Interested in solar for your home or business? Find out all you need to know before you install your solar system in our ultimate guide to solar energy.
Your Guide to Solar Energy in Queensland
Are you interested in solar energy or looking to improve your current system? Queensland is the perfect place to install solar thanks to the sunny weather. Solar panels are a great long-term investment and have countless benefits. In this guide to solar energy in Queensland, we discuss all you need to know about solar power and more.
At Hush Energy we are the experts in solar energy in Queensland. Trust the experts today for all your solar needs.
Table of Contents:
- Your Solar Power Guide
- Solar Energy Terms You Should Know
- The Statistics Behind The Solar Guide
- Where Did Solar Energy Start?
- Switching to Solar Energy
- Solar buying guide: What method to choose?
- Finance Solar Panels Guide
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power In Australia
- What Type of Solar Panels Are There?
- Selecting The Right Solar Panel
- What Materials Are Solar Panels Made From?
- What Are The Top Solar Panels?
- Are Solar Batteries Effective?
- What To Look For In Your Solar Battery
- Do You Need A Solar Inverter?
- Best Inverter For Solar Energy In Australia
- How Much Electricity Will My Solar Panels Produce?
- Lifespan Of A Solar Panel
- Can I Use Solar Energy Off-Grid?
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Solar Energy Renewable?
- Is Solar Energy Environmentally Friendly?
- Can I Afford Solar Energy?
- Should You Go Solar?
Your Solar Power Guide
Solar energy works by absorbing sunlight through PV cells. The material that the solar panels are made from are designed to convert sunlight into electricity.
In a few simple steps, your solar power guide can be explained as:
- The solar panels absorb sunlight through the PV cells (Photovoltaic Cells).
- The solar inverter transforms the DC energy into AC electricity.
- This electricity is used in your home for all your appliances.
- Any excess that your solar panels produce is given to the grid and you are paid feed-in-tariff.
If you don't produce enough solar energy to run your home appliances, your electricity will be drawn from the grid. However, solar energy in Queensland produces some of the highest solar power rates in the country, thanks to its sunny climate.
Solar Energy Terms You Should Know
Some of the most common solar terms surrounding solar power in Australia include:
- AC: Alternating current. This current is used for most common household appliances.
- DC: Direct Current. This solar current only flows in one direction, powering appliances that use batteries such as TVs and flashlights.
- Feed-in-Tariff: If you produce more solar energy than you need, your electricity will be sold back to the grid, and you will receive a payment in return.
- Kilowatt (kW): This is how electricity is measured. 1 Kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.
The Statistics Behind The Solar Guide
Solar energy in Australia is a popular renewable energy resource. Some insights into solar energy statistics and solar energy resources include:
- Around 30% of Australian homes (over 3 million people) have solar PV panels installed
- Solar energy produces zero greenhouse gas emissions
- Queensland has the highest rate of the solar systems in Australia, with New South Wales a close second
Where Did Solar Energy Start?
Solar energy in Australia is increasingly popular. But where did the idea for solar power come from? Solar energy was first discovered in 1839 in France. The physicist Edmond Becquerel observed the effect of sunlight and the solar photovoltaic effect that generates energy. In Russia, 1888 a physicist Aleksandr Stoletov created the first solar cell using the same theory Becquerel had discovered. However, it wasn't until 1954 that the first solar panel patent was filed. Flash forward to today, solar energy is one of the cheapest resources.
Switching to Solar Energy
Are you considering switching to solar energy as your main electricity source? Making the switch to solar can be hugely beneficial to your household and reduce your energy bills.
However, there are a few things you need to consider before you buy, from what type of solar system you install to finance options.
Solar buying guide: What method to choose?
Solar energy in Australia is an effective resource, but there is more than one method of solar energy generation. The three main methods of solar energy include:
- Photovoltaic cells: This is the most common type of solar energy used in solar panels.
- Thermal energy generation: This method of solar energy generation uses energy harvested from electromagnetic waves.
- Vacuum tube solar water heater: This method uses contained heat pipes and vacuum tubes to trap energy and store it in a tank. This method is commonly used as a solar hot water system.
Finance Solar Panels Guide
If you are interested in solar energy but are overwhelmed by the initial costs, there are several ways you can finance your new solar system. Some popular methods of solar energy finance pathways include:
- Green loans
- Personal loans
- Mortgage loans
- Leasing options
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power In Australia
Solar power in Australia is a powerful source of energy and is becoming more and more popular. However, solar panels are a big investment to make and can feel overwhelming when trying to research your options.
To provide more clarity around solar energy in Queensland, here is the solar guide to all you need to know:
Pros:
- Reduced electricity bills
- Lower carbon footprint
- Boost the value of your home or building
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Reliant on weather
- Upfront costs
- Consumes substantial amounts of space
- Need to have correct tilt to maximise use
What Type of Solar Panels Are There?
How many types of solar panels are there? There are three different types of solar panels available:
- Monocrystalline: This is formed from sliced silicon crystals and thought to be the most effective.
- Polycrystalline: Created by pouring silicone into models to form square solar cells.
- Thin Film: This type of solar panel does not use silicon crystals and uses spray silicon instead.
Selecting The Right Solar Panel
How do you choose a solar panel? There are a number of different factors you should consider before choosing what size and type of solar panel is best for you.
Some key things you should consider when starting your solar panel journey include:
- Your energy usage
- Budget for installation of solar panels
- Quality of products
- Whether you will move or stay at your current house
- Whether you want to store energy in a battery
What Materials Are Solar Panels Made From?
There are different types of solar panels that use different materials, however the most popular material used is silicon. In over 95% of solar panels the photovoltaic cells are made from silicon as the main material such as with Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline panels. Other common materials used include indium, selenium, gallium, and cadmium.
What Are The Top Solar Panels?
What are the best solar panels? If you are looking into solar energy in Queensland, there is no one answer for which solar panels are best. Instead, you need to look at your specific needs. While some solar panels are designed for small households, other solar panels are better suited for large scale power generation on commercial sites.
When researching what solar panels best suit your needs, consider the following:
- Warranty
- Quality
- Efficiency
- Size
Find out more about the best options for solar panels in the Sunshine Coast, or your nearest Hush Energy installer today.
Are Solar Batteries Effective?
How do solar batteries work? A solar battery works by storing energy in its DC form.
Firstly, solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity and then this is sent to your battery. When you draw energy from the battery, it is then converted into AC electricity that you can use for your home appliances. There are four types of solar batteries including lead-acid, nickel cadmium, flow batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
What To Look For In Your Solar Battery
What is the best solar battery? When it comes to solar energy in Queensland, the best types of solar batteries are typically lithium-ion batteries. This newer technology is designed to last longer. Lithium solar batteries are more efficient and require less maintenance, however there are other types of batteries that are more affordable. For solar energy, the best solar energy batteries are typically made from lead acid, lithium ion, or saltwater.
Do You Need A Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter is an integral part of the solar system in your home. The solar inverter works to convert the electrical energy produced from sunlight from DC into AC electricity.
While a solar system can work without an inverter, it is not recommended as it can damage your appliances without regulated electricity. Most home appliances run on AC power, so your inverter is needed to transform the sunlight into usable electricity.
Best Inverter For Solar Energy In Australia
To find out what type of solar inverter is best for your home, you will need to consider what sized system you have and how much energy you require. When looking at solar inverters, there are a few brands that stand out thanks to innovative technology.
Enphase Energy produces micro-inverters that connect directly into AC electricity. These Enphase inverters operate independently from each other using high voltage cabling. This produces more consistency and ensures that your energy isn't interrupted.
SolarEdge inverters don’t use the traditional string inverters and instead allow independent usage of each solar panel. This reduces the chance of energy loss if a solar panel is shaded or damaged.
How Much Electricity Will My Solar Panels Produce?
For 1kW of solar panels, you can create around 4kWh of electricity. However, the amount of solar energy produced will depend on your type of solar panel, location, angle of tilt, time of year, and the weather conditions. For example, if you had a nice sunny day and a 6.6kW solar panel, you could produce over 26kWh.
If you are struggling to produce enough energy from your solar panels, you may find that you need a larger solar panel system. To calculate how large your solar panel needs to be, look at your past energy bills. This will help you understand what size solar panels you need. If you need further information or help to find out how much solar energy you will need to produce, you can contact our friendly team at Hush.
Lifespan Of A Solar Panel
For the average solar panel system, you can expect it to last for at least 25 years. The durability and lifespan of your solar panels will also depend on the type of solar panel you choose. If you choose monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels, they will last longer than other types.
The lifespan of your solar panels will also depend on weather conditions, location, and maintenance. Cleaning your solar panels and scheduling maintenance can help boost the lifespan of your solar panels. Elemental factors such as harsh rain, wind, dust, or even debris build up can shorten your lifespan.
Can I Use Solar Energy Off-Grid?
The best-off grid solar system in Australia depends on your current needs. Most off-grid homes need at least a 4-8kW solar system. For larger off-grid homes you will need a bigger system around 8-16kW, this is better suited to homes that run a small business, are farming or have a large household.
Conclusion
Solar energy is a long term investment that can benefit you for years to come, not to mention have a positive impact on the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you are looking to install solar panels on your home, or just want to learn more, solar energy in Australia is a great choice.
If you are interested in solar for your home or business, make the first step today! If you are looking for solar panels in Brisbane or your nearest location, our friendly team can help you. Contact Hush Energy to learn more.
