What is solar power?
Solar power is the conversion of sunlight to electricity. Sunlight can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaics (PV). Photovoltaics were initially used to power small and medium-sized applications, from the calculator powered by a single solar cell to off-grid homes powered by a photovoltaic array. A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell (PV), is a device that converts light into electric current using the photoelectric effect. This is based on the discovery by Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel who noticed that some materials release electrons when hit with rays of photons from light, which produces an electrical current.
There are many competing technologies, including at least fourteen types of photovoltaic cells, such as thin film, monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and amorphous cells. Solar power is a predictably intermittent energy source, meaning that whilst solar power is not available at all times, we can predict with a very good degree of accuracy when it will and will not be available.Since solar radiation is intermittent, solar power generation is combined either with storage or other energy sources to provide continuous power.
Off Grid Vs Grid Connected
Off-grid PV systems have traditionally used rechargeable batteries to store excess electricity. With grid connect systems, excess electricity can be sent to the transmission grid. Net metering programs (such as Queensland's Solar Bonus Scheme) give these systems a credit for the electricity they deliver to the grid. This credit offsets electricity provided from the grid when the system cannot meet demand, effectively using the grid as a storage mechanism. Credits are normally rolled over month to month and any remaining surplus settled annually. Financial incentives supporting installation of solar power generation are aimed at increasing demand for solar photovoltaics such that they can become competitive with conventional methods of energy production.
The future
Solar power has great potential, but in 2008 supplied only 0.02% of the world's total energy supply. Recent Studies have shown that the global PV market is forecast to exceed 16 GW in the year 2010. However, use has been doubling every two, or less, years, and at that rate solar power, which has the potential to supply over 1,000 times the total consumption of energy, would become the dominant energy source within a few decades.
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Why choose us?
- Element Energy is the longest running supplier and installer of solar power systems in the Whitsundays, servicing Mackay to Townsville. You are not dealing with a call centre interstate, you are dealing with a local QLD business who can provide the quality of service you deserve, and no we are not a franchise.
- We only install the best performing solar panels on the market - with proof to back it up.
- Competitive transparent prices - Our quotes are 100% all inclusive - NO HIDDEN COSTS! Low overheads mean we pass the savings onto you, the client, saving thousands off some competitor's quotes. We will always strive to give you the best price - after all, our goal is to make solar affordable for everyone.
- Great advice - We will always try to find out ways for you to reduce your current energy cosumption with a simple "home health check" - for free. Somtimes there is no need to spend out thousands more for a bigger solar power system, all it may require is to change a few habits around the home or unplug appliances that are not needed.