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Are Solar Panels Right For You?
Not sure whether to install solar tiles on your roof? Check out this guide to help you decide
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Your roof is the ideal spot to fit solar panels that will capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity for your home. In doing so, you could potentially save money on energy bills and help the environment at the same time – seems like a no brainer, right? If you’re still wondering whether it’s worth the time and investment or aren’t sure whether solar tiles are right for you, read on.
The experts at Bristile Roofing explain how solar panels work and what benefits they could bring to your household.
The experts at Bristile Roofing explain how solar panels work and what benefits they could bring to your household.
Why are they so important in Australia?
If you live in Australia, you’ll know that sunshine is a commodity we can count on year round, so it stands to reason that it’s a great place to produce solar energy. In fact, Australia is the best place in the world for providing solar radiation, it produces more energy from the sun per square metre than any other continent. Yet, we don’t use enough of it – the sun produces 10,000 times more energy than we consume. That’s a lot of solar power we could be making use of. Solar roof tiles are a fantastic way to harness this clean energy effectively and efficiently.
If you live in Australia, you’ll know that sunshine is a commodity we can count on year round, so it stands to reason that it’s a great place to produce solar energy. In fact, Australia is the best place in the world for providing solar radiation, it produces more energy from the sun per square metre than any other continent. Yet, we don’t use enough of it – the sun produces 10,000 times more energy than we consume. That’s a lot of solar power we could be making use of. Solar roof tiles are a fantastic way to harness this clean energy effectively and efficiently.
How do they work?
A solar panel is a frame that is made up of many smaller cells, each of which captures the light from the sun and turns it into electricity. The panels are connected to an inverter, which converts this electricity into a power source that can be used in your home.
You’ll also need somewhere to store the energy, which is where a battery comes in. The battery stores the energy so you can use it at peak times when it would be more expensive. A smart battery is ideal, as it can work with a smart monitoring system to give you real-time performance data. A system like this will tell you how much energy you’re generating and it will also allow you to make the most of your system – use it efficiently enough and you’ll reduce the need to use grid energy at all.
A solar panel is a frame that is made up of many smaller cells, each of which captures the light from the sun and turns it into electricity. The panels are connected to an inverter, which converts this electricity into a power source that can be used in your home.
You’ll also need somewhere to store the energy, which is where a battery comes in. The battery stores the energy so you can use it at peak times when it would be more expensive. A smart battery is ideal, as it can work with a smart monitoring system to give you real-time performance data. A system like this will tell you how much energy you’re generating and it will also allow you to make the most of your system – use it efficiently enough and you’ll reduce the need to use grid energy at all.
Get started
Wondering how you install your solar tiles? The panels are attached to a frame, which is then installed on top of your roof. For a streamlined look, choose integrated solar tiles that complement the style of roof tiles you opt for. Roof tile choices include classic and timeless ceramic tiles, or a cool, modern concrete design. Go for a good quality solar panel with a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure it’ll last.
The next step is to choose and install an inverter, which will go inside your home. Once again pay attention to the quality of your inverter as it’ll have an impact on your whole system. There are a few models to choose from, so pick one that fits in with your energy needs. A battery integrated inverter is a good option as it gives you the flexibility to increase your battery and system capacity without upgrading your inverter.
Finally, it’s time to assess your battery storage options – speak to an expert to make sure you get the ideal battery for your system as there are a lot of factors to consider. A smart battery is a great choice as it’ll allow you to monitor you energy and use your system to its full capacity.
Wondering how you install your solar tiles? The panels are attached to a frame, which is then installed on top of your roof. For a streamlined look, choose integrated solar tiles that complement the style of roof tiles you opt for. Roof tile choices include classic and timeless ceramic tiles, or a cool, modern concrete design. Go for a good quality solar panel with a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure it’ll last.
The next step is to choose and install an inverter, which will go inside your home. Once again pay attention to the quality of your inverter as it’ll have an impact on your whole system. There are a few models to choose from, so pick one that fits in with your energy needs. A battery integrated inverter is a good option as it gives you the flexibility to increase your battery and system capacity without upgrading your inverter.
Finally, it’s time to assess your battery storage options – speak to an expert to make sure you get the ideal battery for your system as there are a lot of factors to consider. A smart battery is a great choice as it’ll allow you to monitor you energy and use your system to its full capacity.
What are the benefits?
If you’re not sure whether to invest in a solar panel system, it’s worth looking at how an investment like this will impact your household. The major benefit of course is the money you’ll save on energy bills. By producing your own power you’ll reduce the need to buy energy from the grid, saving you a significant amount every year. In the long term, you’ll enjoy less worry about rising energy costs – as general electricity prices may increase, you won’t be as greatly affect since your power is coming from your own system. Need another reason to go for solar energy? Well, you’ll increase the value of your home. When it comes to selling your property, buyers will benefit from the system you’ve already installed.
Tell us
Have you installed solar roof tiles? What’s been your experience?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
If you’re not sure whether to invest in a solar panel system, it’s worth looking at how an investment like this will impact your household. The major benefit of course is the money you’ll save on energy bills. By producing your own power you’ll reduce the need to buy energy from the grid, saving you a significant amount every year. In the long term, you’ll enjoy less worry about rising energy costs – as general electricity prices may increase, you won’t be as greatly affect since your power is coming from your own system. Need another reason to go for solar energy? Well, you’ll increase the value of your home. When it comes to selling your property, buyers will benefit from the system you’ve already installed.
Tell us
Have you installed solar roof tiles? What’s been your experience?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Read More
Brickworks Building Products is one of Australia’s largest and most diverse building material manufacturers.... Read More
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If all houses, and apartment and commercial buildings if they can possibly engineer the placement of solar cells, had solar cells and possibly small wind turbines (yes there are very small unobtrusive wind turbines) then Australia would lessen its need on coal and all its negative effects. The main reason we still use coal is because of the money it generates for sectors of Australian business and the control it exerts.
The same with rainwater tanks could lessen the impacts of drought, I know it is not a complete answer but it would certainly go a long way to Australia's sustainability at the basic level.