How solar power works
Solar power is a renewable energy source from the sun. This power is captured by solar panels installed on your roof and converted into usable energy in your home.
Step 1:
Sunlight hits the solar panels on your roof.
Step 2:
Solar cells in your panels are activated and produce electrical currents.
Step 3:
These electrical currents are converted into usable energy by a solar inverter.
Step 4:
This energy can be used in your house, or stored in a battery if you have one. Using the energy you produce means you don’t need to buy electricity from the grid.
Step 5:
Any excess energy you don't use or store in a battery can be fed back into the electricity grid. You'll receive a small rebate on your power bills from your electricity retailer.
What are the main benefits of solar?
1. Solar power is a renewable energy source
Coming directly from the sun, solar power is an excellent energy source to support the environment. It supports decarbonisation by decreasing our reliance on fossil fuel generation for electricity. Rooftop solar is a key player in our shift to reliable, low-cost and clean power, playing an important role in supporting a 100% renewable grid in the future.
2. You can save money
You have access to free renewable electricity, which is available to you as your solar panels generate it. You can make a difference by adjusting your energy usage during solar generation times – that is, use more power during the day (off-peak) rather than at night (peak).
You can also receive a small rebate on your electricity bills from your retailer for any solar power that is exported back to the grid. Beyond energy savings, the cost of solar installation is often supported by government rebates and programs. For more information on rebates and eligibility, visit Solar Victoria.
3. It opens up other renewable solutions
Installing solar on your roof is the starting point to many other opportunities in the renewable solutions space. This can include battery storage, Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs or improved electric vehicle charging opportunities.
Understand your location and your energy usage
It’s important to understand that not all properties or households may benefit from having solar. Factors like seasonal impact, shading, roof pitch and roof space all play a part in effective solar generation.
Your home energy usage behaviours and patterns might also mean that your return on investment may not be as significant. For example, if you’re a big energy user in the evening but are out of the house most of the day, you may also need to consider a home battery – to store your energy during the day so that you can use it at night – to make solar worthwhile.
You can check your daily energy usage patterns on your power bill or through your electricity retailer’s online portal. Or, you can set up an account or log in to AusNet’s MyHomeEnergy portal to check your energy usage patterns.
For information and resources to help you choose the right solar system for your household’s needs, visit the Energy Consumers Australia website.
Note: If your property has an analogue meter, we will need to upgrade your meter to a digital smart meter. This allows us to remotely measure and record the amount of solar your system generates and exports. Find out early on in your solar journey if you need to upgrade your meter, so that it doesn’t hold up your solar installation process.
The steps for connecting
From start to finish, learn the six steps of setting up a new solar connection.
Your network tariff will change
Your energy retailer might change how they charge you. Check with them about how solar will affect your power bill.
