A solar panel is a package of many solar cells that are interconnected. These solar panels are used as components to generate and supply electricity for commercial and residential usage! Many a times, a single solar panel mounted on your roof can produce restricted amount of power and hence it is advantageous if few or many solar panels systems are placed together for acquiring better efficiency, based on the purpose of its usage!
Thus if you have many panels in one place, then it is considered as a photovoltaic system that naturally includes an array of solar panels, an inverter, and sometimes a battery and interconnection wiring which is optional!
Light is both a wave and particle and hence its conversion to electrical energy is much viable. Solar panel is a large array of photo-diodes that convert light energy as electricity. The solar panels systems are made of semiconducting materials (mostly Silicon) which conducts electricity when sufficient light falls on them to excite their electrons.
Now that you know the working of Solar Panels, you would have a doubt on what type of solar panel you should buy!
Well, that greatly depends on the usage. To settle on the type of solar panel you wanted to buy, it becomes mandatory to know the material used and its performance.
Poly-crystalline panels, as their name suggests it incorporate varied structured crystals along with silicon. Efficiency is comparatively less than mono-crystalline.
Solar panels come in a wide range of wattages, starting from small portable panels all the way up to high-output residential and commercial options. You’ll see panels in sizes like 40 W, 80 W, 90 W, 190 W and 200 W, which are usually used for camping, caravans, sheds or low-demand setups.
For homes, most people now choose panels between 350 W and 440 W, as they produce more energy from less roof space and meet today’s efficiency standards. The right option depends on how much power you need, how much roof space is available and your long-term energy goals.
When we talk about full solar systems, we look at the total power in kilowatts (kW). This is calculated by adding up the wattage of all panels in the system.
Common system sizes in Australia include:
3 kW system
Small homes or low energy households.
5 kW system
A good fit for most average homes.
6.6 kW system
The most popular size as it offers strong output and good value.
8 kW to 10 kW system
Ideal for larger families, EV charging or homes with high daytime consumption.
Each system size has different production levels and roof space needs, so choosing the right one depends on your daily energy use and future plans.
Choosing solar panels is easier when you know what to look for. Key things to keep in mind:
A reliable installer will guide you through all of this and tailor a system for your home.
Solar prices vary by system size, panel quality and installation requirements, but here’s a rough idea of current costs:
Higher-end panels and premium inverters cost more, but they often deliver better long-term performance and higher energy yields. Government rebates (STCs) also help bring the price down.
If you’re comparing options, getting a few quotes is the best way to understand your choices and pricing. Most installers in Australia offer free solar quotes, including system design, expected output and estimated savings. This helps you compare brands, warranties and installation quality before making a decision.