Solar energy has revolutionised how people think about power and energy. Solar power is now cheaper than ever, making it a realistic option for powering your home. But can a house run on solar power alone?
The answer is yes and no. Going completely off-grid with solar power is possible, but it requires a significant investment in solar panels and batterie. This is not always practical as the cost of a battery will cost an extra $12,500 on top of your regular installation price of $5,500.
If you are connected to the grid, you are best using a feed-in tariff offered by your energy supplier as a buffer to make it work. Send excess power to the grid through the day for credits and draw it back at night.
Choose Hybrid System
While it is possible to go completely off-grid with solar power, it's not always the most practical option. For most people, a hybrid system that uses solar and grid-connected power is the best way.
A hybrid system gives you the flexibility to use solar power when available and supplement it with grid power when it's not. This is a more affordable option than going completely off-grid, and it's still good for the environment.
Why a House Cannot Run on Solar Alone
While solar remains lucrative, especially with the advancements in solar technology, it is not enough to power an entire house by itself. Here are the reasons why;
Weather dependant
Solar panels only receive sunlight during the day when consumption is relatively low. There is no sunlight at night or on cloudy days to generate power. This means you'll still need to rely on the grid for power at night or during bad weather.
Plus, your solar panels will produce less power on days when the sunlight is limited. This can be offset by using energy-efficient appliances and ensuring your home is well-insulated, but it's something to be aware of.
Solar power is intermittent
Solar power is not a constant energy source like fossil fuels. It fluctuates throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. This means that you'll need to have a way to store the solar energy for use when the sun is not shining.
This can be done with batteries, but they can be expensive and require maintenance.
Solar panels inefficiencies
Technology has come a long way, but only about 20% efficient solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This is enough to power some homes, but not all. Hence, to power the entire home, one has to increase the solar panels, which means more money.
Solar power requires an upfront investment
Installing a solar energy system is not cheap. A typical 6kW system can cost around $5,500 after rebates. This is a significant investment; it may take several years to recoup the cost through savings on your electric bill. However, the Aussie government is trying to make this more affordable for people.
You also need to factor in the cost of batteries if you want to go completely off-grid. Batteries can add $5,000 or more to the cost of your solar energy system.
Other considerations include high maintenance costs, large space needed, and a limited life span.
While running your entire house on solar power alone is possible, it's not always the most practical or affordable option. For most people, a hybrid system that uses solar and grid-connected power is the best way.
How to Invest in a Good Solar Power System
Are you thinking of going full solar? Well, It's not entirely impossible to do so. Here are a few things you must know before investing in a solar system.
Choose the right solar system size
Solar systems go in various sizes, from small systems that only power a few appliances to large systems that can power an entire home. It's important to choose the right size system for your needs.
For instance, a household with 3-4 people will use a 5Kw solar system. The household needs to install a bigger system if there are more people.
It's also important to consider how much sun your home gets. If you live in an area with lots of sunlight, you'll need a smaller solar system than someone who lives in a cloudy area.
Get multiple solar quotes
When shopping for a solar system, getting multiple quotes from different companies is important. This will help you compare prices and find the best deal.
Be sure to read the reviews
Before investing in a solar system, be sure to do your research and read reviews of the different products on the market. This will help you find a quality product from a reputable company.
People are generous with their experiences, both good and bad. So, if you want to make a good investment in a solar system, be sure to read the reviews first.
Oversize your solar power system
A typical solar system is tailored to your power usage. If you normally use between 22 - 24 kW per day (most people), a 6kW system will do the job. But because of how the feed-in tariffs work, you will only reduce your bill by 85 - 90%. This is because there is a difference in the price of what the power company pays you for your electricity through the day and what it charges you at night.
If you oversize your system to a 7 - 8kW system, you will be sending more power to the grid that you draw at night, bridging that 10 - 15% gap and essentially having a net $0 power bill.
