FAQs about solar power systems are becoming increasingly relevant as more people look to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs. We provide concise answers to the most frequently asked questions about solar power systems, including how they work, their benefits, and the installation process.

General information

Q: How do solar systems work?

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells made of silicon. When the sun’s rays hit them, these cells convert sunlight to electricity. Individual cells are wired together to form a solar panel. They are coated in tempered glass, which allows them to withstand harsh weather.

The electricity produced by a single solar panel is not enough to power a home or business, so multiple solar panels are needed. The number of panels varies by installation, but every solar system (also called an array) includes a series of panels mounted and wired together. This array may be installed on a roof (rooftop solar) or ground level (ground-mounted solar).

The electricity generated by solar panels takes the form of direct current (DC). However, most appliances and electricity-consuming objects (called electric load) require alternating current (AC). To convert the solar electricity from DC to AC, an inverter is needed. You can choose between two types of inverters: a central, string inverter or a microinverter.

Q: How long does a solar array last?

Think of your solar array as a 25-year investment. Solar panels will produce electricity for at least 25 years. Panels continue to generate electricity after 25 years but at a decreasing rate (usually no less than 80% of the first year’s energy production in year 25). While microinverters will likely last for the duration of the PV system, you may need to replace central inverters after 15 years.

Q: Will my system need maintenance?

Solar is a simple, minimum-maintenance technology. Unlike other energy technologies, solar PV does not have moving parts. This means it’s not likely your equipment will fail. You should not have to replace your panels during their lifetime. Wiring is the part of solar PV that most commonly requires maintenance because squirrels and other animals may tamper with it. Depending on your inverter type, you may also need to have your inverter replaced 10 to 12 years after installation. Extended warranties can cover this equipment replacement cost.

In areas with less rain and lots of dust or pollutants in the air, occasional cleaning may improve performance. We do not recommend climbing up to your panels to wash them. If you live in an area where cleaning is needed, contact a solar professional.

Q: What if my roof is not good for solar?

Some roofs are not suitable for solar. This can be due to obstructions on the roof (such as dormers, peaks, chimneys, and HVAC vents), the roof’s integrity, shading, orientation, or other structural factors.
If your roof isn’t a good fit for solar, you may be able to install a ground-mounted system. Ground-mounted systems need access to a clearing far away from trees and other objects that cast shadows.

Q: What happens in a power cut?

For the safety of linesmen who may be repairing the fault, your inverter will need to shut down.  There are some battery storage systems that will allow you to have back up power in the event of a power cut.  If back up is essential, we’ll be happy to put together options for you.

Q: How long does a PV Solar panel installation take?

Home and small commercial installations take up to two days to install. However, typical installations are finished in one day. Big commercial installations can take longer, depending on the size of the site and the specific requirements of your business.

Q: Do I need only monocrystalline panels?

Monocrystalline panels will give more power per square meter. This might not mean that the panel is better than a high quality polycrystalline panel. There are many, many factors that affect the quality of a panel, this is just one of them and efficiency is only a critical factor if you have a limited amount of space.

Q: What is grid-tied solar power systems?

A grid-connected solar power system is a type of solar panel installation that is connected to the main electricity grid. The system generates electricity using solar panels, which convert the sun’s energy into electricity that can be used to power your home or business. No battery is required in this case, therefore the power generated has to be directly consumed.

Q: Can the system be upgraded if my energy requirements increase?

Yes, it is possible to upgrade your solar power system if your energy requirements increase. This may involve adding additional solar panels or replacing your existing panels with more efficient ones.

Q: What happens on cloudy days?

Solar panels will still generate some electricity on cloudy days, although the amount will be less than on sunny days. Your solar power system will automatically adjust to the reduced solar output and draw additional electricity from the grid if needed.

Q: What is the weight of the solar system on the roof?

The weight of a solar power system can vary based on the size of the system and the type of solar panels used. On average, a solar panel weighs around 18 kg, so a typical solar power system with multiple panels can weigh hundreds of kilograms. It is important to ensure that your roof is able to support the weight of the solar system, and a professional installer can help you determine this.

Q: What to do if my solar power stops working?

If your solar system stops working, the first thing you should do is check for any visible damage to the panels or inverter. If there is no visible damage, you may want to try resetting the inverter or checking to see if any circuit breakers or fuses have tripped. If you are still experiencing issues with your solar system, you should contact your solar retailer or installer for assistance.

Q: What does a battery storage system look like?

A battery storage system typically consists of a battery or series of batteries, an inverter, and a control system. The battery stores excess solar energy that can be used during times when the sun is not shining, while the inverter converts the stored direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used in your home. The control system manages the charging and discharging of the battery to optimize its performance.

Q: What are the benefits of battery storage?

Some of the benefits of battery storage include the ability to store excess solar energy for use during periods of low solar production, such as at night or on cloudy days, the ability to reduce reliance on the grid, and the potential to save money on electricity bills by using stored solar energy instead of drawing from the grid.

Q: Is battery storage safe?

Battery storage systems are generally safe, but as with any electrical system, there is some risk of fire or other hazards. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and maintaining your battery storage system to ensure its safety.

Q: How does battery storage work?

A: A battery storage system is a system that stores excess electricity generated by a solar panel system, wind turbine, or other renewable energy source for use at a later time. The system typically consists of batteries, an inverter, and a control system.

Q: What is the difference between AC and DC?

AC (alternating current) refers to the type of electricity that is commonly used in homes and businesses, while DC (direct current) is the type of electricity produced by solar panels and batteries.

Q: What does battery capacity mean?

Battery capacity refers to the amount of electricity that a battery can store. It is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Q: How much storage do I need?

The amount of storage you need will depend on your energy usage and the size of your solar panel system. A solar energy professional can help you determine the right size for your needs.

Q: Which type of battery is right for me?

There are several types of batteries available for use in a battery storage system, including lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Q: Who should install battery storage?

It is recommended to have a professional install your battery storage system to ensure it is installed correctly and safely. The Clean Energy Council has a list of accredited installers who have the necessary training and qualifications.

Q: Where should batteries be installed?

The battery storage system should be installed in a dry, ventilated area that is protected from extreme temperatures. It is important to follow all manufacturer guidelines and local building codes when installing the system.

Q: What considerations should I be aware of when installing a battery?

There are a few things you should consider when installing a battery:

• Make sure you have a proper installation location. The battery should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area that is protected from extreme temperatures.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Proper installation is important to ensure the safety and longevity of the battery.
• Consider hiring a professional to install the battery if you are not confident in your ability to do it safely.

Q: What maintenance is required for my batteries?

The maintenance required for your batteries will depend on the type of battery you have. Some types of batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, require regular maintenance, including checking the electrolyte levels and cleaning the battery terminals. Other types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, require little to no maintenance. It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific maintenance requirements.

Off-grid solar power systems

Q: What capacity of off-grid photovoltaic system does a family need to install?

The capacity of the photovoltaic system mainly depends on the size of the household load. You can take a photovoltaic system with 5 kWh of electricity per night as an example to find the capacity that best suits you.
To determine the energy needed at night, you can calculate the rated power of each device, multiply it by its usage duration, and add up the values.

Another method is to record the actual nighttime power consumption using a meter. As long as the capacity of the off-grid energy storage system is greater than the calculated or recorded usage, it will reliably support nighttime energy needs.

Estimated usage time for a 5kW off-grid solar system:

• LED lights: 5–40W X 6h
• Computer: 200W X 6h
• Fans: 200W X 10h
• Refrigerator: 200W X 5h
• Router: 5W X 10h

Total estimated energy consumption: (40W X 6h) + (200W X 6h) + (200W X 10h) + (200W X 5h) + (5W X 10h) = 4490Wh

Overall, a 5 kilowatt-hour solar system can be a great option for powering a medium size home.

Q: What size inverter do I need for a 6kW solar system?

Inverters are an important component of a solar system, converting the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which can be used by your household appliances and devices.

The “right size” of an inverter depends on the size and configuration of your solar system. In general, the inverter’s rating should match the rating of the solar array. However, in some cases, the inverter’s rating can be higher or lower than the solar array’s rating without significantly affecting performance.

One important number to determine when calculating the size of the inverter needed for an array is the array:inverter ratio. This ratio is the DC capacity of the solar panel array divided by the maximum AC output of a particular inverter. For example, the array:inverter ratio of a 6 kW solar system with a 6000 W inverter is exactly 1. The array:inverter ratio of the same array with a 5000 W inverter is 1.2.

The ratio for most solar installations is slightly higher than 1, but typically does not exceed 1.25. Companies that sell inverters typically recommend a maximum ratio of around 1.5-1.55.

One situation where a higher ratio is feasible is when the productivity of the solar array is limited by factors such as low sunlight levels, air pollution or dust, or suboptimal placement of the panels. Smaller inverters are typically less expensive than larger inverters, so in this case, owning a smaller inverter makes economic sense.

However, if there is too much of a difference between the array capacity and the inverter size (i.e., if your array capacity is much higher than the inverter), you may experience a problem called clipping. Clipping is when the inverter cannot handle the power being generated and the excess energy is lost. Over time, these losses can far outweigh the savings of purchasing a smaller inverter.
Using too large an inverter is also not advisable. Inverters operate most efficiently when running at (or near) their maximum capacity. Therefore, using an inverter that is much larger than the solar array may reduce the efficiency of the inverter.

Q: How many solar panels do I need?

This is highly dependent on:

• The energy needs of the building. The more detailed the better as the max power drawn helps to size the inverter and the total energy consumption determine the battery bank size and the number of solar panels
• The geographic location which determine the maximum amount of sunlight available on your place
• The environmental constraints like trees or buildings shadings and dust can significantly reduce the maximum usable solar power.