Navigating CCEWs and Connecting to the Grid Before small-scale solar power systems can be installed and connected at your home or business, and later switched on, permission must be granted by your electricity distributor to connect to the electrical distribution network.

Our article “How solar panels work” explained how solar panels collect energy via the Sun’s light and generate direct current (DC). However, most of the appliances used in our homes require electricity in alternating current form (AC).

Solar panels allow us to harness the limitless supply of solar energy from the sun and convert it into power. But how do solar panels do this? These specially constructed panels utilise something called the photovoltaic effect to generate power.

A glossary of terms that will help you make sense of the installation and operation of your home solar power system.