SolarWide, Sunshine Coast, Australia: “It is important to choose quality over price.”
Ensuring Long-Term Security and Financial Predictability for Homeowners
One of the key considerations when choosing a solar system is the technology it employs. While there are various mainstream panel technologies available, one of the latest pioneering technologies is heterojunction (HJT). By opting for this cutting-edge technology, homeowners can ensure that their solar system remains at the forefront of innovation, even as the industry evolves.
Dan Spence, General Manager of SolarWide on The Sunshine Coast, QLD, a highly experienced and long-established solar power supplier and installation company, says: “One of the key reasons for being such a fan of the REC HJT technology is due to their tolerance for high temperature. The Sunshine Coast obviously gets a lot of Sunshine and high temperatures. The REC Alpha Pure-RX panels handle these high temperatures better than anything else we have seen on the market due to their high-end HJT cell technology with an extremely low temperature coefficient.”
When evaluating solar systems, it is essential not to focus solely on watt class and current system costs. Homeowners should delve deeper into the manufacturer's product and performance warranty. A comprehensive warranty not only provides peace of mind but also guarantees the system's reliability and performance over time. Important, in order to benefit from these warranties, homeowners must pay attention that the installer registers their solar system on time.
“The REC ProTrust warranty is great. We have seen over the last 14 years of installing REC panels, that REC makes incredibly reliable and well-built panels that rarely have any issues, so rarely need to be warranted,” Spence adds. However, on the rare occasion that we have had to use the warranty, we know that REC is quick and proactive to sorting the issue. The REC ProTrust warranty gives the homeowner an extra 5-year warranty when installed by an REC certified installer and I believe the degradation warranty to be the best in the industry. REC panels are built to last”.
To further enhance the system's longevity and efficiency, it is crucial to select reliable and trusted manufacturers and installers. By partnering with established industry leaders, homeowners can rest assured that their solar system will be installed to the highest standards, maximizing its potential and minimizing any possible issues.
Spence continues: “To us, REC has been a very reliable solar panel manufacturer that has helped our business grow in the last 14 years through our joint belief in quality. REC is committed to produce high quality solar panels that are designed to last, and SolarWide believes that solar panels should be installed to the highest level to ensure their longevity. There are many cheaper panels on the market, but none as reliable and as high quality as REC. For us, it is important to choose quality over price.”
“The Sunshine Coast is a hard location for solar panels,” Spence explains. “We get high heat, and high humidity and not all panels can survive this. Every element of the REC panels is done with longevity in mind. REC are one of very few solar panel manufacturers to include aluminium support bars on the back of the panel. Although this adds complexity and added cost to the manufacturing process, it also adds strength to ensure that the panel withstands also heavier winds. All of these little things add up to create a brilliant panel that is designed to cope with the harsh Australian weather. It might cost a bit more to use REC panels but it’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of having to replace a cheaper system after a short time. We prefer to do it once and do it right.”
Homeowners should prioritize working with local and certified installers who possess a deep understanding of the specific solar panel brand and are well-versed in the local specifications, such as wind and weather conditions or local regulations and incentives. This ensures that the system is installed optimally, taking into account the unique requirements of the homeowner's location.
“REC Certified Solar Professionals like SolarWide understand the local region and what is important to local customers. REC is proud to partner with SolarWide to deliver some of the highest quality solar systems in the region. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to homeowners,” emphasizes Gus Paviani, Head of APAC at REC Group.
Spence raises also his concerns: “We see a lot of new solar installers appear with what initially appear to be fantastic prices but unfortunately, more often than not, the prices are so cheap due to shoddy workmanship and low-quality products. A lot of people see a 25-year panel warranty and can’t justify paying extra for quality, as the cheap has a long warranty too. Unfortunately, the cheap often don’t intend on being around long to honour any warranties. That is the same for panel manufacturers but also for cheap installers. A long warranty can be good if they are still there to warrant it, but the best scenario is where you have products that are so good that they don’t break and you don’t need to claim warranty.”
Investing in a premium solar system is a decision that offers long-term benefits, both environmentally and financially. By embracing the latest technology, considering comprehensive warranties, and partnering with reputable manufacturers and installers, homeowners can secure their energy future and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable and efficient solar PV system.
For more information on how to make the most of your solar investment, contact REC and SolarWide at www.recgroup.com/pioneer.
For media inquiries please contact:
Agnieszka Schulze
Head of Global PR, REC Group
Tel.: +49 89 4 42 38 59 39
E-mail: agnieszka.schulze@recgroup.com
REC Solar EMEA GmbH
Balanstr. 71a
81541 Munich, Germany
Managing Director: Cemil Seber
Court of Registration: Munich HRB 180306
VAT ID-No: DE266243545
Dan Spence
General Manager
Tel: (07) 5309 5871
Mob: 0412 973 832
E-mail: dan@salarwide.com.au]
SolarWide Pty Ltd
3 Bearing Avenue
Warana
QLD 4575
About REC Group:
REC Group is an international pioneering solar energy company dedicated to empowering consumers with clean, affordable solar power through high-quality solar panels with a leading power density. As Solar’s Most Trusted, REC is known for its patented innovations and multiple award-winning products with reliable long-term performance. The cornerstone for REC’s strong reliability is advanced and highly efficient manufacturing using Industry 4.0 practices. Founded in 1996 in Norway, REC has always been committed to a low carbon footprint in its solar materials and panels. REC is headquartered in Norway with operational headquarters in Singapore and regional hubs in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. As of December 2021, REC is part of Reliance Industries Limited, India’s largest private sector company with revenues of USD 118.6 billion.
About SolarWide:
SolarWide is a family-owned and operated business situated in the Sunshine Coast servicing from Brisbane to Gympie. Since 2011 SolarWide has installed thousands of solar power concentrate exclusively on Solar Power and battery systems. This has enabled us to become absolute experts in what we do. We all know that solar power makes sense both financially and for the environment and when you choose to install with SolarWide, you can be assured of great products, workmanship, and service from the first point of contact through to the installation and ongoing into the future.