Parts of a Solar PV System
Basic components of a Solar PV System will include:
Solar Panels
Solar Panels are panels that are typically placed on a roof to receive sunlight. The panels generate this sunlight into Direct Current electricity (DC electricity). The quantity of panels needed may change depending on your energy needs. You can also add extra panels in the future (depending on your inverter size), should you require to generate more energy.
Inverter
The Inverter is the part of the system that converts the electricity generated from the solar panels; Direct Current electricity (DC electricity) to Alternating Current electricity (AC electricity).
AC electricity is the type of electricity our home appliances use to run. The size and type of inverter needed can change depending on your energy needs.
Find out more on different type of inverters here
Mounting System
Your mounting system is what physically connects your new solar panels to your existing roof. This is an integral component of your solar PV system, as not only is your system designed to stay on your roof for a minimum of 25 years, it will be subjected to major environmental stresses including hail, wind and heat waves during this time.
It’s important to invest in a good quality, corrosion resistant mounting system to ensure the longevity of your investment.
Switchboard
The Switchboard receives the AC electricity from the inverter and feeds it in to your home for use by your appliances.
Electricity Meter
The Electricity Meter calculates whether you have any excess electricity or if you require any extra electricity that your system has not been able to generate.
This will determine whether you need to export or import any energy/power.
Additional energy needed, or excess energy is either fed into the electricity grid or stored in a battery system depending on your system.
Electricity Grid (Grid)
The Electricity Grid is a public electricity source where your unused electricity can go, or you can receive additional energy from (the process of this is automatic if you are grid connected).
You will receive reimbursement from the grid for your excess energy. This is called a ‘Feed-in Tariff’ and will appear on your power bill. If you require energy from the grid you will be charged for this on your power bill. You need to have approval from your electricity distributor to connect your system to the grid, however your solar installer/provider should arrange this.
Battery System
A battery system is an optional component for your solar system. A battery system will charge a battery with your excess power and store the power for you to use when your solar panels are not generating energy.
It’s important to note that whilst batteries are gradually coming down in price, adding a battery won’t necessarily benefit your current financial situation like a solar system will. Today’s prices (if your State does not offer subsidies or incentives for battery) could have you looking at an expected payback period of 15 years. As technology advances and batteries become more accessible it is expected prices will drop, similar to how they have for solar systems.
View battery pricing here
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Parts of a Solar PV System
Types of Solar PV Systems
Sizes of Solar PV Systems
Different Types of inverters
Different Types of Panels
