Welcome to SolarGo
Welcome to SolarGo
Solar technology can seem complicated when you're comparing panels, batteries, charge controllers and inverters. This guide explains key concepts in straightforward language.
A solar cell is the fundamental component used to generate electricity from sunlight. Solar cells use photovoltaic technology to convert light energy directly into electrical energy.
Different manufacturing methods and materials can affect a cell's efficiency, appearance, cost and performance.
Monocrystalline cells are manufactured using high-purity silicon formed into a single crystal structure. The silicon is processed into thin wafers that are assembled into photovoltaic cells.
Modern monocrystalline technology offers high efficiency and excellent power density, making it one of the most common technologies used in residential and commercial solar panels.
Monocrystalline panels are commonly recognised by their uniform dark appearance.
Polycrystalline cells are manufactured using silicon containing multiple crystal structures. This production method was historically less expensive than producing large single-crystal silicon structures.
Polycrystalline technology has been widely used in solar panels, although modern installations increasingly use high-efficiency monocrystalline technologies.
The efficiency of a solar module depends on much more than the cell type, so panel specifications should always be checked individually.
Thin-film solar technology uses extremely thin layers of photovoltaic material deposited onto a supporting surface.
Unlike crystalline silicon cells, thin-film materials do not rely on traditional wafer-based construction.
Thin-film technology generally has lower power density than modern crystalline silicon panels, meaning more surface area may be required to achieve the same total output.
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic or PV modules, are created by connecting multiple solar cells together and protecting them within a suitable module structure.
Several panels can then be connected together to create a solar array.
The correct panel depends on the application, available roof area, inverter requirements, energy consumption and installation conditions.
Modern solar panels are available in a wide range of power ratings and physical sizes.
Panels designed for residential and commercial grid-connected systems commonly have much higher voltage characteristics than the traditional "12V solar panels" used in smaller battery systems.
When choosing a panel, consider:
Always ensure the panel's electrical specifications are compatible with the selected inverter or charge controller.
Self-regulating solar modules are designed with electrical characteristics that can help limit their charging voltage under certain conditions.
They have traditionally been used in smaller battery-charging applications where a simple system is required.
However, a self-regulating panel does not automatically make an entire solar installation safe from overcharging.
Battery capacity, charging conditions, temperature, load demand and system design all affect how a battery behaves.
For modern solar battery systems, a properly selected charge controller or compatible inverter is generally preferred over relying solely on the panel's characteristics.
The State of Charge (SOC) describes approximately how much energy remains available in a battery compared with its usable capacity.
Battery voltage can sometimes be used as a rough indication of state of charge, but voltage alone is not always an accurate measurement.
For traditional lead-acid batteries, voltage readings are most useful when the battery has been resting without charging or discharging for several hours.
Loads and charging sources should be disconnected before taking a resting-voltage measurement.
Temperature, battery chemistry, age, load conditions and measurement method can all affect the reading.
The following figures are a general guide for a conventional 12V lead-acid battery system at approximately 25°C after several hours at rest.
| Approx. State of Charge | 12V System | 24V System | 48V System |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 12.7V | 25.4V | 50.8V |
| 90% | 12.6V | 25.2V | 50.4V |
| 80% | 12.5V | 25.0V | 50.0V |
| 70% | 12.3V | 24.6V | 49.2V |
| 60% | 12.2V | 24.4V | 48.8V |
| 50% | 12.1V | 24.2V | 48.4V |
| 40% | 12.0V | 24.0V | 48.0V |
| 30% | 11.8V | 23.6V | 47.2V |
| 20% | 11.7V | 23.4V | 46.8V |
| 10% | 11.6V | 23.2V | 46.4V |
| 0% | Below 11.6V | Below 23.2V | Below 46.4V |
An inverter converts DC electricity from a battery or solar system into AC electricity.
The term "sine wave" describes the shape of the AC electrical waveform produced by the inverter.
The most common inverter waveform categories are:
Pure sine wave inverters produce a smooth AC waveform that closely matches the type of electricity supplied by the electrical grid.
They are the preferred choice for most modern electrical equipment.
Pure sine wave inverters are particularly suitable for:
They can provide quieter and more predictable operation for equipment with motors, transformers and sensitive electronic power supplies.
Modified sine wave inverters produce a stepped approximation of a sine wave.
They can be less expensive than pure sine wave models, and some basic electrical equipment can operate successfully with them.
However, compatibility can vary considerably between appliances.
Potential issues can include:
✅ For a modern home or system containing sensitive electronics, a pure sine wave inverter is generally the safer choice.
An appliance's advertised power rating does not always represent its actual electricity consumption.
Microwave ovens are a good example.
An oven advertised as having 800W cooking power may consume significantly more electricity from the wall.
Always check the electrical rating plate or manufacturer's specifications when calculating the inverter and solar system requirements.
The DC current flowing between a battery and inverter can be very high.
For example, a 1,500W inverter operating from a 12V battery system could require more than:
Actual current can be higher once inverter efficiency and battery voltage are taken into account.
This is why appropriately sized cables, fuses, isolators and connections are essential.
Undersized cables can cause:
Battery and inverter cabling should always be designed according to the equipment manufacturer's requirements, cable length, current rating and applicable Australian electrical standards.
Solar panels, batteries, inverters and other components need to work together as a complete system.
When choosing equipment, consider:
A system that is correctly matched from the beginning can provide better performance, reliability and long-term value.
Not sure which solar panels, battery or inverter are right for your property?
Solar4AU can help you find a suitable solar solution based on your energy requirements and property.
Request your free quote today and let our team help you take the next step towards cleaner, more affordable energy.
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