A solar photovoltaic (PV) system, also known as a solar panel system, works by converting sunlight into electricity through the use of solar panels. Here's a brief overview of how it works:

Solar panels are installed on a roof or ground-mounted system in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.

The panels contain photovoltaic cells made of silicon or other materials that can absorb photons from sunlight and convert them into DC (direct current) electricity.

The DC electricity generated by the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which converts the DC electricity into AC (alternating current) electricity that can be used in your home or business.

The AC electricity is then sent to your main electrical panel, where it can be distributed throughout your building or home to power your lights, appliances, and other electrical devices.

Any excess electricity generated by the solar panels that is not used immediately is sent back to the grid and a credit from your power company is provided. However in most cases, it is best to use the power generated to do things like charge your EV or set your dishwasher or washing machine to run during the day.

Overall, a solar PV system works by harnessing the power of sunlight to generate clean, renewable energy that can help reduce your reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lower your electricity costs over time.

Choosing the right sized solar power system for your needs depends on several factors such as your energy usage, location and available roof space. Here are the steps we take to help determine the right size solar power system for you:

Assessment of your electricity usage: We look at your past electricity bills to determine how much energy you use on average each month. This will give us an idea of how much electricity your solar power system needs to generate to meet your needs.

Your location: The amount of sunlight your location receives will impact the performance of your solar power system. We will determine how much sunlight your location receives and how much electricity your solar power system can generate.

Assess available roof space: The amount of available roof space you have will impact the size of solar power system we can install. You'll need enough space to accommodate the solar panels and ensure they are properly oriented to capture sunlight.

At the conclusion of the above assessment, a quote will be provided by Planet Electrical.

Investing in a solar power system can be a smart decision for several reasons. Installing a solar power system can help you save money on your electricity bills. By generating your own electricity from the sun, you can reduce your reliance on grid power and potentially save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the system.

Investing in solar power can provide a good return on investment. While the initial cost of installing a solar power system can seem high, the long-term savings on electricity bills can make it a worthwhile investment. There is affordable financing available by some banks through a Green/Good Loan, a specialised loan specifically designed to help people invest in environmentally sustainable products, such as solar.

Investing in solar power can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. By generating clean, renewable energy from the sun, you can reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources and help fight climate change.

Overall, investing in a solar power system can be a good financial and environmental decision. While the costs and returns may vary depending on factors such as location and energy usage, a solar power system can provide a range of benefits and help you save money while reducing your carbon footprint.

There are several reasons why you might want to consider adding a battery to your solar power system. Firstly, a battery can store excess solar energy that is generated during the day for use later when the sun isn't shining. This means you can use solar energy even when the sun goes down, reducing your reliance on grid power and helping you save on electricity costs. A battery can also act as a backup power source in case of a power outage, ensuring that you have access to electricity even during emergencies.

Secondly, a battery can help you maximize the amount of solar energy you use. Without a battery, excess solar energy that is generated during the day is often sent back to the grid, which means you don't get credit for it. With a battery, you can store this excess energy and use it later, reducing your reliance on grid power and increasing the amount of solar energy you use.

Finally, adding a battery to your solar power system can help you reduce your carbon footprint. By storing excess solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources and use more clean, renewable energy. This can help you reduce your carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Overall, a battery is a great addition to any solar power system, providing a range of benefits that can help you save money, maximize the use of solar energy, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Solar self-consumption refers to the percentage of solar power that is used immediately on-site rather than being exported to the grid. Increasing solar self-consumption can help maximize the benefits of solar power by reducing reliance on grid electricity and increasing the return on investment for solar panels. Here are some tips on how to increase solar self-consumption:

1. Time your appliances: One of the easiest ways to increase solar self-consumption is by timing your appliances to run during daylight hours. For example, setting your hot water cylinder to heat during the day using a timer can help you use more solar-generated power when it is available.

2. Use energy-efficient appliances: Energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity, which means you can use more of your solar-generated power for self-consumption. Look for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and consider upgrading to more efficient models.

3. Install a battery storage system: Battery storage systems allow you to store excess solar power for use during non-sunny hours, increasing your solar self-consumption. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, the excess power can be stored in batteries for later use, reducing the amount of power you need to draw from the grid.

4. Adjust your energy usage patterns: Be mindful of your energy usage patterns and try to shift high-energy consumption activities to daylight hours. For example, running your dishwasher, washing machine, or other energy-intensive appliances during the day can help you use more solar-generated power.

5. Monitor and manage your energy usage: Keep track of your energy usage and monitor your solar panel production. This will allow you to better manage your energy consumption and make adjustments to maximize solar self-consumption. Use energy monitoring systems or apps to keep track of your energy usage and production data.

6. Educate and involve household members: Make sure everyone in your household is aware of the benefits of solar power and the importance of maximizing solar self-consumption. Encourage energy-saving habits and involve household members in managing energy usage to increase solar self-consumption.

7. Work with a solar installer: Consult with a professional solar installer to optimize your solar panel system for maximum self-consumption. They can help you assess your energy needs, design an efficient system, and provide recommendations on how to increase solar self-consumption based on your specific situation.

By implementing these tips, you can increase your solar self-consumption and maximize the benefits of your solar panel system, reducing your reliance on grid electricity and saving on your energy bills.