How Solar Panels Work Step by Step

science behind solar panels
The science of solar panels is a bit confusing for the most part. However, understanding how a piece of glass can generate enough electricity to power a whole community is an achievement.
Let’s look at how solar panels work.
Solar panels are essentially strategically designed silicon plates that can generate electricity when exposed to sunlight. Well, this may not be an accurate illustration, but this is how solar panels work from a broader point of view.
It’s okay if you have not quite gotten the idea yet. In the below article, I will explain how solar panels work, step by step. Stay tuned.
Before I get into the details, it’s essential for you to first understand how solar panels are made.
Otherwise, the rest won’t make sense. So, on that note, here is a short explanation-

The Science Behind Solar Panels

Solar panels are made of silicone, the most abundant semiconductor on the entire planet. Silicon is perfect for manufacturing solar cells because of its remarkable electrical, optical, thermal, and environmental properties. Along with its accessibility and competitive price point, it’s a wise choice for solar panels.
Also, in order for the solar panels to work, the semiconductor used in the panels has to be the one that has the most light-absorbing nature, as well as must be able to withstand different weather.
Silicone ticks all the boxes in this department.
How solar panels work
You might have noticed that I called silicone a semiconductor. In case you are not familiar with what a semiconductor is, let me explain. In broader terms, it’s a type of material that has the ability to easily conduct and keep a steady flow of electricity. The semiconductors are made of two separate regions (p-type and n-type), which together make a p-n junction to keep that steady flow of electricity.
Now that you understand the material and its ability, I will now explain how solar panels work.

Step-by-step How Solar Panels Work

Step 1: Sunlight Hits the Solar Panels – Generates Electricity

You already know that PV panels are made of silicone which is a semiconductor. So, when the sunlight hits the silicon panels, it triggers a photovoltaic effect. Sunlight is a form of energy, and photons (light particles) are powerful enough to break an intracellular bond between electrons and the nucleus. When such a powerful source of energy comes in contact with a semiconductor, in this case, silicone made solar panels, the electrons within are set in motion.
Within the p-n junction area in a semiconductor, the electrons residing in the n-type region start their journey to the p-type region, which is one-directional. This flow of electrons is what we popularly known as electricity.
So, in step one, the solar panels generate electricity.

Step 2: Inverter Converts the Electricity into a Usable Energy

The electricity generated by the panels in the first step is DC (Direct Current) current. It’s not a form of energy that can be consumed by household appliances because it’s one-directional. That’s where the inverter comes into action. It converts DC to AC (Alternating Current) current, which is a usable form of energy for the house.
It’s an essential step in the process without which solar panels wouldn’t be usable.

Step 3: Distribution Through the Switchboard

After the conversion from DC to AC, the entire flow gets connected to a switchboard. It’s like a control panel of the solar ship that routes electricity to where it needs to be. There is no direct routing of energy from the inverter to all the individual appliances of the house; that’s not how solar energy works. In the electrical panel, the energy gets distributed into separate circuits.

Step 4: Utility Meter Rundown

Now that all the installation process is done, you are required to install a bi-directional utility meter that will keep records of your energy consumption. In case you are connected to the grid, the utility meter will keep track of how much electricity you are importing or exporting to and from the grid.
how solar panels work step-by-step

Step 5: Your Own Tracking System

Just like it’s important to track the grid consumption, it’s as equally if not more important to keep track of how much electricity your solar panels generate. For that, there are many EMS (Energy Monitoring System) available in the market. Through them, you can understand the pattern of your energy consumption and tweak changes here and there for a better outcome.

Step 6: Energy Storage- Solar Batteries

In case your solar system generates more electricity than you need, you have two options. One- is to export the surplus of energy back into the grid and two, is to store it in storage units, solar batteries.
If you decide to keep the surplus in batteries, you can use it at any time during the night without any ifs or buts. In my opinion, it’s a convenience that seems more desirable in the current situation of rising energy prices.

Points to be Noted

  • The amount of electricity generated by the solar panels depends on the positioning of the panels, the type of the panels, the number of panels, and so much more.
  • Depending on how much electricity is generated, you will have to choose an inverter accordingly.
  • Only CEC (Clean Energy Council) approved installers and products will make you an eligible candidate for government-provided rebates. (We are CEC approved)
I have explained to you how solar panels work. Although, there is so much more to know about the process and to understand it at its core. If you are interested in knowing more about the process, we can set you up with one of our CEC approved solar experts for a free consultation session.
All you have to do is fill up the form below!

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How Solar Panels Are Installed?

how solar panels are installed
As a homeowner in a rising energy market, making the decision to embrace green energy can be an effective way to not only manage your electricity pricing but also do your part for the environment, lets take a deep dive into how solar panels are installed.
Another key benefit of choosing green energy is the current renewable energy rebates and financing options our government now provides to both VIC and NSW residents.
The Australian government wants to ensure that it is doing its part for the environment and intern assisting in making the switch to renewable energy sources or green energy.
Now that you have made the decision to install solar panels, let’s look at how solar panels are installed.
how are solar panels installed

We have put together a step-by-step guide on how solar panels are installed below:

Step 1: Inspecting the Site and Conducting a Survey

Before the installers even begin with anything, they need to inspect the space first and ask some questions. These are some of the questions an experienced solar installer would ask:
  • What roof is on your house?
  • What direction does the roof face?
  • Is the roof the only space that has the potential for maximum power generation upon installation?
  • What are your power consumption needs?
  • How many solar panels are needed to generate the expected amount of energy?
  • How many PV panels can the roof successfully hold on to?
  • What is the best angle for space taking the geographical position into consideration?
  • What are you prepared to spend?
This process of getting to know the space gets done well before the solar panels’ installation day. A thorough examination of the site helps the solar installers to come up with an appropriate plan of action.

Step 2: Marking Out the Territory

In this next step, the installers mark out the roof to know exactly where to install the mounting brackets as well as the solar panels. Getting to know the roof and its holding capacity is the key here. Typically, it is the roof where the panels get installed; however, a separate mounting space can also be chosen if the demand arises and the space accommodates. Process-wise, it’s not that far off from a typical roof-mounted solar system.
solar panel installation

Step 3: Drilling the Holes or Not & Getting it All Ready

The installer will drill all the necessary holes to get the power cords in the house. These will connect the solar panels to the solar inverters that need to be tucked away in a space that is away from direct sunlight.
Note that different types of roofs require a different mounting system. If you have hired a highly qualified and experienced installer, they will know what’s your best bet. In order to always be on the safe side, hire people who are approved by the CEC (Clean Energy Council), such as yours truly.
Most installers will install a racking system instead of a direct mount. The racking system leaves much more room for later adjustment as the rails mounted provide installers the freedom to slide the panels down the rails. Once the most effective position is found, they get locked down to their perfect placement for a more secure installation job.
solar panels

Step 4: The Installation of Solar Panels

This is the step where all the solar panels finally get mounted onto the roof. All the wires are set to be in their positions and connected. Some houses do not allow for the panels to get directly connected to the main switchboard where the metering process occurs. In those situations, a separate sub-board is needed.
Please note that some installers do not offer a consumption meter with the package, which is technically not within the commitment. Without a consumption meter, there is unlikely a way for you to know how much solar power you are using and when you are using it.
To make the whole system work in sync, you would also need a CT coil wrapped around the cables so that you know the amount of energy flowing in all directions.

Step 5: Don't Forget the Inverter

Till step 4, it is pretty much about how solar panels are installed. However, we can’t really forget about the inverter, which is the key to all the magic.
The type of energy generated by the panels cannot be consumed by the appliances directly; they need to go through an inverter that makes the energy consumable for your house.
To tell you more accurately, the DC power generated by the panels gets converted to AC by the inverter, which is a usable form of energy.
Do you want to know more about different brands of solar inverters? Simply follow the link to our detailed review of famous brands that you can choose from – Click here.
installing solar panels
There is a lot of information you need to keep in mind when purchasing solar; if you’re unsure about the process, please reach out to an experienced solar provider to assist you with the correct information.
The Solar Emporium team is a qualified, experienced, and loyal group of individuals who have made it a priority from day one to serve nothing but the best to our customers. We do everything in our power to make the best cost-effective choices for our clients, and not only that, we try to stay connected throughout their solar journey for a smoother experience.
If you would like further information on any of the above information or have any questions on solar, please don’t hesitate to contact us on (1300 063 350)

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All About Solar Batteries in Australia

Solar Batteries
It’s been forever since Australia is facing the critical issue of energy price hikes. In order to aid that wound, the government is also trying to compensate with several schemes, encouraging common people to switch to renewable energy sources. But there’s always a new level of reach to up our savings; getting solar batteries is one of them. They help you store energy from the grid or from your renewable sources so that you can enjoy higher savings at a lower price point & reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously.
Still, you have to consider how expensive these batteries are and calculate your ROI to see if they are worth the investment. In this article, I am going to address the adjacent factors to help you make an informed and sound decision.
solar batteries

Why Should You Get Batteries? Are Batteries Improving?

Before I answer why you should consider getting solar batteries, allow me to elaborate on how they have been improving over the past decade.

Yes, lithium ion batteries (the most common type used for solar energy storage) are improving, in terms of capacity, energy density, life-cycle, etc.. Also, increases in the amount of energy they can store have been on the rise of 5% per annum. That implies your present batteries have a capacity that is more than 1.5 times that of a decade ago. The new and improved batteries allow you to enjoy their benefits in a convenient space, and there has been significant improvement in thermal management that needs to get addressed.

Even better news for you because Australia is the world’s largest producer and exporter of lithium. Sure enough, there is reason for you to be hopeful; however, most of the raw material gets exported, but there are companies like sonnenBatterie who’re utilizing such blessings to make batteries a little more accessible to you.
Solar Batteries
With a significant rise of the energy prices, common people are opting for a renewable source of energy which is the smartest move to make here. But to take that up a notch, batteries are important. In comparison to the low feed-in-tariff, only allowed in certain states, it’s definitely beneficial to store the surplus at your disposal, generated by your solar panels.
Also, using the grid power to charge up your batteries to use at night when the unit price is high is a good option. But I completely understand if you are questioning getting solar batteries because of the high upfront cost, which makes you wonder if they are worth the investment.
Solar Batteries
Sourcing lithium, which is apparent that it is the main ingredient of lithium batteries, has not been a simple path. The cost at which this has to be sourced, especially a greener way of doing so, is not easy to manage, and scientists all around the globe have been looking for greener options.
So, to tell you the truth, there is no black and white answer to this question if you should consider getting solar batteries. Consider the above-mentioned factors and get to know your energy usage pattern in detail first. Then evaluate if getting an expensive solar battery is worth it or not.

Are Batteries Made in Australia?

There are only a few companies which are currently manufacturing in Australia. Companies like Century Yuasa Batteries Pty Ltd, Sonnen Australia Pty Limited, Enersys Australia Pty Ltd, Exide Technologies, Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd are the key players in the Australian battery market. But Australia has so much more potential when it comes to this sector. There are strong barriers as well to be addressed, which are a lacking supply chain, negative environmental impact, high labor cost, etc.
Lithium is produced and exported in considerable quantities in Australia. It is the most significant component in the production of energy storage and electric car batteries. However, the majority of the lithium is shipped as spodumene concentrate, which must be processed further to use them at all. Several Australian mining corporations are collaborating with international businesses to commercialize lithium extraction and improve operations in Australia, with the goal of producing battery-grade lithium.
australian made

As the worldwide focus on ethically and sustainably produced minerals heats up, Australian firms are increasingly looking at how to recover resources for battery storage. A number of Australian organisations are moving forward with promising proposals ranging from recovering storage materials from tailings (basically mining waste) to developing scalable, efficient, and ecological recycling techniques, as well as low-emission lithium extraction.

Governments Initiatives to Make Battery Installation Easier for You

What if I told you there is an ongoing rebate on solar batteries to end all the debate at once about them being expensive? Yes, there is an ongoing rebate for the Victorians on solar battery installation upon meeting specific criteria. If you are a Victorian, then you can enjoy a $3500 solar home rebate on top of all the savings that you’ll be getting through your existing solar panels.
Solar Batteries
Lily D’Ambrosio, the Minister for Solar Homes, stated the government’s amendments mean consumers won’t have to wait until they have solar panels installed to get the battery incentive.
Over 4,000 Victorians have already taken advantage of the excellent opportunity. This government project is worth over $1.3 billion, revolutionizing the solar battery storage game for the foreseeable future of the Victorians. Nevertheless, I must give you a much-needed reminder that this rebate is not going to last forever.
Also, there is a strict benchmark set by the government that you have to reach before being eligible to enjoy this golden opportunity. Click HERE to know how you can be eligible for this rebate.
“This change will make it easier for more households to reap the benefits of combining a battery with solar PV as part of their home energy system.”

– Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister, Solar Homes.

Solar Batteries
Fret not, my fellow Welshmen; there are amazing opportunities for you too. The NSW government is not falling behind in serving their people because they also have introduced an interest-free loan facility of up to $14,000 for a PV and battery combo and up to $9000 for home battery installation with an existing PV system. In both cases, the interest-free loan is repayable in over a range of terms up to 8 & 9 years, respectively. To know if you are eligible to benefit from this scheme, follow this LINK.
Solar Batteries
On that note, a key point should be addressed that we should not be stuck in myopia. Not only installation benefits but also to help the Australian battery industry reach its true potential, the government has to encourage and support it in every shape and form.
To this date, Australia is focusing strongly on mining rather than manufacturing batteries due to lack of expertise, higher cost, lack of incentives, and proper supply chain infrastructure. Grid-scale battery deployment has received considerable backing from the Federal Government’s primary renewable finance entities, ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) and the CEFC (Clean Energy Finance Corporation). Lithium mining initiatives have also been sponsored by the CEFC. However, they have not made the midstream industry a priority.

By 2030 Battery Industry Could Add 34,700 jobs for Aussies

In these trying times, after the whole world has been severely hit by the pandemic, the battery industry can help save thousands of lives by creating more jobs. In a recent report, it was shown that the battery industry of Australia has the potential to add $1.3 billion to our GDP. This magnificent growth comes only from mining the raw materials, which are abundant in our lands. If we take advantage of our fortunate situation and start manufacturing, then $7.4 million in gross value can be successfully added to the economy.
Solar Batteries

What Does the Future Hold for Solar Batteries?

The future of solar batteries is shining bright, like a diamond, just like Rihanna once said! LOL. All jokes aside, there is a latent demand for it. Thus scientists are researching for a better and economical way to tackle the rising demand. Sure enough, we are heading towards a future where people will opt for renewable sources of energy more. And when the switch happens, we will be in a place where batteries will hopefully be accessible to the mass.

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