The basic notion of solar power is to harness energy from sunlight. This energy is either converted into electricity or used to heat air or fluids (for instance, hot water for that swimming pool of yours). There are two main types of technology that can harness solar power: solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal. These technologies can be used in a single system for both heat and electricity generation!

Solar Power Technology

Solar thermal technology converts solar radiation into heat (thermal energy). This technology is often used for hot water systems. Thermal energy is otherwise used directly for spatial heating or to create electricity with steam or turbines. Electricity generated with solar thermal technology is mostly designed for large scale power generation.

Solar PV technology, on the other hand, uses photovoltaic cells to directly convert sunlight into electricity. These solar systems can be installed on rooftops and incorporated into vehicle or building designs.

Solar PV technology can also be used in power plants and commercial solar systems for large-scale electricity generation. If large-scale is the goal, then this technology can be used alongside concentrating lenses and mirrors to enhance the generation process. As solar battery storage systems have been developed, solar power has become cleaner and more efficient to use.

Solar Power In Australia

Here’s some great news if you’re looking to get some solar panels – the continent of Australia has the highest solar radiation per square metre of all continents and boasts some of the best solar power resources. The desert areas tend to have higher solar radiation than other areas in Australia.

The Australian government has reported that the continent receives an annual average of 58 million petajoules of solar radiation! This is allegedly 10,000 times larger than its total energy consumption per year. In contrast to this, Australia’s current use of solar power is much lower than it could be.

Most commonly, solar power in Australia is used for hot water. In more remote areas, PV technology can provide electricity to structures that aren’t on the electrical grid.

Australia has brought about policies that aim to increase the generation of electricity in a more sustainable way. This has led to the further development of solar technologies.

It’s a good idea to have an understanding of how solar panels work, in order to more clearly understand how they can help contribute to your home energy supply in Perth. Let’s start off by understanding what a solar panel actually is.

These panels, also known as solar modules, are made up of silicon cells, metal frames, a casing unit and wiring. Silicon is a non-metal element. It’s properties as a good conductor allow it to absorb sunlight, which can then be converted into electricity, ready for use.

When sunlight hits one of the cells, electrons in the silicon start to move. This leads to a flow of electric current, known as the PV effect. After the current has started to flow, wires feed this direct current into a solar inverter, which then converts it into electricity.

Different Uses Of Solar Panels

In Perth, solar panels can be used for many things. Firstly, electricity can be produced at the home or commercial solar level. At the industrial level, a solar power plant is needed to generate enough electricity for lots of people.

If you’re off-grid, a solar system can give you electricity even if you are in a remote area. This is really useful if you live far away from the city. In these areas, solar panels are also a great way to get hot water.

Portability is another use of solar power. You can take portable solar panels with you to different places to ensure that you have some form of electricity. For example, this is useful if you need to charge your phone at the beach, if you like to go camping, or if you frequently travel to remote places that don’t have electricity.

In addition to these, solar power has many uses in Perth. To get a better idea of what these uses are, the pros and cons of getting a solar power system are discussed below.

Renewable Energy

Solar energy is an incredibly attractive power source because it is much better for the environment than the use of coal, for example, which is a fossil fuel.

Solar power is truly renewable.

Solar panels can be used all over the world, and there is no end to the power you can harness from sunlight, as it won’t ever ‘run out’. As long as we still have sun (which is still about 5 billion years, according to science) – we’re good to go!

Lowers The Cost Of Your Electricity Bill

When you incorporate solar panels into your home energy supply in Perth, you will use less electricity. This is only if you use solar power to replace some of your electricity usages as opposed to using it for new ones.

For instance, if you use solar panels to heat up your pool, when you weren’t doing that with electricity before, then it will be an added expense to install the solar panels. However, if you were planning to use hot water in your pool anyways, then using a solar system instead of electricity will be highly beneficial!

The reduction in electricity bills will depend on the size of your solar systems and how much electricity you tend to use.

Diverse Use Of Solar Power

As discussed above, sunlight can be used to generate either heat or electricity. This technology is incredibly useful in areas that are not on the electrical grid. It can also be used to distil water in places that do not have a clean water supply.

Some futuristic technology has seen the introduction of solar power windows and roof tiles. With this path of development, there will soon be even more ways to seamlessly incorporate solar systems into our lives.

Maintenance Costs Are Low

Solar systems don’t often need maintenance and are fairly hardy. One thing you might need to do is give your solar panels a good clean a few times a year if they are accessible- but that doesn’t require too much effort. If that’s not something you’re interested in at all, then you can always call on a designated cleaning company to help you out!

In terms of the warranty, it’s always a good idea to make sure you have the right information. As solar panels can be quite pricey to install, it’s important to make sure you’re covered if anything does go wrong, such as a manufacturing error.

Other than that, there are no moving bits to worry about, and there is only one part (the inverter) that will probably need to get replaced after 5 or 10 years. However, you should keep an eye on the cables as well. You want your system to work as effectively as possible, so these might need some maintenance.

Rapid Development

I think we can all agree that technology is advancing at an impressive rate. With this in mind, solar panels will probably benefit! Increases in technological development will surely see the improved efficiency and effectiveness of solar power and energy. This will likely be in the form of increased ability of solar panels to generate electricity.

There are plenty of benefits that make the investment a savvy one and it all worthwhile. Especially in Perth WA (Western Australia), solar panels could make a big difference to your electricity bill.

On top of that, there is one more reason to consider getting solar panels installed in Perth. Considering the housing market and the fact that Australia is endorsing clean, renewable energy, having solar power in your home could increase its value if you ever look to sell.

If you rent out a living space or are in property development in Perth, solar power systems are really something to consider. Solar panels look good if you can see them, and can make the property more attractive as an asset. In fact, solar panels these days can be made to blend into your roof – so you can upgrade the value of the house, without changing the look at all!

If you’re not planning on selling, then you can simply enjoy the benefits of generating your own electricity. In Perth WA, something else to consider is that the Climate Council estimates that, over the space of a decade, most Australian solar power systems end up paying for themselves. This fact alone should spur everyone to invest in some panels and take advantage of renewable energy.