Grid Connect Solar: Energy Matters

While the technology behind

solar energy

may seem complex, when broken down, how solar power works is easy to understand – particularly in a grid connect scenario as it only requires a few components installed in your home or business. Discover below

how solar power works

.

How solar power works

• The sun shines on the
  
  solar panels
  
  generating
  

  DC

  electricity
  

• The

  DC

  electricity is fed into a
  
  solar inverter
  
  that converts it to 240

  V

  50

  Hz

  AC

  electricity.

• The 240V

  AC

  electricity is used to power appliances in your home.

• Surplus electricity is fed back into the main grid.

Whenever the sun shines (and even in overcast weather), the solar cells generate electricity. The grid connect inverter converts the

DC

electricity produced by the solar panels into 240

V

AC

electricity, which can then be used by the property/household.

If a grid connect system is producing more power than is being consumed, the surplus is fed into the mains power grid. Some electricity companies will meter the electricity fed into the grid by your system and provide a credit on your bill. How much you are paid is determined by the

feed-in tariff

.

When the solar cells are not producing power, for example at night, your power is supplied by the mains power grid as usual. The energy retailer charges the usual rate for the power used.

As all of the components in a grid connect system have no moving parts, you can expect a long and hassle free life from your solar power system! Generous government

solar rebates

and incentives mean you can also save thousands on a grid connect system for a limited time!

Installing a grid connect solar system

Most customers choose a roof mounted solar power system. For most of Australia, the modules should be installed facing north in order to take full advantage of the sun; however a west facing installation may also be desirable.

Our

accredited grid connect installers

will aim to install the modules at an angle which ensures that the glass face of the modules is positioned at 90 degrees to the sun for most of the day.

As an example, in Sydney this angle would be approximately 30-40 degrees to the horizontal. Standard Australian roofs usually have an angle of elevation of ~22 degrees, which is acceptable. This provides a close approximation to the position in which a solar array produces its maximum output. For installations on flat roofs an elevated array frame allows the solar modules to be installed at an angle of elevation of approximately 30 degrees from the horizontal.

What’s the right size solar power system? How much will it cost?

As everyone’s needs are different and the generation potential of solar power differs from place to place , a quick way to get an answer to both these questions is to use our

free solar quote

system to determine the cost and estimated benefit of an installation. You can also learn more about

solar power system sizing here

.

If you’d prefer to speak directly to an expert to find out more about how solar power works,

contact our team

of friendly consultants for free, no-obligation advice.

This is is a syndicated post. Read the original at www.energymatters.com.au

Power Efficiency Guide, Solar Power Efficiency Guide, Solar Power Guide