| What is solar energy? The sun provides solar energy and it’s an abundant, sustainable and renewable resource that is an alternative option to non-renewable resources. |
| What are solar photovoltaic (PV) panels? Solar panels are designed to absorb solar energy and convert it into electricity. They are composed of several solar cells (made of silicon and a few other elements)... |
| This colourful house is the Frank Gehry-designed New Orleans duplex for the Make It Right foundation, which constructs homes, buildings and communities for people in need, particularly those devastated... |
| Positioning solar panels The effectiveness of solar panels will depend not only on location, climate and weather – the more the sunlight the better – but also how they are positioned on a roof. Solar panels... |
| This house in Yandoit Hills is a solar passive home that operates off the grid. It has a north-facing aspect with a 5 kilowatt PV solar system installed on the shed, and an evacuated tube solar hot water... |
| Size of solar panels The amount of space on a roof can be a contributing factor to the size and/or number of solar panels, as can the amount of energy a home consumes during the daylight hours. Calculating... |
| Solar panels can also come in the form of solar tiles, as on this Sydney home, which blend with the concrete tiles of the roof. |
| Pros of solar panels *Solar energy is free; it’s converting solar energy into electricity that costs. It is typically a cheaper alternative than other energy sources, however, and provides independence... |
| *Solar technology is constantly evolving and advancing, with high-efficiency models and potential for greater storage. *A battery storage system can be used to provide power when there’s no sun. *Rebates... |
| David Saunders of S2 Design transformed a heritage-listed Victorian terrace into a highly efficient and environmentally friendly home. It has seven solar panels (installed 10 years ago) that Saunders says... |
