Solar power is undeniably the future of powering our cities and your home. Progressive countries are switching from dirty and expensive fossil fuels to commercial and residential solar power applications. If you are planning to make the switch yourself it is best that you know the basics before you decide.
Utilising solar power is by way of solar photovoltaic cells that are created in modules and are then called solar panels. When the panels are struck by sunlight, electrically charged particles of the light energy are then dislodged from a molecular level. The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon responsible for the technology. A misleading idea is held by many people about the process; it is not the heat from the sun that is converted to electricity, but rather the light energy.
When energy conversion is done DC current is produced, however this is not a useful form of electricity. A solar inverter is required within the system to convert the DC form into useful alternating current or AC. Inverters are also responsible for the total efficiency of the system. A good inverter can increase the total output by at least 20% and some inverters come with LED display to monitor and keep track of the system’s performance.
Another important component of the system is the smart meter, which has two types. The Net Metering, which computes your total net export of electricity to the grid (difference of import and export) and the Gross Meter which computes your import and export of electricity separately.
Australia’s state governments have implemented various bonuses and schemes functioning under either net or gross meters. It is best to know what your local government regulations are and check 1st what current solar schemes and rebates are available in your area before you decide what to install.
Lastly having awareness of your geographical location’s optimal sun position is very useful; for example in Australia cities like Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will get a much greater power output from the same solar panels system then what residents in Melbourne will. Maximising the available sunlight which can hit your solar panels daily should be the aim in every installation. Thus roper angling and any shading are important considerations.
When all of the components are selected to best suit your home design and family’s energy requirements, installed properly, and you apply for any government rebates and bonuses that you can qualify for than getting a good economic return from your solar power is assured. Solar pv systems are expected to save you at least 50% of your electricity bill, and a larger system can eliminate it completely.
The initial cost of the system is likely to of paid for itself within about 7 years at today’s prices, and the panels are expected to last for more than two decades, which is a long time to have free electricity from the sun. You do the math and see how good investment it can be!
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