HOW SOLAR
POWER SYSTEM
WORKS

How solar panel systems work depend on its components, which are mainly solar panels, solar inverters, and in some cases, solar batteries.

Step 1 – Solar panels: How they work

• Solar cells in solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect, i.e.,  electrical current generated by a material following exposure to light.
• The direct current (DC) generated is transferred to an inverter to be converted into alternating current (AC) for fulfilling your power needs.

Step 2 – Converting DC electricity into AC electricity via solar inverters

• With a central or ‘string’ inverter, DC electricity is generated by solar panels and fed into the inverter.
• It then flips or “inverts” this power into AC electricity so it can be used to power your home.
• The inverter also controls voltage of the solar system to extract maximum power available (referred to as “maximum power point tracking” or MPPT).

Step 3 – Battery storage: Staying powered up even without the sun

• If a solar system also has a battery storage system, any excess power generated by the solar PV system is transferred to batteries for storage.
• The surplus energy can be utilised onsite when solar panels are not able to produce optimum power, for example at night.
• In case of on-grid solar system with battery, you can use power from the grid once the battery stored power is depleted.

On-Grid Solar Systems

On-grid solar systems are those where any excess electricity generated by the solar system is sent to the Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) via the grid.

Off-Grid Solar Systems

Off-grid solar systems are not connected to a utility grid and work independently. Any excess electricity generated is stored in off-grid solar batteries for later use.

Hybrid Solar Systems

Hybrid solar systems operate like a typical solar system and store excess energy generated into solar batteries. Any additional power generated can be further fed back into the grid.

The various advantages of installing a solar power system and its benefits include:

• Significant savings on utility bills every year
• Higher market value of property in terms of real estate
• Reduction in upfront costs with federal government rebates & incentives
• Chance to become energy-independent by reducing reliance on the grid
• Low-risk investment with high returns that pays back within a short span of time
• Offsets carbon emissions and does not emit any harmful chemicals into the atmosphere
• Hassle-free installation & maintenance by CEC-accredited solar installers and facilitated by CEC-approved solar retailers

There are several misconceptions and myths about solar power doing the rounds which can easily misguide those who are seriously considering making the switch towards a sustainable power source.

One frequent myth is that solar panels either stop working or don’t generate optimum power during changing weather like rain or snow. In fact, solar panels can still produce enough electricity to power a property despite such conditions. Furthermore, solar can also work in regions with a colder climate as it only requires sunlight to generate electricity.

Solar power is the future of power generation and a viable replacement for conventional (and polluting) sources of energy as it only uses the sun’s light (clean and abundant) to generate electricity.

Think sustainable future, choose solar!