Solar power continues to gain popularity across Australia as it is one of the sunniest continents in the world. There is massive potential for solar to make a significant contribution to electricity generation in Australia over the coming decades. It was recorded in 2020 that small-scale solar (systems up to 100 kW) was responsible for 23.5 per cent of Australia’s clean energy generation and produced 6.5 per cent of the country’s total electricity.
When deciding to go green with the installation of a solar power system, it is important to research the solar products before making this transition and to make sure that the installation is done by a licensed solar installer and that you hire a CEC approved solar retailer to do the job for you. In the following article, we have discussed a few factors that you must keep in mind regarding the solar panels you decide to install on the roof of your home or business.
Size of each Solar Panel And Watts Capacity
The capacity of the solar panel in Watts will directly affect the total cost for your system fully installed on the roof of your home or business, as solar panels are usually priced and compared in dollars per Watt. Watts are related to the output of each solar panel. This means a 100W panel installed and operating under ideal conditions will generate 100 watt-hours of electricity each hour. A 200W panel will generate 200 watt-hours each hour. Therefore, expect to pay up to double the price for the 450W panel, compared to the purchase cost of a 370W solar panel.
The output of a panel also affects the size of the panel, meaning the 200W panel will be larger than the 100W module. The type of solar cells used in its production also determines the size of the solar panel. When choosing the right solar brands it is important to consider the size of the system (to make sure it is enough to power your appliances based on usage) and that there is sufficient space in the area you wish to install the solar panels.
In Australia, the north facing roof space is ideal for enhanced solar production. If you believe that at some stage you will wish to upgrade your system by adding more panels and another inverter, you need to ensure you’ll have the space to do so. Otherwise you may find you’ll need to replace the existing system well before the end of its serviceable life. Increasingly, west facing panels are also very useful while east facing panels are a great option for early morning usage.
Types of solar cells used
There are three main types of solar cells used in solar panels sold across Australia. The best type for you will vary depending on the installation application.
- Monocrystalline: solar panels that have monocrystalline cells offer high efficiency and good heat tolerance characteristics.
- Polycrystalline: silicon is a multicrystalline form of silicon with high purity and used to make solar photovoltaic cells. Recent improvements in polycrystalline panel technology have resulted in the development of solar panels equal to or better than many monocrystalline brands in terms of size, efficiency and heat tolerance.
- Amorphous: (or thin-film) silicon uses the least amount of silicon. Thin film panels are generally less efficient than other solar cell types.
In conclusion, it is important to consider how the solar panel you choose to install is manufactured and the materials used in the manufacturing process.
Contact Austra Solar today to help guide you through your solar buying process with the help of our team of friendly experts for free, no-obligation advice on the best solar panels and full systems for your circumstances.
