A Beginner Guide to Solar Energy & Selecting the Correct Kit
Are you in the market for a new solar system but don’t know where to start? At Staying Simple Solar we can help you get the kit you need and make sure you have the best solution for your needs without spending too much.
If you would like to quickly calculate what size system you need then head to our free calculator.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about system size.
If you’re interested in purchasing a solar system for your house to start reaping the benefits of solar, Staying Simple solar experts can help you to find the perfect setup that maximises your return on investment.
This cheat sheet is designed to make investing in solar power easy.
If you read this guide, you’ll know more about solar energy than 99.9% of Australians and be confident you’re paying the right amount of money for your solar system.
If you’re feeling confident about solar power systems already and you’re looking to get quotes, please fill out our online form and one of our solar technicians will be in touch with you.
Let’s get into it; here’s what you should know before you get quotes for solar power and proceed with system installation:
- What are the main components of a solar power system?
- What is the difference between Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline?
- How many solar panels do you need to buy?
- What is the difference between key solar and storage components?
What are the main components of a solar power system?
In their most basic format, Solar Panels work by converting available sunlight into usable electricity. The way we define this power is by watts.Watts are made up of amps and volts. Different panels have different ratings for amps and volts, and it is helpful to understand what these numbers mean when you are looking at a system. You can imagine amps as the number of electrons, and voltage the amount of pressure pushing those electrons.
Equation: Watts = Volts x Amps
Main Components
A solar panel is made up of different components, as seen below in Model 2.1.1.
Not all panels will have these specific components in specific locations, but generally all the panels we sell have the following:
Solar Cell (2.1.1.6): The solar cells can be seen on front of the solar panel. They vary in color and appearance based depending on the type of cell. The type of cell generally defines what kind of panel it is, for example monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous, etc.
Frame (2.1.1.5): Most of the key manufacturer's panels have an aluminium frame, but depending on the type of panel frame type can vary. The majority of frames are 3cm deep and about 2.5cm wide. Generally the flexible panels are frameless.
Junction Box (2.1.1.1): The junction box is generally located on the back of the panel. It contains bypass diodes to help with power loss due to shading. Also it serves as a connection and a holder for the panel wires.
Wire (2.1.1.3): Most of our solar panels come with standard PV wire that is weatherproof and insulated (as long as there is no exposed copper wire). When you are purchasing panels, not from our site, always check the plastic type and waterproof rating of the connectors. These can be key points of failure and may cause a fire.
MC4 (2.1.1.4): At the end of the PV wire is a MC4 connector. This MC4 connector is standard in the PV industry, is weatherproof and serves as a connection point to our other MC4 cable, such as an adaptor kit. As with the Wire always check the build quality of these.
Specification Sheet (2.1.1.2): The panel’s specification sheet will tell you the electrical characteristics of your solar panel. It is essential when sizing systems.
Solar Panel Materials - Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline
Monocrystalline solar panels are slightly higher in efficiency than polycrystalline panels because each utilizes a different manufacturing technique.
A monocrystalline cell consists of a single crystal ingot, whereas a polycrystalline cell consists of a growth containing multiple crystal structures. Both types of cells are made from silicon ingots, but the purity requirement of the silicon is higher on a monocrystalline base. Therefore, monocrystalline panels are more efficient, and thus, more expensive.
By using a single cell, monocrystalline-based silicon allows the electron greater freedom to move, so less energy is lost and higher efficiency is created. Most monocrystalline cells peak at 22% efficiency, whereas most polycrystalline cells peak at 18% efficiency. Monocrystalline cells are a dark blue almost appearing black, and polycrystalline cells are blue.
Even though this is true, there is a common misconception that monocrystalline solar panels will actually perform better than polycrystalline panels even in situations where they have the same wattage. This is not true.
A 100W Mono Panel should perform just as well as a 100W Poly Panel, assuming the electrical characteristics are very close. A customer’s decision should be based on the price, the dimensions, and the color. Also due to common misconception, Poly and Mono panels should perform the same under low light conditions. They also should perform the same under high temperatures.
To read more about the main components, please have a look at this guide here.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Buy?
Solar Peak Hours and Sunlight Radiance
Something easy to overlook in Australia but crucial if you want to ensure plenty of cold beer! It is important to use the peak hours with the wattage of your system to calculate how many watt-hours your system produces in a day.
You can view peak sun hours as an average, as basing power off the hours of daylight during the day isn’t sufficient. The reason why is that sunlight in the morning and evening will not produce as much radiation as solar during midday.
To calculate each location's peak hours, the radiation is averaged based on the highs and lows and also other factors such as what is mixed into the atmosphere.
We have some more in-depth information on our site, and further reading with other sites. Please use these links:
- Tilt Angle Calculation
- Tilt Calculator
- PV Watts Calculator (External Site)
Understanding the Specifications and Panel Label
Max Power at STC: This is how much power the panel is rated at the Standard Test Condition, which is 1000 W/m2.
Max Power at STC: This is how much power the panel is rated at the Standard Test Condition, which is 1000 W/m2.
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): This is the panel’s voltage level when it is not hooked up to a controller and battery. It is important when sizing systems with controllers as panels will have this value for a short period of time when the system is hooked up. Also, this is important when troubleshooting a solar panel.
Operating Voltage (Vmp): This is the voltage level of the panel when it is set up and operating. This is important for calculating wire gauge size and wire length.
Operating Current (Imp): This is the current being produced when the panel is set up and operating. This is important for calculating wire gauge size, wire length, and controller sizing.
Short-Circuit Current (Isc): This is the panel’s voltage level when it is not hooked up to a controller and battery. This is important when troubleshooting a solar panel.
This is the panel’s voltage level when it is not hooked up to a controller and battery. It is important when sizing systems with controllers as panels will have this value for a short period of time when the system is hooked up. Also, this is important when troubleshooting a solar panel.
Operating Voltage (Vmp): This is the voltage level of the panel when it is set up and operating. This is important for calculating wire gauge size and wire length.
Operating Current (Imp): This is the current being produced when the panel is set up and operating. This is important for calculating wire gauge size, wire length, and controller sizing.
Short-Circuit Current (Isc): This is the panel’s voltage level when it is not hooked up to a controller and battery. This is important when troubleshooting a solar panel.
What next?
We offer a comprehensive guidebook for those who want to really get into designing their own kit.
- Solar for Beginners Guide Book
We have carefully selected key kits to help you skip some of the hard work and install a high-quality system. Check out our Solar Kits for simple installs.