As our society grows and resource consumption becomes an increasing problem, we are all looking for ways to minimize our impact on our environment and the world around us. One option that is growing in popularity is solar power. Why you would go solar has both cost and environmental benefits, with so much information on solar energy we have devised a simple set of questions that we commonly get asked when installing a solar system from questions on solar energy to questions about solar panels.

WHAT IS SOLAR ENERGY?

Our sun is our endless energy source. With solar power generated using solar panels, we can harness the natural power of our sun to provide free, low-cost energy with very little impact on the world around us. Solar power can also be used to heat your home or create hot water using thermal conductive units.

HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK?

Solar panels work using the radiation from our sun to create natural, clean, sustainable energy. Using photovoltaic cells to create electricity when exposed to daylight, solar panels will work best in full sun, but still produce power at a reduced rate on cloudy days. Photovoltaic solar panels work by using the solar radiation to activate the conductive elements in the array, causing electrons to move across the unit and create electricity that is then channelled into an inverter. From there, your home uses the power generated by your solar panels during the day, if you have a battery it can store some for later use if needed, or even sell the excess back to your local electricity company.

WHAT IS PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY?

A photovoltaic array is a system of connected photovoltaic cells, also known as a solar panel. Photovoltaic cells are composed of a semi-conductive substrate such as silicon (glass), impregnated with highly-conductive phosphorus and boron. When exposed to daylight, the conductive elements activate electrons to move across the array, creating electricity, which is then siphoned off and converted into safe, clean power for your home or business.

WHY SHOULD I GO SOLAR?

Solar power is a clean, reliable source of energy for your home or business. Installing solar panels on your home or business has never been as affordable, the price of installation can be recouped in as little as six years, and from that moment on the possibilities are endless. In over a hundred countries worldwide it is possible to drastically reduce your grid utility consumption through the installation of PV panels, and further reduce the cost of your energy bill through export tariffs. Using Solar Power can reduce or even eliminate your reliance on fossil fuels and other environmentally detrimental energy sources.

HOW TO CONVERT MY HOUSE OR BUSINESS TO SOLAR?

Converting your home or business to solar power is easy! It can be as simple and unobtrusive as installing a four panels on your roof. There are a variety of ready-to-install solar products on the market today for converting an existing home or business, as well as a large number of building integrated photovoltaic products designed to be used in new construction. There are a number of exciting new advances quickly becoming available to expand the array of building integrated photovoltaic products available in the near future to consumers and governments worldwide.

HOW LONG DO SOLAR PANEL LAST?

Because most solar panels are built to last, you can expect your solar array to last more than forty years before your PV panels will need replacement. With only minimal care and maintenance, your investment will last a lifetime, providing electrical assurance and adding value to your home.

WILL SOLAR POWER KEEP MY LIGHTS ON IN A BLACKOUT?

Many solar panel systems are required to have anti-islanding protection which shuts them down in the event of a power outage to avoid sending current through a line that may be under repair by workers, but with the correct battery storage unit and setup you can provide your home or business with clean, reliable energy at the flip of a switch.

WILL MY SOLAR PANEL BLOW AWAY IN HIGH WIND?

No. Provided your solar array has been properly installed, there is no danger of it being blown away or damaged by inclement weather. The panels available on the market today have been thoroughly engineered to withstand high winds and heavy rain.