Category: solar panels

Can The Australian Power Crisis Be Resolved?

Can Australian Power Crisis Be Resolved

Energy disruptions on a global scale have caused an emergency situation in Australia. Affordability has become a major issue for many households due to a number of factors, including failed policies, increasing energy costs, a shortage of fossil fuels, and other factors. Consequently, more and more Australians are realising how critical it is to switch to renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Everyone is curious about Australia’s approach to the energy crisis, but the real issue is finding a solution. In this article, we’ll explain the situation and discuss some strategies for dealing with the current emergency.

1). Governmental Control vs. Market Forces

The deregulation that followed Australia’s energy sector’s privatisation is a major contributor to the country’s current gas supply crunch. Because private investors are motivated primarily by financial gain, they care little about issues of long-term viability or citizen welfare.

On the other hand, recent actions by the Australian Energy Market Operation (AEMO) demonstrate that state leadership prioritises citizen interests. Therefore, the first step toward solving the energy crisis would be to restore government authority.

The government will regulate extracted gas and coal reserves, making sure that there is enough for domestic use before foreign buyers are involved. In line with this, policy changes need to be made to limit exports, considering that Australia is a net exporter of coal and natural gas.

2). Solar Power

Solar power is the future of energy because it is clean, affordable, abundant, low maintenance and so much more! It not only reduces reliance on non-renewable sources of energy but can reduce Australia’s energy expenditure while reducing CO2 emissions. 

Evidently, increased solar energy use in the world in early 2022 averted a 4% rise in fossil fuel use and even saved fuel spending by a whopping $40 billion. Even better, 230 million tons of CO2 emissions were avoided!

What makes solar so good is that it can be a personal initiative. Australians don’t have to wait for the government to bring solar energy to their homes. With a simple call to a solar installation company like GCR Electrical Systems, you can take the first step in solving the energy crisis without waiting on the government to do something. 

Can Australian Power Crisis Be Resolved

3). Other Renewable Energy Sources

Although nearly 3 million households have rooftop solar panels, low-income families, renters, and residents of government housing still need greater support to take advantage of the substantial cost savings that renewable energy offers.

The government needs to encourage using alternative fuels, particularly solar and other renewable energy sources. Since wind and geothermal energy don’t use fossil fuels, they are unaffected by shifts in the global energy market. Additionally, their price is really reasonable.

4). Investing in Storage Capacity

Alternative energy sources like renewables are the best defence against potential energy shortages in the future. The storage needs of individuals, businesses, and government agencies just cannot be met at this time. That’s why it’s up to the government to implement some sort of capacity mechanism.

Although the government is considering doing so with non-renewable energy at the moment, it’s clear they need to switch to renewable energy storage to guarantee enough energy capacity for residential usage. They should advocate for more money to be put towards renewable energy and renewable energy storage. We can easily meet our whole energy demand using renewable sources and a reliable storage system.

Ready To Be At The Forefront? Talk To GCR Electrical

Even though solving the country’s energy crises is largely a government effort, each of us must take the initiative to make it a reality. Currently, solar power remains the most feasible option for individuals and corporations, and we’re here for that. 

As a renowned solar installation company in Hervey Bay, GCR Electrical Systems can help you safeguard your home against energy shortages while reducing your monthly energy costs. 

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 to learn more or leave an enquiry.

 

 

 

How Long Can Australia’s Energy Crisis Last?

Australia’s Energy Crisis

Australia is facing an energy crisis resulting from factors like changes in the weather and Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. This has manifested in several consequences, such as high consumer prices, leading many consumers to turn to renewable energy sources such as solar panels. 

If you want to learn more about how Australia’s energy ecosystem works and how long this ongoing energy crisis might last, feel free to continue reading our blog article. 

How Does Australia’s Energy Ecosystem Work?

The Australia Energy Market Operator (AEMO) operates two electricity spot markets, namely the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM). It is through these two markets that electricity is traded all over the country. 

The National Electricity Market (NEM) serves the country’s five eastern and southeastern states. The states covered by the NEM wholesale market are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. The East Coast mainly relies on coal-fired power, making up almost 65% of electricity production and 7% of gas. The remainder is sourced from renewables like solar, wind, and hydropower. 

While the state of Western Australia is not facing the current energy crisis, it’s good to note that the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), which is the other market, is responsible for that region. 

On this spot market, power generators usually supply the market with electricity at different prices. The AEMO approves the generators that will produce electricity, giving the cheapest operator top priority. 

Generators hold auctions every five minutes. Similarly, the price is decided every five minutes. Retailers then purchase electricity, which they then supply to households and businesses.

How Did The Energy Crisis Start?

Australia’s electricity prices began increasing rapidly in May 2022, and by June 11, the prices had hit the market cap threshold in Queensland. Later, other states in the NEM market except for Tasmania also reached the threshold. The AEMO communicated that there would be a price cap of A$300, and generators would receive compensation. 

The price cap meant that generators would suffer losses, so they opted to withhold capacity, leading to a difference in demand and supply.

Ultimately, rising energy prices have left consumers with no choice but to rethink how they can save money during the energy crisis.  

Australia’s Energy Crisis

Factors That Led To The Energy Crisis

Australia’s energy crisis can be attributed to various conditions affecting its east-coast energy market. Here are the factors causing a storm in Australia’s energy sector:

1). Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine

Sanctions were imposed on Russian oil following their invasion of Ukraine, which has led to shortages and high prices. These effects have been felt globally, including in Australia. 

2). Outages At Coal-Fired Power Stations

Many of Australia’s coal plants are aging and in poor condition. Some of them have even been marked for closure. This has led to reduced supply while demand remains unchanged, contributing to the crisis.

3). Poor Weather 

Floods in Queensland and New South Wales stalled coal mining affecting energy supplies. 

4). COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to current energy problems. As COVID-19 restrictions were eased, there was an increase in demand for energy, which was difficult to meet, driving prices up. 

How Long Will the Energy Crisis Last?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), in an interim report released in July 2022, stated that Australia’s east coast energy crisis is likely to go past winter 2023. It means electricity and gas prices will remain high in the affected regions. 

The Bottom Line

Australia’s energy problems could keep growing as it’s not fully prepared to transition to renewable energy sources—even as coal plants announce plans to quit operation. Although the government is asking consumers to take measures like turning off lights to conserve energy, this can only be a short-term solution to the problem. 

With that said, increasing solar power production would be a possible option to help reduce the energy supply squeeze. 

GCR Electrical Systems is a leading supplier of solar power systems in Australia and has helped numerous customers install solar power systems. We can do the same for you today!

Please contact us today on (07) 4120 7004 or leave an enquiry.

 

 

How Do Solar Panels Collect And Store Energy?

How Solar Panels Collect Store Energy

Solar electricity is magical. Have you ever wondered how it all works? Do you know how a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity? In today’s blog post, we will discuss how solar panels work to convert sunlight into electricity and other related things.

How Solar Panels Work?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the inner workings of a solar panel, let’s first discuss what these panels contain. Traditionally, solar panels have been made from silicon crystals. However, constant innovation in this space has resulted in a variety of materials being used for making these panels. Some of these materials include Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, Gallium Arsenide, and Copper Indium Gallium Selenide.

When you go out in the sun, sunlight transfers energy to electrons in your skin which makes these electrons jump up and down producing heat. That’s when your body starts sweating in order to cool down your body. In the case of silicon and these other materials, when the sunlight hits the atoms, the electrons start to move. The electrons do not jump around and when electrons move, it produces electrical current instead of heat.

Each solar panel consists of a number of cells. A typical solar panel has anywhere from 60 to 72 solar cells. These solar cells have tiny wires which act as a highway for electrical current and all these wires feed power to a solar power inverter. The electricity produced in this manner in a solar panel is direct current but appliances in your home require alternating current. Inverters perform this conversion of direct current to alternating current.

Solar panels available today are not capable of converting all the sunlight into useful solar electricity. Their efficiency generally ranges anywhere from 15 to 21%. As far as the solar output is concerned, it is measured in terms of watts. Typical solar PV panels available today have an output ranging from 250 to 400 W.

How Solar Panels Collect Store Energy

How Solar Panels Store Energy?

If you’re wondering how energy is stored inside the solar panels, you should know that solar panels only generate electricity but do not store it. This is why solar energy can only be produced when the sun is shining and you have to return to grid power once your rooftop solar stops producing electricity. Thankfully, there is a way to get solar electricity continuously with the help of solar batteries.

There are basically 2 types of solar batteries: Lead-acid batteries and Lithium-ion batteries. Both these batteries have their own pros and cons.

Lead Acid Batteries

This is the type of battery you would see in your vehicle. These are the most prevalent batteries around and cost less compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, these can’t match lithium-ion in terms of performance.

A lead-acid battery is rated for only 1,000 to 3,000 discharge cycles before you’ll have to throw them away. Also, they have a depth of discharge rating of just 50% which means you can’t use all the energy stored inside a lead-acid battery. These have an effective service life of 2 to 3 years as they lose their recharge capacity after this period. These also require constant maintenance.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

These are the batteries you will find inside your mobile phone as well as in a typical electric vehicle. These offer a number of advantages over lead-acid batteries. 

One of the biggest advantages is a higher number of discharge cycles. These batteries can undergo anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 discharge cycles which means they have a much longer service life compared to lead-acid batteries. Also, they have a depth of discharge rating of more than 80% which means you can safely use almost all the energy stored inside these batteries without negatively affecting their lifespan. Also, these do not require any maintenance and are not easily damaged when exposed to excessive heat.

The main disadvantage is their higher price compared to a typical lead-acid battery. However, lithium-ion batteries turn out to be cheaper in the long run due to the exceptionally higher number of discharge cycles and the ability to safely discharge almost all the stored energy.

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.

What Is The Ideal Location For Solar Panels In Hervey Bay?

What Is Ideal Location Solar Panels Hervey Bay

The ideal location for solar panels in Hervey Bay can be affected by a number of factors, including the direction the roof faces and how much shade is cast on it. If you’re interested in installing solar panels but aren’t sure where to put them, we have some tips that will help you decide which side of your house will work best. In this article, we will tackle the following:

  • What are solar panels?
  • Why should you have solar panels installed?
  • Where is the ideal location for solar panels?
  • What other location factors should be considered in solar panel installation?
  • What you need to know before having solar panels installed

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels generate electricity by turning the sun’s rays into usable energy. They are a pretty common sight on roofs these days, but what do they actually do? Unlike coal or nuclear power plants that rely heavily upon fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases during operation, solar panels produce no emissions at all while generating a clean renewable electric current!

It’s fair to say that solar panels are the future. They’re an environmentally friendly alternative for powering your home, and they can be installed on any roof type without damaging them!

Why Should You Have Solar Panels Installed?

One key reason why you should have solar panels installed is that solar panels are an important investment for your home and the environment. They can save you money on utility bills, increase property value, be used in emergencies during power outages, and much, much more. Solar panels also do not produce CO2 emissions like fossil fuel-powered plants, which makes them a much safer and eco-friendly energy alternative!

Because the sun is an endless source of energy, solar panel installations are a great way to use this natural resource without polluting the environment with gas-powered generators or coal plants that release harmful emissions into our air supply. The best part? The sun is free!

What Is Ideal Location Solar Panels Hervey Bay

Where Is The Ideal Location For Solar Panels?

Many people are wondering where the best place for solar panels is. In an ideal world, you should always have them facing north to get maximum exposure to sunlight. Unfortunately, there are a lot of factors that determine how good this will work in practice and it might not be practical at all times of the year or even every day. For instance: Did your installer orientate your array properly? Were trees planted nearby after installation which shades some cells from light during certain parts of the day? 

There is no one place to put solar panels that will be perfect for everyone. However, the general rule of thumb is that solar panels are favoured in areas with a lot of sunshine and frequent clear skies. Solar panel installation is best done in areas that have plenty of sun exposure where they can be placed on roofs to collect rays from various angles without obstruction for maximum energy output. This is why you’ll notice that solar panels are often installed on roofs where it is more likely for the solar panels to receive as much sunlight as possible.

What Other Location Factors Should Be Considered In Solar Panel Installation?

Aside from ensuring that your solar panel system on has enough sunlight without obstruction, here is a list of other factors to consider when finding the ideal location for solar panels: 

  • Shading from nearby structures that might hinder the efficiency of your solar panels.
  • Roof orientation where the angle of your roof can affect the maximisation of sunlight absorption of your solar panel system. 
  • Building materials and design of your home or business. Some buildings have a metal roofing material that does not allow for installation due to interference with power output from panels. 
  • Where you have flat roofs or low sloping ones, these two options require different types of mounting hardware in order for them to work efficiently.
  • The orientation between prevailing winds which can affect how much energy can actually get absorbed by an array installed at any given time.

All of these are additional factors that you will need to consider when choosing the ideal location for your solar panels. 

What Is Ideal Location Solar Panels Hervey Bay

What You Need To Know Before Having Solar Panels Installed

Solar panels have a number of advantages most notably, they help to decrease your electricity bill, but before making the investment you should think about whether or not this is really for you.

Solar power installation in Hervey Bay isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and maybe more right than wrong depending on factors such as location, weather patterns in your area, amount of sunlight available each day at different times throughout the year (peak hours), how much energy you already consume, etc. 

The key factors when considering solar installations are: Where will it fit with your roofline aesthetically? What does your budget look like? Are you looking for something that generates both heat/cooling AND electricity? Is there enough space on your property? 

There’s no need to rush into anything. Take time weighing up your options so that you can make an informed decision before having solar panels installed on your property.

Summary

In order to maximise the benefits of solar panels, it is important to consider where they should be placed. To optimise energy production and create a system that will last for years without needing costly maintenance or repairs, you may want to consult with an expert about the best way to design your residential or commercial property’s unique layout.

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

What Are The Main Advantages Of Solar Panels?

What Main Advantages Solar Panels

We all know that renewable energy is good for the planet, but exactly why is solar power so much better than other types of green energy? Please keep reading below as we take a look at this further.

In Hervey Bay, Queensland, solar panel installation is gaining in popularity every day. More people than ever before are switching over from traditional power sources and saving money on their utility bills at the same time. So why are people switching to solar panel systems, and what advantages come with this? Below are the five main advantages of solar panels that we have identified:

  • Environmentally friendly
  • Sustainability
  • Save money on electric bills
  • Less pollution than other energy sources
  • No noise pollution or emissions

1). Environmentally Friendly

The sun is the ultimate power source. Therefore, solar panels are a great and innovative way to reduce the need for fossil fuels. Solar panels convert energy from the sun into an electrical current that powers your home or any other appliance you may have running on electricity. 

It is completely emission-free, meaning it’s environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit toxic gases like coal does when burned in a traditional power plant; with solar, there isn’t even ash left! 

Renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind farms and hydroelectricity are giving us a chance to reduce our reliance on coal and natural gas which in turn reduces the number of greenhouse gases we emit into the earth’s atmosphere. 

As scientists predict the world is on a trajectory to meet its sustainability goals, it’s only natural that renewable energy sources will be in more demand. Solar panels are one of the most sustainable solutions and have been touted by experts to help with climate change by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

2). Sustainability

Solar panels provide sustainable sources for electricity that can be found right on our own rooftops! Unlike wind turbines or coal-fired plants, these safe and reliable devices use only natural resources to generate power with no need for chemicals that release toxic air into the atmosphere like gasoline exhausts or carbon dioxide emissions, making them better than ever before. 

What Main Advantages Solar Panels

3). Reduced Electric Bills

Another significant advantage of using solar panels is that they can save you money in the long run. Solar cells have become so cheap these days because they’re mass-produced on an industrial scale. 

This makes them way less expensive than when everything was made in small batches for individual orders. Additionally, solar power is an efficient way to decrease your monthly utility bill because it doesn’t rely on energy sources like the local grid which can be costly.

4). Less Air Pollution Than Other Energy Sources

In recent years, solar energy has been on the rise as people are becoming more conscious of their contribution towards reducing the planet’s pollution levels. Solar panels provide an environmentally friendly source that produces no pollutants and emissions whatsoever!

Because of this, you will even find that many countries have begun investing in this renewable resource because they see it as a way to reduce their reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels. Solar panels also help them reduce emissions into the environment by limiting CO2 production from coal plants that use carbon dioxide gas for fuel.

On a smaller scale, solar panels are a better and cleaner way to power your home which is why governments across the world are offering a number of incentives to households for installing solar energy!

What Main Advantages Solar Panels

5). No Noise Pollution Or Emissions

Aside from traditional air pollution, solar panels are advantageous because they don’t create any noise pollution either. Solar panels are known for their lack of any noticeable sound and this makes them quieter than other energy sources such as wind turbine generators.

Solar panels simply create power through the sun’s rays, which is silent when absorbed into solar cells and then subsequently converted into electricity.

Final Thoughts

There are many advantages when it comes to installing solar panels on your roof in Hervey Bay. From saving money to reducing carbon emissions and making a statement about sustainability in the neighbourhood you live in, there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to this eco-friendly technology.

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

How Do Solar Panels Create Electricity?

How Solar Panels Create Electricity

Solar energy is an amazing source of clean, renewable power that can save you money on your electric bill. However, most people don’t really know how solar panels work and whether they are right for your home or business.

The good news is, the technology behind solar panels has improved dramatically over the past decade. And now more than ever before, installing a solar system in your home or business makes sense financially as well as environmentally. 

In this article, we’ll explain how solar panels in Hervey Bay produce electricity and what the benefits associated with it are. We will be tackling the following topics:

  • What is a solar panel?
  • How do solar panels create electricity?
  • Why you should have a solar panel system installed in your home or business
  • What you need to know before installing solar panels

What Is A Solar Panel?

In simple terms, a solar panel is an electronic device that converts sunlight to electricity. They are currently the most efficient and cost-effective way to power your home especially since they make use of renewable resources. Solar panels also come in many shapes, sizes, colours, and styles so you can find a panel that best fits with any architectural design or aesthetic preference.

How Solar Panels Create Electricity

How Do Solar Panels Create Electricity?

Solar panels work by using solar cells to convert photons into electrons. The sun’s rays are captured by a bunch of photovoltaic cells called photodiodes and converted into an electrical current which is then stored in batteries or sent to your home for use. All of this can be done at almost 100% efficiency! 

Solar panel technology has come so far that they now capture more than 20% as many photons on their surface area when compared with conventional silicon-based ones!

This whole process is considered a clean and efficient way of producing energy; however, it does have its own drawbacks. For example, it can be difficult to keep the panel directed towards the sun at all times which makes them less useful in cloudy conditions or during winter months when sunlight hours decrease.

As more people seek environmentally friendly sources in Hervey Bay that do not harm our planet like traditional forms of fuel such as oil, coal, and more, solar power has become a go-to. Solar panels are not just an alternative to natural gas, coal, or nuclear power, but also come in handy when the electricity goes out for long periods of time due to natural occurrences or accidents.

Why You Should Have A Solar Panel System Installed?

Many people in Hervey Bay are installing a solar system in their homes or business because of how beneficial it can be for both them and our environment as well! Some reasons why you should consider having a solar panel system installed include the following:

  • Reduced energy bills, since solar power is cheaper than electricity from traditional sources. Solar energy is a renewable resource, so you’ll never have to worry about your power bills again.
  • Solar power can power appliances and devices at night. This is without paying any extra fees when you’re not using them during peak hours of consumption.
  • Cleaner air quality in your home by reducing fossil fuel use which produces greenhouse gases as they burn coal/oil/natural gas.
  • Reduces carbon emissions all over our world.
  • The installation process is quick: it takes about a day to install a solar system and they will last for decades!
  • Solar panels are a great investment. They last for 30 years or more with little to no maintenance!
How Solar Panels Create Electricity

What You Need To Know Before Installing Solar Panels

Solar panels are a very viable option for reducing electricity costs and going green. It’s not always as easy as putting them on your roof, though! Figuring out the right size is important as bigger ones can produce more energy but will cost you more upfront. Therefore, before installing solar panels you’ll need to consider the size of your roof and the budget that you have. After all, you wouldn’t want to go green but spend all your money with minimal return!

Final Thoughts

Solar panels are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and increase the efficiency of your home or business all while creating clean energy. If you want more information on the benefits of using a solar panel, or if you’re considering installing one at your home or office building, contact us today!

Whether you’re looking to save money on your electric bill or want to do something good for our planet by using renewable resources, installing solar panels can help you achieve these goals!

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

Do Solar Panels Work During A Grid Outage?

Do Solar Panels Work During Grid Outage

Many people are concerned that if the power grid goes down, their solar panels will not be able to produce electricity during a blackout. 

It is true that your solar panels can’t generate electricity from sunlight when there’s no sun shining on them. However, it may surprise you to know that even with a complete grid outage and all of the lights out in your neighbourhood, your home will still have enough battery backup to keep things running for several hours or possibly even days depending on how much energy was stored up before the outage occurred. 

If you would like to learn more about how solar panels work during a grid outage, feel free to continue reading our article as we discuss the following topics:

  • What are solar panels and how do they work?
  • What is a grid outage and why does it happen?
  • Do solar panels work during a grid outage?
  • What are the pros and cons of using solar power as a backup?
  • How to prepare for an upcoming power outage

What Are Solar Panels And How Do They Work?

Solar panels are a technology that converts sunlight into electricity. This is done by using semiconductor materials that have the property of generating electrons when exposed to light energy. These charges are transported in ways similar to an electric current for conversion into usable power or other useful forms such as heat or chemical reaction.

In simpler terms, solar panels are a type of energy converter that converts sunlight into usable electrical power or heat. They can be used to provide electricity for houses, allowing households to produce enough power during peak daylight hours without having any excessive charges on their utility bill.

Do Solar Panels Work During Grid Outage

What Is A Grid Outage And Why Does It Happen?

A grid outage occurs when there is an interruption of utility power, not just where you live but throughout both residential and business communities alike. This usually happens as a result of some sort of natural phenomenon such as lightning or wind storm which destroys electricity lines. Other times, these events are caused by human error like cutting through wires during construction or excavation work for example. 

Grid outages usually last for hours or even days before service is restored because there’s often not enough capacity on hand at any given moment during an outage period. Some grids have backup generators which kick in automatically if too much load builds up while others don’t. This could lead to some blackouts lasting as long as 10 days without help from outside utilities like backup generation plants.

Do Solar Panels Work During A Grid Outage?

One of the most common misconceptions about solar panels is that they don’t work with a grid outage. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, during an electrical power grid failure or blackout, your solar panel system will continue to produce electricity just as it would on any other day if paired with solar battery storage.

Solar panels can work both when the sun shines and during a grid outage. A battery backup ensures that even without electricity from the utility company there will be enough stored power available so it does not adversely affect any electrical systems in case of extended blackouts lasting up to three weeks at a time!

Luckily, solar panel designers have been intent on ensuring that solar panels can function without a constant connection to the electricity grid. This means they’ve taken steps such as designing photovoltaic cells with more efficient semiconductor materials and using advanced inverters which allow them to store energy from sunlight in batteries – all while maintaining high reliability levels during any kind of outage or disaster scenario.

Solar panels are an excellent source of energy for your home even when the electricity grid goes out because solar power can be stored in batteries and used at a later date or time. You’ll be provided with light, heat, refrigeration, and air conditioning without any reliance on external utilities such as electric companies.

Do Solar Panels Work During Grid Outage

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Solar Power As A Backup?

If you were to lose your power during a grid outage, would solar energy be the backup solution for keeping your batteries charged? There are both advantages and disadvantages of using this as an alternative. The pros of this are as follows:

Pros

  • Can produce electricity from the sun without an interruption of supply and store it in batteries for later use, which is crucial when there’s no sunlight available nearby. The electricity can be used to provide light, heat, air conditioning or cook food in the event of a blackout.
  • Does not require fuel like traditional generators which means you won’t have to worry about refuelling them when there are no other resources available.
  • Can help maintain a comfortable temperature in a home during an outage by providing electricity for air conditioning units or heaters. 
  • Environmentally friendly, renewable and sustainable.

Meanwhile, some of the cons of using solar power as a backup energy source during a grid outage.

Cons

  • High initial cost to install panels on your home or business roof.
  • Only operates at full capacity for a certain number of hours.
  • If there isn’t enough sunlight available at any given time then your backup energy source will cease functioning as well.
Do Solar Panels Work During Grid Outage

How To Prepare For An Upcoming Power Outage

Preparing for the next power outage is not as daunting a task if you’re prepared with an up-to-date solar panel system. 

Before any outages happen, it’s best to take care of your panels and their connection points by inspecting them regularly. If there are no problems, go ahead and charge all batteries in advance while you have full sunlight. This will help avoid potential issues during blackouts when battery capacity may be reduced from sustained use overtime without replenishment charges or other energy sources available to maintain the load(s). 

It is also important to check that each device has its own backup supply such as an emergency generator or inverter so they can function independently until power returns on its own accord (or someone restores electricity). The inverter that turns your batteries into usable electricity should be set up on an elevated surface so it can’t flood if water levels rise due to high winds and rain from thunderstorms. Make sure there is no standing water near any of these components after heavy rainfall!

Final Thoughts

Solar panels are a great investment to make in your future. Not only do they reduce the amount of electricity you use, but during power outages, solar panel systems can provide electricity in cases of grid outages! Solar panels won’t just help save money on electric bills now, but will also be useful when there is an outage. However, you will need to have solar battery storage in order for this to work.

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

Advantages Of Solar Panels In Hervey Bay

Solar Panels Hervey Bay Advantages Solar Panels

Many people are interested in solar panels in Hervey Bay but they don’t know where to start or what the advantages of solar panels actually are.

Solar energy is a great alternative to fossil fuels and is easy to install at home. They can save you money on your electric bills, help protect our planet for future generations, and be an investment that pays off over time.

If you’re in Hervey Bay and are considering installing solar panels on your roof, here’s everything you need to know about the advantages of solar panels!

1. Solar Panels Can Save You Money On Your Electricity Bill

If you are paying too much for your electricity bill, then you’re in luck if you live in an area where solar panels are accessible such as Hervey Bay! 

Solar panels are able to generate their own power from sunlight without using any other form of energy like natural gas, coal, nuclear, etc. From there, this energy can be stored in batteries to be used later down the track when there is no sunlight, such as night time or when it’s a cloudy day.

This means that you will always have your own electricity no matter what and you don’t have to rely on the grid. This provides you with enormous savings off your monthly electricity bill. These savings can then be better put to use by paying for school fees or groceries.

2. Solar Panels Are Environmentally Friendly And Sustainable

Solar panels are environmentally friendly and sustainable because they do not use any fossil fuels to generate energy. Solar power is a safe, renewable form of clean energy that can be used for both commercial and residential purposes. 

Unlike other sources of electricity like coal or nuclear, solar cells convert sunlight into direct current which means you don’t have to worry about environmental concerns such as air pollution or toxic waste.

Solar Panels Hervey Bay Advantages Solar Panels

3. Solar Panels Provide Energy During Emergencies

Solar panels have taken the past decade by storm as more and more people are embracing sustainable energy. These panels help to provide an emergency power source when a blackout hits for whatever reason, but did you know that they can be used for other things too?  

For example: solar powered fans keep cool during those hot summer months and in more humid climates, air conditioning units typically run continuously which uses up lots of electricity – this is not only expensive but wasteful! 

Solar-powered cooling systems use less than 20% of what traditional ACs do while also providing relief from humidity levels in homes. This way there’s no need to sweat it – and you can save money doing so!

4. Use Less Power From The Grid

With solar panels, you use less electricity from the grid because they produce more than enough to meet your needs for most of the year.

The amount of electricity that you use from the grid is reduced when using solar power and it creates a cleaner energy source. So, not only are you reducing your carbon footprint – you’re also saving money and helping our environment!

This means lower electric bills for homeowners with rooftop systems because their utility company doesn’t charge them extra when there is overproduction (which happens during peak hours). 

So overall, your reliance on the grid is reduced significantly which gives you a lot more independence as well as cost savings.

Solar Panels Hervey Bay Advantages Solar Panels

5.  Sell Your Power Back To The Utility Company

With solar panels, you’ll be able to sell any excess power you produce back to the utility company at a rate that’s higher than what you’re currently paying per kilowatt-hour. This is called a feed-in tariffs system and is a win-win situation because they want it more than we do due to electric usage costs rising every year.

Utility companies will never be able to compete with your home’s renewable energy production so investing in one of these systems now will not only help you save money, it can also earn you money. How good is that!

Final Thoughts

Let’s quickly review the major advantages of solar panels. You can save money on your energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, and enjoy clean renewable power that will never run out. 

With so many positives to consider, it would be wise to explore how you might benefit by investing in a system for your home or business. As always, we are here to help with all aspects of installation when needed!

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