Solar panel systems are becoming increasingly popular in Australia with each passing year. Here in Adelaide, about one-in-three homes have solar panels installed for private use, with that figure only set to rise over the next few years.
So what are they and why are so many people making the switch to solar? We’ve created this short article explaining everything you need to know about home solar panel systems.
What are solar panel systems?
Also known as photovoltaic or PV systems, solar panels sit on top of your roof and collect sunlight, turning the energy contained in the sun’s rays into electricity. This can then be used to power the devices in your home, which saves you from buying electricity from the energy company.
How do they work
Converting sunlight into energy has always been useful for mankind. For millennia we have started fires using the heat from the sun, keeping us warm and allowing us to cook. Not much has changed today, only the way in which we convert the energy.
Solar panels are made up of two different plates of silicon, one positively charged, the other negatively charged.
When sunlight hits the panel, the energy contained within the beam excites the electrons in the silicon, making them move from the negative plate to the positive one, and thus creating electricity.
Once electricity is created, the inverter part of the system converts it from DC current to AC, and therefore making it useable in your home, powering everything from garage doors to fridges.
How do they save you money?
By generating your own electricity, you don’t have to pay through the nose for your power.
Australia has one of the highest household electricity bills in the world!
The cost of power here has doubled in the past ten years, and with an ageing infrastructure, coal stations closing down, and the price of oil rising, the cost of electricity is only going to increase.
Being less reliant on the power company is a good thing, and the more power you produce through a home solar panel system, the less you need them. In fact, if you produce more energy then you need, you can feed it into the national grid for credit, so when it comes to buying from the power company you also get a discount!
Why it makes sense to invest in a solar panel system
Solar panels have no moving parts, produce no waste product and need very little maintenance (other than the odd wash like your windows). This is the beauty of a home solar system; it quietly sits in the background and does its job without you having to worry about it.
Year on year solar technology becomes more efficient and more affordable. With the latest panels, inverters, and batteries, a home solar system can pay for itself in as little as 3 years!
It’s estimated that in the next ten years, half of all homes in Australia will have a solar panel system installed. With more people becoming self-sufficient when it comes to their electricity, the power companies will have to increase prices to keep up. You can avoid the pain of ever-increasing energy bills by making the switch to solar today.
We can answer any questions
Installing a home solar panel system is a big deal, so you’ll want to know as much as you can about the subject before making a decision. That’s where we can help.
If you come to us for advice, you’ll be speaking directly to the accredited installer, not a salesperson, so you will receive expert and honest advice upfront.
We’re not here to sell home solar panel systems, we’re here to help you become self-reliant with your energy needs.
Our team of highly-qualified engineers will be happy to help in any way they can, answering any questions you may have, and offering advice on which system is best for you and your unique needs.
Contact Bright Earth Electrical today and start saving tomorrow on your electricity bills.
Bright Earth Solar offers a range of exceptional solar products, helping you save money while doing your bit to save the planet. We keep you up to date with new technology, innovation and trends in renewable energy.