FAQ's
You asked, and we answered.
Here you will find the most common questions and answers to help you along your renewable power journey.
If you don’t find your answer here please feel free to email us.
EnLighten Yourself
Empower yourself with some basic info to guide you in choosing the best solution for your needs and pocket.
step 1
Determining the right power solution for your home involves considering your power needs, budget, and installation requirements.
Power needs: Start by making a list of all the appliances and electronics in your home that you want to power during an outage or periods of low solar production. This will help you determine the size of the backup power or solar solution you need.
Budget: Backup power and solar solutions are available in a range of sizes and prices. Consider your budget to identify options that fit your price range.
Installation: Professional installation is required for backup power and solar solutions. Be sure to include installation costs in your budgeting process.
step 2
Backup power and solar solutions offer different ways to generate electricity for your home.
Backup power is typically powered by batteries, which provide power during an outage or when there is no electricity available.
Solar solutions, on the other hand, generate electricity from solar panels, which convert sunlight into usable electricity.
Having both a backup power and solar solution can provide the best of both worlds. A solar solution can generate electricity during the day, while excess energy can be stored in batteries for use at night or during outages. This can provide reliable and uninterrupted power to your home, while also reducing your reliance on the grid.
Ultimately, the choice between a backup power or solar solution, or having both, depends on your individual needs and budget. It’s important to consider factors such as your energy usage, the frequency of outages in your area, and the amount of sunlight your home receives.
step 3
Inverter Capacity: The inverter is a crucial component of any solar solution. It converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels or stored power in your batteries into AC electricity that can be used in your home. Choosing the right inverter with a capacity that matches your power needs is important. The inverter size limits the amount of electricity you can use at any given moment. A larger inverter means you can power more appliances simultaneously.
Battery Storage Capacity: When considering a backup power solution, it’s essential to determine how much battery storage capacity you need. This will dictate how long your backup power will last in the event of loadshedding. The greater the battery storage capacity, the longer you can power your essential appliances.
Solar Panels: Solar panels are a clean and renewable energy source that convert sunlight into electricity using an inverter. Rather than storing energy, solar panels send power directly to your home. If your panels generate more electricity than you need, the excess energy can be stored in batteries or sent back to the grid. It’s important to have enough solar panels to match the peak energy usage in your home, but it’s equally important to ensure that your inverter can handle that peak energy demand. Keep in mind that relying solely on solar panels won’t provide power during evening hours or in the event of a power outage. To ensure continuous power supply, it’s recommended to have batteries to store excess energy for use during rainy days or at night.
step 4
Warranty: When choosing a backup power or solar solution, it’s important to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of any issues with your system.
Certificate of Compliance: It’s crucial to have a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for your installation, issued by a qualified installer who is registered with SAPVIA. This ensures that your system meets the necessary safety and quality standards, giving you confidence in your investment.
A: A solar power system is a system that converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels. The electricity generated can be used to power your home, and any excess electricity can be sold back to the grid.
A: Backup power refers to the power source that kicks in when your primary power source fails. This can be a generator or a battery backup system.
A: Installing a solar power system can help you save money on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your home. Additionally, if you live in an area that experiences power outages, a solar power system can provide backup power to keep your essential appliances running.
A: The size of the solar power system you need depends on your energy usage, location, and budget. You can use an online solar calculator or work with a professional installer to determine the size of the system you need. They will consider factors such as the size of your home, the orientation of your roof, and your daily energy usage to determine the optimal system size.
A: A battery backup system stores excess electricity generated by the solar panels for use during power outages. When the power goes out, the battery backup system kicks in and provides power to your essential appliances until the grid power is restored.
A: The best type of solar panel for your home depends on your location, budget, and energy needs. The most common types of solar panels are monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but more expensive, while polycrystalline panels are less expensive but less efficient.
A: The installation time for a solar power system can vary depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation. Generally, it can take between one to three days to install a typical residential solar power system.
A: It is possible to install a solar power system yourself, but it is not recommended unless you have experience in electrical work and roofing. It is recommended that you work with a professional installer to ensure that your system is installed correctly and safely.
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