The Solar Panels collect the sunlight and create energy. They are attached to the roof by high strength rails able to withstand wind, rain and hail. The energy flows through to the Inverter which converts the current from Dc to AC (to usable household power).
A Bi-directional meter records the amount of power being generated. Power is consumed as required, reducing the amount of traditional electricity needed for the home. Unused power is ‘exported’ to the grid for other people to use.
We all get sunlight, but not in Equal Amounts
Perth gets an average of between 4 to 5 ‘Peak Sun Hours’ per day across the year which create the vast majority of the production from a solar power system. Peak Sun hours are the period for which the sun light is directly impacting upon the panels, as opposed to ambient light which directly ‘hit’ the panels.
The North West of WA is among the highest producing locations in the world for solar energy with up to 7 Peak Sun Hours per day.
In order to maximize the output of a system a North facing aspect for the panels is preferred with a 28-30 degree pitch. However, due to the amount of sun hours we receive, if this is not possible the Western or Eastern facing aspect are still extremely viable locations for a solar power system.
Depending upon these parameters a system installed in WA will produce an average of between 4 to 5 units of electricity per day per kW of capacity installed.
Why solar energy not as common as other forms of energy?
Acknowledgements:
Solargain