How Do Solar and Batteries Work?

Understanding how solar and battery systems work isn’t as complicated as it might seem. When you break it down, it becomes quite simple and approachable. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see how it all comes together to help you save money and gain energy independence. It’s a fascinating journey into smarter energy!

Step 1: Sunlight transforms into electricity.

Solar panels consist of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. However, this electricity is in direct current (DC) form, which is not the type used in homes.

Step 2: The inverter performs its function.

The solar-generated DC power flows to your inverter, which converts it into AC (alternating current), the standard form of electricity used by your lights, appliances, air conditioning, and other household devices.

Step 3: Your home uses solar power first.

Great news! Once your home is set up with solar power, it’ll always prioritise using your solar energy first. It’s all automated, so you don’t have to worry about switching things around. If your solar panels are generating enough power to meet your needs, you’re basically living off the grid, soaking up the sunshine!

Step 4: Extra power is stored in your battery bank.

If your solar system generates more electricity than your home requires at a given time, the excess power can be utilised in several ways:

1. Charging your battery (if you have one), enabling you to utilise that stored energy later, particularly beneficial after sunset.

2. Returning the excess electricity to the grid (if permitted in your city), resulting in a small credit from your energy retailer known as a feed-in tariff.

Step 5: When solar alone isn’t enough.

In the event that the sun is not shining or your power consumption exceeds the capacity of your solar system and battery, your home will automatically draw electricity from the grid. This process is seamless and requires no manual intervention.

What does this mean for you?

Using more solar energy at home means you’ll use less electricity from the energy company, which is great! With electricity prices always going up, saving money on your bill is a big win.

Adding a battery is a smart move. It lets you store extra power for later, so you don’t have to buy it at a higher price. Plus, it gives you a bit of energy independence, especially when the power goes out (we’ll chat more about that later!).