Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Will solar panels work on my roof?
The ideal roofs for the installation of solar panels are North-facing, have little to no shade, and have adequate space to fit the panels. There are however workarounds should your roof not be ideal.
Do solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy. Therefore, your panels will produce less electricity if it is a cloudy day or if it is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Adding batteries to the system will enable you to store excess energy generated during the day for consumption at night when there is no solar generation.
Will my system allow me to go off-grid?
It is possible to use a solar system to go off the grid, but it would not be economical to do so given the amount of panels and the capacity of batteries that would be required. This is due to the system needing to be over-sized to cope with extended periods of cloudy days. Therefore, it is only recommended to go 100% off-grid in areas where there is no grid access available. It is also important to remember that your system is designed in a modular fashion allowing the addition of further panels and batteries at a later time to reduce grid dependency.
What is the expected longevity of my system?
In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding various environmental elements such as sun, rain, snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times (batteries = 10 years, inverters = 10 years, solar panels = 25 years), but your system could continue to generate electricity for more than 25 years.
What happens during the installation process?
The trusted installer who has been assigned to your installation will arrive on-site on the agreed date and install to the highest standards. The installation will take approximately 1-3 days. The installer will place the equipment as was discussed with you during the site visit and endeavour to cause as little disruption to your home as possible. Please make sure that you convey any special instructions to the installer on the installation day or at the site visit. The installer will provide a Certificate of Compliance once the work has been completed and will assist you in installing an application to monitor the functioning of your new system on your smartphone.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Since the generation of solar energy emits no greenhouse gases, substituting coal-generated energy with solar will reduce greenhouse gases which drive climate change. Other pollutants such as sulphur dioxides that are emitted during coal generation are also abated.
Does my landlord need to provide consent?
Yes, this is a requirement before ordering can be finalised. Where a system is financed via a rent to own option the landlord will also have to provide surety.
What financing options do I have?
You can purchase your system in cash or finance it with a loan where ownership transfers to you after the term.