How Solar Works

As a connected world, our increasing energy consumption has us in need of other energy sources and with the sun our biggest and most powerful asset, Instyle Solar enhances our most valuable energy resource. Switching from traditional power to solar power offers positive benefits to the broader community and more direct financial benefits for the average homeowner.

Taking inflation into account, real electricity prices increased 100.9 percent on average in the ten years to 2019, and prices are anticipated to rise in the coming years. The average homeowner in 2020 can already expect to pay $3,081 per annum on their power bill. On average, solar can save you up to 60 to 80 percent off your current electricity bill, and more if your system size allows.

When you crunch the numbers, the savings from your power bill can cover most, if not all, of your solar system repayments, creating a positive cash flow investment for your household.

However, to achieve the long-term benefits of solar and be confident in your investment, it’s important to install a system with quality products that have extended warranties, through accredited and trusted suppliers who can support you for the life of the system.

How it works

Want to know how solar works and how all the products come together to produce a greener energy solution? Watch this video for a simple explanation.

Solar Panels

Electricity is generated after the sunlight hits the solar panels and positively charges the silicon atoms contained within the panel cells. The positively charged atoms travel in a Direct Current (DC) into the inverter.

Solar Inverters

The inverter has one main job – to convert the DC electricity received via the solar panels, into Alternating Current (AC). It needs to make this conversion so the power can be used within your home in the same way power from the grid is used. If there isn’t a battery storage system in place, the inverter also pushes any unused power back to the grid.

Solar Batteries

A solar power storage system usually contains one or more batteries and inverters. The idea behind a battery storage system is to hold unused power so it can be used on days when consumption is higher. Just like a car battery, a solar battery will remain full until the power is completely drained. As more power is generated, the excess goes into the battery until it is full, then it’s drawn on, refilled and so on.

Solar Monitoring

One of the most significant changes in the solar industry in recent years is the addition of solar system production and consumption monitoring. There are currently two types of monitoring – the first is standard inverter production monitoring, which comes embedded in the inverter device. The second is a range of additional add-on products which provide live data that is more detailed with numerous insights into your system production and household consumption habits.

What is the STC Scheme? Am I eligible to receive it?

The Australian Small Scale Technology Certificates program is a federal government initiative to assist homeowners in reducing the upfront cost of installing solar power as well as kickstart the renewable energy sector. It’s sometimes referred to as a ‘Solar Rebate’ but it is not a rebate in the traditional sense. When a solar system is installed, it generates a number of STC’s (Small Scale Technology Certificates). These certificates represent the positive environmental impact of using solar energy over carbon-emitting fuel sources such as gas and coal. They have a monetary value and are traded on an open market. Companies who are aiming to reduce their environmental impact purchase these certificates from installers therefore partially funding the solar installation. Installers then pass this onto homeowners by lowering their system prices.

How much will solar save me on electricity costs?

There is no way to give exact savings figures without conducting an in-home consultation with one of our trained solar experts, who can look at your existing electricity usage, roof layout and more. You can, however, get an estimate by clicking here and completing our savings calculator.

How much will a solar system cost?

To provide an exact quote, we suggest conducting an in-home consultation. However, as a CEC accredited Installer and retailer, Instyle Solar makes sure to price our systems within the CEC price guideline.

Will I earn money by sending power to the grid?

Using your solar power in the home is the best way to maximise potential savings. If that’s not an option, your solar energy will be exported to the grid. Your energy provider will then pay you for this electricity. The amount you are paid is called the FiT or Feed-In Tariff. Each energy provider offers a different tariff amount, so it is worth shopping around.

How will solar help the environment?

Solar power is most definitely a cleaner and more sustainable energy source when compared to the CO2 output of traditional fossil fuels, gas and coal. While there is a ‘carbon cost’ associated with producing the panels themselves, this is paid off within two years on average.

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