The cold season is approaching which means it is time to whip out the winter jackets and beanies and turn on the heater. However, heaters can consume too much energy which can lead to high electric bills.
As electricity prices continue to rise across Australia, more and more people are turning to solar power as a way of reducing their electricity consumption. Solar power is a great source of renewable energy as well as helps you cut costs along the way. In fact, the Australian Energy Council estimates that 3.04 million Australian households and businesses had rooftop solar systems in 2021.
How reliable is a solar energy system in heating your home for the winter?
Many people think that solar panels are ineffective during the winter months. However, this is not true; while the energy output of a solar panel is at its highest when exposed to direct sunlight and UV rays, it does not matter whether the temperature is higher or lower than average.
True, the amount of sunlight available during the wintertime is a lot shorter than during the summertime. Although this does reduce the amount of time a solar panel is working at full efficiency, the amount of sunlight available in most regions is more than enough to make it worth the while. – in both cases, solar panels will still efficiently power your heating system and other appliances during the winter.
Solar panels will generate electricity even if the temperature is below freezing because they absorb energy from the sun’s abundant light, not heat. In fact, cold climates are actually optimal for solar panel efficiency so long as sunlight is hitting a solar panel.
Same thing on rainy or cloudy days, and even in snow. Solar panels use diffuse or indirect sunlight (radiation) to generate energy.
Reverse Cycle Heating – Best Heating Option
Generally, you want a heating system that is cost-efficient and perfectly suited for your home or your lifestyle. Refrigerated air conditioning systems with reverse cycle mode come out on top every single time.
Refrigerated air conditioners are cooling systems that can double as very efficient heaters during the cold seasons. When in reverse cycle mode, it draws heat from the outside air and removes the cold air inside your home.
How Does it Work?
Generally, a solar-powered refrigerated air conditioning system is powered by solar-generated electricity, rather than from the power grid. Solar electricity is produced by the solar panels or the solar energy system, which converts energy from the sun into direct current (DC). An inverter then converts the DC electricity into a usable form of electricity (alternating current or AC) that will power your air conditioning unit.
what size of Solar System do you Need?
If the roof space is available, we recommend a 6.6KW system. This will allow for future usage or battery storage. Basically, having more power from the panels allows for the inverter to run at its maximum efficiency for a longer period.
Solar Batteries Help you Maximise your Solar Energy Usage
Given that the winter season may reduce the amount of time a solar system is working at full efficiency, adding solar battery storage that can store excess electricity from your panels can get you a long way in ensuring your home’s energy security.
Having a solar energy system alone can save you money by not relying too much on the grid. Adding a solar battery that can store excess energy generated by your solar panels will save you more money, or even lets you enjoy freedom from electricity bills.
Save Thousands of Dollars on your Bills by Making the Switch Today
In recent years, electricity prices have increased for manufacturing businesses and households. These costs are forecasted to continue rising in the coming years. With electricity costs predicted to rise by another 9% every year for the next 4 years, people are now looking to solar as an alternative solution.
Going solar is a great way to reduce your monthly electric bill. Solar panels generate free electricity for their entire 25-year lifespan—even if you don’t produce 100 per cent of the energy you consume, solar still reduce your utility bills, saving you money in the long run.