FAQ'S

Will a solar panel produce electricity on a cloudy day?
Yes, a solar panel does produce electricity even when it is not placed in bright sunlight. On a normal cloudy day there is always enough so-called diffuse light, by which the panel will produce electricity. However, the production of electricity is not as high as when the panels are placed in bright sunlight.

 

Will solar panels work in the winter?
Yes, solar panels work on light not heat. The amount of sun hours will be less in the winter, as the sun rises later and sets earlier.

 

 

Will a solar panel supply electricity 24 hours a day?
No, solar panels convert light into electricity. So as the light reduces in the day so does the output of the solar panel.

 

 

What is a blocking diode?
This is a component connected within the cable that prevents the solar panel discharging the battery when there is no sunlight.

 

 

What is a charge controller?
This device controls the charge to the battery. When the battery is fully charged the controller disconnects the solar panel from the battery.

 

 

Do I need a charge controller?
We recommend that charge controllers are used with 15watt solar panels and above.

 

 

 

What is an inverter?
An inverter takes the DC (direct current) from the solar panel and creates a useable form of AC (Alternating current). Inverters are power hungry, so it is best to purchase (if possible) a product that operates on 12vdc.

 

 

Can equipment be used directly from solar panels?
Yes, solar panels will run equipment direct, these could be loads such as fans & pumps, but make sure the load of the equipment is not equal to the output of the solar panel, as overcast or cloudy days will reduce the output. Solar panels with not run TV's or radio's (without battery backup), as they require a more stable voltage.

 

 

Is maintenance required on solar panels?
Clean using a non-abrasive cleaner. In the long term check the sealing especially in marine use and reseal with a silicon sealant if damage is suspected. Check battery connections periodically when you check battery levels. Fuse holders and connections should be kept dry and clean.

 

 

What is the payback period in a domestic solar installation?

This is the most frequently asked question by any customer considering any renewable technology. What they want to know is how long will it take to repay their capital investment based on the energy savings that a system will offer them. Inevitably this is not a simple answer.

Talking to most customers, they seem reasonably satisfied if they can achieve a payback period in less than 10 years. The simplest way to calculate payback (ignoring the effects of interest rates) you will need to understand how much energy the system you are installing will save the customer in unburned fuel and prediction of future energy price inflation. Of course we can't know exactly what energy is going to cost in the future, but a reasonable forecasting method would allow for a spread of constant annual increases at various percentages from 5% to 30%.

Of course the simplest way to enhance the payback period is to be able to offer systems at a competitive and affordable price to everyone.

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