional installation usually results from aesthetic constraints. 'Solar' relies on functional efficiency, whereas aesthetics are based on emotion, which can result in a costly mistake if aesthetics alone govern the installation.

The (relative) movement of the sun is constant year after year, and can be fully utilised efficiently through correct design and installation.

A 'solar system' installed for efficiency (that some may not consider aesthetic) says, "I save energy and ongoing expense, and will get a return on my investment, by going solar efficiently". I leave it to the imagination what an inefficiently installed system indicates.

I doubt anyone would waste their money on a 106cm LCD TV if it only showed a 66cm picture? A solar system/product can have a far greater impact on lifestyle and living costs than a TV (as well as being a larger initial cost). Only installing solar efficiently can produce the full benefit paid for (and expected).

When you consider 'going solar' functionality must always overide aesthetics, if you expect any ROI. The three crucial factors for maximum efficiency are; good solar access, correct orientation, correct tilt angle (in order of importance), two out of three is not good enough.

Some suggestions by a supplier/installer are primarily to save them cost/time/effort, not maximise efficiency for the purchaser (which would provide cost savings throughout the life of the system). Many suppliers give enough information to gain a sale, and do not stress what may be required to obtain maximum efficiency (and ROI) at the risk of losing that sale, due to possible extra initial cost.

The purchaser has the option; a product that delivers far less than expected (with a shortened lifespan) or a slightly more expensive product that functions at maximum efficiency, over an extended period (with a return on investment).

If you are prepared to commit to solar energy (which can be initially expensive), you should rightfully expect it to perform at maximum efficiency. If the system does not function as you had been led to expect, it is likely that your displeasure would be passed to anyone who mentions solar, and may deter you from any future purchase of a solar product. This could instill a wrong impression of the benefit/ability of solar, and be detrimental to those that are committed to the industry for the long term (not just short term profit).

Apart from all solar products dependency on the sun for functionality, each product type has a different role to fill, and therefore operates at maximum efficiency with different setup parameters. The three main types are; passive sun control, water/air heating and PV (electricity generation), listed in order of cost effective impact on lifestyle.

Though water/air heating panels and PV panels look similar, they do not share the same operational parameters, nor should they be installed in an identical manner. Far from it, water/air heating is required primarily in winter, whereas PV is an 'annual total' requirement, therefore the installation parameters are quite different for each.

Just because a panel/collector is on the roof and pointing skywards does not guarantee it will work efficiently, orientation and tilt angle along with solar access control efficiency. The Sun is constantly moving accross the sky (up/down and East/West) and it's the angular relationship between the Sun and the surface of the panel/collector that dictates how well it works. Schoolroom geometry can show/confirm this. This varies on both a daily and monthly basis (see SACI).

Some designers of passive solar homes still fail to provide suitable areas for solar products to function at maximum efficiency. If a solar product is to be installed on a building, the design should have an appropriate position for the product to function correctly, not just expect the product to work regardless. It will always be more aesthetic to have a system incorporated into the building lines than have an obvious 'add-on' projecting from it.

Unfortunately many people still find it quite acceptable to have a large evaporative aircon or a TV dish/antenna protrude from the roof. Whereas installing solar water heating collectors to maximise 'time of most use' efficiency and prolong system lifespan, is only practised by a knowledgable few. Installing a partially functional system could be an ongoing cost/regret.

Only correct installation will give a return on investment, through efficiency and system longevity.

There may also be a small lifestyle change required to obtain maximum efficiency and ROI, as solar is not yet a 100% 24/7 solution on its own. Energy reduction practices are required for PV systems, and time of use considerations required for hot water systems (during colder months).

Solar Option is developing both fixed and tracking solar water heaters, utilising Evacuated Tubular Collectors (ETCs). The latest project in development is an Oscillating Water Column (OWC), wave powered generator.

Solar Option reserves the right to decline any sale where it is obvious the product will be prevented from functioning efficiently, due to problems with location, or imposed constraints by the architect, developer or home owner. In which case we may be able to direct you to others that may not be as idealistic.

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