Solar energy
Solar energy refers to light and heat radiating from the sun. When this energy is captured, it can be converted into electricity or used to heat air or water. Most solar energy is converted into electricity and used to help power the grid. A large collection of solar panels producing electricity is called a solar farm.
How solar energy works
There are 2 main types of technology used to generate energy: solar thermal and solar photovoltaic. Solar photovoltaic (also known as solar PV) is the most used technology in Queensland.
Typical solar PV cells are covered in glass and protected by aluminium frames. This is called a solar panel. The panels on these cells can convert sunlight directly into electricity. Technology is improving, with flexible solar PV roof tiles now available and solar paint being developed.
Solar energy efficiency and reliability
The efficiency of solar PV (how much solar energy is converted into electricity) depends on the type of cells. Monocrystalline cells and polycrystalline cells are very efficient.
Solar PV output depends on a number of factors including location, size and installation. Solar panels are generally reliable and are low maintenance as they have no internal moving parts.
The difference between home solar and solar farms
Queensland has the highest rate of household solar installations in Australia, with 1-in-3 homes using solar.
Many solar farms use similar panels to those on home roofs across Queensland. The main difference is the size and number of panels. Solar farms have room to host more panels and produce large volumes of electricity.
Solar farms and grazing livestock
Solar farms are ideally set up on land that has lower ecological and agricultural value. Land that is more compatible for solar is often less compatible for farming. However, there are many solar farms being trialled on agricultural land across Australia . In some cases, grazing livestock and solar farms may be a good match and successful trials are underway with sheep grazing.
The importance of rooftop solar
Small-scale rooftop solar is playing a key role in Queensland’s energy transformation. More than 790,000 homes and small businesses have rooftop solar. The collective power of small-scale solar is important in helping us reach our renewable energy targets. Learn more about installing solar in your home.
More information
- Learn about other renewable energy technologies that make up Queensland’s SuperGrid.
- Last updated:
- 15 December 2023