What Is a Solar System? A Simple Guide for Beginners

New to solar? This simple yet in-depth guide explains how solar systems work, what components you need, and how to choose the right system for your rural property in Queensland.

Introduction: Why So Many Australians Are Turning to Solar

As electricity prices continue to rise and rural Australians face unique power reliability challenges, more property owners are turning to solar power as a long-term solution.

But if you're new to the world of solar, the technical jargon can be overwhelming.

What exactly is a solar system? What does it do? What parts does it include?

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break it down in plain English, with special consideration for regional and rural Queensland homes—whether you’re in Roma, Miles, Toowoomba or beyond.

1. What Is a Solar Power System?

A solar system (also called a solar PV system) is a setup that converts sunlight into usable electricity for your home or business.

There are three main types:

• Grid-connected (most common)

• Hybrid (solar + battery)

• Off-grid (standalone — not covered in this post)

At QLD Outback Solar, we specialise in grid-connected and hybrid systems that are tailored for rural use.

2. The Main Components of a Solar System

Let’s break down what actually makes up a solar power system:

☀️ 1. Solar Panels

• The most visible part—mounted on your roof

• Convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity

• Typically made of monocrystalline silicon (most efficient for Aussie heat)

⚡ 2. Inverter

• Converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) so your home can use it

• Comes in two main types:

  • String inverter (common and cost-effective)

  • Hybrid inverter (handles both solar and battery input)

    
    

🔋 3. Battery (Optional)

• Stores excess solar power for later use (like at night or during blackouts)

• Not essential but adds energy independence

• AC-coupled or DC-coupled depending on your inverter type

📶 4. Monitoring System

• Tracks how much energy your system is generating and using

• Apps from brands like Sungrow, SolarEdge, and Fronius let you monitor in real time

  
  

⚙️ 5. Switchboard Upgrades & Safety Gear

• Ensures your system meets Queensland’s electrical standards

• Includes circuit breakers, isolators, and surge protection

3. How Does a Solar System Work?

Here’s a simple step-by-step flow:

1. Sunlight hits your panels and creates DC electricity.

2. The inverter converts it into AC power for your home.

3. That power is used immediately by your appliances (lights, air-con, pumps, etc.).

4. If you generate more than you use, the excess is:

   • Sent to the grid (earning you feed-in credits), or

   • Stored in your battery for later use

   
   
5. 
   

4. What Size Solar System Do You Need?

This depends on:

• Your daily energy use (measured in kWh/day)

• Available roof space

• Whether you want to add a battery now or later

• Your future power needs (e.g., EV charging, irrigation, shed expansion)

Here are some common system sizes for rural homes:

System Size	Panels	Daily Output	Suits Homes With…
6.6kW	~15–17	25–30 kWh	Small to average homes
10kW	~24	40–45 kWh	Larger homes, small farms
13.2kW	~32	50–60 kWh	Large properties, high usage
15–20kW	40+	65–90+ kWh	Farms, irrigation systems, heavy loads

📌 Tip: Three-phase properties can usually support larger systems.

5. The Difference Between Hybrid and Traditional Solar Systems

Feature	Grid-Connected System	Hybrid System
Battery	❌ No	✅ Yes
Use solar at night	❌ No	✅ Yes
Backup in blackouts	❌ No	✅ Yes (if designed for backup)
Upfront cost	💲 Lower	💲💲 Higher
Futureproofing	⚠️ Limited	✅ Flexible

Hybrid systems are becoming more popular in rural areas due to blackouts, rising tariffs, and more control over energy use.

6. What About Feed-In Tariffs and Savings?

When your solar system produces more power than your home needs, the excess electricity is exported back to the grid.

• In return, you receive a feed-in tariff (FIT), usually 5c–10c per kWh in QLD

• Compare this to paying 25–35c per kWh for grid power—using your own solar is far more valuable than exporting

💡 This is why battery storage is gaining popularity, especially where feed-in rates are low.

7. Rebates and Incentives in Queensland (2025)

As of now, there are two main financial incentives available:

✅ STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)

• Federal scheme that reduces the upfront cost of your system

• Automatically applied by your installer

• Worth $2,500–$4,000+ depending on system size

✅ Queensland Battery Rebate (2024–2025)

• Available for eligible hybrid or battery retrofits

• Rebates up to $4,000 for low-income households

• Available in regional areas—talk to us to check your eligibility

8. Maintenance and Longevity

Good solar systems are low-maintenance and built to last 25+ years.

Tips for longevity:

• Choose Tier 1 panels with 25-year product and performance warranties

• Get your system professionally installed and inspected

• Monitor your system for performance drops

• Keep panels clean if you're in dusty or bird-heavy areas

9. Why Solar Is Ideal for Rural Queensland Homes

• Sun exposure is ideal – regional QLD averages 5–6 peak sun hours/day

• Great roof space availability

• Rising grid costs and unreliable supply in some areas

• Long-term savings and energy independence

Final Thoughts: Solar Made Simple and Smart

Now that you know the basics, you can approach solar power with confidence. Whether you start small or go big with a hybrid system, a well-designed solar setup gives you:

• Lower bills

• Reliable power

• Long-term peace of mind

💬 Thinking About Solar for Your Property?

At QLD Outback Solar, we’ve installed systems across rural Queensland—from Charleville to Ipswich. We know the local conditions, rebates, and design requirements for large properties and high-usage households.

📞 Contact us today for a free quote or on-site solar assessment.