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Solar electricity
Electricity
can be generated from the sun using Photovoltaics. A solar cell or
photovoltaic cell is a device that converts solar energy into
electricity by the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaics, or PV for
short, is a technology that converts light directly into electricity.
To explain the photovoltaic solar panel more simply, photons from
sunlight knock electrons into a higher state of energy, creating
electricity.
A Solar Smart Power System has two main
components that produce usable electricity; Solar or PV Panels that
convert sunlight into electricity.
An inverter that converts this electricity into 240 Volt AC that can be used to power your home.
Grid
connected system means that any power you create goes back into the
main power system. You pay the difference between what you create and
what you use.
Become your own mini renewable energy power station!
Reduction in Greenhouse gases
Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions are now in the range of 25-32 g/kWh and this could decrease to 15 g/kWh in the future.
For
comparison, a combined cycle gas-fired power plant emits some 400 g/kWh
and a coal-fired power plant 915 g/kWh and with carbon capture and
storage some 200 g/kWh. Using renewable energy sources in manufacturing
and transportation would drop photovoltaic emissions to zero.
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Power Savings
Depending
on the size of the Solar Power system it can save from 25% to 100% of
electricity to being a net producer of power back into the grid. The
average home uses around $1000.00 per year in electricity. A 1kw system
can reduce this by as much as 25%.
The Solar Smart Program also
provides you with a Home Energy and Water Audit that can help you save
an additional 15 - 25% off your water and energy usage.
It is
important to ensure your home is running as efficient as possible prior
to installing your system. As part of the Solar Smart Package the award
winning EcoSmart Home Audit will be conducted on your home which
normally costs $250.
System Specifications
The Solar Smart base system consists of the following:
- 1.00 kW (6) Solar Panels (Evergreen, Sharp, SolarFun or equivalent product)1.5 – 2.5 kW
- Inverter (Fronius, KACO or equivalent product)
- Roofmount frameMarshalling enclosure for roof
- Cable from array to marshalling enclosure
- Circuit protection
- Main Switch for switchboardSet of labels
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