More and more people are becoming interested in the idea of renewable energy and sustainable power for their homes or businesses. As we begin to move away from fossil fuels, solar power is one of the most appealing forms of energy. You may have noticed new solar installation services popping up every day! But how do solar panels work in Australia, and how can you find the right installer to get you set up?
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar power is a fascinating technology, but how does it work? It might seem pretty simple. The sunlight hits your solar panel, the energy travels through the circuit, and you have power. But it’s a bit more complicated than that.
The solar panels that you might have installed on your home are officially known as photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. These panels consist of lots of solar cells, which are made of silicon. The solar cells contain a positive and a negative layer, just like a battery might.
The sun releases photons that generate solar energy. When these photons come in contact with a solar cell inside your solar panels, the electrons inside are knocked loose from their atoms. The positive and negative sides of the cell are attached to conductors, forming an electric circuit. Electricity is generated when the electrons flow through this circuit.
In Australia, our power grids utilize AC, or alternating current, electricity, meaning that electrons regularly reverse directions. However, solar panels produce DC, or direct current, electricity, meaning that electrons only flow in one direction. To power our homes and businesses and convert this DC electricity into your AC grid, we use an inverter.
What About When It’s Dark?
Now you know how solar panels work, but there’s still one big question: how do you still have electricity when it’s dark outside? You can take advantage of what’s called a “feed-in tariff.” Most solar panel systems, during the day, produce more electricity than you actually need. That extra energy will be fed back into the grid (i.e., to your energy retailer) and put to use somewhere else. You get credit for that extra energy that you’re sending back to the energy company, and when you need power at night or when it’s cloudy, you can essentially cash in on that extra energy and use it to power your home.
Solar Panel Installation in Sydney
Since Australia is so sunny and hot for most of the year, it’s the perfect place for solar panels to work! To ensure you get an efficient and effective system, turn to one of the best solar companies in Sydney, like Charlie Sparks. We are proud to set you up with a brand-new system or maintain your existing system, ensuring that you always have power when you need it most.
Each of our services comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to move closer to your sustainability goals and move through life with reliable, uninterrupted power. For more information on our solar installation services, contact us today!
