Australia is a dry continent with a population of 25.4 million people. It has over 10,000 beaches, and almost all regions of Australia have high sunshine hours. Nearly three million households across Australia enjoy the benefits of solar power generated by solar panels on their rooftops.
The rooftop solar power system is widely adopted in Australia. The insatiable demand for solar power and the need to cut energy bills have made families install rooftop solar panels. Rooftop solar panels in Australia enable people to generate energy cleanly and quietly. Families can send the excess power to the grid and are paid for it.
Installing a solar power system
Homeowners in Australia must analyse their energy use before powering their homes with solar energy. Awareness of their energy usage and improving the energy efficiency of their house is essential. They should switch on to energy-efficient home appliances and lighting.
Families must assess the potential solar energy they can generate in their homes. The amount of solar power generated depends on how much sunlight reaches the solar panels. Homes can use direct and scattered sunlight to produce solar energy.
Solar power generated depends on the type and size of the solar power system. Reviewing the electricity bills reveals the annual electricity needs of a home. The family’s electricity requirements need not be the same throughout the year.
Solar panels are durable and have a warranty of 20 – 25 years. The roof where people install panels must be in good form for many years. If revamping is required, it should be done before installing the solar panels. There should not be many trees around the house. They may cast a shadow on the panels and decrease power generation.
Types of solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are the oldest type of solar panels and are highly developed. They are premium solar panels made from high-quality single-crystal silicon cells. The cells are uniform in finish and give a higher output. They are an ideal choice for families looking for black panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels
Polycrystalline solar panels are also known as multi-crystalline solar panels. Many fragments of silicon crystals are melted to make this panel. They have a shorter life span and generate less electricity than monocrystalline panels. The manufacturing process for this panel is quicker and cheaper, and the panels are blue and have a few speckles.
Thin-film solar panels
Thin-film solar panels are flexible and thin. Cells within thin-film panels are 350 times thinner than those in monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. They are made from semiconducting materials like silicon, copper indium gallium selenide and silicon. This thin layer is kept between transparent conducting layers. Thin-film solar panels have low power capacity and efficiency.
Passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) panels
PERC solar panels are made of a modified form of monocrystalline cells. The panels produce 6 to 12% more energy than the other panels. They have an extra layer at the back to reflect the sun’s rays into the cells and generate additional power. They are highly efficient, and panels made from these cells perform better in high temperatures and low light conditions.
Households trying to install rooftop solar panels in Australia must buy them from a good brand with a solid support team. If they cannot decide, they can contact experts to identify the right panel that would meet their requirements.
