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Do you really know solar panels?

How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

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Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout theday and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes andbusinesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricityis then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. Atthat point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to theelectric grid.

 

Do my solarpanels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

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The amount of power your solar energy system cangenerate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produceslightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night.However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is asmart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

 

What happensif there is snow on solar panels?

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Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so ifyour panels are covered in snow they can’t produce electricity. Snow generallyisn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since mostpanels are tilted at an angle the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate,your panels are easy to clean.


Can I go off grid with solar panels?

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When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send powerback to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go offthe grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it willcost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.

How muchwill solar panel maintenance cost?

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Solar panel systems are made of durable temperedglass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that theywill generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solarpanels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturersinclude warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.

 

Do solarpanels work in a blackout?

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If your solar panel system is connected to thegrid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergencyresponders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by yourpanels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters youcan buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.

 

Which Are the Most Efficient Solar Panels?

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There are three types of solar panels and they differ in efficiency and price. Monocrystalline solar panels are the mostefficient. Some models can convert 25 per cent of the sunlight they receiveinto electricity. Polycrystalline solar panels are second in efficiency andsome models can reach up to 20 per cent. Thin-film solar panels have the lowestefficiency (around 10 per cent) but are also the least expensive panels.

 

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels?

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Not only will you reduce your electricity bill butyou will also make money through the Feed-in tariff. Moreover, by installingsolar panels, you will increase the overall value of your home and be lessenergy dependent since solar energy will be meeting big part of your energyneeds. Besides the financial benefits, you will reduce your carbon footprintand have less impact on the environment.

Why is mysolar power system working inefficiently?

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If you’ve noticed a substantial change in yourenergy savings, there are a number of things that you should check beforeworrying about a fault with your solar power system.

Check how many kilowatts (kW) you’ve used in thepast, compared with now, using previous and current bills. The power generatedby your solar PV panels and inverter won’t grow with your daily averageconsumption. Put simply, if you’ve been using more power than normal, you willpay more when your electricity bill arrives

While you’ve got your electricity bills out, checkthe rate at which your utility is charging you for power. You may be payingmore per quarter not because your solar system is working poorly, but becauseof additional costs issued by your supplier.

 

Take a stroll around your property during the dayand observe your solar PV panels. Check that neighbouring buildings, trees orother structures aren’t blocking sunlight from reaching the panels. Though yourinstaller would have ensured an non-obstructed view of the sun at the time ofinstallation, new factors may have emerged that are obstructing your panels fromworking properly.

 

Visit the common problems and solutions page formore information and advice.

 

Can I take my home off the electrical grid?

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Yes, provided you install optional battery-backupsystems to provide power when your demands exceed your production, such as atnight. While SolarMaxx can help you install such a system, it is not typicallyrecommended. First, batteries add significant costs to your system, extendingyour payback period. Second, you may not be eligible for some incentives if youdo not connect your system to your utility. Lastly, staying connected to thegrid ensures you will rarely ever be without power, unlike batteries that havea limited lifespan and storage capacity.


How do solarpanels generate electricity for your home?

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In 1954, scientists at Bell Telephone discoveredthat silicon, an element found in sand, created an electric charge when it wasexposed to sunlight. This discovery led to the development of solar cells thatcaptured the sun’s energy and turned it into electricity. Since then, thetechnology has evolved, and solar power systems now provide incrediblyattractive financial benefits for homeowners, businesses and non-profits acrossthe United States.

 

Thanks to solar panels, we have access to aninexhaustible source of power – the sun. Throughout the day, the cells on yoursolar panels absorb the energy from sunlight. Circuits within the cells collectthat energy and turn it into direct current (DC) electricity. The DCelectricity is passed through a device called an inverter to convert it to thealternating current (AC) electricity used by most homes and businesses. You canuse that electricity in your home, store it with a solar battery, or send itback to the grid.


How do solarpanels work?

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Solar panels are made up of many solar cells thathave been joined together. These cells are made using materials that have aphotoelectric effect, which means that they produce electricity when they’restruck by photons (i.e., light). Solar cells capture the electricity producedwhen the photoelectric materials are hit by sunlight, and send that electricityto an inverter. This inverter then transforms the electricity from directcurrent (DC) into a form that can be used in your home: alternating currentelectricity (AC). In most cases, the system also includes batteries, whichstore excess power until you need it.

 

What  determines whether my home is a good candidate for solar?

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We conduct an on-site survey to determine if yourhome is compatible for solar. Here are some examples of what we evaluate tomake sure that solar is a good fit:

 

Roof size, pitch and direction

Shading of the roof caused by tree branches, otherhomes, etc.

Roof obstructions such as chimneys, pipes, etc.

Roof stability and strength

Electrical wiring

 

What is asolar panel system?

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A method of generating green electricity on yourroof, stimulated by strong financial incentives from the government. A solarpanel system is a combination of multiple solar panels that generateelectricity, the inverter that transforms it into alternating current and theinstallation materials (e.g. mounting materials and cables). The system needsto be installed by an MCS accredited installer.

What arebenefits of solar panels on my roof?

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Solar panels are financially attractive forhomeowners that have the right roof, they give 100% green electricity generatedfor your own use, a reduced carbon footprint for your family, can create adrive to improve the energy efficiency of your house, and are considered aninvestment that increases the value of your house. They have a long lifetimeand require very little maintenance.

Howattractive is my roof for solar energy?

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This depends on the location (Cornwall/ Devon are optimal), the roof orientation(South is optimal), the roof angle (35-40 degrees is optimal), the roof shading(none is optimal) and the roof size (at least 8 square meter required). See thesolar education for details of each factor.

How much electricity will my system generate?

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Outputs in kWh are a combination of solarirradiation (sun received on your location), solar potential (your roofsorientation, angle and shading), system size (dependent on roof size available)and the derate factor (losses of electricity in the components of panels,inverter and cables). On average, a 1kWp would generate about 800 kWh per year(20% of the electricity use of an average 2 bedroom house)

What will the solar system cost?

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System costs are the combination of panels (50%),the inverter (10%) and the installation (40%) which includes both labor costs(it takes one or two days to install) and materials such as a mounting systemand cabling. Prices depend on quality of materials and the installation, so bevery careful with only comparing on price. On average prices of around 1.500pounds per kWp are normal, with discounts for larger systems due toinstallation efficiencies.

How much is the financial return?

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Due to government incentives current yearly returnscan be over 10% of initial investment. This means you will have paid back yoursystem within 7-8 years, and can enjoy another 12 years of governmentincentives and free energy. Many people decide to go solar for financial reasons,as it currently returns more than ISA’s and bonds. Solar panels are considereda safe investment because their returns are inflation adjusted and tax-free.

How do Ipick the right solar panels?

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Because there are hundreds of solar panelmanufacturers that create thousands of different panels this is a difficultchoice. Key differences are efficiency (amount of energy generated per squaremeter), lifetime and aesthetics. Always verify the warranty terms on theproposed panels. Also check how large the manufacturer is, as you may need them25 years from now to claim your warranty. Your solar installer can advise youfurther on the best choice of panels for your own roof.

How do Ichoose an installer?

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The total price of the system, the price per Wp andthe price per kWh generated are important measures – but be sure to also usequalitative criteria to select the right installer. Invite potential installersfor a free and non-obligatory site visit to your house, so you can learn more.Installer certification, experience, quality of materials and warranty are goodexamples of important qualitative criteria (see solar education for more).Asking for relevant examples and customer references can help you to verifythat your overall impression of this installer is right.

What does Compare MySolar do?

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We make the orientation phase of going solar easyand accessible for all consumers. Our website takes you by the hand through theinitial stage of the orientation, and provides information you need based onyour own roof and locally available systems and installers. Before we connectyou with your chosen installers we call you to answer any questions and giveour personal advice. This allows for a thorough selection of installers for anon-obligatory site visit in your house, and prepares you to make an informeddecision. After the site visit and the installation (if you choose to go solar)we will call you again to talk about your experience. This feedback helpsinstallers to improve their service, and allows us to improve our websitecontent for other users.

 

What is the difference between mono and poly panels?

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Polycrystalline silicon, and silicon aremonnokristallijn namely both made from the same raw material silicon sand. Thedifference is in the editing process of the silicon sand. When single crystalsilicon is one, in contrast to the polycrystalline silicon, to affect thepolarization of the crystals during the solidification, so that they all cometo lie in the same direction. Monocrystalline solar panels giving a slightlyhigher efficiency, longer, but are more expensive. The quality and theguarantee for both mono- and poly panels are identical. We offer a 10 yearproduct warranty, also we give to 10 years 90% power guarantee and even after20years 80% power guarantee.

 

Solar panelswork even on cloudy days?

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Our solar panels are also effective in cloudyweather, of course, with a lower yield. Clouds only a portion of the sunlight.In addition, the yield of solar panels is dependent on several factors:loction, placement, angle of inclination, etc. etc.

 

It’s important to minimize shading because solarpanels operate at optimal output when their entire surface is fully exposed todirect sunlight. The system will still produce energy if it is shaded but itsoutput will lessen.

 

What costsolar panels?

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The cost of a complete system with panels composedof several elements: type of solar panels, solar panels quality, number ofsolar panels, inverter, wiring, mounting frame, installation costs and anyother costs such as meter adjustments. The assembly of solar panels on a flatroof is also generally cheaper than on hell duck roof such as a tiled roof.Even more important than the cost, the yield of the solar panels and theassociated payback. Only then can you determine what produce solar panels inplaces they cost.

 

What doesthe term watt peak mean?

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Watt peak (Wp) is a metric to indicate the maximumpower of a device or installation. For example, in the case of photovoltaics,it is the unit that is used to indicate the ability of a solar cell or solarpanel.

 

It is measured internationally establishedstandards:

 

of the light strength, 1000W / m2

direction of the incident light

solar spectrum (air mass)

Temperature: 25 ° C

The Watt peak value is used to compare solar panelstogether.

 

With an irradiance of 1000 watts per square meter,this means that a solar panel of 1 m² has a capacity of 100 to 170 watts peak.Our solar panels have a maximum power of 270 watts peak, which is 170 Watt peakper m2.

 

What is aninverter?

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A power inverter, or inverter, is an electronicdevice or circuitry that changes 12 volt direct current (DC) to 220 volalternating current (AC).

 

What is asolar electric system?

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Solar power refers to the utilization of the sun’senergy for electricity. The system typically includes solar panels,inverter(s), mounting, and monitoring.

The process begins when the sun shines onto thesolar panels; where the photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the sunlight intodirect current (DC) electricity. The PV cells are made from silicon and arewired together to form a solar panel. The panels are mounted on a frame to forma solar panel array.

An inverter is used to convert the DC electricityto alternating current (AC), the electricity used by your home or building. TheAC electricity produced will be used to power your appliances directly, whileany excess power generated will be sent to the utility power grid.

What makes asolar system a good investment?

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By installing a solar power system, you willbasically become your own energy provider. Your home will produce its ownenergy whenever the sun is shining; this is free electricity! Any excess energywill be fed to the utility company, where you will earn credits at retailrates. Solar energy will protect you from the increases and instability of oiland gas prices!

According to a new study by the U.S. Department ofEnergy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with a Solar PVinstallation can demand a higher re-sale value than those without. Theincreased value is expressed in terms of dollar per watt installed, ranging onaverage from $3.90 - $6.40 per watt. Example: an average size, a 3.1 kW, solararray on a home could call for a $17,000 increase in re-sale price!

In addition to the financial benefits that comefrom a solar system, its impact on the environment is overwhelming! It leads topollution prevention, helps in our fight against global warming, and even goodfor your health! Installing a solar panel system is a solid investment for you,your family, and our planet.

As an investment, the dollars you save are AFTERTAX dollars. After tax dollars saved are worth 25-45% more than your typicalfinancial investment where you have to pay taxes on whatever your return oninvestment winds up being.

How muchspace is required for a solar system?

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The space needed will vary depending on how muchelectricity you want to produce. Limitations are normally based on the size andorientation of your roof and whether you have any objects which could castshadows on the solar panels - shade is bad! A Solar Greenergy professional willhelp design the perfect size system for your individual needs.

How long dothe panels last?

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Solar panels have no moving parts. They are made oftempered glass and survive through extreme weather conditions. They are ofteninstalled in Arctic and Antarctic conditions.Solar panels have an amazing 25-year manufacturers warranty. Most panels installedover 30 years ago are still producing power today!

Do the panels need to be mounted on a roof?

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In most cases solar panels will be mounted on theroof of your home. However, if shading, or other circumstances prevent this,panels can be mounted on the ground, forming what we call a "groundmount."

There are advantages to ground-mounts that cannotbe found on a roof-mounted system. For one, the panels, in most cases, would beable to be positioned to face true south, which will produce the most energy. Thereare also ground mount structures that can be adjusted. This allows you toproduce the optimum amount of energy during the different times of the year.

Both roof mounted and ground mounted systems aregreat investments. A Solar Greenergy representative can work with you to decidewhich type of system is best for your home.

What maintenance do solar panels require?

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Solar panels are basically maintenance-free! Therain will usually wash away any dust or dirt that has attached to the panels.If the panels ever seem dirty they can simply be sprayed with a hose from theground at night. Central inverters may need to be replaced around year 12.

What is netmetering?

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Net metering refers to the credit you receive forthe excess energy your solar system produces. Any time the sun is shining, yoursolar panels are producing energy. When your system produces more energy thanyou are using, the energy is fed back to the utility grid. You receive creditfor any excess energy you produce. At the end of each billing period you willpay for the amount of energy you use, minus the energy you produced.

Do the panels need to face south?

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Southern-facing panels produce the optimal amountof energy. Panels facing east or west will also generate substantial power. Northern-facingpanels would not generate enough power for a viable Solar PV system, so wewould not mount panels on that side of the home.