How long do solar panels last?
Solar PV systems are designed to last 20+ years. It may well fetch up to 30-40 years if designed and installed well. It is best to go with an experienced solar provider who has a solid project portfolio. Click here to see our projects.
What appliances can my solar system power?
It depends on the size of your system. The bigger, the more it can power. However, it is standard practice for us to recommend a system that’s just right to meet your needs, not too big. It is important to know that solar is GENERALLY distributed within the household. It is NOT targeted towards specific appliances. But just so you get an idea of what it can power if it were isolated, you may click here.
How do I know what size system I need?
Our team conducts a survey to determine a size that best fits your home. Factors we consider are: Your average monthly electric consumption, your daytime load habits, and the conditions of your roof. See kits here.
Will it work on a cloudy day?
Yes, however harvest for that day might be low. Instead, we project ANNUAL energy generations. Our in-house engineers are able to calculate this using weather pattern information we purchased from PAGASA.
Will solar work at night?
No, solar needs sunlight to operate. In order to do so, you will need batteries. See ‘How Solar Works’ here.
Why do most recommend grid-tied system instead of battery-tied systems?
If you already have access to the grid, getting batteries is not very practical. Why? Batteries may fetch up to TWICE the cost of a normal grid-tied system. They need to be replaced every 3-4 years. They require special storage and need periodical maintenance. They are toxic and flammable so room has to be well ventilated. We usually recommend battery-tied systems only for those who have absolutely no access to the grid, often experience power outages that disrupt daily life or affect business operations resulting in loss of opportunity, and life or death scenarios such as medical centers.
Can you install battery-tied systems though?
Yes we can. Our installers have provided this service for UNDP off-grid solar home systems in San Pascual, Masbate; DOE communal facilities, rural electrification projects and Yolanda typhoon evacuation centers.
What is the difference between Grid-Tied (On-Grid) vs. Off-Grid?
Grid-tied systems work in sync with the grid. This means both can supply power to your household appliances, and they talk to each other; Solar comes in first, then the grid will supplement if you need more power. At night, when there’s no sun, you automatically go back to the grid. Off-grid systems are completely independent from the grid and require batteries to store energy for later or night time use.
What is net-metering?
It is a two-way meter application that can export your excess energy back to your grid, so you can get a Peso credit back at the end of the month from your utility provider. Some opt to go for bigger systems so they can sell back to help offset their evening loads.
Can you help us with net-metering applications?
Yes we can.
Will installing solar affect any appliances in my home?
No. Solar is identical to grid power so it will not affect any other electrical appliances in your home.
What happens if solar is not producing enough for my home?
Your home will automatically draw more power from the grid. (If you’re on a grid-tied system). If in the future you want to go bigger, we can expand it for you. Solar is scalable.
What happens if solar is producing too much for my home?
It will export back to the grid and will read as a charge.
Will the system be noisy or disruptive?
No. The inverters operate quietly and our installers find the most appropriate location in the house to ensure it does not disrupt normal house operations.
How do I operate my system?
Our Quality Assurance officer will demonstrate and train you how to use, manage and maximize your system. He will address all your concerns before turning over the entire system to you.
How do I clean/maintain my PV system?
Natural rain fall will clean the panels since we install at a tilted angle. However, having it professionally cleaned once or twice a year is fine as well.
What solar components do you use?
Our components are from Germany and China. Our engineering department performs case studies and tests on each component we choose to specify into our system before presenting a complete reliable package to our customers. We believe in performance above everything.
How stable are the panels during typhoon season?
Our solar panel installations can withstand wind speed up to 270-280 km/hour.
Does my roof really need to face south?
The ideal direction is south however even when faced north, there is only about a 3% loss. We have installed in every direction and still met within range of annual energy projections.
How long will installation take?
For small systems, standard installation time is 4 days. Our installation queue is typically 30 days.