Solar PV and battery

Solar PV generates electrical energy from the sun by collecting photons in specially designed silicon cells which produce electrical DC (direct current) energy. These cells are arranged on a panel and sealed under glass. The DC energy is fed to a device called an inverter, which converts DC energy to AC (alternating current) to feed into your home’s consumer unit (fuse board). As the voltage generated by the inverter is slightly higher that that supplied from the grid, your home will use the energy first, with excess going to the grid. If you have a battery, then the inverter will sense how much excess energy is being produced and use it to charge the battery for use later.

By generating electricity from the sun, you can use less electricity from your utility company. If your solar system generates more electricity than you need, the excess can be sold back to the utility company, which can result in net metering credits on your bill. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill.

By exporting your excess solar energy to the grid, your energy supplier could pay you for the energy under the Smart Export Guarantee.

Low maintenance and long lifespan: Solar PV systems require very little maintenance, which can save you money on repairs and upkeep over time. Additionally, solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years or more, which means you can continue to benefit from them for a long time.

Solar PV systems can increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell your home in the future.

Overall, the savings from solar PV systems depend on a variety of factors such as the size of the system, the cost of electricity in your area, and the amount of sunlight your location receives. However, for many homeowners, solar PV systems can be a wise investment that provides significant long-term savings.