Solar power is generated by light from the sun hitting specially made solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which converts the light into electricity. The electricity is used to power your home during daylight hours and any excess is transferred to the grid via a solar inverter.

Generally the panels are installed on rooftops and positioned in a northerly direction to maximise the amount of sunlight that hits them throughout the day. The amount of electricity that the panels can generate varies throughout the day. In the morning you may be consuming more energy than your can generate, and so some of the energy you use would come from the grid.

During the afternoon when your solar system is working at full capacity you may generate more electricity than you are using. This excess is fed back to the grid and transferred into energy credits that you can use when your system is producing less again, such as in the evenings.

Solar systems with battery storage

As prices for battery storage continue to drop, solar PV systems with battery backup are becoming increasingly popular. The battery enables you to store excess energy generated during the day and use it in the evening, further reducing your reliance on the grid.