If there’s one thing any Australian can tell you for sure about this grand, glorious land is that it gets hot. Very hot. This vast, beautiful country is blessed with more sunshine than almost any other place on Earth and that brings with it several unique advantages and opportunities. As a result, Australia is experiencing a solar revolution as more and more households each year catch on to the huge benefits of solar power. Click here for solar quotes to join them.
How does solar power work?
We’re all aware of solar panels and the reason for their presence, catching precious rays of sunshine on so many roofs, but the science behind the way they work is probably something we have given little thought to. Here are a few basics:
The name of the game with solar power is capturing and converting solar radiation which, as a continent, Australia experiences more of than any other. The technology behind harnessing solar power works in two ways:
Solar thermal
In this process, solar energy is transformed into heat energy which can be used for:
- Creating steam to drive turbines and generate electricity on an industrial scale
- Powering space heaters and hot water systems for residences and businesses
Solar photovoltaic
This technology does not concern itself with thermal energy, instead, it converts the radiation falling onto it directly into electricity. As you drive through the Australian suburbs and note the solar panels on so many houses, the majority of them will be photovoltaic.
Solar thermal/photovoltaic
To maximise efficiency and wring every possible scrap of energy from the sunlight, combined solar panels and systems exist that incorporate both technologies, allowing them to create thermal energy and electricity simultaneously.
@Solar Market Australia
The benefits of solar power technology
Studies show almost 20% of Australian households now have some form of solar power technology. Here are some of the benefits:
- Access to consistent, cheap energy in remote areas
Solar technology has been game-changing for communities and industries in isolated areas, providing electricity where access to the national grid is limited.
- Stylish efficiency
Modern solar cells used on residential rooftops are not only efficient but attractive and a highly desirable feature for potential buyers.
- Control over usage
The smart technologies modern solar panels employ give you complete access to and control over your energy usage.
- Finances
Investing in solar power now is guaranteed to save money in the long run.
- Environmental responsibility
There has never been a greater need to move away from burning fossil fuels and replace them with abundant, renewable energy. Households generating and consuming their own energy significantly reduce their impact on the environment and solar technologies are a key weapon in the arsenal needed to reduce that dependence.
Australia is the perfect place to take advantage of solar power, as it sees around 10,000 times more energy in the form of sunshine than the whole country consumes every year. Hopefully, your interest has been suitably piqued, so why not investigate right now and see what the fuss is all about?
Solar panels field
