Solar Panels
Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity. The amount of electricity they produce depends on factors such as panel capacity, sunlight, orientation, temperature and shading.
Learn about solar panels →SOLAR8 KNOWLEDGE CENTRE
Solar PowerMade Simple.
New to solar? Start here. Learn how solar panels, inverters and batteries work together to provide electricity for your home or business.
THE BASICS
What is a solar energy system?
A solar energy system converts sunlight into electricity that can be used to power your home or business.
Solar panels capture energy from the sun and produce electrical power. An inverter then converts and manages that electricity so it can be used by your appliances.
Depending on the system you choose, excess electricity can be stored in batteries for use later, exported to the electrical grid, or simply used immediately by your property.
A correctly designed system therefore combines several components rather than simply installing solar panels.
A SIMPLE SOLAR SYSTEM
Solar PanelsGenerate electricity
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InverterManages electricity
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Your HomeUses electricity
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BatteryStores energy for later
THE MAIN COMPONENTS
Four parts you need to understand
These components work together to create a complete solar energy system.
Inverter
The inverter converts and manages electricity so that it can safely power your appliances. Hybrid inverters can also manage batteries and the electrical grid.
Learn about inverters →Battery
Batteries store electrical energy so it can be used when solar production is low or when the grid is unavailable.
Learn about batteries →Your Electrical System
Your home's electrical distribution system determines which appliances can be powered and how electricity flows between the grid, solar system, battery and appliances.
Learn about system sizing →HOW IT WORKS
What happens during a normal day?
A solar system can behave differently depending on sunlight, electricity demand and battery charge.
MORNING
Solar production starts
As sunlight increases, your solar panels begin generating electricity.
DAYTIME
Solar powers your property
Your solar electricity can power appliances directly. Excess energy can charge your battery.
EVENING
Battery takes over
When solar production falls, stored battery energy can supply your home.
NIGHT
Stored energy continues
Depending on battery capacity and your electricity usage, stored energy can continue powering selected appliances overnight.
UNDERSTANDING SYSTEM TYPES
Not all solar systems work the same way
The right system depends on whether your priority is electricity savings, backup power or greater energy independence.
GRID-TIED
Solar + Grid
A grid-tied system primarily uses solar electricity to reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid.
- Lower daytime grid consumption
- Generally simpler system design
- Usually no battery required
HYBRID
Solar + Battery + Grid
A hybrid system can combine solar generation, battery storage and grid electricity.
- Solar savings
- Battery backup
- Flexible energy management
BACKUP
Battery Backup
A battery-focused system can provide backup power during grid interruptions, with or without solar panels depending on the configuration.
- Backup during outages
- Essential-load support
- Can be expanded later
SOLAR TERMINOLOGY
Terms you'll hear when comparing systems
kW
A measure of power. It helps describe how much electrical load an inverter can supply.
kWh
A measure of energy. Battery capacity is commonly expressed in kWh.
DC
Direct current. Solar panels produce DC electricity.
AC
Alternating current. Household appliances normally use AC electricity.
Load
The electrical demand created by appliances and equipment.
Depth of Discharge
The amount of a battery's available capacity that has been used.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
Let's work out what your property actually needs.
Every property uses electricity differently. Solar8 can help you understand your requirements before you invest in a system.