How does solar power work?

How does Photo Voltaic (PV) or Solar Power work? PV Power operates on the principle that electricity will flow between two semiconductors (typically crystalline silicon) when they are put in contact with each other and exposed to light. By linking a number of these 'cells' into a Panel (also called a Module), a useful flow of electricity can be generated. Any number of Solar Panels can be used in a system, providing a very flexible approach to power generation.
How much energy will my Solar System produce? A 1 Kilowatt system will on average produce around 4.5 Kilowatts a day. A 1.5 Kilowatt system will on average produce around 6.75 Kilowatts of energy a day. The exact amount of energy produced depends on such factors as panel angle, temperature and weather conditions.
Can I use Solar Panels to power my home? Solar Panels can be used to power your entire home's electrical system, including lights, cooling systems, and appliances. Today, Solar Power systems can be easily blended into and suit the appearance of both traditional and non-traditional homes. The most common practice is to mount the Solar Panels onto a north-facing roof.
Does the solar system require maintenance? Once the system has been installed on your roof little maintenance is required. It is however recommended to check and clean the Solar Panels periodically to prevent the build up of dirt and grime which can affect the output.
Can I monitor my solar system remotely? Yes, SolarGen supply a FREE Solar Energy Output Reader with every Home Solar System which allows you to closely monitor your Solar energy output.
Will shading effect the power production of the solar system? Yes, if any part of the Solar Panels are in shade the output of the system will be significantly affected.
Will my solar power system work during a black out? No, the system will automatically shut down within a few milliseconds of losing grid voltage and stay off until power is restored to the electrical grid system. This is to ensure the safety of the grid to all users. How does solar power benefit the environmentWhy is Solar Energy good for the environment? The ‘clean’ energy produced by Solar Panels does not contribute to climate change. There are no pollution, noise or costly fuel bills. Now you can produce your own renewable energy at home.
How much greenhouse gas emissions be reduced by Solar Energy? A standard home produces on average 4,500kg of greenhouse gases each year. By installing a SolarGen Solar Panel your home’s gas emissions can be reduced to an average of 2,500kg. You will stop the release of around 40,000 Black Balloons every year.
How does a Solar Panel System save our precious water? Each kWh (Kilowatt Hour) of electricity produced by Coal Fired electricity uses 2.5 litres of water. By installing a 1Kw Home Solar Panel System you will be saving the environment around 3,750 litres of water every year. What is the Government rebate all about?
What is the Government Rebate? The Photovoltaic Rebate Programme provides cash rebates for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems on homes, schools and community use buildings to make solar affordable today.
Will I be eligible for the government rebate for my home? If your Solar Power System is to be installed on your principal place of residence and you are also registered on the electoral roll at the address, YES, you will be eligible. The rebate that is currently available is for $8 a watt installed up to 1 Kw = 1000 Watts. If you have installed a 1 Kilowatt Home Solar System, you should receive the full rebate of $8000.
Who receives the rebate? When you select your system we arrange all the paper work and rebate submission. As part of our package we deduct the rebate from the price straight away. Once the system is installed and connected the rebate is paid through to SolarGen so you don’t have to wait. Are there financial benefits of solar power?Who will buy my excess energy? All of the power retailers will purchase the surplus power produced from your Solar Power System. There are also Green power companies who specialise in renewable energy. Generally your surplus power will be credited to your power bill account on a one for one basis.
What is a feed in tariff? Feed In Tariffs offer one of the most useful ways of encouraging homeowners to instal photovoltaic solar panels on their homes. Feed In Tariffs are a mechanism by which owners of grid- connect photovoltaic solar power systems are paid MORE than the retail price for any excess electricity production that is fed back into the grid. There is the exciting new development of Electricity Feed-In Tariffs. These tariffs will be launched early in 2008 throughout Canberra, New South Wales and Victoria and you will be paid around 54 cents for every kilowatt hour of electricity you supply back to the grid. This rate is almost four times greater than what you are currently paying for electricity from the grid.
How much will it cost to run? There are no running costs. Once your Solar Panel System is installed the electricity is free. What do I do now?
Home Solar Grid Connection Made Simple
Be Part of the solar generation in 4 easy steps with no interest and nothing to pay for 12 months* | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 |  |  |  |  | Contact Us on 1300 676 527 | Select your Home Solar Grid Connect System | Choose a date for your installation | We install and your System gets connected | How do I order a system - Contact us for assistance with any of your solar energy questions.
- A SolarGen Energy Consultant will attend your house to complete the Government rebate forms with you. Finance or Payment (by Direct Deposit, Credit Card, Bank Cheque or Cash) will also be completed at this time.
- When the rebate is approved our installer will contact you to arrange a convenient date for the installation of your Home Solar System.
- We install and connect your Home Solar Power System.
Who do I contact for more information Call 1300 676 527 or send a query by clicking here

Back to top Easy tips to reduce your home energy use It is easy for everyone to be more sustainable in their use of energy at home. You can follow these simple suggestions to make an immediate and noticeable change! | Install or top up existing insulation in your ceilings. A. Floors, walls and ceilings B. Ducts C. Fireplace D. Plumbing penetrations E. Doors F. Windows G. Fans and vents H. Electric outlets |  | | Switch appliances off at the power point whenever possible. |  | | If you have air conditioning set the thermostat to 24 degrees in summer and in winter set the heating to 18-20 degrees. |  | | Purchase electrical appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. |  | All you need to know 1300 676 527

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