Are you thinking about solar, but not quite sure what happens once the panels go on your roof? Between the panels, inverter, grid and optional battery, there can be a lot to take in.
In simple terms, your panels generate electricity and your home uses it first. The grid covers any shortfall, while excess solar can be exported or stored for later. Let’s break down how each part works.
Your panels generate electricity, and the inverter converts it
Solar panels contain photovoltaic cells that produce direct-current electricity from daylight. This is known as DC electricity.
Your home uses alternating-current electricity, or AC electricity. The solar inverter converts DC electricity into AC electricity that can run your lights, air conditioning and appliances. Most modern inverters also connect to an app that shows how much electricity the system is generating.
Solar panels can generate on cloudy days, although output will usually be lower. Weather, season, roof direction, temperature and shade all affect performance.
Your home uses solar before drawing from the grid
When the system is generating, your home generally uses the available solar power first. If you run appliances, air conditioning or a pool pump during the day, some or all of that electricity may come directly from your panels.
When your home needs more power than the system is producing, the grid supplies the difference. This often happens at night, during heavy cloud or when several high-use appliances are running together.
Solar can reduce grid use, but daily supply charges and the cost of imported electricity may remain on your bill.
Excess solar can be exported or stored for later
If your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the surplus may be exported to the grid. Your electricity retailer may provide a feed-in tariff for eligible exports, depending on your plan.
A compatible home battery can store some of that excess electricity for use later, often in the evening. Whether a battery suits your home depends on your available excess solar, evening energy use, budget and backup priorities. Our battery systems guide explains these factors in more detail.
Solar panels alone will not power your home during a blackout
A standard grid-connected solar system normally switches off during a blackout to protect people working on the power lines. Panels alone will not keep your home running.
Blackout support requires compatible battery equipment and a system designed for backup. Your proposal should explain which circuits will remain powered, how much electricity will be available and whether solar can recharge the battery while the grid is down.
The right solar system depends on your home and energy use
The right system depends on your roof space, direction, shade, switchboard, electricity use, budget and future plans. A household with high daytime demand may need a different design from one that uses most of its electricity after sunset.
Plans for a battery, electric vehicle, pool or electric hot-water system can also affect the recommendation. At Forever Solar, we begin with your property and energy use rather than a standard package.
We’ll explain why the panel and inverter capacity suits your home, what assumptions support the generation estimate and how we’ll support you after installation.
Want to find out what solar could look like for your home? Talk to us about a tailored solar plan.