FAQ’s About Solar Power

What is Solar Power?

The energy that is created by heat and light from the sun is called solar energy.

Solar power is when we take that energy from the sun and convert it into electricity or use it to heat things such as water or air.

Solar power is a type of clean, renewable energy. This means we get solar power from a natural source (the sun) that will never run out.

How solar power works?/ How does home solar power work?

Solar power in the home usually comes in two types:

1. Solar photovoltaic (PV) – Solar cells in solar panels convert sunlight directly into energy. This energy is then converted by an inverter into electricity that we can use in our homes to power appliances.

2. Solar thermal – Solar thermal technology turns sunlight into heat (thermal energy) which can be used to heat water or provide solar based cooling in a home.

What’s the difference between solar hot water and solar PV systems?

While they’re both solar systems that can help you save money and lower your energy consumption, they are actually two very different types of technology.

Solar hot water systems use the direct heat of the sun to heat up your water whereas solar photovoltaics (PV) converts sun energy into electricity.

SHW systems have a single function of heating up your water whereas PV systems can supply electricity to power all or most of your home’s appliances.

PV systems are a great choice if you want a system that can power your whole home. However, if you are simply looking to heat your water via solar, a SHW system will do the job well.

Where does solar power work best?

To work optimally, solar panels should receive as much sunlight as possible. Solar power for Mandurah, Perth and surrounds is an excellent investment because we receive a large proportion of sunny days throughout the year.

For solar power in Mandurah and Perth, northern facing panels usually give the greatest energy output. However, it’s not always possible to install panels on the northern side of the house. Your local solar power specialists at iBreeze can help you find the best orientation for solar panels Mandurah to maximise energy output for your home.

How is solar power measured?

The energy output of a solar power system is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).

To calculate the overall capacity of a solar system, multiply the output (watt hours) of a single panel by how many panels you have.

For example, if your solar panel is rated as 300 watt hours and you have 5 panels, the total capacity would be 300 W x 10 = 3 kW.

How many solar panels do I need to power my house?

To know out what size solar panel system you need, you first need to figure out how much electricity your household uses.

It’s important to realise that some solar panels can generate more energy than others. That means you shouldn’t just think about the number of panels, but the efficiency of the panels.

The most important number to keep in mind is the capacity of the overall system. Is it 3kW, 4kW or 6kW?

Some questions you should consider include:

1)  How much energy does your household use currently? Check out your latest utility bill to find this out.

2)  Do you want a system that will supply all your electricity needs?

3)  How much space do you have on your roof? Roof space will affect how many panels you can install.

4)  What is your budget? Keep in mind that more efficient systems will cost more but you will require less panels compared to less efficient systems.

The best way to find out how much solar power you need is to talk to the solar power installation specialists at iBreeze. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation about solar solutions for your home.

Does solar power save you money?

Yes, solar power saves you money in the long term. It usually only takes a few years to save back the costs of the solar system.

Solar power saves you money because:

a) You use less electricity from the grid and rely on free, natural energy from the sun.

b) Any extra electricity your system produces can be fed back into the grid, earning you money.

c) You avoid the rising cost of electricity by having your own renewable energy system.

d) You can store excess electricity to use later, for example at night or on cloudy days.

e) Solar power can add to the value of your home.

How to get the most of my solar panels?

There are many things you can do to get the most out of your solar system, save more money and enjoy free, clean energy year round.

a) Choose a high quality, efficient system.

b) Get the right size system for your household.

c) Install your panels to receive the optimum amount of sunlight.

d) Run your appliances during daylight hours as much as possible, rather than at night.

e) Call in your local solar specialists to perform regular maintenance on your system.

f) Reduce your energy consumption by doing things such as switching off appliances when not in use, washing your clothes in cold water and drying your clothes on the line instead of in a dryer.

What solar power rebates in Mandurah and Perth are available?

There are a number of government incentives that bring down the cost of solar power. Our most popular 5kW – 6kW systems allow a government incentive of up to $4,000!

Check out the other solar power rebates available in Mandurah or get in touch with the friendly team at iBreeze today for a free, no obligation quote.