PV Solar Panels
Investing in and installing renewable sources such as Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can seem like a daunting prospect even for the experienced. But after a little clarification you’re sure to warm to the idea. Rohan Windsor from Powercom Systems explains:
"The most common form of residential renewable energy comes from solar energy. A PV solar panel simply converts the suns rays directly into Direct Current (DC) power and an inverter installed in the house converts that to Alternating Current (AC) power allowing a solar system to supplement the household load, Rohan said.
"An important thing to remember when considering a solar system is that there are different options to suit your needs and requirements. The two main systems include a grid connect system and a stand-alone system. The grid connect system allows your house to utilise both solar energy and electricity from the grid. A stand alone unit can run without the grid by storing energy in batteries.
Rohan went on to say "A grid-connect system feeds energy from the solar panels and from the grid to create a balance so that your entire house remains powered. If the solar panels are creating excess energy, this energy is sold back into the grid at the same rate the customer purchased it. Likewise, if solar panels are not drawing enough energy to power your house at any given time, then the balance will be met by power taken from the existing grid. Solar panels will not work at night so during this time your household energy load will rely solely on the grid.
"A stand-alone unit will power your house whilst charging a battery bank. Battery banks store energy but the amount of energy they deliver at any given time depends on the number of batteries and the amount of energy your house is using. During the night when solar panels are not effective, the household load will rely solely on the battery bank. For this reason battery banks are normally backed up by a generator," Rohan related.
Rohan explains that it is important to remember a solar option is generally designed to ease the load on the house, with solar energy supplementing the energy derived from the grid. Solar, like any other energy efficiency tool, is normally most effective when used in conjunction with other measures.
There are a range of different systems and set-ups and a solar provider such as Powercom Systems has qualified and experienced staff on hand who will assess your property and recommend the best option to suit your needs.
Solar panels can be fitted to existing houses but the optimum time for considering solar is during the design stage of your home.
When considering solar you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Is solar energy the option for you?
- What do you want to achieve with your system?
- Will your house allow for the system you desire?
- If the government rebate is your incentive to go solar, are you eligible?
You also need to understand how much power each unit generates and ensure that this is adequate for your needs. A solar designer can give you the best advice to find a system to suit your requirements.
Solar energy is a fantastic renewable energy source that is gaining popularity rapidly within Australian households.
For more information on solar energy view Aurora’s step by step guide to installing solar energy in your home or business (PDF 277kB) or contact Rohan Windsor at Powercom Systems on (03) 6229 7966.
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