Guide To Solar Electricity Brisbane
Brisbane is one of the most solar-powered capital cities in Australia, with over 30 percent of buildings having solar panels. The city receives an average of 5.2 hours of peak sunlight round the year which makes it suitable for solar power. Residents can tap into this solar potential to power more homes and reduce environmental pollution from other fuels. This guide explains everything you need to know about solar electricity Brisbane. Basic Solar Components A number of components are required to produce solar electricity for homes. A solar panel helps to convert energy from the sun to electric energy used for charging a battery. The battery converts electrical to chemical energy for storage. A regulator is required to control the charge flowing into the battery. Since batteries produce electricity in direct current, alternating current loads may be connected to the battery through a power inverter. Sizing of the different components depends on the energy demand and solar strength. Solar panels are rated in watts; the unit electricity a panel can produce in one hour of peak solar. As an example, an 80-watt panel in Brisbane should produce around 416 watts of power per day. A 100-watt panel should produce 520 watts if we ignore losses. Slight variations should be expected depending on the weather and month of the year. A solar regulator, or charge controller, regulates the amount of current flowing into the battery. Charge controllers are designed to reduce or switch off the flow of electricity once a battery is fully charged. Overcharging causes gassing which in turn damages the battery. Additionally, a regulator prevents current from flowing to the solar panel at night and flatten the battery. Charge controllers are rated according to the current they can handle. It is advisable to use a regulator that can handle at least 125 percent of the maximum rated solar current. Given that most loads use alternating current, a power inverter is indispensable in solar electricity systems. A modified inverter is sufficient for common loads such as lighting and television. Modified inverters are relatively inexpensive but can damage some loads. With loads such as motors, laser printers, and amplifiers, it is advisable to use true sine-wave inverters. Final Thoughts Solar electricity is a clean and cheap alternative to electricity from the grid. Besides, Brisbane enjoys a high peak sunlight round the year. while Brisbane is already leaping ahead in solar connectivity, there is more room for improvement. Embracing solar electricity Brisbane can significantly reduce carbon emissions and its negative effects. s
