Solar Power

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used in homes and commercial buildings just like electricity from the grid.

Solar power systems give off no noise or pollution, making them the ideal renewable energy source in urban areas. A range of technologies is available, and has been commercially proven over many years.

How does it work?

Solar power systems convert the energy from sunlight into direct current (d.c.) electricity. An inverter then converts this direct current to alternating current (a.c.), to make it compatible with grid electricity. Solar power systems are oriented to the North and inclined in order to generate the maximum amount of electricity from the sun as possible.

Over 2000 homes in NSW use solar power. These homes are preventing the emission of nearly 2,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas every year.

A 1.5kW solar power system has an area of about 11 square metres and generates around 1,800 kilowatt hours of electricity. Such a system typically costs around $20,000. The current market for solar power in NSW is small and therefore the price compared to coal-fired electricity is high.

Solar power has traditionally been used in remote areas where the grid is not available; such systems store electricity in batteries for use when the sun is not shining and are called stand-alone power systems. However, solar power is now appearing more in urban areas. Here, solar electricity is stored in the grid until needed. These are called grid-connected solar systems because the owner has the security of the grid available.

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