Welcome Aboard!

New to Solar ? We've formulated an FAQ featuring some of the most commonly asked questions relating to Solar Electric Generation Systems

1. How do solar power systems work?

Solar power systems convert the energy from sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This is made possible because of the atomic structure of the materials used in producing solar cells. A simplified explanation is that in certain materials - such as a lattice made of doped (modified) silicon - the
energy contained in one photon of light is sufficient to cause the electrons to jump from one atom to
another, creating a current.

An Inverter then converts this direct current to household electricity (or alternating current [AC]), whilst at the same time matching this AC production to the signal (frequency and wave shape) of the
electricity grid.

Typically, a solar panel array is mounted on the roof but can also be mounted on ground fixings, such
as a fixed frame or a tracker. In the southern hemisphere, the sun appears to be north of us.
Therefore, solar panels should be oriented to face the North and tilted at something close to the
degree of latitude (our position relative to the equator and south pole) in order to generate as much
electricity from the sun as possible.

2. What is the difference between Solar Hot Water & Solar Power?

Solar power systems use the energy contained within light from the sun to generate electricity, and are
commonly referred to as Solar PV or Photovoltaic systems within the industry. Solar hot water
systems use the heat of the sun to directly heat water, and this type of technology is referred to as
Solar Thermal energy.
With Solar PV (or Solar Electric) systems, there are no unsightly water tanks, and with systems
connected to the electric grid, there are no batteries – excess production is sent to the grid for
distribution to other homes (you get credit for this).

3. What is PV?

PV stands for Photovoltaics, derived from photo (meaning light) and volts (an electrical measure
proposed by the scientist and inventor, Volta). Solar PV is used in industry literature to clearly
distinguish solar electric systems from solar heating products.

4. Why are there no batteries in a Grid Connected Solar System?

Grid Connected means that the system is connected to the local power network (“the grid”). This is in
comparison with stand-alone solar PV systems in remote areas, that do not have access to an
electricity grid. With Solar PV (or Solar Electric) systems, there are no unsightly water tanks, and with
systems connected to the electric grid, there are no batteries – excess production is sent to the grid
for distribution to other homes (you get credit for this).

5. Why should I install a solar PV system ?

We should all strive to leave future generations with the same opportunity for prosperity that we enjoy.
A part of this is looking after our environment. Much of Australia’s electrical production is sourced
from Coal, a resource that sullies the environment during its extraction (scarring of land, dirtying
water, tailings), during its transport (long journeys by road, truck and ship) and during its combustion
(carbon dioxide, sulphuric acid, heavy metals such as mercury).

Solar Power production displaces electricity from fossil fuel power stations, thereby reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and the other negative ‘symptoms’ above.

Solar Electric Systems are quiet, clean and reduce your electricity bill, whilst requiring little maintenance.

It’s possible that a solar system will also make your home more attractive to subsequent occupants.

6. How long will the panels last ?

Many BP Solar panels from the 70s and 80s are still working today. The panels used by the Sydney
Energy Cooperative in our displays at fairs, shows, and festivals were made in the early nineties.
Panels have no moving parts, so the primary failure modes are corrosion and thermal cycling.
Typically, solar panels on the Australian market come with a warranty of up to 25 years depending on
make or model. When evaluating the legitimacy of warranties, bear in mind the history of the
manufacturer and their current financial standing.

7. How long will the inverters last ?

SMA, Fronius, Conergy and Latronics inverters have 5 years parts warranties right out of the box. It’s
generally possible to purchase a warranty extension of a further five years, although SMA inverters
bought together with BP Panels (through us) come with a 10 year warranty standard. SMA claim to
have designed their inverter range for a 20 year life

8. Will solar panels survive a hailstorm ?

In most cases, the answer will be Yes. Solar panels are made of hardened laminated glass. To pass
Australian Standard and TUV testing and certification, solar panels are required to withstand a test
involving a 1inch solid ice ball (representing a hailstone) being fired at the solar panel surface, without
breaking the glass or damaging the solar cells.

9. If I put in a grid connect solar system, will I have electricity at night ?

Your electricity supply will not be interrupted at night as a result of installing a solar system.
Note that solar panels need sunlight to generate power, and therefore power will not be supplied by
the solar system at night. However, in Grid Connected systems the main board will automatically
source power from the electricity network (the poles and wires in the street), ensuring that you always
have access to electricity. The idea is that in the day time, your production will exceed your needs,
creating credits, which you can then use at night. Credits will only be created if you use less power
than the solar system produces.

10. Will my solar panel produce power during blackouts?

The good news is that most blackouts happen at night or during inclement weather – times when solar production is minimal or non-existent. If you have a standard grid connect system your inverter will automatically shutdown and disconnect itself from the grid during a blackout, in order to protect workers on the network. If it did not shut down, your system would continue to put electricity onto the
grid. This would endanger power line service workers.

11. What about aesthetics? Are they shiny? How reflective are solar panels ?

Solar panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible so as to generate the maximum amount of electricity. As such, it is unlikely that solar panels on the roof would create noticeable glare in excess of the existing roof surface.

This information is also available as a .pdf

For More Information on Solar PV Installations, please visit our website www.energycoop.com.au/solar or call our team of engineers and specialists on 02 9557 1648