Electrical basics for solar systems - What you need to know

Electrical Basics for Solar Enthusiasts: Understanding the Fundamentals

Introduction

Switching to solar power is an exciting step toward sustainability, energy independence, and long-term cost savings. However, understanding the electrical fundamentals behind solar systems can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re curious about how solar energy works or considering a system for your home or business, knowing the basics of volts, amps, resistance, watts, and the difference between AC and DC power is essential.

At Australis Solar, we specialise in high-quality solar panel installations across Perth, ensuring homeowners and businesses maximise energy efficiency and savings. Our expert electricians handle a wide range of solar projects, making renewable energy simple, accessible, and optimised for Australian conditions.

In this guide, we’ll break down essential solar electrical concepts, including Ohm’s Law, PV strings, wiring configurations, grounding, surge protection, and inverters—all tailored to help you make the most of your solar investment.

Ohm’s Law: The Foundation of Solar Circuit Design

Ohm’s Law defines the relationship between voltage (V), current (I), and resistance (R):

$V=I×RV = I \times R$

This formula helps determine how electricity flows through your solar system. A well-designed circuit prevents overheating, reduces inefficiencies, and ensures that your solar setup operates at peak performance.

At Australis Solar, we take care of all the technical aspects, ensuring your system is designed with optimal voltage, current, and resistance levels for maximum safety and energy efficiency.

Understanding Volts, Amps, Resistance, and Watts

These four electrical units form the backbone of solar power systems:

Volts (V) – Measure electrical pressure or potential. Solar panels typically operate at 12V, 24V, or 48V.
Amps (A) – Represent the flow of electricity. Higher amperage requires thicker wires for safety.
Resistance (Ω) – Indicates how much a material opposes electrical flow. Copper wiring reduces energy loss.
Watts (W) – Total power output, calculated by: W = V × A

For example, a 24V solar panel generating 5A produces 120W of power.

At Australis Solar, we design solar systems that efficiently balance voltage, current, and resistance, ensuring seamless compatibility between components for optimal energy production.

Parallel vs. Series Wiring for Solar Panels

Solar panels can be wired in series, parallel, or a combination of both, impacting system voltage, current, and performance:

Series Wiring: Increases voltage while keeping current constant. Ideal for inverters that require high input voltage.
Parallel Wiring: Increases current while maintaining voltage. Ensures one shaded panel doesn’t impact the entire system.
Hybrid Wiring: A mix of series and parallel configurations to optimise inverter compatibility and reduce energy loss.

Our solar experts at Australis Solar customise wiring configurations based on your energy requirements, ensuring your solar panels, inverters, and battery systems work together seamlessly.

PV Strings and Why They Matter

A PV string consists of solar panels connected in series. String design impacts:

System voltage and current
Shading tolerance
Inverter efficiency

Proper PV string design prevents under-voltage issues, which can reduce energy output, and over-voltage, which may damage inverters. Our team at Australis Solar carefully calculates string configurations to maximise system efficiency and extend the lifespan of your solar components.

Inverters: Converting DC to AC Power

Solar panels generate direct current (DC), but homes and businesses use alternating current (AC). An inverter converts DC to AC power, making solar electricity usable for your appliances.

Types of solar inverters:

String Inverters – Cost-effective, suitable for unshaded systems.
Microinverters – Installed per panel for better performance in shaded areas.
Hybrid Inverters – Allow battery storage for night-time energy use.

At Australis Solar, we recommend the best inverter for your property, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and long-term savings.

Grounding & Safety in Solar Installations

Proper grounding protects people and equipment by directing electrical faults safely into the earth. Benefits include:

Protection from lightning and power surges
Compliance with Australian safety standards
Enhanced system longevity

Our team at Australis Solar prioritises safety-first installations, using high-quality grounding components for every solar system.

Surge Protection for Solar Systems

Solar arrays are vulnerable to power surges from lightning or grid fluctuations. Installing Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) safeguards:

Solar panels from electrical damage.
Inverters and system components from unexpected power spikes.

At Australis Solar, we ensure all installations include comprehensive surge protection, minimising risks and maximising system durability.

Battery Storage for Solar Energy

Adding solar batteries allows energy storage for night-time use or power outages. Key considerations:

Battery Types: Lithium-ion batteries are the most efficient and long-lasting.
Battery Voltage: Must match your system (e.g., 12V, 24V, 48V).
Charge Controllers: Prevent overcharging and extend battery life.

Popular Battery Options at Australis Solar:

BYD Battery Box – Modular, expandable, and highly efficient.
Tesla Powerwall – Compact design with built-in inverter.
Sigenergy SigenStor – Advanced all-in-one system with AI features.

Check out our Solar Battery Storage solutions for more details.

Choosing the Right Cables for Efficiency

Using the correct cable size prevents energy loss and overheating. Factors include:

Voltage Drop – Longer distances require thicker cables.
Material – Copper wiring ensures better conductivity.

For a 20A system over 30 meters, a 4mm² cable is more efficient than a 2.5mm² cable. Australis Solar ensures optimal cabling for every installation.

Monitoring & Maintenance for Maximum Performance

Keeping your solar system in top condition involves real-time monitoring and regular maintenance:

Solar Panel Cleaning – Improves energy absorption and system output.
Inspecting Connections – Prevents wear, corrosion, and inefficiencies.
Checking Inverters – Ensures optimal energy conversion.

Our Solar Monitoring & Maintenance Services keep your system performing at its best, year after year.

Conclusion

Understanding solar electrical fundamentals helps you make informed decisions about your system’s design, efficiency, and safety. At Australis Solar, we simplify the process, delivering expertly designed solar panel systems, inverters, and battery storage solutions tailored for Australian homes.

Contact Australis Solar today to start your journey toward clean, sustainable energy and long-term savings!