How solar power works
Enjoy a clean, safe energy system
Solar power can be used in your home with any surplus exported to the electricity grid. It emits no fumes, pollution or carbon dioxide.
Did you know that a solar power system can help you:
- save money on your energy bill
- generate your own electricity
- get paid for any excess power you export back to the grid (if eligible)
- add value to your home
- reduce your greenhouse gas emissions
While the technology driving solar power is complex, the process of converting sunlight to electricity is simple. Here's how it works.
The sun’s energy
The sun's energy is available to everyone. Solar power is still generated on cloudy or overcast days, however at a reduced output. At night, when solar panels typically can’t produce enough electricity to meet your household needs, power is automatically drawn from the electricity grid.
Solar panels
These roof-mounted panes contain photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells. When sunlight falls on the cells they convert the sun’s energy into DC (direct current) power. Solar panels typically produce energy for at least 25 years.
An inverter
Connected by a cable to the solar panels, the inverter converts the DC power to 240V AC (alternating current), the type of electricity used in your home. On some inverters the digital display provides statistics on how much power is being generated throughout the day.
A bi-directional electricity meter
Measures in half-hour blocks both the power you use and the power sent back to the grid. The power you don’t use can be sold back to the grid if you’re eligible. This is called the feed-in tariff, a rebate which depends on your electricity retailer and state.
The electricity grid
Any surplus energy your home generates is fed back into the grid for others to use; when you need additional power, the grid provides this.
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