How does solar power work?

There are three main options for solar power which are worth considering. They’ll all slash your power bills immediately but vary in the initial outlay and how much they’ll save you in the long-term.

These are the three main options:

1Grid-Connected Solar Power

This is the most popular system which we install in most private houses.  With grid-connected system the solar panels on your roof collect energy from the sun. An inverter then converts the solar power to normal household power. You can use this solar power during the daytime and sell any extra solar power to the grid.

Grid Connected Solar Power

  • Panels collect energy from the sun.
  • Inverter converts solar power to house power.
  • Meter measures how much electricity you generate, buy and sell.
  • You can sell excess energy to the grid or use energy from the grid as needed.

2Hybrid Solar Power

A hybrid solar system is a grid-connected system with batteries and chargers. The battery allows you to store some of your solar power so you can use it at night.

Battery prices are coming down almost daily so we recommend most home and business owners at least set their system up to be battery-ready. That way, when batteries do offer a good return on their investment, we can hook your off-grid system up to batteries and chargers so you can store excess solar electricity to use at night time too.

  • Panels collect energy from the sun.
  • Inverter converts solar power to house power and charges batteries.
  • Meter measures how much electricity you generate, buy and sell.
  • You can sell excess energy to the grid or use energy from the grid as needed.
  • Batteries store solar power so it can be used at night.

3Off-Grid Solar Power

Off-grid is a standalone system which does not rely on the power lines making you totally self-sufficient.

Off-grid systems often have extra panels and a backup generator to make sure you never go without power.

A well-designed system will hardly ever use the generator as all the power will come from the panels and batteries.

Off Grid Solar Power

  • Panels collect energy from the sun.
  • The inverter converts solar power to house power and charges the batteries.
  • Batteries store solar power so it can be used at night.
  • Generator can be used if the system needs extra power due to bad weather.

How to maximise free daytime power use and lower your electricity bill

Grid-Connected Solar Power is the most common solar power system we install because it involves the lowest investment. However, it still offers an excellent return on that investment by giving you free power during the daytime.

Here’s how you can get the most out of your free daytime power use:

  • Shift your power use to the middle of the day if you can;
  • Make the most of free power by running key appliances and electrical items in the daytime. For example, washing machines and dishwashers, tumble dryers, fridges, freezers, swimming pool pumps, electric hot water systems, water pumps, heating systems and air-conditioning;
  • If you won’t be at home, or tend to forget, use timers and delayed start functions to set this up.

Thinking of going solar in your home or business?

Are you considering going solar and wondering about the best approach for you? Talk to an independent solar expert now on 07 5403 7969 or use our quick online contact form. We’ll be happy to offer you a free home visit to discuss your needs and work out a quote.