Solar

Light energy hits solar panels, which are usually placed on a roof facing the sun. The photons excite the electrons in a semi-conducting material (such as silicon), producing an electric current.

Solar electricity systems are also known as photovoltaic or PV systems.

When the sun is shining, electricity generated by the solar panel is consumed by the load and any surplus solar energy generated can be exported back to or network or be redirected to your other loads such as your electric hot water cylinder.

Grid-connected solar energy will usually not be enough to supply a house in the event of an outage.

PowerNet envisions that there would be an increase in roof top solar panel installation on residential households in the next 5 to 10 years.

If you are considering solar panels on your roofs, here are some questions that might be useful to ask your solar provider / installer before installing solar panels on your roofs:

• Are you a SEANZ member?
• How do you determine the best solar system for my house?
• Do I get better value directly using electricity or selling to retailer?
• What is the best solar panel angle and position for my house?
• What kind of maintenance is required?
• What is the expected solar energy profile for my house, and how does this compare on my load profile?
• Does it really save me money in the long term?
• How does grid-tied solar power work, how do I ‘sell back’ energy, and is it economical to do so?
• How do I heat up my hot water with excess solar energy generated?
• Do I need batteries to store excess generation to use at times when there is low solar generation?

Tip: You can request your energy consumption data from your energy retailer.