Have You Ever Wondered How a Solar Energy System Works?

Solar panel systems have seen a dramatic upturn in popularity over recent years. They’ve become more affordable and solar panels with battery storage mean you can store excess energy until you need it. People have also become more aware of the benefits of using them, especially in the face of rising energy costs and the increasing interest in reducing our carbon footprint. What may not be so obvious is how they work. Logic Solar, experts in solar power Sunshine Coast, gives you a basic rundown.

Common On Grid Solar System v Hybrid Grid Solar System

A common on-grid solar system is connected to the utility grid. The energy produced by your solar panel system is used to power your home or commercial property, and any unused power is exported back to the grid. A solar inverter converts the direct current (DC) energy generated by your panels into alternating current (AC) electricity used by your home, and by the electricity grid.

Hybrid solar systems work the same way as a common solar system - they are grid-tied but they have special inverters and a battery to store energy for use later. Solar panels with battery storage remain connected to the grid, but the batteries store excess power generated by the system. The solar inverter will still convert DC to AC energy as with the on-grid system. The difference is that energy can now be used in your home, exported to the grid or stored in your batteries. 

Not all solar batteries are the same - there are different types of solar batteries. Logic Solar can assess your home and energy needs to determine what type and size is the best option for your home or business. 

Some batteries such as a Tesla Powerwall - which is an “AC coupled battery,” have a built in inverter. This means that a traditional standalone DC string inverter is not required, the Powerwall can be connected directly to your solar panels.

DC coupled batteries can only be connected to a hybrid “battery ready” inverter. 

The main difference between DC and AC batteries is that in the event of a power outage - once fully discharged, a DC battery can recharge via the solar panels, whereas an AC battery cannot.

One of the best DC batteries available on the market is the BYD Battery Box, which works seamlessly with the Fronius Gen 24 Plus hybrid inverter, Smart Meter & Solar.Web monitoring.

Off-grid systems are standalone. They require specialised off-grid inverters and battery systems large enough to store energy for multiple days at a time. 

How Solar Panels Make Electricity

With the difference between the types of systems briefly covered, let’s break down the steps involved in how your solar panels make electricity. 

  • Sunlight hits the solar panels, and their photovoltaic cells absorb it

  • Within each cell is a thin semiconductor made of two layers of silicon which form an electric field

  • Electric current is created upon sunlight hitting the cells, separating electrons from atoms.

  • Electric current is created by these electrons and the field surrounding the silicon.

  • The solar inverter converts the DC energy created into usable AC

  • This AC energy is used to power your household or commercial property

  • Your monitoring system will measure both input and energy expenditure so you can keep track of your energy production and consumption, and allow you to optimise your energy consumption habits

Solar Power Sunshine Coast

The above may be considered quite a basic rundown of how solar energy works. For any more complicated questions you may have or anything else solar-related, Logic Solar recommends talking to one of our experienced support staff or Clean Energy Council-accredited solar installers or designers.

Call Logic Solar on 1300 068 468 to request your quote on solar power in Sunshine Coast.

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