Solar energy takes advantage of the sun’s rays to generate heat or electricity. It is an infinitely renewable resource and unique for its ability to generate energy in a quiet, clean, and consistent manner.

Solar panels are flat panels of photovoltaic arrays mounted on a roof or a pole to capture the sun’s rays. Building integrated photovoltaic materials are PV arrays that are integrated into the building material itself, primarily windows, roof tiles, or walls. Solar panels work well for retrofits or remodels while BIPV are appropriate for new construction or a major renovation.

While both types of solar systems capture energy from the sun, solar photovoltaic systems use photovoltaic panels to produce electricity. Solar hot water, or thermal, systems capture sunlight to heat water for domestic use, to heat a swimming pool, or for a radiant heating system.

These systems are connected to a broader electricity network. During the day, the solar electricity generated by the system is either used immediately or sold off to electricity supply companies. In the evening, when the system is unable to supply immediate power, electricity can be bought back from the network.

These systems are used in isolation of electricity grids, and maybe used to power radio repeater stations, telephone booths and street lighting. There is also a growing market for mobile PV in the boat and caravan leisure market. Off Grid PV systems also provide invaluable and affordable electricity in developing countries, where conventional electricity grids are unreliable or non-existent.

Solar photovoltaic panels require little maintenance – no need to wash or dust. It is, however, important to place panels where they will remain clear of shade and debris. Thus you will have to wipe them off if too much snow or leaves fall on them.

A: In most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. However, if you are in a dusty area (very near a busy dirt road, very urban area, etc.) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels monthly. If necessary, a hose stream is usually sufficient for cleaning. Do not walk on or over the panels to clean them. Do not use metal, hard, or abrasive methods for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot.

The size of the photovoltaic system is correlated to your home’s energy-use needs, available space for a system, and overall costs for the system components and installation. Solar contractors in your area can help determine the best size for your solar photovoltaic system.

Take a look at the position of your home on its lot – and particularly your roof. Ask the following questions:

1. Is there good southern exposure? Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the effectiveness of energy collection.

2. Is the exposure free of trees or buildings that could shade the panels or drop debris on them? Shading photovoltaic panels dramatically reduces their effectiveness.

3. What is the pitch of your roof? Most roofs, from flat to 60-degrees can accommodate photovoltaic panels.

What is the lifespan of the solar modules?

Most experts believe solar electric modules have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years and most manufacturers provide a warranty for this period. However, the truth is that we don’t really know for sure since most modern solar panels have not been in existence that long. Many experts believe the actual number could be much higher, possibly as much as 50 years. What is very clear is that solar modules are extremely durable and lose very little of their energy generating capacity over time. This is one of the reasons that they make sense as a long-term investment.

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.

Solar modules are very durable, and constructed with strong aluminum frames and high strength tempered glass designed to withstand moderate hailstorms.

Solar electric systems usually take between two to five days to install, depending on the size and complexity of your solar electric system. However, in our experience the actual calendar time is usually longer because there are often delays waiting for the local energy company to install the electrical meter (in a grid-tied system) or waiting for local electrical inspectors.

Are there any disadvantages to using solar energy?

Solar energy technologies often have a higher “first cost.” This means that a person is likely to pay more money up front to purchase and install a solar system. Still, in nearly all cases, the high initial cost is recovered through substantial fuel savings over the life of the product. Another disadvantage is that solar energy approaches do require some direct access to sunlight. If you live in a very shaded area and do not have the ability to remove trees or other impediments to sun access it may not be an option for you.

No, solar panels convert light into electricity. So as the light reduces in the day so does the output of the solar panel.

A charge controller regulates the charge on the batteries, giving full power when necessary and reducing the charge as the batteries require less. This is important for maintaining the health of the batteries.

We recommend that charge controllers are used with 15watt solar panels and above.

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.