All About Solar Panels

Everthing to know About Solar Panels

Solar Energy

Australia is an ideal location for solar energy generation because:

Being the 10th sunniest country we are an ideal candidate for solar energy generation.
Solar electricity is sustainable, clean and cheapest form of renewable energy.
Australia has definitely adopted to this role boasting a solar installation capacity in gigawatts.

So lets delve deeper into the core component of harvesting energy from the sun namely solar panel.

Sun has always been a significant element in human civilization, ancient civilizations utilized sun for heating and drying purposes.

Converting solar energy into usable form began as early as 1800s with first efforts towards solar thermal energy.

Bell labs developed first practical solar cell in 1954 laying a foundation for Solar PV generation for years to come.

Today’s modern solar panels are state of the art exponent’s efficient, clean, sustainable and reliable electric power generation.

What is a Solar Panel?

Energy from sun can be converted to electricity through photovoltaic devices called Solar PV cells or solar panels in short.
Solar Panels consists of semiconductor wafers consisting of charge carriers that can be activated when sunlight shines on the panel.
A typical panel consist of silicon wafer covered by protective glass, with complete assembly encased in a metallic frame.

Common Terms Related to Solar Panels

Nominal or Rated Power

Open Circuit Voltage

Short Circuit Current

Maximum Power Point

Tolerance

Efficiency

Temperature Coeffecient

Maximum power the panel is capable of generating under normal conditions

Maximum voltage the panel produces when no load is attached.

Maximum current the panel produces when no load is attached.

Point of panel where product of voltage and current generated is the highest. It is the point where panel generates maximum output.

The expected change in output power as compared to claimed rated capacity of panel.

Overall percentage the depicts the performance of panels in comparison to others. It is the percentage conversion of power from sun to electricity.

The value which measures deterioration in output as temperature of panel is increased.

How Does the Solar Panel Work?

Solar Panels are semi-conductor based circuits that are energized by the photons in sunlight and harvest that energy into useable electricity.
Photons of light contain energy from sun, on striking the silicon wafer they transfer that energy to charge carriers inside silicon wafers.
These charge carriers begin to flow inside the wafer resulting in formation of direct current (DC).
This flow of charges, called current can be utilized directly in operating any DC appliance or can be stored in a battery backup system for later use.
To run an AC appliance DC has to be converted into AC by a power electronics device called an inverter.
If not consumed and stored solar energy can also be fed to the grid and feed in tariff rates applicable.

Tiers of Solar Panels

Solar panels in Australia come in a standard 3 tier system. The distinction of each tier from another revolves revolve around their manufacturing quality, efficiency, and material composition. These tiers categorize solar panels based on performance metrics and reliability, influencing their application in various settings. Below are the key distinctions among these tiers.

Manufacturing Quality

Tier 1: Produced by manufacturers with a proven track record of quality and reliability, often backed by long-term warranties.

Tier 2: Made by companies with less established reputations; they may offer decent quality but lack the extensive testing and reliability of Tier 1.

Tier 3: Typically produced by lesser-known manufacturers, these panels may have inconsistent quality and shorter warranties.

Effeciency & Performance

Tier 1: Produced by manufacturers with a proven track record of quality and reliability, often backed by long-term warranties.

Tier 2: Made by companies with less established reputations; they may offer decent quality but lack the extensive testing and reliability of Tier 1.

Tier 3: Typically produced by lesser-known manufacturers, these panels may have inconsistent quality and shorter warranties.

Material Composition

Tier 1: Produced by manufacturers with a proven track record of quality and reliability, often backed by long-term warranties.

Tier 2: Made by companies with less established reputations; they may offer decent quality but lack the extensive testing and reliability of Tier 1.

Tier 3: Typically produced by lesser-known manufacturers, these panels may have inconsistent quality and shorter warranties.

Warranty

Tier 1: Well reputed 5 year plus with upto 25 years warranty.

Tier 2: Variable warranties, may require thorough examination.

Tier 3: Relatively new player not enough data to support warranty claims.

Gist of Tiers

If finances are not an issue Tier 1 panels are most safe, reliable and efficient investment. Tier 2 are middle ground between lesser financial burden at a reasonable dip in efficiency. For most optimal financial decision Tier 3 are the choice.

Cost of Solar Dream

Now you have a grasp of available options in solar panels so let’s address the elephant in the room, How much do they cost?

Factors effecting cost of system

To estimate your solar system cost

Specify energy demand / solar system size

Demand can be estimated from annual energy consumption from your electricity bills, use the calculator to get daily energy demand and suggested systems that meet your needs.

Choose your panel tier.

Specify the dimensions, alignment and angle of roof or specify the dimension of ground location proposed for installation.

Get quote based on your custom demands or choose from available options