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 as
hydrogen. 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 monocrystalline.
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
briefcase) or microinverters, 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 microinverter 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 Works
Your 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!
