Connecting solar

Solar energy: powering your future

At EA Networks, we believe in harnessing the power of the sun to create a sustainable and energy-efficient future for our community. Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy costs. Whether you're looking to install solar panels on your home or business, we're here to provide you with some information to you get you started on the journey.

If you're ready to get started with your solar application, click here.

Why choose solar?

Solar energy offers numerous benefits:

Abundant and accessible: Sunlight is plentiful and can be harnessed almost anywhere.
Easy to install: Solar panels are modular and can be installed quickly and efficiently.
No fuel costs: Once installed, solar panels generate electricity without any ongoing fuel costs.
Versatile: Solar panels can be used for a wide range of applications, from powering individual households to large-scale solar farms.
Zero operational emissions: Solar energy produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

How does solar work?

Solar electricity is generated through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are specially prepared wafers of silicon that absorb light energy and release electrons, forming an electric current. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, ground-mounted systems, or integrated into building designs.

What you decide to install impacts how much it will cost to install. We suggest doing lots of research and getting multiple quotes if you’re serious about getting solar installed.

For free and independent advice on solar, check out this page:

How does solar work?

Solar electricity is generated through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are specially prepared wafers of silicon that absorb light energy and release electrons, forming an electric current. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops, ground-mounted systems, or integrated into building designs.

What you decide to install impacts how much it will cost to install. We suggest doing lots of research and getting multiple quotes if you’re serious about getting solar installed.

For free and independent advice on solar, check out this page:


FAQs

Will solar panels lower my energy bill?

Yes, solar panels can help reduce your energy bill by generating electricity for your home or business. The amount you save will depend on the size of your solar system, how you use the power, and whether you have batteries installed.

Do I need a smart meter? 

Yes, if you have a grid-connected solar system, you'll need an import/export meter to record the electricity imported from and exported to the grid.

How much do I get for selling power back to the grid? 

The export price per kWh varies by retailer. It's a good idea to compare retailers to find the best price. Generally, the export price is less than the import price.

Can I run my home completely off the grid?

To run a home entirely on solar power and off the grid, you'll need a properly sized system and batteries to store power for use when the panels are not generating.


How long do solar panels last? 

Solar panels typically last around 25 years. They degrade over time, producing slightly less energy each year. Most manufacturers expect their panels to generate at 80% of their original capacity at the 25-year mark.


How much sun do solar panels need? 

Solar panels work best with direct sunlight. Ideally, they should receive four to five hours of direct sunlight per day to generate enough power.


What size solar system do I need? 

The ideal system size depends on your electricity usage, roof size and orientation, and whether you plan to install batteries.


Distributed generation

Find out more about installing distributed generation and connecting it to EA Networks' electricity network.