Solar Power Systems Prices In Australia

Solar Power Systems Prices In Australia: solar panels cost calculator

Solar energy is described as the radiant light and heat emitted by the Sun. It is inexhaustible and a clean source of energy that has been used  by humans for different  purposes over the years. Currently,  it’s has exponential growth due to technological advancements and growing environmental concerns. This source of energy is utilised using various technologies, basically solar photovoltaic cells and solar thermal collectors, which turns it into electricity and heat respectively.

Solar Power System

A solar power system is a system that transmits  sunlight into electricity. It consist of multiple components, which includes solar panels, a solar inverter, and sometimes a battery storage system and a solar charge controller. This system is designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy form that can be used for electricity.

How Solar Power Systems Work: solar panels cost calculator

Solar power systems work by the attraction of sunlight with solar panels, which is converted into electricity. Photovoltaic cells are involved in this process, and they are semi-conductive cells that absorb the sunlight. As sunlight hits these cells, it causes electrons to be knocked loose. Electrons then flow into a circuit, creating electrical current.  The electricity produced by the solar panels is in the form of direct current (DC), needs to be converted into alternating current (AC) to be used in most homes and businesses. Solar inverter does this conversion.  If the system includes a battery storage, the excess power generated during the day can be stored and used at night or during power outages. A solar charge controller can be used to protect the batteries from overcharging.

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Benefits of Solar Power

Solar power has significantly become essential in the global energy era, as the world seeks to stay away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources of energy. Solar power is environmentally friendly, renewable and a sustainable source of energy. It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels in electricity generation. Additionally, solar power can be generated and consumed right where it’s needed, reducing the need for extensive power transmission networks.

Brief History of Solar Power System: solar panels cost calculator

This concept of utilising the sun’s energy is not new. However, the modern era of solar power, started in 1839 when a French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, which explains how sunlight can generate electricity. However, it wasn’t until 1954 that scientists at Bell Labs developed the first photovoltaic cell capable of turning enough sunlight into electricity to run everyday electrical equipment. Solar power technology then evolved, leading to more efficient and affordable solar power systems.

Types of Solar Power Systems

There are three main types of solar power systems:

• Grid-tied systems: Grid-tied systems are connected to the local electric grid. They generate electricity for your home or business and feed any excess power back to the grid. These systems are great for reducing your energy bills, but they will not provide power during a grid outage since they are designed to shut off during blackouts for safety reasons.
• Off-Grid Systems: Off-grid systems are not connected to the electric grid and are often used in remote areas where the electric grid is not accessible. They require battery storage because they need to store the power they generate for use when the sun is not shining.
• Hybrid Systems: Hybrid systems are essentially grid-tied systems with battery storage. They can feed excess power back into the grid, and they can also store power for use during grid outages. These systems provide the best of both worlds and are becoming more popular as the price of solar batteries decreases.

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Components of a Solar Power System In Australia

A solar power system is composed of many key components that work together to turn sunlight into electricity. Let’s look at each of these elements in detail.

•  Solar Panels: Solar panels are the most visible component of a solar power system. They are responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic cells made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which produce electricity when exposed to light.
•  Solar Inverters: The electricity generated by solar panels is in DC form, which is not suitable for most appliances that run on alternating current (AC) electricity. A solar inverter is used to turn the DC electricity produced by solar panels into AC electricity. There are different types of solar inverters, including string inverters, micro-inverters, and power optimisers, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
•  Battery Storage: For off-grid and hybrid solar power systems, a battery storage system is essential. Batteries store the excess electricity produced during the day, which can then be used during the night, during periods of high electricity demand, or during power outages. The capacity of the battery storage system will depend on the energy needs of the household or facility.
•  Solar Charge Controller: A solar charge controller is primarily used in off-grid solar power systems to control the charging of the battery storage system, thereby extending the lifespan of the batteries. It protects the batteries from overcharging and excessive discharging, ensuring the system operates efficiently.
•  Wiring and Mounting Equipment: Finally, various wiring and mounting equipment are used to connect the components of the solar power system and to securely install the solar panels on rooftops or other suitable locations.

Efficiency of Solar Power Systems

Efficiency is an important factor in the performance and cost-effectiveness of a solar power system. It determines how much of the sunlight received by the solar panels is turned into usable electricity.

Factors affecting Solar Power System efficiency

A lot of factors can affect the efficiency of a solar power system:

• Quality of Solar Panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. The quality and technology of the photovoltaic cells in the panels can significantly affect the system’s efficiency.
• Placement and Angle of Solar Panels: Solar panels should be placed where they can receive maximum sunlight throughout the day and should be angled optimally towards the sun.
• Temperature: Solar panels function best in cooler temperatures. High temperatures can decrease their efficiency.
• Shading: Any shade falling on the solar panels, even if it’s just on a small part of the panel, can significantly reduce the system’s efficiency.

When looking out for  the best panel prices on the market, take into consideration the multiple variables first. Some panels have higher efficiency ratings than others, but it doesn’t mean they result in higher savings. Click here for more…