Solar Panel FAQ

While Solar panels may look like the answer to all of our energy problems, many people still do not have the slightest idea about them.

In this guide, we will explore a set of the most commonly asked questions.

How much power do Solar Panels produce?

Solar panels produce as much power as you desire. One solar panel can be linked directly to another to give twice the power; therefore, the answer to this question is it depends on the amount of panels.

There is a simple calculation to work out how much power your setup will produce. You need to calculate how many hours of ‘peak’ sun your area will get per day, then times that amount by how many watts your panels will produce per hour. Fortunately, Australia is known for its sun throughout the year; therefore, a day which produces 6 peak hours of sun will produce 180 watts (if you use a 30 watt panel). Obviously, if you increase the amount of solar panels then you increase the amount of power.

How many Solar Panels do I need?

This question really depends on why you are using your panels. Once again, this can be worked out with another simple equation. For example, if you want to use your panels to power your television for an hour, the average television consumes 98 watts per hour; therefore, you will need to produce 98 watts to run it for an hour. You can find exactly how much watts per hour your appliance uses by looking on the appliance or in the manual.

Does that mean I have to generate electricity for half a day to run my television for an hour?

In this instance yes, however, remember in the example above you are only using one solar panel to generate 30 watts. This can be increased, but obviously your setup cost will also increase. Now,  solar panel development is at a pivotal stage. Developers are working on lowering the cost and increasing the efficiency of panels.

How much will Solar Panels cost?

This really depends on how much you use. Now,  it is estimated that per watt you should be paying under $4. However, there are some schemes that mean you could get it for under $1 per watt. This price will continue to decrease over the next few years as governments try and convince people to convert. Remember, while this cost may sound high, governments are offering various rebates for customers. Therefore, if you do convert, you may find that you are entitled to a reduction, in one way or another.

Will Solar Panels save me money in the long run?

The answer to this question is yes. The majority of smaller solar panel instillations pay for themselves in a couple of years. Unfortunately, at this point it is rather expensive to install them. Therefore, many people are not making the conversion. However, if you can afford to convert your power (or at least get a partial rebate) then you should talk to someone about making the conversion.