Solar Panels

Solar panels, also known as solar power panels or electric solar panels, are a vital component of renewable energy solutions. They enable electricity generation with zero carbon emissions, making them an effective way to power both commercial establishments and residential homes. Embracing solar energy is essential for a sustainable future.

What Are Solar Panels?

Solar panels comprise interconnected solar cells. They can be strategically installed on south-facing roofs (in the Southern Hemisphere), walls or on ground-mounted structures. Installations can be fixed or have a solar tracker system that follows the sun's trajectory across the sky to maximise energy capture.

The key advantage of this type of energy source is its clean nature, meaning it generates no pollution and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, the efficiency of solar panels is inherently dependent on direct sunlight. Without a solar tracking system, between 10% to 25% of potential energy generated can be lost as the sun moves across the sky and the angle of incidence changes.

Installing solar panels is highly beneficial for both private and commercial users. The electricity generated can be used to offset your own consumption and any surplus electricity can often be sold back to the energy supplier via feed-in tariffs.

How Does a Solar Panel Work?

Photovoltaic (PV) is the term related to the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials such as silicon. This phenomenon occurs when semiconducting materials absorb photons from sunlight, causing electrons to be released and generate an electric current.

Individual solar cells contain layers of photovoltaic material. When sunlight shines on the cells it energises the electrons within, converting sunlight directly into direct current (DC) electricity. The more sunlight shines on the cells, the more electricity is generated.

The DC electricity is then routed to a solar inverter and converted to alternating current (AC), which is compatible with the national electricity grid. Once converted, the electricity then travels through copper solar cables to modules, arrays, and subfields, ultimately delivering clean solar power to your property or back into the grid.

What Are Typical Applications of Solar Panels?

Most photovoltaic solar panels are used for grid-connected power generation. However, they are also invaluable for numerous other uses such as:

• Residential: Residential solar panels are often integrated into grid-tied systems, allowing homeowners to use their own generated power first and feed any excess back into the grid, or draw from the grid when solar power generation is insufficient.
• Commercial/Industrial: Larger systems can generate hundreds of kilowatts, making a substantial impact on a business’s operational costs and carbon footprint.
• Utility-Scale Solar Farms: Often spanning vast areas of land, these generate megawatts of electricity for the national grid.
• Off-Grid Systems: Solar panels can provide self-sufficient, independent power for remote properties, outback stations, or rural villages in developing countries that do not have access to grid power.
• Remote Power: Solar panels power various remote infrastructure such as telecommunication towers, roadside emergency telephones, and agricultural pumps and monitoring systems.
• Vehicles and Transportation: Electric solar panels are increasingly found on boats and recreational vehicles (RVs) to provide auxiliary power for electronics, lighting, and appliances. Integrated panels can even be used at dedicated EV charging stations, allowing vehicles to be powered directly by clean, renewable energy.

How Much Energy Can Solar Panels Generate?

The energy output of photovoltaic solar panels is influenced by several factors, including the panel’s size, efficiency, the amount of sunlight received (solar irradiance), temperature, and any shading.

Typically, residential rooftop systems in Australia can generate around 5-10 kWh of energy per day, depending on the system size, the specific location's sunlight hours, and the orientation and tilt of the panels. For example, a common 6.6kW system could produce approximately 26.4 kWh on a sunny day. This often significantly offsets a typical household’s daily consumption, which can range from 15-20 kWh.

Commercial rooftop systems, being much larger in scale, can typically generate several hundred kilowatts (kW) of power daily. For instance, a 100 kW commercial installation might generate 350-450 kWh per day. Large-scale solar farms, particularly in sun-drenched rural villages in Australia and developing countries which may not have access to grid power, are also leveraging vast arrays of solar panels to produce significant amounts of clean electricity for entire communities.

Solar Panel Types

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

These solar power panels are made from a single, pure silicon crystal and known for their high efficiency rates, typically ranging from 18% to 23% or even higher. They are easily identifiable by their uniform dark black appearance and rounded edges. They perform well in low-light conditions and require less space to generate the same amount of power compared to other types. However, they are generally the most expensive and their performance can degrade slightly at higher temperatures.

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

Also known as multi-crystalline panels, these solar panels are made from multiple silicon crystals melted together. They have a distinctive blue, speckled appearance and square edges. They are more affordable to produce than monocrystalline panels, while still maintaining a good performance record. They do have slightly lower efficiency rates (typically 15% to 18%) but are popular for residential and commercial installations where space is not a significant constraint and cost-effectiveness is a priority.

Thin-Film Solar Panels

These electric solar panels are made by depositing thin layers of photovoltaic material (e.g. amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium selenide) onto a substrate like glass, plastic, or metal. Highly flexible and lightweight, these panels can perform better in diffuse light or shaded conditions. They are often used in large-scale industrial solar panel projects where vast areas of land are available, or for niche applications like integrated PV into building materials (BIPV) or flexible arrays. However, they generally have the lowest efficiency rates (typically 10% to 13%) and shorter lifespans.

How to Install Solar Panels

Installation of solar panels must be carried out by Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers and licensed electricians, strictly adhering to Australian Standards and local government regulations Although RS Australia doesn't offer installation services, we're pleased to provide you with a general overview of the process:

1. Site Assessment and Design: A qualified installer will assess your property's energy needs and site/roof suitability (angle, orientation, shading, structural integrity) in order to design your solar energy system.
2. Permitting and Approvals: Necessary permits from local councils and approval from your electricity network distributor must be obtained before installation commences.
3. Mounting System Installation: A racking system is securely attached to your roof to provide the foundation for mounting the solar panels.
4. Panel Installation: The solar panels are carefully lifted onto the roof and secured to the racking system.
5. Electrical Wiring and Inverter Installation: DC wiring connects the panel array to the inverter.
6. Grid Connection and Commissioning: The system is connected to your property's electrical system and the grid (if applicable). Comprehensive testing is performed to ensure all components are functioning correctly and safely. A Certificate of Electrical Safety/Compliance is issued by the licensed electrician.
7. Meter Installation/Upgrade: A bi-directional meter (smart meter) may be installed or upgraded to measure both electricity consumed from the grid and electricity exported to the grid, allowing for the application of feed-in tariffs.

How to Choose the Right Solar Panel

Selecting the right solar panel for your specific project is crucial for maximising energy generation and ensuring a cost-effective, long-lasting solar power system. Consider the following guidelines:

• Power Output (Watts): This indicates the maximum electrical power a solar panel can produce under standard test conditions. Assess your daily or annual energy consumption to determine the total wattage required.
• Efficiency Rating: The efficiency percentage indicates how much of the sunlight hitting the panel is converted into usable electricity.
• Physical Dimensions: Consider the available roof space or ground area. A larger panel may have higher output but might not fit your available space.
• Panel Type: Your specific needs for space, budget, and desired appearance will guide this choice.
• Temperature Coefficient: This indicates how much a panel's power output decreases as its temperature increases. Panels with a lower (closer to zero) temperature coefficient perform better in hot climates, maintaining efficiency even on scorching summer days.
• Desired System Size: Clearly define the scale of your project to match the appropriate panel and system components.
• Local Climate (Sunlight Hours): Areas with more consistent sunlight hours may allow for smaller systems or different panel types to achieve desired output.
• Budget: Costs vary significantly by type, brand, and efficiency. Remember to also factor in the cost of inverters, mounting systems, and installation.
• Relevant Certifications or Warranties: Ensure compliance with Australian Standards (e.g. AS/NZS 5033). Check the product warranty (typically 10-25 years for defects) and performance warranty (guaranteeing a certain output over 25-30 years).

Purchase Solar Panels From RS Now

RS manufactures, distributes, and supplies quality solar panels at affordable prices to Australian customers from brands including RS Pro, Panasonic, Sanyo and PV Logic. RS carries a range of small-, medium-, and large-sized solar panels in different dimensions. You can buy them individually or in packs of 2 and 5. Wholesale and bulk purchases are also available.

Besides solar panels, we also carry other renewable energy products, like wind turbines and solar inverters. Explore our full range of power supply units (PSUs) designed for both domestic and industrial applications, available at competitive prices that deliver excellent value for your investment. Place your order online at any time and enjoy nationwide doorstep delivery. For full details on our services and fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.