How Solar Power Works
Home Solar
Modern Solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity via solar panel arrays mounted on the roof. They work any time the sun is shining, helping to reduce electricity bills, greenhouse gas emissions and assisting each household's contribution to reducing climate change. Excess solar electricity from your solar panel can be fed back into the grid which effectively makes your electricity meter run backwards and saves you money. Many states have "feed in tariffs" which pay you multiple credits for each unit of electricity fed into the grid from your solar system.
Daily Power Usage working with a Net Feed in Tariff (NFiT):
Independent verification has shown that a Modern Solar 1.5 KW solar array can save more than 90% off your current weekday power bills with a 1:4 NFiT in the right circumstances and provided you conserve your day time energy.
In NSW for example, using 5 peak sunlight hours per day our MOD1500 will produce about 6Wh per day allowing for 25% system inefficiencies. A typical family household will use about 23.75kW per day and by being energy conscious, a household can use as little as 0.7kWh during the peak period of the day by switching off all unnecessary power and only using essential standby appliances such as fridges.
The remaining 5.3kWh produced and not used during the peak hours of the day will be sent to the grid and be paid a multiple of about 4 times (60c per kWh in NSW). This is a massive 21.2kWh credit that can be used in the evening peak electricity consumption times.
When you add the other 0.7kWh that was generated and consumed in the home this equals a total electricity production of 21.9kWh thanks to NFiT – that’s more than 90% of the average week day electricity consumption, but you have to be conservative and make you solar system work for you.
- See our examples below of average and approximate daily models:
- Modern Solar Power Usage Example
- Modern Solar Standards Certification
Looking for an explanation on how off grid solar works?
Business Solar
Modern Solar commercial solar systems are custom designed to suit your needs; the simplified diagram below is of a typical system design:
- 1. Sunlight hits the photovoltaic panel array and is absorbed by the silicon in the cells. Our systems are modular so the solar panel array can be upgraded at any time.
- 2. The electrons produced create a direct current (DC) and run from the solar array into an inverter, which converts the electricity into an alternating current (AC). This inverter can be placed either inside in a utility room or outside by the panels and produces the exact same type of power that you currently receive from the grid.
- 3. Business solar panels give you the power to slow, stop or even send your utility meter backwards depending on the size of your system, the time of day and the current load.
- 4. The AC power goes into your building and is used to run everyday electrical items.
- 5. Excess power is fed back into the grid, effectively running your electricity meter backwards.
Applications of business solar power:
A Modern Solar Grid Connect System is the perfect addition to your building or office complex. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology can be customised and constructed to best suit your needs. From office buildings to warehouses, pubs to preschools, new construction or retrofit, Modern Solar can make solar power work anywhere.
Business solar power can be a practical power source for commercial applications, from sensitive office equipment such as servers, computers, printers, phone systems & security systems, to everyday office requirements like lighting, air conditioning & even your coffee machine. Whether you need a watt, or a mega watt, we can help you harness the power of the sun & keep your business on a sustainable path.
