FAQ
Photovoltaic solar panels (PV) systems work when the panels cells convert sunlight into electricity as a direct current – known as the photovoltaic effect. The sun photons land on the panels semi-conductor material and the energy is absorbed into the cell, dislodging electrons from the materials’ atoms – creating an electrical current.
A solar power system consists of:
- House solar panels: Several connected solar panels provide higher power outputs for the system.
- Solar storage batteries: Electricity generated from the solar panels is then stored within the solar storage batteries.
- Charge controller/ regulator: To prevent overcharging, the charge controller regulates the charge to prevent damage to the batteries.
- Home inverter: An inverter converts the direct current (DC) from the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which more appliances use.
There are three main types of solar panel systems you can implement in your home:
- Grid-Tied Solar Power System
Your grid connected solar system is still connected to the municipal grid and runs off sunlight without storage batteries. When there is no sunlight on the panel, your system will revert back to using municipal power.
- Off Grid Solar Power System
This system is designed to work off the grid, independently from your electricity supplier. It is advisable with stand-alone solar power systems to have solar batteries installed to store electrical energy and used when there is no direct sunlight on the solar panels.
- Solar Hybrid Systems
In this hybrid system, the solar panels will produce energy during the day for some or all of your needs and revert back to using the grid during the night. Added batteries give you backup power for power outages during the daytime and night time.
This depends on your specific power needs and whether you want back-up power, feeding power back into the grid, or taking your power completely off the grid.
What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
Yes, with the right solar energy system in place, you will be able to run your whole house on solar power. A stand-alone or off-grid power system is designed to work off the grid, independently from your electricity supplier.
Off-grid systems will have a large battery storage capacity, generally around a two-day supply. You can also have a back-up power supply connected, like a generator, or even connected to the national power grid, for when there isn’t enough sun to charge the batteries.
There are two types of solar panels for home use:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels
Made of a large crystal of silicon, monocrystalline solar panels efficiently absorb sunlight and convert into electricity. Because of this efficiency, these solar panels are preferred in lower light conditions than other solar panels.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Polycrystalline solar panels consist of several amounts of small silicon crystals, and are slightly less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels but also less expensive.
Yes, however you will also need the technical know-how to ensure that your solar panels are correctly, and safely, installed. Solar Power Experts can provide you with professional installation of your solar panels in your home.
Contact us for an installation quote on your solar power system.
How does solar impact my property values?
Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.
Solar Power Experts sell home and commercial solar panel systems within South Africa.
We understand that buying solar panels is an investment for you, which is why we want to make sure that you buy the right household solar panel system. Our Solar Power Experts will help you understand what your solar power needs are and which home solar power system will be best suited for your specific needs.
We will also help you with the installation of your solar panel system so that it is fully operational and safely implemented.
Give us a call to discuss your household solar panel needs.