Going Solar & battery, so how does work?

Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that converts sunlight into electricity.

The solar panels consist of many solar cells made from layers of silicon, phosphorus (which provides the negative charge), and boron (which provides the positive charge). When sunlight hits a solar cell, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms.

If conductors are attached to the positive and negative sides of a cell, it forms an electrical circuit. When electrons flow through such a circuit, they generate electricity. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect.

The electricity produced by solar panels is direct current (DC), which is then converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter  solution.

AC electricity can then be used to power home appliances and lighting. Any excess electricity can be fed back to the power grid or stored in batteries for later use.

Batteries store excess DC electricity produced during peak sunlight hours. When the solar panels are not generating electricity, such as during the night, the stored energy in the batteries can be converted into AC to provide a continuous power supply to the home.

This allows for energy independence and ensures that solar power is available whenever it’s needed, not just when the sun is shining.

The key components of a complete solar system includes the panels, inverters, batteries racking and monitor solutions.

Quality solar panels are crucial to a photovoltaic (PV) system’s efficiency, reliability, and longevity.

High-quality panels are engineered to convert more sunlight into electricity, generating more power even under less-than-ideal conditions.

They also endure harsh environmental factors, such as UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and inclement weather, without degrading. This durability means fewer replacements, less maintenance, and a better return on investment over the lifespan of the system.

Moreover, reputable manufacturers often provide longer warranties for their high-quality panels, ensuring protection against defects and performance issues. In essence, quality solar panels lay the foundation for a sustainable, high-performing, and financially sound solar energy system.

To ensure optimal performance, solar panels are mounted on racking systems, which are securely installed on the roof or the ground, depending on the setup.

The quality of racking in a solar system can significantly vary, impacting overall system durability and performance. Quality racking is characterised by robust thick extrusions resistant to corrosion, like anodized aluminum ensuring longevity even under extreme weather conditions.

The engineering design is crucial; quality racks will have a high structural integrity to withstand loads, including  high winds. Additionally, quality racking systems are versatile, offering flexibility for different roofing types and solar panel sizes, ensuring a secure and optimal fit.

Proper grounding and electrical integration are also hallmarks of high-quality racking, contributing to the safety and reliability of the solar installation. Investing in superior racking systems ultimately supports the efficiency and endurance of the solar panels they support in decades to come.

A quality inverter is essential for an Australian solar system due to our harsh climatic conditions.

The inverter converts DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity for household use, and its efficiency directly influences the system’s overall performance.

In the Albury-Wodonga region a quality inverter must withstand high temperatures and voltage fluctuations, maintaining performance without overheating.

It also ensures maximum energy production by tracking the optimal power point of the solar panels. Furthermore, a reputable inverter comes with a solid warranty and support, crucial for long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Thus, investing in a high-quality inverter is essential for ensuring that the solar system operates efficiently, safely, and durably over its lifetime.

When your solar system generates more electricity than your home needs, the surplus energy can be sent back to the grid. This process, known as net metering, allows you to receive credits or compensation for the excess energy you contribute to the grid.

Fronius supplies a smart meter, both for single and three phase to communicate with it’s inverter to give you a excellent monitoring solution. By knowing what your solar system does , you can y use the generated energy smarter and also will know quickly if there is any issue with your PV system.

It is interesting that many people when they discuss solar batteries, straight away bring up the topic of ROI, and how batteries take longer than a solar system to pay themself back. Ironically the same person never looks at the ROI when they buy a more luxurious or safer car, or renovate the bathroom.

Batteries allow you to use more of your solar power, meaning lower use of fossil fuels, they give you black out protection and allow you to charge your EV with more solar energy.

If one looks at spending usually over $2500 on petrol each year and gets an EV and now also purchases a solar & battery system to charge the EV, then the electricity bill savings and petrol cost savings together may easily amount to $4,500 plus per annum.

If one now spends $24,000 on a solar & battery system as well as an EV charger, the payback period is a little more than 5 years.  So after 5 years one is over $,4000 better off every year, has a smaller carbon footprint and drives the EV literally for free, if it is charger at home*.

That’s a terrific outcome.

*Costs and figures may vary depending depending on your electricity supplier and rates.

Many solar inverters come equipped with monitoring systems that allow you to track the performance and energy production of your solar panels.

Unfortunately they will not tell you if your system, actually performs to expectations, or if the output is below par.

This is where the Australian made smart Solar Analytics monitoring software comes into the picture. If you choose Solar Analytics as your preferred monitoring option, you will get alerts when your system’s performance is not up to scratch. Solar Analytics also has a feature that allows you to work out the best electricity retailer deal, to get you the lowest power bill.

Ask us about the 30 day free Solar Analytics trial to really appreciated all the benefits of this smart local  monitoring software.

Shielding yourself from subpar solar installers is crucial. As we are still a relative young industry and there is a rebate, the combination can attract some  “Cowboys” into the industry.

Education is key to making an informed decision. Understanding the basics of solar power & batteries is a good start. Familiarising yourself with common industry terms  and studying our E-Book on “How to secure a good solar & battery solution” can empower you to navigate the market confidently.

Look for an installer who can explain and identify essential terms on a solar panel datasheet or quote.

Transitioning to solar energy gives you a number of benefits, including reducing electricity bills, enhancing property value, minimising reliance on the grid, and reducing your carbon footprint.

While some customers might hesitate to go solar due to the initial investment costs, it’s important to understand that the benefits of a reliable and efficient solar system far outweigh the initial investment, as these benefits will stay for you for decades.

Beware of cheap PV systems that might seem attractive at first glance but could potentially lead to significant issues down the line. If you value your time, do not go cheap, as you will be chasing the installation company in only a few years for warranty support , that will be hard to come by.

Do it once and do it right. Check out our quality packages that’ll yield long term savings.