Generally speaking, all solar PV systems do require a small amount of energy to keep the inverter running (at least on standby).
However, your system will be a net producer of power as it is designed to generate clean electricity from the sun.
Overall, it exists to produce energy for you, not consume it.
This FAQ will help you understand the energy needs of your system and what you can do with it.
Usage Profiles And Feed In Tariffs
Depending on your usage profile you may also benefit from a feed-in tariff where you can get paid for any solar energy that you don’t use i.e. during the day and sending it into the grid.
Power can then be purchased from the grid at night when your solar panel system is not able to produce energy.
In this way you are lowering your energy bills by generating your own electricity during the day and selling it to the grid for a feed in tariff and then purchasing it only when you need it at night.
For this reason, we recommend grid-connected systems over stand-alone off-grid power systems which do not allow you to take advantage of feed-in tariffs.
Inverters Do Need A Small Amount Of Power
Most solar power systems need an inverter which is a device that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) as most homes are wired for AC.
These inverters do require a small amount of power so that they can remain on standby mode when your solar panels are not receiving light from the sun.
In the majority of cases, the power required by the inverter is drawn from the energy produced by your solar panels.
However, when the power from the grid is turned off either intentionally or due to a blackout these inverters are designed to turn off within one second.
The Convenience Of Hybrid Systems
With a hybrid system you also get special hybrid inverters and batteries that store the energy for later use.
Any power that you don’t use immediately is stored in a battery system and then only when the battery system is full does the surplus power go back to the grid.
In case of a power outage your system can act as an independent island without depending on the grid.
Although this additional convenience does come with an additional cost.
The Right Solar Power System For You
Are you struggling to find the right solar power system for your energy needs?
With so many factors to consider it can be quite a daunting task.
Our team are here to help you with all aspects of going solar including:
- analysing your current electricity bill
- determining your usage profile
- calculating expected electricity increases
- feed in tariffs
- technology
- financing
- installation
- after sales service and support
So, request a quick quote today, and let’s talk about how you can get the right system that will save you from day one.
