Solar Power Systems
Owning / Investing in a “Grid Connected” or “Stand Alone” power supply system not only reduces the cost on the environment but also your pocket. Photovoltaics (PV), commonly known as Solar Electricity, has evolved from its earliest use in powering satellites to become a main source for reliable power in telecommunications and other remote applications. As electricity costs continue to rise, homeowners and business are turning to solar electricity to reduce their utility bills. Mounted on rooftops, on the ground or integrated into the building fabric of homes and commercial buildings, solar systems are generating electricity from the sun and feeding the power back to the electricity grid, saving customers money, whilst adding value to their property and protecting the environment.
Freedom from Power Outages
Power outages, or blackouts, are not only inconvenient and costly, they are potentially dangerous. A solar electric system enhanced with optional battery storage provides emergency power during utility outages. Unlike most emergency power equipment, solar electric system provide benefits during normal utility operation – electricity bill savings – as well as emergency power during an outage.
Imaging a world where abundant energy is available whenever and wherever you need it. Energy so simple you hardly know it is there. That world is here. That world is solar.
Decrease Energy Costs While Increasing Energy Independence
A Solar Electric System provides a high quality feature that actually save home owners money. The system converts the sun’s rays into standard household current and feeds into the home’s electricity circuits, energising lights and appliances. It generates electricity whenever the sun is shining and the amount it produces is directly proportional to the intensity of the sun. Systems can be connected to the utility grid. When it is generating less than is needed by the home, the utility provides the difference.
Financial and Environmental Benefits
Because of the energy and environmental benefits that solar electric systems provide, states and utilities are offering incentives to encourage homeowners to utilise solar technology. Currently, some state governments are offering rebates making solar electric systems more affordable than ever. Installing a grid connected solar system on your roof can cost as little as a few thousand dollars after rebates. Most homeowners in Australia typically choose to install solar so that they can reduce their energy bill as much as possible. The more energy efficient your home is , the smaller yours system will be.
The “Greenest” Electricity Available
In addition to saving money, solar electric systems are good for the environment. Unlike conventional sources of electricity, which are a major cause of problems like smog, acid rain and global warming, a PV system produces no air or water pollution. A 2Kw system will prevent about 40 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (a major cause of global warming) over its lifetime – the equivalent of planting an acre of trees.
Each 1Kw solar electric system installed on a home can offset 1 ton of CO2 each year.
Furthermore, a recent home building industry survey showed that 65% of homebuyers indicated they would be willing to pay between $5,00 to over $20,000 for “green’ features in their homes. A solar electric system offers significant environmental benefits for everyone by:
| Reducing the amount of electricity that is produces by using polluting fuels (most of Australia’s energy is produced by burning coal) | |
| Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide which is a leading factor in poor air quality (smog) | |
| “Promoting energy efficiency and low energy buildings. Solar is the only renewable energy technology capable of widespread use in an urban environment. |
Add Value to Your Home and Quality of Life
Solar systems improve the value of your home from the day they are installed. Imagine the benefit of telling a potential buyer ” the solar system generates free electricity reducing that regular power bill” In addition, the installation of solar modules on your home can reduce your cooling load (and energy consumption by shading your roof and reducing heat radiation into your home, It can even extend the life of your roof by protecting your tiles or tin from the sun> Unlike investing in appliances and furnishing for you home which depreciate in value, a solar electric system starts repaying you the moment it is installed. Because of the energy and environmental benefits that solar electric systems provide, some states and utilities are offering incentives to encourage homeowners to utilise solar technology.
Would your quality of life be better with more money in your pocket and the confidence that you were doing your part to help the environment?
System Design and Safety
Design and installation of Solar Power Systems should be supervised by a licensed electrical contractor such as Mr Solar. The Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BSCE) has accredited Mr Solar to design and install systems according to the appropriate Australian Standard and follow all safety regulations and instructions.
System Size
Solar power systems must be designed and sized around your specific needs for electricity. An undersized system will leave you less than satisfied, whilst an oversized system will involve unnecessary expense. In establishing the size requirements we will first analyse your household electricity load requirements.
Types of Solar Power systems:
– “Grid Connected” Solar Power System
“Grid Connected” power supply systems are used where homes are already connected to the electrical grid. The advantages of this type of system is the reduction in electrical bills as well as reductions in the burning of fossil fuels. The system requires an inverter that produces the pure sine-wave AC electricity which is necessary for connecting to the grid. ’Grid connected” power systems can also be installed with battery backup power to keep critical loads operating in the event of a power failure.
– Small “Off-Grid” Solar System
Small ‘Stand Alone’ Power Systems are primarily used for power requirements such as lighting cabins and holiday shacks, backup power supplies and portable power systems. The size of the solar array (number of solar panels) and the number of batteries depends upon individual power requirements. The solar panels charge the batteries while the batteries provide power to the inverter as needed. The inverter changes 12/24/48 volt battery power to 240 volt AC power. The Charge Controller also known as a Regulator terminates the charging of the Batteries when they reach full charge, this protects from overcharging reducing battery life.
– Small “Off-Grid” Duel Power Solar System
Stand Alone’ Power Systems are primarily used for power requirements such as lighting cabins and holiday shacks, backup power supplies and portable power systems that are running both DC & AC loads. The size of the solar array (number of solar panels) and the number of batteries depends upon individual power requirements.
– Small “Hybrid” Generator back up Solar System
‘Hybrid’ Power supply systems are a great source of reliable power. These hybrid systems have the ability to charge batteries using several forms of charging. Example: solar panels as well as a generator, wind turbine even small hydro generation. This enables you to generate electricity when weather conditions are unfavourable for solar power production. An advantage of this type of system is that you can reduce the size of the solar array necessary to supply power, which makes this system an economical alternative to larger ‘Stand Alone’ systems. When more power is needed than the solar panels are producing, a generator is activated. The generator will provide enough power to overcome the difference. This type of system is used for cabins and remote homes.