Category: home-solar

Although Australia is known to have a sunny climate most of the year, there may also be cloudy and snowy days – especially during the winter. So, how will the Australian winter affect the electricity output from your solar system? In this article, you will find the answer. Firstly: How does a solar panel work? To be able to understand how winter may affect your solar panels, you also need to know the basics of how a solar panel works. Without going into detail, your solar panel will produce electricity when photons emitted from the sun hit its surface. During…Continue readingDo solar panels work in winter?

If you have a grid-connected solar system, you should have a net meter that will show where the energy is coming from when the solar panels do not produce enough energy. In addition to this, you will be able to export electricity to the grid if you have surplus energy. A solar net meter will show you how much energy moves between the solar panels and your energy provider. Here we will explain everything you need to know about this device! What is a solar net meter? A solar net meter (also known as a smart meter) is a device…Continue readingHow does a solar net meter work?

By now you have probably come across the term solar optimisers. If you have invested in a solar panel system, it might be frustrating to experience a low system output due to partial shading. Solar panels that get shade from trees or similar will affect your whole solar system if you don’t have microinverters. Luckily, there is a more affordable alternative on the market: The solar optimiser. Here we will explain everything you need to know about this smart device! What is a solar optimiser? Solar optimisers or DC optimisers are devices designed to maximise the solar energy output from…Continue readingWhat are solar optimisers and are they worth it?

Selecting the right solar installer company is an important part of your job if you are planning on going solar. The right solar company will not only supply you with the right solar panel system, it will ensure that you get a professional installation. There are many different solar companies in Australia, and it might be difficult to know which one you should go for. In this guide, we will tell you exactly what to look for when finding a solar installer company. 1. CEC accreditation The first thing. Make sure the company has proper accreditation. There are several solar…Continue readingHow do I choose the right solar company?

When investing in a solar panel system, you might come across the term three phase inverter. As you might already know, a solar inverter is responsible for converting Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC) that can be used by home appliances like refrigerators or TVs. On the Australian solar market, you will find both single phase and three phase inverters. So, what is the difference between the two, and do you really need a three phase inverter? Single phase vs. three phase electricity supply Most Australians live in homes with a single-phase electricity supply. In other words, their home…Continue readingWhat is a three phase inverter?

When having a grid-tie solar panel system, you can use solar energy in a smart way. When your system is producing electricity from sunlight, you can use it for your dishwasher and other home appliances.  If there is any excess energy produced by the solar panels, it can be sent to the grid. In return, your electricity provider will pay you a feed-in tariff. If the system does not produce enough solar energy, you can import electricity from the grid. As opposed to solar energy, you will have to pay for this electricity. In other words, you will need a…Continue readingDo I need a smart meter for solar power?

Have you ever wondered who invented solar panels? Although solar technology might seem like a modern invention, the story of solar energy started a long time ago. The Greeks and Romans used mirrors to focus and reflect the sunlight 300 years BC but it was not until 1839 that the photovoltaic (PV) effect was discovered. The PV effect is the basis of today’s modern solar panels and makes it possible to generate electricity from sunlight. Let’s take a closer look at solar history. Who invented solar panels, and how long ago? Charles Fritts: The inventor of solar cells The American…Continue readingWho invented solar panels and when?

Solar panels are making it possible to produce clean and renewable energy from sunlight. In the last decade, solar technology has become very popular in Australia, but also in many other parts of the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the global solar panel statistics. How much of the power produced in the world is coming from solar technology? And what countries are the top 10 when it comes to solar energy production? Here you will find the answers! What percentage of global power is solar? According to the International Energy Agency, IEA, solar panel…Continue readingWhat are the global solar panel statistics?

If you are considering going solar, it is important to find a solar panel system that will meet your expectations when it comes to both efficiency and price. To make sure the solar system is as beneficial as possible, many Australians choose to get a site inspection. Is a site inspection something you need? And what will the inspector do? Here is everything you need to know about solar site inspections! What is a solar site inspection? A solar site inspection, assessment or analysis is a property inspection that you undertake before installing a solar panel system. A solar installer…Continue readingShould I have a site inspection before installing solar?

When getting a solar panel system, your solar installer may recommend you add mounting frames for tilting your solar panels. Here is everything you need to know about mounting frames, and whether they are worth investing in or not. What is a solar panel mounting frame? A solar panel mounting frame (also known as a mounting structure or mounting system), is a system consisting of solar panel attachment points. The system is usually made of stainless steel or aluminium and provides a robust structure that can withstand wind and rain. How does the mounting frame work? The main reason for…Continue readingDoes tilting solar panels work?