Sunlight. Free and abundant.
It works! When the sun shines, our solar panels are generating power from the sun. It’s taken quite a while to reach this point. There were the months I hesitated, questioned many people and worried over the choice. Which supplier would be the best? which quote should I choose? Which panels? Which inverter? How many kilowatts?
Once chosen, there were the inevitable delays- too wet, too windy, an emergency to fix…then the panels were no longer being produced…Finally, better panels, but costing more money. Keep going? Yes!
Then, the panels went on, but weren’t connected!! So close, but…not yet.
Installing the energy program.
But now, the delays are past and we have been generating solar power for a couple of months. I spend a lot of time checking how much power is being generated and how much power the household is using. You see, this solar system is internet connected and I can check how much power each panel is generating and how much has been generated today, this week, this month or over a lifetime. Then I have this other splendid gadget which tells me how much power is being used by this household, in real time. I turn on heating and check how much power it uses. Does the solar cover it? Can I do the washing? I am so impressed with my washing machine and with my large air-conditioner. Neither uses much energy. Most days, I can be using both and still have power left over. Here in Australia, we have so much sunshine.
The program.
I am a little in love with our systems. In fact, I’m possibly obsessed with them. I confess I pester my co-home owner with several daily phone calls, consisting of updates on current usage. But you have to admit, it is fascinating. The air-conditioner is on, but we’re only using .653 kws- it’s a 5kw air-conditioner! Turn on the stove…uh oh, 2.6 kws. It’s all been a revelation.
Will we get our money back? Probably not, but that’s not why we put on solar panels. Australia may repeal the carbon tax, but at least we are doing something about living sustainably and climate change.
katesclippings 
That’s so exciting. I’ve been wondering about solar panels myself, and how much power they really give. When it comes time, I may ask you things, if you’re up for sharing 🙂
I would be glad to talk with you anytime. I’m passionate about the need to change our lifestyle. Here for us, we are establishing a garden so we grow at least some of our own food, and our next expenditure will be external blinds to insulate- particularly in summer, then water tanks. All very exciting and hopeful.
Wonderful thing you are doing. I appreciate getting your first hand account of how solar panels work, Thanks.
Hi Kate. I installed solar panels last year and have been happy with them. Exciting to be creating one’s own power! Thanks for following my blog! Judy