Australia is one of the BEST places in the world to harness the power of the sun. With abundant sunshine and a growing demand for renewable energy, installing a solar power system at your home or business is a smart investment. It’s not only for your wallet but for the environment too.
So, with that advantage, why not dive into how you can make the most of solar energy?
What is Solar Power?
Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that harnesses the sun’s heat and light. It’s made by converting sunlight into electricity or using it to heat substances like air and water. This energy can even be used to produce solar fuels, such as hydrogen.
Solar power demand is growing faster than any other type of energy, thanks to significant cost reductions in the past decade. From 2010 to 2019, the cost of producing solar electricity dropped by 85%, making it more accessible and affordable.
There are two primary ways to harness solar energy: solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV). Solar thermal technology captures solar radiation to produce heat. Solar PV, on the other hand, directly converts sunlight into electricity using cells made of semiconductor materials.
How Does Solar Power Work?
Solar power works by converting the sun’s energy to produce electricity and heat. This process primarily involves solar panels, which can be installed on residential rooftops or spread across larger areas in solar farms.
These panels convert the sunlight into DC electricity. This DC electricity, however, is not directly usable in most home appliances, which operate on alternating current (AC). That’s where a solar inverter comes into play.
The inverter’s job is to convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity.
This conversion allows the energy generated by solar panels to power everyday appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and pool pumps. It reduces reliance on the traditional electricity grid.
Any demand from the property will supplied from the solar inverter first, and then if there is any ‘excess’ power this will be fed back into the grid (generally you’ll receive a payment for this).
The following video is a perfect introduction for beginners and those curious about how solar electricity works. It might seem magical, but the process is actually quite simple.
Components of Solar Power
There are six essential components of a solar power system:
1. Solar Panel
This is the most visible part of a solar system. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Essentially, solar panels harness the energy of the sun to produce electric power.
Read more on our solar panel guide
2. Charge Controller
This component regulates the flow of electricity from the solar panels to the inverter and any batteries in the system. It ensures that the batteries are charged properly and prevents overcharging. This can help extend the life of the batteries.
3. Solar Inverter
Inverter plays a crucial role by converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity. AC is the standard form of electricity used by most household appliances and the electrical grid.
4. Mounting/Racking Systems
These are the structures that hold solar panels in place, either on rooftops or on the ground. Proper mounting is crucial for maximizing sun exposure and, consequently, electricity generation.
Similarly, a racking system is essential for securely housing batteries. The rack ensures they are kept in an optimal position for safety, accessibility, and maintenance.
Modern battery systems often feature sleek, wall-mounted designs that save space and integrate seamlessly with home aesthetics.
5. Solar Battery
Battery is used in some solar power systems to store excess energy produced during the day. This stored energy can then be used at night or during periods when the sun isn’t shining. It ensures a continuous supply of electricity.
6. Monitoring System
A monitoring system allows you to track the performance of your solar power system in real time. Monitoring helps in identifying any issues promptly and in understanding your energy production and consumption patterns.
Together, these components work seamlessly to capture the sun’s energy, convert it into usable electricity, and manage the flow of that electricity to meet energy needs efficiently.
Solar Power Energy Benefits
Installing a solar power system in your home or business comes with various benefits.
1. Save Money on Your Electricity Bills
Solar power can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Imagine using the sun to power your home and paying less every month. By installing a solar system, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid.
This means you’ll use less energy from your electricity provider, which can result in significant savings on your electricity bills. In fact, many homeowners and businesses report savings of up to 80% off their electricity bills after installing a solar system.
The key is all about how much of the power you produce during the day you can utilise, be it during the day or at night with a battery.
You can even sell the excess energy back to the grid. It’s like the sun paying you!
2. The Sun is Always Available
The sun won’t run out of energy anytime soon. It’s a reliable source of power that’s always there, day after day. Whether you live in a bustling city or a remote area, the sun shines on us all.
Even on cloudy days, the sun provides enough diffuse light for solar panels to produce electricity. Seasonal changes may have an impact but it’s minimal.
As solar technology continues to improve, increasing the efficiency of harnessing sunlight even in less sunny locations. Solar systems today are designed to capture sunlight year-round.
3. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Solar energy doesn’t produce harmful emissions. It is a clean and green renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
By installing a solar system, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change. This is an important consideration for many people who are looking for ways to live more sustainably.
Do your part to help the planet with NET ZERO 2050.
4. Take Advantage of the Government Incentives
The Australian government offers incentives and rebates for homeowners and businesses that install solar systems. It’s like getting a helping hand to save money and the environment.
These incentives can help offset the cost of installation and make solar power more affordable for everyone. Going solar energy is as easy as ever.
In addition, some states and territories offer feed-in tariffs. It allows you to sell excess energy back to the grid and earn money for your solar power generation.
5. Enjoy Long-Term Savings
Solar technology is getting better and cheaper. It’s a cost-effective investment that keeps on giving, with benefits that grow over time.
Solar panels alone have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance. In fact, most solar panels come with a warranty of 25 years or more. Which means you can enjoy decades of savings on your electricity bills.
The biggest decision is choosing the best installer so should you encounter any warranties issues, they do it all for you.
6. Increasing Home Value
Homes with solar panels are hot properties. They have lower electricity costs for the new owners, a big selling point.
Solar panels also give your home a modern edge that many buyers love. They can make your home stand out and possibly sell faster.
They are in demand and can sell for a higher price. It’s a smart investment.
7. Power During Outages
With solar panels and a battery, you can keep your lights on even when the grid goes down. It means you’re not left in the dark during power cuts.
You can still charge your phone, keep the fridge running, and have lights on. It’s like having your own mini power station at home. No need to worry about food spoiling or sitting in the dark.
It’s all about staying powered and comfortable. It’s peace of mind, powered by the sun.
8. Growing Solar Community
You don’t need to own a home to go solar. Community solar programs let everyone join in, sharing the benefits of clean energy.
These programs allow renters, apartment dwellers, and those without suitable rooftops for solar panels to invest in solar energy.
By subscribing to a community solar project, you can support renewable energy, even if you can’t install panels on your own property. It’s a collective effort that makes solar accessible to more people.
Pros and Cons of Solar Power
Solar power is a game-changer for many. But like any technology, it comes with its own set of pros and cons that are worth considering before making the switch.
Pros of Solar Power
- Saves Money on Bills. Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills since you’ll be using the sun’s energy instead of buying it from the grid.
- Low Maintenance. Once installed, solar panels require minimal upkeep, mainly just occasional cleaning.
- Eco-Friendly. Solar energy is clean, reducing carbon emissions and helping fight climate change.
- Renewable Energy Source. The sun isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, making solar power a reliable, renewable energy source.
- Increases Home Value. Homes with solar panels often have higher property values and can attract buyers more easily.
Cons of Solar Power
- High Initial Cost. The upfront cost for solar panel installation and setup can be steep, although it pays off over time.
- Efficiency Dependent on Wheater. Solar efficiency drops on cloudy or rainy days since panels rely on sunlight to generate power.
- Space Requirements. To generate significant power, you need enough roof space for the panels, which might be a challenge for some properties.
- Efficiency Declines Over Time. Solar panels and batteries can become less efficient as they age, typically after 20-25 years for panels and about 10 years for batteries.
How to Use Solar Energy at Home
Harnessing solar energy at home is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to make the sun work for you, day in and day out.
- Use appliances during the day. This way, you’re using free solar energy instead of paying for electricity from the grid.
- Charge your gadgets during the day. This small change means you’re using solar power directly.
- Set timers for appliances during peak solar hours. This could be midday for north-facing panels or morning and late afternoon for east and west-facing panels, respectively.
- Use your solar energy to heat or cool your home during the day. Adjusting your home’s temperature while your panels are generating power means less reliance on the grid later.
- Consider using an electric cooker. It can cook your meal throughout the day using the sun’s power, ready for dinner time.
- Upgrade to efficient appliances that can run on solar power during the day or have battery storage for use at night.
- Using an energy-efficient hot water system, like a heat pump, can run on solar power, significantly reducing your energy bills.
- If you often have excess solar power, consider a solar battery. It can store this energy for use at night, maximizing your solar use.
- Regular checks and maintenance ensure your solar setup runs efficiently, maximizing your savings and energy use.
- Transitioning everything from gas to electric appliances. It lets you use more of your solar power, further reducing energy costs.
By aligning your energy use with solar energy production, you can significantly cut down on electricity bills and make the most out of your solar investment.
Finding the Right Solar Installer
Before diving right into installing solar systems, it’s crucial to get quotes from local, Clean Energy Council (CEC)-accredited installers. These professionals adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring your solar system is not only efficient but also safely installed.
Comparing quotes allows you to find the best deal and the right system size for your home. So you maximize your investment and energy savings.
Ready to embrace solar energy? We can get you free quotes from trusted, CEC-accredited solar installers in your area.