How to be energy independent

Solar power technology

At Solargain we understand solar power technology inside and out. We follow the international leaders in the solar energy field – the science, safety and policy behind every product. By keeping up to date with cutting edge solar power technology, we can offer the best range of products and make solar energy a simple and cost effective choice for our customers.

Solar power technology explained

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems convert sunlight directly to electricity. They work any time the sun is shining, but more electricity is produced when sunlight is more intense and strikes the PV modules directly (when rays of sunlight are perpendicular to the PV modules). PV panels do not use the sun's heat to make electricity. Instead, electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with semiconductor materials in PV cells are captured in an electric current.

Solar panels are a reliable energy source that produce electricity, without noise or air pollution, from a clean, renewable resource. Many PV system components are manufactured right here in Australia and PV technology is becoming Australia’s energy source of choice for the 21st century.

Solar panel placement

We have built our strong reputation on trust and experience with tens of thousands of installs, and we only install solar power systems where they are guaranteed to generate a consistent and substantial amount solar energy. A well-designed solar power system needs clear and unobstructed access to the sun's rays for most or all of the day, every day of the year.

You can make this initial assessment yourself, or Solargain can help you. If the location looks promising, Solargain will determine whether your home or business can effectively use a solar energy system.

The orientation of your solar power system affects its performance. In Australia, the sun is always in the northern half of the sky but is higher in the summer and lower in the winter. Usually, the best location for a PV system is a north-facing roof, but roofs that face west can also be used.

Flat roofs also work well for solar electric systems, because PV modules (photovoltaic modules or solar panels) can be mounted flat on the roof facing the sky or bolted on frames tilted to the north at an optimal angle. They can also be attached directly to the roof as PV shingles.

If your roof is not suitable for solar panel mounting, panels can also be placed on the ground mount.

Shading by trees, nearby buildings, or other obstructions. Does it affect solar panels?

To make the best use of your solar power system, the solar panels must have a clear “view” of the sun for most or all of the day—unobstructed by trees, roof gables, chimneys, buildings, and other features of your home and the surrounding landscape. Some potential sites for your solar power system may be bright and sunny during certain times of the day, but shaded during other times. Such shading may substantially reduce the amount of electricity that your system will produce.

We are experts in the complexities of solar technology so we can make solar simple for our customers. Contact Solargain to see how this amazing technology can make a big difference to your home.

How solar power can work for you

Solar energy can work for you in many ways. Many people enjoy a reduction in the amount of electricity needed from their utilities and the fact that they are less vulnerable to future price increases. Some people choose solar to reduce pollution and conserve the earth’s finite resources. And others just appreciate the independence that a PV system provides. Whatever your reason, solar energy systems are the energy source of choice for today and the future.