Due to the need to be less dependent on coal fired energy, the Australian Federal Government is offering a cash rebate for solar power installations. There are three configurations of installation which can attract the Government rebate.



Perhaps the most important configuration is called the "Grid Connect" system. This installation includes between 6 and 20 solar panels that are connected to the electricity mains. During the day when your home is not using much power and there is a surplus of electricity being generated the system "sells" power to the electricity grid. During the night when home electricity is being used at a higher level, the household if "buying" electricity back.



A second configuration is where the solar panel system is connected to the grid but also has a "Battery Backup". This system sells power back to the grid, as does the previous configuration, but it also has a power backup in case of a power cut or "brown out". The battery system is charged by the solar panels and excess power not needed to run the household and/or charge the batteries, is sold back to the main grid.



A third option is where the household is not connected to a mains at all, and is perhaps a home in a remote area where grid electricity is not available. The home is wired as though it is a regular home connected to a main grid but instead of being connected to the grid is connected to the solar panels, and a battery backup. The home is self-sufficient in electricity needs. However, there needs to be enough solar panels to run the household during the day and night requiring an extensive battery backup.

Thanks to Australia-Wide Solar for the information and pictures.