Search
Close this search box.

Residential Solar

What is a solar system?

A solar system (also referred to as a PV system or solar power system) is designed to convert sunlight into electricity using solar panels and other various components.

Solar systems installed at residential properties will typically have solar panels placed on the roof so they are exposed to the maximum amount of sunlight available. The solar panels absorb the sun’s rays which they convert to Direct Current Energy. The Direct Current (DC) Energy is then converted into Alternating Current (AC) Energy once fed through the solar system’s inverter.

Once converted to AC electricity a household will run off this instead of energy from the electricity grid or battery.

The amount of electricity a solar system can produce is dependent on the system size, environmental factors, daylight hours and efficiency of the system purchased.

A house that has a grid connected solar system will pull from the electricity grid as a secondary source of electricity, if the solar system is not producing enough energy. A household that has an off-grid solar system will pull from a generator or battery as a second source of electricity.

Note: A grid connected system can also have a battery installed depending on what inverter the solar system has.

Excess energy generated

If you have a solar system, any generated energy you use is essentially free and any excess energy is sent to the grid, unless you have installed battery storage. The excess energy that goes to the grid is then reimbursed to the solar system owner in the form of a Feed-in Tariff (FIT). This FIT should appear on your electricity bill as a credit.

A solar system typically performs at it’s best on a sunny, clear sky, 25 degree day but will still produce energy in cloudy overcast conditions. Solar panels do require some form of sunlight to absorb the suns energy and so do not produce energy at night.

Find out more about Grid Connected or Off Grid Systems Here

Energy usage habits

Best practice when you have a solar pv system is to alter your energy habits so that you use the majority of your electricity during the day, when your solar system is generating energy. Doing this will minimise your use at night which will reduce your reliance on the grid and further reduce your bills.

Get some tips on how to adjust your energy habits and maximise your solar savings

TIP: PV stands for the word “photovoltaic”, meaning; to convert light into electricity.

FULLY CERTIFIED, ZERO OBLIGATION

Ready For Solar?

House with solar panels

Where are you in your Solar Journey?

Get 3 Free Solar Quotes

Top Solar Topics

Top solar topics

What’s your Ideal System Size?

Question Mark Speech Bubble

Work out your Savings

Man patting dog and using smartphone

Switch and Save Quick

Gas stove

49 Pages of Must Know Solar Stuff For Aussie Homeowners

2024 Solar Guide FREE Download

  • Plan your system
  • Learn about rebates
  • Maximise your savings

Need solar help? Where should we send your FREE copy?

Name(Required)
SOLAR NEWS

LATEST ARTICLES

Map of Australia

Relax! We’ve Helped Over

310,000

We make getting solar a breeze!

We make getting solar a breeze!

GET FREE SOLAR QUOTES FORM LOCAL AUSSIE INSTALLERS

man installing solar

© 2023 Solar Market Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. View our privacy policy.

© 2023 Solar Market Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Free Solar Guide

Download Solar Guide

Name(Required)