How Solar Power Works

Green Energy Solar Power Newcastle believe in the power of the sun and we want everyone to understand how it works, so they too can benefit from the power of photovoltaic electricity.

  1. Photovoltaic (PV) modules generate DC power from the sun.
  2. Inverter converts DC power into 240V (AC) power for use by standard appliances and grid connection.
  3. The building either uses power from the Grid (for a gross meter connection) or power generated from the solar system (for a net meter connection).
  4. Bi-directional meter measures electricity produced and consumed and electricity produced is exported to the Grid (for a gross meter connection) or excess electricity produced is exported to the Grid (for a net meter connection).

Solar Photovoltaic

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roofs of homes and businesses capture the sun’s energy to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. Light energy is converted directly into electricity by transferring sunlight photon energy into electrical energy. This conversion takes place within cells of specially fabricated semiconductor crystals.

Solar generates electricity when it is needed most – during the day and on hot sunny days when electricity demand is at its peak driven by air-conditioners.

Importantly, electricity is generated at the point of demand – where people live and work. Having solar panels is like having a mini power station on your roof to power appliances such as fridges, air-conditioners and televisions. This lightens the load on our electricity infrastructure – the expensive network of poles and wires that transmits electricity from the nation’s large, centralised coal-fired stations to where it’s needed.

Solar power is a zero-emission electricity source. One megawatt hour of solar-derived electricity avoids approximately one tonne of CO2.