How many solar panels do I need?
Solar panels, also knows as "Solar PV" or "Solar Electricity Modules" are a vital part of solar energy systems. Without them, you wouldn't be able to harness the power of the sun to run your electricity.
With our expertise, they could also help you save on electricity bill costs.
The number of solar panels you need depend on the quality of each panel and your energy needs.
So just how much solar power can my system create?
Having installed more than one million solar panels around Australia to date, it's a question we get pretty regularly.
JA Solar 390W panel
Available in our Advantage and Premium package
| Solar panel manufacturer's warranty | 12 years on materials and workmanship |
| Module efficiency | 20.9% on average |
| Linear warranty | 25 years |
Trina Solar 400W panel
Available in our Premium Plus packages
| Solar panel manufacturer's warranty | 15 years on materials and workmanship |
| Module efficiency | 21.1% on average |
| Linear warranty | 25 years |
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Buckle up, this is going to get a bit nerdy.
Essentially, solar panels allow photons (or sunlight) to knock electrons free from atoms, which generates an electrical charge.
This happens when sunlight passes through a few layers of silicon (think of it like a sandwich) - which are found in solar panels.
The top layer of silicon will have phosperous mixed into it to give it more electrons, which gives it a negative charge.
The bottom layer of silicon will contain boron to produces fewer electrons, which gives it a positive charge.
The positive and negative charges create an electric field in the middle layer.
When sunlight hits this electric field, photons knock the electrons from the field and send them to wires on the edge of panels. The wires feed to an inverter which then turns thes electrons into a form of electricity which powers your home.
1. Solar panels
Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into DC (Direct Current).
2. Solar inverter
A solar inverter then converts DC into AC (Alternate Current) - which then powers your home in real-time.
3. Solar battery
If you install a solar battery, excess energy is stored here (rather than pushing out to the grid).
4. Digital meter
Your energy use and habits are easily tracked with a digital meter.
5. Power grid
Any excess energy that you generate is pushed out to the grid. This energy is measured and calculated (feed-in tariff) to credit your account. You can also (automatically) draw energy from the grid when you need it.
Unfortunately when the sun isn't shining your solar panels won't generate electricity – but there's a solution to hand.
You've probably heard a lot about battery storage over the past year or so, and for good reason: they change the game for solar.
With a Powerwall 2 from Tesla or a Chem Resu from LG, you can effectively store excess energy generated from your solar panels during the day and use it at night.
It gives you greater control over your power then ever before.
With our help, no.
Our team of technicians have more than a decade of experience of installing and maintaining quality solar systems in Australia. We've got options to take care of the little things and the not-so-little things which could go wrong with your solar panels.
To buy a new solar panel system, inverters or batteries from Origin you will need to get in touch via our quote form. This helps us to assist you in getting the correct size, placement and package for your specific property and energy needs.
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