Grid Connect Solar Power Systems

What is Solar Power?

Solar power is energy radiated from the sun. The sun is a massive nuclear fusion engine that creates energy buy turning nitrogen into helium in a fiery ball 150 million kilometres away. The sun is expected to shine for about the next 4.59 billion years and is the life source for every thing on our planet. The sun emits two types of energy heat and light. Solar power in the form of  heat is used for heating water in solar hot water systems and heat pumps. Solar light is used for generating electricity from photovoltaic’s or a PV system. A solar PV system is the type of system that is used to power a grid connect solar system.

Why choose Solar Power?

Solar power is the most abundant energy source on the planet.  Australia has a wealth of solar energy due to its geographical location. Over the past twenty years advances in solar technology  have made solar power one of the most affordable and reliable renewable technologies known. Solar power is an unobtrusive power source that can be subtly placed on roof tops or incorporated into building to generate power passively for years to come.

Why use grid connect solar?

Grid connect solar power is the best way to integrate renewable energy into your home or business. Grid connect solar power couples solar power with mains power to give you a power supply which is the same as mains grid power. Grid connect solar effectively uses the mains electricity grid as battery. During the day if your solar system generates more power than you need, electricity is exported to the grid for some one else to use. At night or at times when you need more power than the solar system is generating power is imported from the mains without any interruption to the power supply. The monitoring of the system is carried out by a bidirectional meter which replaces the current electricity meter.

Benefits of a solar power system

• A solar power system generates clean electricity with no carbon emissions.
• Once the system has been purchased, electricity is generated from a 'free' resource - the sun
• Solar Energy Systems add value to your home.
• The design life of a solar panel is around 40 years
• Solar modules can be integrated into the building in the form of windows, walls, roof tiles or pergolas this is referred to as building integrated photovoltaic’s. (BIPV)
• Solar power can supplement or provide all your electricity consumption.
• Grid connect Solar power can feed electricity back into the mains grid, running your meter backwards.
• Additional solar modules can be added later.
• Most solar modules have a warranty 25 years. There are solar modules in operation, which were commissioned over 30 years ago
• Solar panels are relatively maintenance free all you need to do is give them a quick wash with warm water once every year or two.
• Solar power help combat rising electricity prices.

Components of a grid connect solar power system

• Solar panels / modules.
• A mounting system/ solar racking
• A grid connect inverter.
• Cabling switches and fuses as well as signage.
• A bi-directional or smart electricity meter.

How does a grid connect solar system work?

A grid connect solar power system works by turning sun light in to electricity in a system that is interactive with the main electricity power grid. The process is simple sunlight shines onto solar panels, the solar panels produce  DC  electricity at various voltages. DC power from the solar panels goes to a grid connect inverter witch converts the DC electricity into 240volt AC electricity. The power from the inverter can now be used to power common electrical appliances. Any surplus power that is not being used is fed into the main power grid via a bi-directional meter. The surplus power is then credited to your account. At times when you need more power than your system is producing you simply draw power from the main grid as you normally would.

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