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Welcome to the ultimate buyer's guide to solar panels. This guide is designed to help you understand everything you need to know about solar panels and how they work. Whether you're new to solar energy or an experienced solar panel user, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the different types of solar panels, their components, and how they can be used to reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on energy bills.
1.1 What are Solar Panels?
1.2 How do Solar Panels Work?
1.3 Benefits of Solar Panels
1.4 Limitations of Solar Panels
2.1 Monocrystalline Solar Panels
2.1.1 Advantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
2.1.2 Disadvantages of Monocrystalline Solar Panels
2.2 Polycrystalline Solar Panels
2.2.1 Advantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
2.2.2 Disadvantages of Polycrystalline Solar Panels
2.3 Thin-Film Solar Panels
2.3.1 Advantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels
2.3.2 Disadvantages of Thin-Film Solar Panels
3.1 Solar Panels
3.2 Inverters
3.2.1 String Inverters
3.2.2 Micro Inverters
3.3 Racking
3.4 Monitoring Systems
3.5 Batteries
3.5.1 Lead-Acid Batteries
3.5.2 Lithium-Ion Batteries
3.6 Charge Controllers
4.1 Site Assessment
4.2 System Sizing
4.3 Permits and Codes
4.4 Installation
4.5 Maintenance
5.1 Grid-Tied Solar Panel Systems
5.2 Off-Grid Solar Panel Systems
5.3 Hybrid Solar Panel Systems
6.1 Upfront Payment
6.2 Solar Loans
6.3 Leasing Solar Panels
6.4 Power Purchase Agreements
We hope that this buyer's guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of solar panels and their components. By understanding the different types of solar panels, their benefits and limitations, the components of a solar panel system, and how to choose the right solar panel system for your needs, you can make an informed decision about whether solar energy is right for you. Remember, solar panels are not only an environmentally friendly energy source, but also a great way to save money on energy bills.
Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of photovoltaic cells, which capture the energy from the sun and convert it into electrical energy. Solar panels are a key component of solar energy systems, which are becoming increasingly popular as a means of generating renewable energy.
Solar panels work by capturing the energy from sunlight and converting it into electrical energy. When sunlight hits a solar panel, the photovoltaic cells within the panel absorb the energy and convert it into DC (direct current) electricity. This electricity is then sent to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used to power homes.
Solar panels offer a number of benefits, including:
While solar panels offer a number of benefits, there are also some limitations to consider, including:
Solar panels are available in various types, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the different types of solar panels can help you choose the best option for your specific needs. In this chapter, we'll discuss the three most common types of solar panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single, pure crystal of silicon. They have a uniform black color and are the most efficient type of solar panel available. They are also the most expensive.
Polycrystalline solar panels are made up of many small silicon crystals. They have a blue color and are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels. However, they are more affordable.
Thin-film solar panels are made of a very thin layer of photovoltaic material deposited on a substrate such as glass or plastic. They are the least efficient type of solar panel and are often used in large-scale solar projects.
When it comes to setting up a solar panel system, there are several key components that you need to be aware of. These include
As discussed in Chapter 2, solar panels are the foundation of any solar panel system. They come in different types, sizes, and efficiencies, and their job is to capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity.
Inverters are responsible for converting the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity that can be used by your home or business. There are two main types of inverters: string inverters and microinverters.
String inverters are the most common type of inverter used in solar panel systems. They are connected to multiple solar panels in a series, and convert the DC electricity generated by those panels into AC electricity. String inverters are relatively inexpensive, but can be less efficient than other types of inverters.
Microinverters, on the other hand, are installed on each individual solar panel, and convert the DC electricity generated by that panel into AC electricity. This can be more efficient than string inverters, as shading or other issues with one panel will not affect the performance of the entire system. However, microinverters can be more expensive than string inverters.
Racking refers to the mounting system used to attach the solar panels to your roof or other surface. There are several different types of racking systems available, and the type you choose will depend on factors such as the type of roof you have, the angle of your roof, and local building codes.
Monitoring systems are used to keep track of the performance of your solar panel system. They can provide real-time data on how much electricity your system is generating, how much energy you are using, and how much you are saving on your electric bill.
Batteries are used to store excess electricity generated by your solar panel system, so that it can be used later when the sun is not shining. There are two main types of batteries used in solar panel systems: lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Lead-acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in solar panel systems. They are relatively inexpensive, but have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular for use in solar panel systems. They have a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries, and are more efficient at storing and releasing energy. However, they are also more expensive than lead-acid batteries.
Charge controllers are used to regulate the amount of electricity that is sent to the batteries. They prevent overcharging and ensure that the batteries are charged to the optimal level. There are two main types of charge controllers: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking).
By understanding these key components of a solar panel system, you will be better equipped to make informed decisions when it comes to designing and installing your own system.
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When it comes to solar panel system design and installation, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the system is efficient and effective. In this chapter, we will discuss the site assessment, system sizing, permits and codes, installation, and maintenance of a solar panel system.
Before installing a solar panel system, a site assessment is necessary to determine the best location for the panels. This involves evaluating the site for factors such as shading, orientation, and available roof space. Shading from trees, buildings, or other obstructions can significantly reduce the efficiency of a solar panel system, so it is important to choose a location with maximum exposure to sunlight.
The size of a solar panel system is determined by the amount of electricity needed to power a home or business. System sizing involves calculating the energy usage and determining the number of panels required to meet the energy demand. A professional installer can help determine the appropriate size of the solar panel system based on the electricity consumption of the property.
Before installing a solar panel system, permits and codes must be obtained from the local government. These requirements vary depending on the location and type of solar panel system being installed. It is important to ensure that all necessary permits and codes are obtained before beginning installation to avoid any legal issues.
The installation process of a solar panel system typically involves mounting the panels on the roof or ground, connecting the panels to the inverter, and connecting the inverter to the electrical system of the property. This process requires specialized knowledge and tools and is best performed by a professional installer.
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the optimal performance of a solar panel system. This includes cleaning the panels to remove dirt and debris, checking the wiring for damage, and monitoring the inverter for any issues. It is recommended to have a professional conduct annual maintenance checks to ensure the system is working efficiently
In conclusion, designing and installing a solar panel system requires careful consideration of several factors. It is important to conduct a site assessment, size the system appropriately, obtain necessary permits and codes, and ensure proper installation and maintenance to ensure the system operates efficiently and effectively.
Solar panel systems come in different types, and choosing the right one depends on your energy needs and lifestyle. This chapter will discuss the three most common types of solar panel systems: grid-tied, off-grid, and hybrid.
Grid-tied solar panel systems are the most common type of solar panel system in the United States. These systems are connected to the utility grid and allow you to use solar energy during the day and switch to grid power at night. The excess energy produced by the solar panels can be fed back into the grid, and you can receive credits on your energy bill.
A grid-tied solar panel system is an excellent choice if you live in an area with a stable grid connection and want to offset your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. However, you won't have power during a power outage unless you invest in a backup generator or battery backup system.
Off-grid solar panel systems are not connected to the utility grid and rely entirely on solar energy to power your home. These systems are ideal for remote areas without access to grid power, and they provide energy independence. Off-grid systems require a battery bank to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during periods of low sunlight.
Off-grid solar panel systems require careful planning and system design to ensure that they meet your energy needs. These systems tend to be more expensive and require regular maintenance to ensure that they are functioning correctly.
Hybrid solar panel systems combine the features of grid-tied and off-grid systems. They are connected to the utility grid and have a battery backup system to provide power during a power outage. These systems can be programmed to use grid power only when solar energy is not available or when energy demand exceeds solar production.
Hybrid solar panel systems provide the best of both worlds: the energy independence of an off-grid system and the convenience of a grid-tied system. These systems tend to be more expensive than grid-tied systems, but they provide peace of mind during power outages and can help reduce your energy bills.
When choosing the right solar panel system for your home, it's essential to consider your energy needs, budget, and lifestyle. A professional solar panel installer can help you determine which type of system is best suited to your needs and provide guidance on system design, installation, and maintenance.
Installing a solar panel system is a significant investment, and many people may not have the funds to pay for it upfront. Fortunately, there are several financing options available to make solar energy accessible to more homeowners. In this chapter, we will discuss the different financing options for solar panel systems.
If you have the financial means to do so, paying for your solar panel system upfront is the most cost-effective option. By paying in full, you can avoid interest rates and other fees associated with financing. It also provides the highest return on investment since you won't be paying interest over the life of the system.
For those who cannot afford to pay for the system upfront, solar loans are a popular financing option. These loans are specifically designed for solar panel installations and offer low-interest rates, making them an affordable choice. The loan can be paid back over several years, and the interest is tax-deductible, further reducing the overall cost of the system.
Leasing solar panels is another popular financing option for homeowners. With a solar panel lease, you can rent the solar panel system from a third-party provider who installs and maintains the system on your property. The lease agreement typically lasts for 20 to 25 years, and you pay a fixed monthly rate for the use of the system. Although leasing allows you to avoid the upfront costs of purchasing the system, you won't own the panels, and you'll typically pay more over the life of the lease than you would have if you had purchased the system outright.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a contract between a homeowner and a third-party solar panel provider. The provider installs the solar panel system on the homeowner's property and sells the electricity generated by the panels back to the homeowner at a reduced rate. PPAs typically last for 20 to 25 years, and the homeowner pays only for the electricity generated by the system, not the system itself. This financing option can be attractive for those who don't want to deal with the maintenance and upkeep of the solar panel system. However, similar to leasing, you won't own the panels, and you'll typically pay more over the life of the PPA than you would have if you had purchased the system outright.
In conclusion, financing options for solar panel systems are numerous and varied. It's essential to research each option carefully and choose the one that best fits your budget and needs. By taking advantage of financing options, more homeowners can enjoy the benefits of solar energy while saving money on their energy bills.
As you've seen throughout this guide, solar panel systems are a complex and ever-evolving technology. However, they also offer tremendous benefits to both individuals and the environment. By generating your own clean energy, you can save money on your utility bills, increase the value of your property, and reduce your carbon footprint.
When considering investing in a solar panel system, it's important to do your research, evaluate your energy needs, and work with a reputable installer who can guide you through the process. Whether you choose a monocrystalline or polycrystalline panel, a string or micro inverter, or a grid-tied or off-grid system, it's crucial to ensure that your system is designed and installed correctly for optimal performance.
Finally, there are many financing options available for those who want to install solar panels. From upfront payments to solar loans, leasing, and power purchase agreements, there are options for every budget and energy consumption level.
In conclusion, solar panel systems are a wise investment that not only benefit you as an individual but also contribute to a more sustainable and cleaner future for all of us. By taking the time to learn about the technology and working with trusted professionals, you can enjoy the many benefits of solar energy for years to come.
If you&#;re looking for tips for buying solar panels as part of a solar PV system, this is your ultimate solar panel buying guide. It's a list of things you should know and consider when you&#;re looking for the best solar PV system for home or business use here in WA.
Blog contents:
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert energy from the sun, which is a renewable energy source, into electricity that can help power your home or business. If you&#;re living here in WA, you&#;re in one of the sunniest parts of the world &#; so it makes a lot of sense to consider installing solar panels.
Here&#;s how a solar PV system works:
Every hour, the sunlight received by Earth could theoretically generate enough solar energy to meet the world's global power needs for a whole year.
If you&#;re considering buying solar panels, you might be keen to learn about the potential benefits of solar power. These include:
Solar buying guide: What are the potential benefits of solar panels? Some advantages and disadvantages of installing a solar PV system
If you&#;re running a business, commercial solar PV system solutions can have other potential benefits. Installing renewable energy generation infrastructure could help demonstrate your commitment to reducing your reliance on non-renewable energy sources to your customers and the wider community. Having a solar PV system for your business could help to give you an edge over your competitors as you show your company is taking active steps towards building a more sustainable future.
Solar buying guide: 5 things to know about investing in solar panels for home or business
There are four main parts of a solar PV system:
We&#;ll look at these elements in more detail as part of this solar buying guide below.
It&#;s important to know that even with a rooftop solar PV system, most houses in Australia will still need to be connected to the electricity grid. This means your home can draw power from the grid at night, when the sun is not shining and when your solar PV system isn't generating electricity, or if you need more power than your solar PV system is generating. If your house is connected to the grid, you may also be able to feed any excess electricity generated back to the grid.
If you want to store any solar power your solar PV system generates during the day that you don&#;t use within your home or business, you might also choose to invest in a solar battery as part of your solar PV system.
Solar buying guide: How does a solar battery work?
Rooftop solar panels are designed to convert solar energy from sunlight into DC electricity. Depending on the manufacturer, your solar panels could include different cell types and arrangements such as polycrystalline, monocrystalline, half-cut and shingled.
The Australian solar industry is competitive, so you&#;ll find a range of different brands available at different price points. Different brands and types of solar panels might often look similar but will generally have different power levels, quality and technology &#; so make sure you know exactly what you&#;re paying for.
Because Western Australia experiences extreme weather conditions, consider the quality of the solar panels and whether they are suitable for WA conditions before purchasing a solar PV system.
Generally little maintenance and minimal cleaning is required, so it can be simple to look after your panels and keep them in optimal condition.
Solar buying guide: Your no-sweat guide to cleaning your solar panels
Your solar inverter is essentially the engine room of your solar PV system. It works hard to convert DC electricity into AC electricity, which is the power you use in your home or business.
String inverters are a common type of inverter that forms part of a solar PV system. String inverters connect all the solar panels in a solar PV system to it. String inverters are similar to Christmas lights in that if one light doesn&#;t work, the whole display could be out of action. In the case of a solar PV system with a string inverter, if one part of your solar panels is shaded, or even damaged, then the overall production of your whole system will be impacted.
Microinverters are another type of inverter that can form part of a solar PV system. These Microinverters are built into each solar panel, which means that unlike a string inverter, if one panel is shaded or damaged, it shouldn't affect the output of the rest of the solar PV system. This type of solar inverter can work well for some rooftop solar panel placements that may experience shadowing from nearby trees or neighbouring properties, or where the solar panels face different directions. It is worth noting that microinverters are generally more expensive than the string inverters, so it is important to factor this in to your decision.
Your solar installer should make sure your inverter is installed as close as possible to your electricity meter. Unlike installing solar panels to collect full sun, it&#;s generally recommended to have the inverter installed in a cool location away from direct sunlight where possible, such as a garage. An accredited solar installer should be able to advise the best place to install your inverter at your property.
It may be worth investing in a good quality inverter since this is a part of a solar PV system that most likely to fail 10 to 15 years after installing a solar PV system.
Solar buying guide: How does a solar inverter work
The racking or mounting is the part which connects your solar panels to your roof. Your solar supplier should work with you to work out how to fit your solar PV system on your roof for best results. They should examine your roof space and consider any shading issues or trees and buildings which could have an impact on the performance of your solar PV system.
Generally in WA, the ideal angle for solar panels is 28 degrees to catch the most sunlight. Depending on your roof design and the solar PV system you choose, your solar panels might be mounted on tilt frames to achieve the best angle.
The ideal position for your solar panels depends on a range of factors but generally north-facing panels will receive the most sunlight here in WA. Having said that, east or west-facing panels could be a better option based on your roof space, how you use electricity and other factors. For example, west-facing panels may be a good option if your household uses a lot of electricity in the afternoon compared to other times of day.
You could also try to shift your electricity consumption habits, for example with timers on your appliances, to make the most of power your solar PV system generates.
Solar buying guide: A day in the life of a solar super user
You could consider having a consumption monitor installed to measure how much electricity is moving to and from the grid. Consumption monitors are small devices that sit in your switchboard
and are generally offered as an optional extra when installing a solar PV system. Your solar inverter will tell you how much solar energy your solar PV system produces and some can also provide additional consumption information &#; but a consumption monitor can offer greater detail, enabling you to see how much solar power is being produced and when your home is using this electricity. The more you know about how and when your home uses electricity, the easier it can be to make the most of your investment in solar.
Solar buying guide: How to use your solar data to change your energy habits
Buying solar panels can have many potential benefits &#; but it&#;s not always the right solution for every home or business, for example if you&#;re renting and likely to change address before you see the benefits of your purchase.
You will need to take your electricity needs and behaviours into consideration when deciding to install a solar PV system. The main things to consider are how much electricity you use &#; and when. If you use most of your electricity in the morning or at night, you may struggle to use the solar power generated by your rooftop solar PV system.
Depending on your situation, you might need to change your consumption habits or consider installing a battery to take advantage of your solar power generation.
Solar buying guide: A new solar owners guide
For businesses, buying solar panels could be worthwhile if you can use the electricity they generate &#; but there are other ways your business could benefit from installing renewable energy generation.
Solar buying guide: Green energy for business: Simple ways to take action today
The size of system that you need will depend on a number of factors including your budget, your roof layout and &#; most importantly &#; how and when you use electricity. You should also consider whether your electricity requirements are going to increase in the future, for example if you&#;re considering an electric vehicle, if you&#;re close to retirement and will be at home more, if you&#;re welcoming a new family member or planning a pool or new air conditioning.
If you are considering a commercial solar solution, think ahead about how your business operations will expand and how this might impact your electricity use.
In , small-scale solar PV systems (systems up to 100 kW) generated almost one quarter of Australia's renewably-sourced energy generation and produced 6.5% of Australia&#;s total electricity.
Solar buying guide: &#;What size solar system do I need?&#; Here&#;s how to work it out
The size of the solar industry in Australia means you have plenty of options to consider when you&#;re buying solar panels.
Consider choosing a solar retailer which has been accredited as a New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) Approved Seller, formerly the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Approved Solar Retailer program and always make sure the person installing your solar PV system is accredited by the CEC.
Look for a reputable solar retailer with plenty of experience in the WA market. It&#;s worth shopping around for multiple quotes so you can compare the quality, price, warranties and other factors &#; and read company and product reviews online before making your decision. Beware of high-pressure sales tactics and any deals which seem too good to be true.
Solar buying guide: Red flag alert: What to watch out for when you&#;re buying solar
There&#;s no such thing as a &#;one size fits all&#; solution when you&#;re buying solar panels. Your solar retailer should ask for a copy of your last few electricity bills to examine how much electricity you use and match you with an appropriate solar PV system based on your needs. If you are a Synergy customer and have a smart meter at your property, you can use My Account to look at your energy interval data for details on how you use electricity at different times of day.
Quality solar PV systems are an investment in your home or business and one that you want to last. It&#;s worth looking for high-quality solar PV system components rather than just searching for the cheapest options.
Solar retailers often offer financing through different third-party lenders, so if you are considering a financed option make sure you research the lender and understand all the terms and conditions of the loan contract to avoid any hidden surprises.
Solar buying guide: Tips to help choose a solar supplier
A feed-in tariff is a rebate or credit offered to eligible households or businesses with a solar PV system for electricity generated by their system that is exported or fed back into the electricity grid.
In WA, eligible solar PV systems that are 5kW or smaller in size can receive a feed-it tariff through the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS).
DEBS buyback rates are reviewed each year by the State Government in the same way as other regulated electricity prices.
For residential and small businesses a a financial incentive is available through the Federal Government&#;s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and based on Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can be purchased, sold and traded on an open market and have a value that varies with market conditions. STCs are created following the installation of an eligible solar PV system, and are calculated based on the amount of electricity a system can produce. Solar retailers often offer customers, an "up-front discount" when they buy a solar PV power system for the surrender of the STCs created the solar PV system to the solar retailer. This is often referred to as a &#;solar rebate&#;.
A solar PV system which can generate more than 100kW is subject to the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target, with a financial incentive available in the form of Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). One LGC is created for every megawatt-hour of electricity the solar PV system generates. LGCs can be purchased, sold, and traded on an open market as STCs are, so their value can fluctuate in line with supply and demand to meet the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target.
The main difference between STCs and LGCs is that LGCs are produced on an ongoing basis compared to STCs which are created upfront. This means that your business could receive a an ongoing solar &#;rebate&#; instead of an "upfront discount" on the cost of a solar PV systems under 100kW in size.
Solar buying guide: The difference between STCs and LGCs
The supply and demand of electricity needs to be balanced to keep the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) stable.
On mild, sunny days, the power output from rooftop solar PV systems is generally high. If the demand for electricity from the grid on these days is too low, the system can be at increased risk of supply interruptions and blackouts. As many WA home and businesses have now installed rooftop solar PV systems, the issue of &#;low load&#; needs to be managed to reduce the risk of blackouts.
To help manage 'low load', maintain the stability of the electricity system and support the continued installation of rooftop solar, the WA State Government introduced emergency solar management (ESM) &#; the capability to remotely turn off (and on again) solar PV systems that were installed or upgraded from February .
All new and upgraded solar PV systems with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less, and participating in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS), must now have the capability to be remotely managed under ESM requirements.
New solar PV systems with an inverter capacity over 5kW, will be subject to an export limit. An export limit refers to the maximum amount of solar power generated by a rooftop solar PV system, in excess to personal consumption, that is permitted to be exported to, or feed back into, to the electricity grid.
You can learn more about ESM or check out our ESM FAQ here.
Want more information on small scale solar panels? Feel free to contact us.