If you own a home in Mackay, you might be thinking about getting solar power. Is it a good idea? Does it save you money? Making this choice is important, and the more you understand, the smarter your decision can be. Here are some usual questions Mackay homeowners have about solar:

How does solar power work?

Solar power works by harnessing the sun’s energy to create power for your home. When sunlight hits the solar panels on your roof, it’s transformed into electricity. However, this electricity is in the form of DC (direct current), so to make it usable for your home, it needs to be converted into AC (alternating current) using an inverter.

What happens when it’s not sunny?

Solar panels require sunlight to make electricity, and although they can’t do this during the night, they can still generate power when it’s cloudy or rainy, though not as much. In simple terms, the more sunlight your panels receive, the more electricity they produce. If your system is installed correctly, it should generate sufficient power during the day to cover all your energy needs while storing any extra power you make. During the nighttime, you’ll use electricity from the grid. This means that even though your system doesn’t generate at night, it can make more than enough during the day. Fortunately, living in sunny Mackay is a big advantage for those considering solar energy.

Will I save money?

Definitely. Investing in solar power is a smart long-term choice with eventual rewards. When you have your own solar setup, it’s akin to owning a personal power station right at home. By bypassing intermediaries and managing it on your own, the benefits might not be instant, but the savings will grow significantly over time. There’s even the potential to earn money if you decide to sell your house down the line. Nowadays, many homebuyers actively seek houses with solar panels and are willing to pay extra for such a feature.

What is a feed-in tariff?

In simple terms, when your solar panels produce more electricity than you’re using, the excess power doesn’t go to waste. It either gets stored in your battery (if you have one) or sent back to the main grid. The feed-in tariff is the concept referring to the extra electricity that your energy provider will compensate you for.

Do I need to clean the solar panels?

Fortunately, solar panels keep themselves clean with the assistance of rain. But in case there’s an extended dry spell, it’s a good idea to inspect your panels and give them a gentle cleaning with a hose or cloth to remove any accumulated dust or debris. Generally, though, you won’t need to put in much effort for maintenance.

Your Solar & Electrical Experts

Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.