Solar energy has emerged as one of the fastest-growing solutions of energy in Australia, providing households and businesses with a cleaner and cheaper alternative to the power they use to run their daily affairs. As the cost of energy keeps rising and the issue of global warming becomes a pressing problem, an increasing number of homeowners are going to consider going solar than ever before.
When considering solar installation Berwick, it is important to understand the various types of systems available to enable one to make an informed decision to best fit his lifestyle, the type of property and long term savings.
The primary types of solar installation systems, their functioning, and the type that can be the most suitable in your house are divided below.
Grid-Connected Solar Systems
It is the most popular and least expensive kind of solar installation in Australia.
The grid connected system is operated in conjunction with the main electricity grid which enables the home owners to take power on demand and send excess energy back to the grid.
This exported power will also be able to give you credits when it comes to feed-in tariffs and thus make the electricity bill a little lower.
The common grid-connected configuration consists of solar panels, an inverter and wiring connecting the system to the switchboard of the house and the power system.
These systems are highly efficient and they need minimum maintenance.
Best for:
Houses that have a stable grid connection, families that prefer the simplest and cheapest method of solar power.
Off-Grid Solar Systems
Off-grid systems are systems that do not rely on the electricity grid. They consider solar panels, batteries and in many cases a backup generator in order to power the house.
Such systems retain surplus solar energy in batteries to supply energy when it gets dark or during rainy seasons.
The off-grid systems are more complicated, and it tends to be costly because it requires high capacity battery storage.
Nevertheless, they offer full independence of energy, which is perfect in isolated or rural homes where the access to the grid is scarce or absent.
Best for:
Rural homes, off-grid properties or households that want complete energy autonomy.
Hybrid Solar Systems
Hybrid systems are a combination of grid-connected solar and battery storage with its advantages.
This system lets house owners save the unused energy to be utilized at some other time and still have a connection to the power grid in case of power failure.
Hybrid systems are more flexible, less dependent on grid electricity, and they are also defensive in the event of power outages.
They are also quite handy in homes that would wish to maximise self-consumption of solar energy.
Best for:
Households having frequent blackouts, modern houses, and technologically oriented users.
Solar Battery Storage Systems
Although battery storage is not a type of installation, it may be used to supplement other types of installations; that is, a grid-connected or a hybrid system.
Solar energy is also stored in batteries and made to be accessible during the peak hours, especially where the owner has a lot of appliances at home that would be on most of the time- air conditioners, washing machines and hair dryers.
It is frequently cited in guides such as why your air conditioner might be driving up your power bills, which point out that the energy-wasting nature of cooling systems can easily cause a massive electricity consumption.
Battery storage, a smart choice, is highly recommended to households that wish to use solar to the fullest and reduce the total energy expenses.
The latest battery technologies have extended life span, rapid charging and increased safety.
Best for:
Houses with a high energy consumption, families who use solar power at night or those who would like to get backup during blackouts.
Solar Panels and Mounting Options
The installation way of your system is also an important factor to be considered when you decide on solar. There are three main types:
- Roof-mounted systems: This is the most popular option in homes particularly when installing solar panels in Berwick. They utilize space efficiently and are cost effective.
- Ground based systems: These are better suited to bigger premises or situations where the roof cannot accommodate a set up because of shading or structural constraints.
- Solar carport: This is a clever solution to home owners who desire to have cover against the sun and also generate energy.
Every mounting style possesses its advantages, which are based on the type of roofs, orientation and the existence of accessible land.
Final Thoughts
The selection of the appropriate solar installation system will depend on the property design, energy consumption, financial capacity and your long-term objectives.
It can be a basic grid-connected system or an entirely independent off-grid system but solar power is a stable and sustainable method of saving money on electricity.