Frequently Asked Questions
Solar can sound complicated at first. That’s why we strive to keep it as simple and as seamless as possible. If your question isn’t answered below, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
1. What size of solar system do i need?
You may approach this in two ways: 1) Consider how much you want to save.2) Determine how much extra electricity and money you may want to make. Other factors that might help you are local levels of sun exposure, orientation of the array or tilt angle, and possible plans for future expansion.
2. How long does a solar power system last?
Solar panels are durable in nature, and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including snow, wind, and hail. Generally, solar energy systems can generate electricity for 20–30 years under warranty and can continue for another 15+ years after that.
3. What's the difference between off-grid and grid-tied?
A grid-tied system is still connected to the traditional power grid. This means you can draw power as usual during times where your solar panels are not producing power and / or your battery has no charge. You can also feed excess solar back to the grid to take advantage of feed-in tariffs. An off-grid system is completely separated from the traditional grid, generating all the power needed via solar with batteries for night time power usage.
4. How long does it take to install a solar system?
The installation of a standard solar system typically takes 1 day. Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances such as poor weather or unforeseen complications that may extend this to a second day. If this happens we will let you know what the issue is and arrange a time to return at the earliest convenience. For larger installations, such as commercial solar, we will give you the most accurate time frame possible.
5. Will solar still work during rainy days?
Photovoltaic panels use both direct and indirect sunlight to generate power. They will still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds, although they are most effective when exposed to direct sunlight. At the same time, rain actually helps your panels function efficiently by washing away dust or dirt.
6. Can I add more panels down the line?
Yes you can always add more to your existing solar system down the track if you wish. It is actually extremely common for solar users to expand their system as the household or business grows. Depending on the size of your initial inverter, expansion might only require more panels be added but there are situations where a second inverter needs to be installed to cater to the increased power.