YOUR GUIDE TO SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS
Thinking about choosing solar power? Here you’ll learn more about how solar power works and how it can benefit your home and/or your business as well as the environment. Solar energy systems are more accessible, affordable and easier to install than ever before. Australia has the highest uptake of solar globally, with more than 21% of homes with rooftop solar PV.
What is Solar Power?Solar power is produced when energy from the sun is converted into electricity or used to heat various substances. Solar energy can also be used to create solar fuels such ashydrogen. The process of converting sunlight into electricity using PV systems produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. Solar Photovoltaic (also known as solar PV) converts sunlight directly into electricity using a technology known as a semiconductor cell or solar PV cell.Solar thermal converts sunlight into heat (also known as thermal energy), which can be used for a variety of purposes including creating steam to drive an electricity generator.
What are the main components of a Solar Power system installation?Solar Panels – There are two main types of solar panels – polycrystalline or mono crystalline. Each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the solar panel type best suited for your installation will depend on factors specific to your own property and desired system characteristics.
The Inverter – There are three types of inverters, a string inverter (around the size of a brief case) or micro inverters, which are approximately the size of a book. A string inverter is installed on a wall and all the solar panels connect to it. A micro inverter goes on the back of each solar panel. Central inverters are for applications such as large arrays installed on buildings, industrial facilities as well as field installations – they are basically just a very large string inverter.
Mounting Equipment – the racking is what is securely attached to your roof supports, and what your solar panels are mounted on. Mounting your PV panels is of critical importance.First, you need to mount the panels where they’ll get maximum sunshine over the course of a year.
How Solar WorksYour solar panels consist of solar cells which convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC)electricity thereby producing clean, renewable energyThe solar inverter receives the DC electricity from the solar panels. As most homes run on Alternating Current (AC) electricity, the inverter converts the DC electricity into AC electricity so that it can be used in your home. Your meter box then feeds the newly converted AC electricity into your home. Any excess electricity that is generated but is not consumed (used) is then fed into one of two
places depending on the particular solar power system that you choose (On Grid, Off Grid, or Hybrid solar power system)
The Battery: if you’ve included a battery as part of your solar energy system, the excess electricity generated will feed into your battery and stored to be used in your home later –the storage capacity will depend on the type of battery you choose. When the battery is full, the excess clean electricity gets sent to the grid.
The Grid: If you do not have a battery as part of your solar energy system, any excess solar power that you generate is exported to the electricity grid and you usually get paid a feed-in-tariff (FiT) or credits for the energy you export.
Talk to the Renewable Energy Experts for the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Greater Queensland and New South Wales about your solar power requirements. Logic Solar have a team of friendly experts who can recommend solar panels and other renewable energy products to suit your needs!
