Are you tired of the increasing electricity bills in your household? Have you been thinking about going green but feel overwhelmed about finding the best solar panels?

There is so much information out there regarding solar panels and solar energy that it can be overwhelming. Beyond choosing the right panels and systems for your house, you will need to pick the right company for the installation. If this sounds like you don’t fret. In this article, we are going to help make this process as smooth as possible by discussing tips that should help you pick the best solution.

1. Determine the Right Panels for the Home

There are several different kinds of solar panels, each with its unique advantages. They include Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film Amorphous. Each has its pros and cons, but all you need to know for now is that monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common.

A reputable solar installation company should help you pick the best option based on your location and budget. Buying an off-grid system is another important thing to consider. That’s because the systems allow you to be completely off the grid and depend on just solar for electricity.

2. Determine Whether Your House is Ready for Solar

Once you have come up with a budget and decided on a system, the next step is to ensure your home is ready for a solar system installation. Some houses are more capable than others, but yours may call for some improvements for the ultimate efficiency.

Your roofing condition and what supports it are the most important things to consider in this regard. Solar panels are not heavy, but in some cases, an engineering study is required. The age of the roof is a primary consideration as well. If it needs to be replaced in the next few years, then it’s advisable to have it replaced before installing a solar power system.

Getting a ground system is an alternative to installing panels on the roof. It may not be the best option in regards to visibility and can consume a lot of space in your backyard. However, if you have an abundance of land, a ground system can be an appealing option.

3. The Capacity Level

The capacity level of the panels is another vital factor in picking the right system. Keep in mind, however, that the capacity you ultimately pick depends solely on your requirements. For instance, you should expect a solar panel with a capacity of 300 watts to deliver electricity of this amount. Also, bear in mind that your selection will ultimately affect the price of the panels.

4. Longevity/Durability

The longevity or durability of a solar power system warranty is vital for a variety of reasons. First, it’s an indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their products and services. Ideal solar panels tend to have a performance warranty of at least two decades. However, it is imperative to note that a warranty can only be honoured for as long as the company remains in business. This is another reason to go for a well-known module brand instead of an obscure cheap brand that may disappear into the unknown.

Since you will most likely not be able to purchase solar panels straight from the manufacturer, your choice of a retailer and installer is also imperative. It is advisable to pick an installer that’s a service agent for the solar panel warranty job for the manufacturer you pick. This means that if you come across an issue, the resolution turnaround time will be way faster.

Conclusion

With the above simple and straightforward tips, the only thing left is to enjoy your green home. You not only get to save money on electric bills but also reduce your carbon footprint.

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Home solar is an emissions-free, sustainable, and renewable energy source, but can it cater to all of a home’s needs? Can a house run solely on solar power?

Undoubtedly, it will lower energy bills, improve the environment, and offer a reliable power source when the mainline is out. But is it a dependable solitary source of energy? Here are things to consider when it comes to solar energy management:

How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar power is energy from the sun that has been absorbed by solar panels then converted into electricity. The electricity is then used to light a home, power electric devices as well as heat water. In this sense, the main components of a solar power system are sunlight, solar panels, and inverters which convert solar energy into electricity.

Can Solar Power Light Up a Whole House?

The simple answer to this question is yes. However, many factors determine whether solar energy can light up a whole house. Here are a few of those factors:

Factors That Affect Whether a House Can Run Solely on Solar Power

• The Size of the House

Normally, energy needs differ from house to house. Larger houses normally require more energy than smaller houses. Therefore, for solar energy to run an entire house, the size of the house should be proportionate to the amount of energy produced by the existing solar power system.

• The Number and Size of Solar Panels

Solar panels are devices that harness sunlight and absorb its energy. Therefore, the more panels a system has, the greater the amount of energy harnessed. This means that to run a big house, more panels are needed.

On the other hand, a small house can be run by one or two solar panels. That said, always install the number of panels that match the energy requirements of a house.

• Availability of Sunlight

While solar power can run an entire house, it all depends on the exact location of the house. This is because houses located in some parts of the world do not have enough access to sunlight. For example, during winter, it is impossible to run an entire house using solar power.

On the other hand, during summer, most houses can run effectively using solar power. This means that a house with no access to sunlight cannot run on solar power no matter how big its solar power system is. Therefore, before installing an expensive solar power system in a house, always make sure that it is strategically located.

• Energy Consumption and Electrical Devices

Having a big house does not necessarily mean that a lot of energy is required to run it. While the bulbs and other lighting devices in a big house are many, lighting does not consume much energy. However, a house with a lot of electric appliances like cookers and water heaters is likely to consume more energy no matter its size.

This means that when trying to determine if solar power can run their whole house, homeowners have to think about what appliances they have. People with many energy-consuming appliances should invest in larger systems to run the home effectively. On the other hand, those with few or no appliances can do with a small or medium-sized solar power system.

• Size of Batteries

While solar energy is harnessed through panels, homeowners must invest in batteries to store energy. This energy is used at night or during rainy days when there’s hardly any sunshine.

That said, the size of batteries determines whether the energy stored is enough to run an entire home when there is no sunlight. Homeowners with huge energy requirements should invest in large solar batteries to make sure that they are sorted even at night.

GCR Electrical Systems; a Reliable Solar Energy Specialist

While solar energy is cheap and can run an entire house, homeowners need a reliable expert like GCR Electrical Systems to install the system. 

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Are you a self-proclaimed off-grid living aficionado? Perhaps an ecologically concerned, forward-thinking person looking to lower your carbon footprint while saving money on your monthly power bills? 

You might be wondering, can I go completely off-grid with solar panels? If so, how many solar panels would the average home need? Read on for comprehensive answers:

What Does It Mean To Go Off-grid?  

Going off-grid involves disconnecting your home and all of its appliances from the national electricity system. If you’ve considered doing something like this, one of the top questions you probably have is: Can I go off-grid with solar panels? 

Yes, you can. When it comes to producing and supplying your own electricity, solar panels may be the most accessible and efficient green technology available. 

Then there’s the question of how many solar panels the average home requires. The solution, as you will soon discover, is quite complicated and dependent on your home’s specific energy requirements. Let’s get into it:

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need To Go Off-grid? 

Before determining how many photovoltaic panels you’ll need to get off the grid, keep in mind that solar panels aren’t the only thing you’ll need. Firstly, you’ll need a place to store all of the solar energy that your solar panels generate. If you can achieve this, then you can sustain a healthy off-the-grid life.

Solar batteries are the best technology for storing your off-grid solar energy, just as solar panels are the most accessible and efficient for electricity production. So, with solar panels and some form of storage mechanism, you can effectively go off-grid.

Sizing Your Off-Grid System

The number of solar panels needed to go off-grid solely depends on the following factors:

• Amount of Electrical Energy Needed

To rely totally on its own energy output, the average off-grid home requires roughly 7 kW (or 7,000 Watts) of power. While numerous factors influence the amount of electricity a solar panel can generate, in Australia, a typical single solar panel can provide roughly 2 kWh per day. This, however, is dependent on each panel’s performance output.

• Size of Available Useable Roof Space

The more space available, the more solar cells you can install, resulting in higher performance. If your energy needs were the same as the average (7 kW) and you used 200-watt solar panels, you’d need about 35 panels to get off the grid. 

Alternatively, 20 350-watt solar panels would suffice. To estimate how much space 35 solar panels will take up, multiply the square meterage of each by the number. To work backward, establish your roof size and divide that by the square meterage of each solar panel. This way you can learn how many will fit. 

If your roof space is the standard size which is usually around 160 square metres, 35 solar panels will take up around 36 square metres of roof space. This gives you plenty of room if you decide to add more panels to your system in the future.

• Amount of Direct Daily Sunlight 

Solar panels use a combination of direct and indirect sunlight as inputs to generate electricity. Photons are carried by both types of sunlight, which the solar panels convert into electric current. In the absence of direct sunshine, however, there will be a reduction in performance, therefore necessitating more solar panels.

Granted, the sun’s beams are the most direct and strong when it is directly overhead. The intensity of the light drops as the sun hits the panel at a lower angle, resulting in a lower power generation. A solar panel receiving this light produces less electricity meaning you’ll need more panels or a larger output capacity. 

• The Type of Solar Panel You Choose

Solar panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. The amount of solar panels you’ll need is determined by the performance output of each panel. The panel’s performance is measured under standard testing settings (STC), which include 1,000 W/m2 of irradiance, an AM 1.5 solar spectrum, and a module temperature of 25 °C. 

Generally, the larger the panel, the better its performance. A 100-watt solar panel, for example, is 47 x 21,3 x 14 inches in size. On the other hand, the dimensions of a 200-watt solar panel are 64 x 26 x 14 inches although these are rough estimates.

How Can I Calculate How Many Solar Panels I Will Need? A 5 Step Process

Step 1: Determine how much electricity you consume.

Step 2: Determine how much sunlight your area receives.

Step 3: Determine how big of a solar system you’ll need to go off the grid.

Step 4: Determine how many solar panels you’ll need to go completely off the grid.

Step 5: Contact a solar panel installation expert like GCR Electrical systems for a comprehensive analysis.

Contact GCR Electrical Systems Today

Does the process seem more complex than you expected? Don’t fret! Our highly skilled and knowledgeable electrical contractors are completely licensed and trained to handle all of your residential and business electrical needs. 

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

If you are thinking of installing solar panels in your home, there are a few things that you should know before making the purchase. The factors to consider include performance, roof compatibility, durability, maintenance, and warranty. If you would like to learn more about these, feel free to explore our article below. 

How Solar Panels Work

The world of energy is changing, and many people are looking for ways to be more self-sufficient. Solar panels can help you do just that by providing clean renewable power in the format your home needs.

How do solar panels work? In simple terms, when light hits the solar panels, it knocks loose some electrons and they flow through electrical circuits to generate electricity. Multiple solar cells make up a panel. The more panels that are connected together, the more energy you’ll be able to generate! 

The Benefits Of Solar Panels For Home Use

There are many benefits to investing in a solar panel system for your home. The first is that you will be generating clean, renewable energy from the sun which can help cut down on utility bills every month. Solar panels are one of the most earth-friendly sources of household electricity.

Solar panels can also come replete with smart monitoring systems so their owners don’t have to worry about them going offline during peak hours. Moreover, solar panel systems come with all sorts of mounting options. This makes them more flexible than ever when it comes to fitting them onto the roof of your home. 

The sun is a powerful source of energy. As such, solar panels are an excellent way to harness this natural resource and make your home more environmentally friendly with minimal costs. 

What To Consider When Buying Solar Panels

Buying the right solar panels can be an overwhelming process. There are many factors to consider especially if this is your first time purchasing solar panels. To start, there are five factors to consider when buying solar panels: performance, roof compatibility, durability, maintenance, and warranty.

1). Performance

Performance is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing solar panels. Not only does it give you further insight into the efficiency of the solar panel system but it also gives you a system that can easily generate power. A solar panel system that has batteries that charge fast and generate electricity when you need it is an important necessity. 

2). Roof Compatibility

Solar panels are typically installed on the roof of your home. Therefore, you need to make sure that the panels are compatible with your roof. However, some solar panels systems are also placed in other areas of the home that get a lot of sunlight. The important thing to note is that it is best not to place your solar panels near trees, buildings, or structures that can block sunlight from being absorbed by the panels. 

The mounting system must also be high quality most especially if you live in windy areas that could potentially unmount the solar panels. Make sure to double-check the certifications of the solar panel system to gain more information on this.

3). Durability

Solar panels will be placed outside, which exposes them to natural elements. With that, you need a solar panel system that is durable enough to withstand the elements. Make sure to learn more about the long-term durability of the solar panels from the manufacturer. If the solar panels are not good quality, they could easily be damaged which could drastically affect your savings.

4). Maintenance

Solar panels consist of parts and components that can degrade over a period of time. This means that your solar panel systems will need to be regularly serviced. Cleaning and removal of debris can be done by yourself, but when it comes to checking out the state of your components, a professional will be required on the scene. 

Some solar companies offer yearly maintenance in their solar panel package deals. Make sure to inquire about whether or not the package you plan to take offers this deal. It is also recommended to keep an eye on your solar panel system and notify your provider if it will be needing maintenance any time soon.

5). Warranty

One of your rights as a consumer is a warranty. Make sure to purchase your solar panels from a provider that offers a favourable warranty period. This will come in handy especially if there are unexpected malfunctions. Remember to maximise your investment!

Summary

When you’re looking to buy solar panels, the most important thing is getting a high-quality product. That means finding a great company that will stand behind their work and provide customer support after installation if anything goes wrong.

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

More and more people are installing PV solar panels on their roofs. Rising costs of power and a global push for people to move to renewable sources of energy are the main proponents of this shift to solar power. However, solar panels are still largely misunderstood by many homeowners, who don’t believe that solar power is a practical solution to their energy problems.

While there are many who see solar power as the future of energy, there are still many sceptics who are yet to be convinced. PV solar panels are an excellent way to cut both your energy bills and your carbon footprint. Taking some time to educate yourself on the benefits of solar panels can help to address any questions or doubts you may have and allow you to make an informed decision based on facts.

There are numerous misconceptions regarding solar panels that you might come across during your investigations and research. We are going to highlight some of these misconceptions below so that you can confidently assess whether PV solar panels are a practical solution for you.

1). PV Solar Panels Will Have To Be Replaced In A Few Years

It is a common belief that solar panels do not last very long. Some people say that they last only a few years, meaning they are not able to regain the cost of installation and purchase. This is false!

Most solar panel manufacturers now offer products with a guarantee of at least 20 years of power output. The solar panels will deliver at least 80 per cent of the original power output for the entire duration of their lifespan. Such a guarantee means you can confidently invest in solar panels knowing that they will meet your long-term energy needs. PV solar panels will almost always offer a positive return on investment.

2). No Point Of Installing Solar Panels If There’s A Chance You’ll Move In A Few Years

Solar panels are an investment that can benefit homeowners in numerous ways. If a homeowner intends to keep their home fitted with solar panels, they can benefit from reducing energy and power bills. In the prevailing real estate market, buyers may be attracted by the prospects of paying lower energy bills as opposed to purchasing a similar home without panels.

Solar panels, therefore, increase the value of a property and make it more attractive to potential buyers. So, you should not forego the chance of benefiting from solar power simply because you may move or relocate in a few years.

3). Solar Panels Are Only Worth Installing On Properties With Large Roof Space

Some people may argue that PV solar panels are not practical for residential properties due to the small roof area on most homes. However, due to the long lifespan of solar panels, even a small roof can have a positive return of investment over the lifetime of the panels. Even if you choose to install just a few solar panels, they could be sufficient to power to cut a huge component of your energy bill, for instance, electric underfloor heating or heating water.

4). Solar Panels Are Too Costly To Be Practical

Solar panel prices have dropped tremendously in the past few years thanks to government subsidies and lower costs of production. Now is the best time to make an investment in solar power because solar panels prices are currently at rock bottom.

5). There’s Not Enough Sun Where I Live

This is a very common misconception that solar experts have repeatedly debunked, yet it still tends to come up time and again. While solar panels have a higher production capacity in sunnier places, PV solar panels are still able to absorb ambient light on cloudy days.

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

There is some debate as to the question of excess power generated by a solar system, where it goes and whether it can do any damage. Some experts say that there is no such thing as excess power. However, this is not quite true. The electricity that is generated by a solar system and not used is called excess energy.

This excess energy is generally not wasted but can be used in different ways:

• Excess energy is stored in batteries.
• It is possible to float excess energy.
• Excess energy can be returned to the grid.

How Excess Energy Is Stored In Batteries?

When the energy that is generated by a solar array is sufficient to meet the load requirements, the excess will be stored in the batteries that are linked to the system. If the load requirement is greater than the array can produce, the batteries will make up the difference. However, if the power being generated is greater than the load requirements, the battery will discharge the excess power. Basically, if the power isn’t being used, it is getting lost.

Over time, this process of discharging power can damage the battery. It is especially significant with smaller batteries that form part of a solar system. However, excess power is also referred to as an opportunity load because it presents the opportunity to be used in other ways.

How To Float Electricity With A Charge Controller?

A charge controller is activated when the battery in a solar system is fully charged. The controller then distributes or floats the excess power to other designated areas. The system can be set up to float the electricity just about anywhere however, appliances, or electronics, that are constantly running are the best options. For example:

• A freezer or refrigerator 
• Heating such as a water heater or heating system that warms that home during winter
• Flywheel spinning for commercial applications

It is highly recommended to have a certified electrician install a charge controller and set up a solar system for floating electricity. Also, keep in mind that floating will only occur when excess electricity is generated by the solar array and discharged by the battery.

How To Return Excess Electricity To The Grid?

A solar system can be set up to return excess energy to the power grid. Most power companies provide credits or a small cash incentive for solar power that is generated by their consumers and returned to the grid. While this isn’t exactly a money-making enterprise, it can reduce a monthly power bill for a system that is partially on the grid. 

You also need to keep in mind that this is the most sustainable and eco-friendly option as the power that is returned to the grid isn’t being wasted. The savings can also be used towards investing in larger batteries that will reduce the amount of wasted electricity generated by the solar array.

Can Excess Energy Damage A Solar System?

Excess energy itself cannot do any damage to the solar system as it is simply discharged by the battery. However, over time, this process of discharging can damage the battery faster than if it was not discharging excess. This is especially true for smaller batteries. On the other hand, larger batteries are costly and can contribute the greatest cost to solar power installation for a home.

Just because the excess power generated by a solar system is largely wasted, does not mean that it isn’t produced. The best way to protect your solar system and battery from being damaged by this excess is to float it, return it to the grid or invest in a larger battery.

If you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Would you like to reduce your carbon footprint by turning to a renewable source of energy? Are you interested in using solar energy to power your home or business? Would you like to understand how solar energy systems work before taking the next step?

If your answer to the above questions is in the affirmative, you have come to the right place. Solar is the biggest source of energy on the planet. Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity. Depending on your energy requirements, the electricity produced can be used to power your home or even exported to the grid. 

To produce electricity, solar power systems rely on a number of important components including: 

• Solar Panels 
• Inverters 
• Electrical Panels 
• Charge Controllers and Batteries (optional) 
• Net Meter 
• The Grid 

To find out more about how solar electricity works, please keep reading below. 

Solar Panels

Primarily assembled using PV (Photo Voltaic) cells, a metal frame, film-coated glass casing and connecting wires, solar panels are grouped together and installed on rooftops. This ensures maximum exposure to sunlight. When sunlight hits the panels, electricity starts flowing as a result of the Photo Voltaic process. The electricity produced by solar panels is in the form of Direct Current (DC) – which cannot be used to power regular electronic appliances.     

Inverter

The DC current produced by solar panels is directed to the inverter where it is converted into AC (Alternating Current). Depending on the design of the solar system in use, the inverter may be centrally located or installed on each panel – in the form of micro-inverters. Inverters also keep track of a lot of information about the solar power system including the amount of power produced.   

Electrical Panel/Switchboard

AC power from the inverter is then directed to a switchboard/electrical panel before it flows into your home, and is used to power the devices and appliances therein. The main job of the switchboard is to ensure that solar power is used to meet your home’s power requirements first before additional power is drawn in from the grid, where necessary.  

Charge Controller And Battery Bank

If you choose to have batteries added to your system, you will also need a charge controller. Deep-cycle batteries can be used to store power for use during the night, or any other time, when the solar panels are unable to generate enough electricity. The charge controller is used to ensure that the batteries are charged at the right power level, without causing any damage. In some systems, the inverter can be used to regulate the battery charge. 

Net Meter 

Your utility company will supply you with a net meter once you have a solar power system installed in your home or business. During cloudy days, or periods when the solar electric system is unable to produce enough power to meet your requirements, more power is pulled from the grid. On the other hand, during the middle of the day, when the sun is shining brightest, excess solar electric power may be produced, with any surplus being re-directed into the grid. This process is referred to as net-metering.

The net meter has one main function – to measure the amount of power flowing to and from your house during the different scenarios described above.   

The Grid

As mentioned above, any unused electricity produced by your solar power system is re-directed to the grid. This earns you a feed-in tariff – which is simply a credit on your electricity bill.  

Summary

As you can see from the above, solar electric systems are designed to work seamlessly when it comes to powering your home or business. You will not be required to keep on switching the system on and off whenever you need it. The system will do this automatically, and even alternate consumption between solar power and the grid.  

If you have any questions about solar power in Hervey Bay, please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Solar power is a sustainable resource that can be used to generate electricity for an entire household. It is an emerging technology that is often touted as the future of energy. However, is it realistic to use solar panels for your entire household power needs? 

The answer depends on many factors, like location, weather patterns and even personal consumption. Read on if you’re interested in learning more about whether or not solar power can power an entire household.

What Is Solar Power?

Solar power is the conversion of solar radiation into electricity. Solar panels convert sunlight to heat, which in turn creates Direct Current (DC) energy that can be used for things like running lights or charge batteries. This process doesn’t incur any harmful gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. It is also more sustainable than, say, coal-based power plants because they don’t need as much water!

Solar power is the future. It has been around for decades, and it’s only getting stronger as we move into an era where climate change poses greater threats to humanity than ever before. 

Can Solar Energy Power An Entire Household?

In a world where the use of fossil fuels is becoming more and more discouraged, many people have turned towards renewable energy sources. Solar power has only recently come into its own as an option for homes but can it really provide all our electricity needs?

The short answer is yes! The sun’s rays are powerful enough to power an entire household. Solar energy provides an eco-friendly, clean alternative that is cost-effective and more sustainable than fossil fuels or nuclear plants for generating electricity. 

In fact, solar power has been gaining momentum for years now as more homes invest in renewable resources like wind or solar power generation systems. This means that families can provide their own energy rather than rely on traditional utilities. 

Advantages Of Using Solar Power

There are several advantages that you can enjoy with solar power other than it being able to power your household. Some of these advantages include the following:

1). R​​enewable Energy Source

One of the many advantages that solar power has over traditional energy sources is its ability to provide a reliable and renewable form of electricity. It’s a renewable source that doesn’t rely on finite fossil fuels like uranium or coal to generate electricity, which means it can be used in remote areas without an alternative energy solution. Rather, the sun’s heat provides an endless supply of energy that can be captured for use in electricity-producing devices or converted into other forms like heating water on demand!

2). Reliable And Easy To Maintain 

A solar panel is an easy, cost-effective way to produce clean energy. With no moving parts, no oil changes, and a long lifespan for maintenance purposes, this means that there are significantly fewer risks of failure or accidents with your solar power system. Solar power truly is one of the most reliable energy sources out there! 

3). Environmentally Friendly

The sun provides clean, renewable power that doesn’t harm our environment or contribute to global warming. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity with little pollution and are made from materials such as glass and plastic. This is unlike coal byproducts such as steel which contain high levels of carbon dioxide when being mined for their production process. With that, solar power provides us with an opportunity for sustainable energy that does not harm the environment or our natural resources like oil reserves and coal mines do.

4). Not Subject To Outages 

Solar power is the future, and this should be reason enough for you to start investing now. Electricity from a solar system does not go out when it rains or gets cloudy because the energy can be stored in batteries. Solar power is always there for you no matter what!

5). Save Money On Your Electric Bill

The days of high electric bills are over! Solar power can save you money on your monthly utility costs, and with the right installations, it’s easy to see how. With solar power, you can even recoup some or all of the cost by selling back the electricity that your solar power system produces.

In addition to this, solar panels have become cheaper over time thanks to improved manufacturing technology. Now, solar energy is no longer just accessible only by extremely wealthy homeowners but is now becoming popular to average families as well.

Summary

Solar power may be the answer to all of our energy needs. It’s an abundant source that is available everywhere, and it has many advantages over other sources like fossil fuels. If you want to learn more about solar panels or how they work, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to help with any questions you might have.

Please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 if you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

Solar panels can save homeowners a lot of money on their utility bills, but have you ever wondered how well they work? Will they generate enough power to make a difference in your home? Can they generate power even if it isn’t a sunny day?

You may be surprised to learn that modern solar panels are incredibly effective and don’t need to have the sun shining directly onto them to generate power.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels work by harnessing the power of the sun to stimulate the flow of electrons. The process is quite simple:

• Light from the sun hits a photovoltaic panel
• The light knocks electrons loose from their atoms
• Those electrons flow from one side of the cell to the other
• As the electrons flow through this circuit, it generates energy
• Multiple panels can be linked to form a solar array, which can generate more power

The power generated by solar panels is DC (Direct Current) power. Most household appliances run on AC (Alternating Current), so the current from the panels must be converted before it is used.

Will Solar Panels Generate Power On A Dull Day?

Solar panels will be much more efficient if it’s a bright day and the sun is shining directly onto them, but they will work even if this is not the case, as long as there’s some sunlight. Modern solar panels will generate some power even on a dull, cloudy day.

Of course, they can’t generate power at night. However, you can store some of the energy from the solar panel in a battery to use at night. So, if you’re someone who is rarely home during the day and has minimal power needs, you could use solar panels to store up power and still live reasonably well ‘off grid’ at night. 

Many caravan and RV owners have solar panels on their roofs and recharge their batteries while they’re on the move so they can boil a kettle or charge their laptop once they stop. 

Very high power users may still need power ‘from the grid’, but solar panels are becoming impressively efficient. They’re also long-lasting, making them a good investment for homeowners who want to be as energy-efficient as possible.

How Much Power Can I Expect Solar Panels To Generate

Most domestic solar panel systems can generate between 1KW and 4KW per hour, depending on their size and the conditions they’re used in. This should be enough to cover light domestic usage, especially if the panels are hooked up to a battery for use during the night.

Australia has some of the highest uptakes of solar panels in the world, which should not be surprising when you consider the climate. There’s lots of sunshine to harvest, and those who live in less densely populated areas such as Hervey Bay should have plenty of roof area on which to mount solar panels. 

The up-front cost of investing in the panels may seem intimidating at first, but in the long term the investment will pay off. Not only does using solar power cut your monthly utility bills, having panels on your property can increase the value of your home. Therefore, if you plan to sell your property in the future, you could command a higher asking price for the property.

For solar panels to generate enough electricity to be worthwhile, you need to live in an area with a high amount of daylight hours, and for your roof to not be under shade. However, direct sunlight is not totally necessary. Solar power works very well for most Australian homeowners.

Final Thoughts

A solar power system is a great addition to any property. For your peace of mind, it is important that you have the system installed properly by qualified, experienced and fully-equipped professionals.

Please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 if you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.

If you are looking to have solar panels installed at your property, you will need to answer two important questions. Should you hire a professional solar company? Or can you handle the job yourself?

While handling the job on your own might save you some money, there are many advantages of using a solar company, including: 

• Proper Installation
• Safety
• Warranty Protection
• Boost Your Home Resale Value

To learn more about the main advantages of hiring a solar company, please continue reading below. 

1. Proper Installation 

Using a solar company ensures that your solar panel installation job is conducted properly. Solar panel systems jobs require the use of a variety of tools, some of which are highly specialised. This means that even though you as a homeowner may have a shed full of power tools, you may still not have everything needed for the job. Professional installers on the other hand are fully equipped with all the necessary tools for the job.

In addition to specialized tools, proper training and extensive hands-on experience are necessary for the correct installation of solar panels. Solar companies hire qualified and seasoned installers who have the expertise needed to ensure that each job is completed to perfection. With experts handling the job, you can be sure that you will end up with a properly functioning solar power system. 

2. Safety

Hiring a solar company to install and connect a solar power system to your property’s power supply goes a long way in ensuring safety. 

For starters, with properly trained and fully-equipped professionals handling the installation work, you no longer have to put your life at risk, by working on a high slanting roof or hauling heavy solar panels and other supplies and equipment up a ladder among others. As you can see, leaving this job to trained professionals safeguards your general safety.

Furthermore, your newly installed solar power system needs to be connected to your home’s power supply before you can enjoy using this great source of renewable energy. Any mistakes at this stage of the installation process can put you, your property and any occupants therein at risk. The best solar companies hire qualified professionals – trained electricians – who can handle all the necessary electrical wiring work safely. 

It is also worth noting that some safety guidelines require all electrical wiring work to be done by trained and licensed professionals. 

3. Warranty Protection 

Getting your solar power system from a company gives you the opportunity to enjoy years of reliable service under warranty cover. Solar companies have access to high-quality solar panels, inverters and other components of solar power systems. This means that once installed, the system should be able to serve you for decades to come (25-year warranties are the norm). 

In addition, to cover the components used, solar companies also offer warranties that include labour. As such, you can have any issues in the system arising from the installation fixed at no extra cost. 

4. Boost Your Home Resale Value

Want to sell your home faster and for substantially more money? Get a professionally installed solar power system. Generally, properties with solar power systems command higher prices on the market compared to similar homes without such systems. Homebuyers and appraisers have an easier time assessing the value and quality of professionally installed solar power systems. 

Summary

A solar power system is a great addition to any property. For your peace of mind, it is important that you have the system installed properly by qualified, experienced and fully-equipped professionals.

Please contact us today at GCR Electrical Systems on (07) 4120 7004 if you are looking for a trusted local solar company in Hervey Bay, or leave an enquiry if you would like more information about our solar installation services.