Everything you need to know about solar installation
Australians are moving towards residential solar power as it is one of the best means to generate your own energy and reduce your reliance on buying electricity from the grid. To help get you started, we’ve created a quick run-through guide with everything you need to know about solar installation, including what will be installed and what you can do to track your usage.
Solar panel installation
The electricity to your household is generated by your rooftop solar panels and their ability to convert UV rays into DC (direct current) electricity. The number of home solar panels you’ll need will be determined by a range of factors. This includes the size of your home, the direction of your home plan, the material of your roofing, and the choice of panels.
A solar inverter
A solar inverter is a very important component of a home solar system as it regulates the electricity coming from your panels. The DC electricity is converted into AC (alternate current) electricity to support the different voltages that are present. The solar inverter is a part of the entire solar system, which is provided with your solar panels.
Updating your energy meter to a digital ‘smart’ meter
Traditionally, there are two types of meters:
| Analogue Meter | An analogue meter that can measure one direction flow of electricity, which is your electricity consumption. In this case, the energy network distributor for your area will manually take the reading of the electricity units, which is then sent to your retailer who bills you for the consumption. |
| Smart Meter | A digital smart meter is a remotely read meter where consumption can be measured remotely which removes the need for estimated reads. These meters are also designed to measure the consumption and generation of electricity by your solar panels. |
Often when you install a solar system, your meter will need to be upgraded to a digital meter. If you already have a smart meter, it will most likely need to be reconfigured to handle the import and export of your electricity.
Usage tracking
Lastly, you will have access to your usage tracking via your retailer's energy app or hardware system app. Nectr customers can also use the Nectr app to monitor electricity usage, bill credits, and more.
Are you ready for solar installation?
Once you’ve made the decision to install solar panels for your home, Nectr will manage everything for you, which means you only deal with a dedicated Nectr solar specialist who will help you with choosing the most appropriate solar option to any post-solar installation questions you may have.
