FAQ
Q. What are photovoltaic cells and modules?
A. Photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. The main component of a PV cell is silicon, a semiconductor. PV cells are small individual pieces made from silicon crystals. A PV module is composed of many individuals PV cells interconnected and encapsulated within a frame. Modules are the main components of PV solar energy systems for residential, commercial and industrial purposes.
Q. What's the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells?
A. A monocrystalline cell is a cell that is made from a single piece of silicon grown from a single crystal. Polycrystalline cells are made from a silicon piece that has been grown from several crystals. Monocrystalline cells are more difficult to produce than polycrystalline cells but generally have higher efficiencies. The easiest way to tell the difference between the cells is in their appearance. Monocrystalline cells have a uniform color appearance while polycrystalline cells have a shattered glass appearance caused by variations in its color.
Q. Is solar energy really clean energy?
A. Yes. There are a number of reasons why we can say that solar energy is clean. A solar PV system generates electricity by collecting sunlight, which is free, abundant and readily accessible. No drilling, digging, mining or others processes that harm the environment are needed to gather sunlight. And unlike fossil fuels which need to be transported to the places they are used, PV solar systems produce energy on site, eliminating another source of pollution and carbon emissions. Also, PV solar systems do not release any toxins and gases that are associated with causing pollution and global warming. In fact, the energy a PV system produces displaces energy produced by the burning of fossil fuels which is, by far, the largest source of carbon emissions.
Q. Isn't a solar energy system expensive?
A. If you only consider the initial costs of buying and installing a system PV system, then one might think that solar energy is expensive. However, to get a true sense of a PV system's value, a number of other cost factors should be considered.
First, it is important to realize that a PV system is an investment, and like many investments it takes some time to realize a return. After your system has been working for some time it will pay for itself. Afterwards, all of the electricity it produces is free to you. When you consider that a PV system can operate for twenty-five years and more, the savings can be very substantial.
Also you should consider the costs of the fuels you are using now for electricity. The vast majority of electricity we use is produced from fossil fuels, the supply of which is finite. Continued use of these fuels will deplete the supply, and the demand is increasing everyday. Eventually they will be exhausted. That is why, year over year, the price of fossil based fuels is projected to rise. A PV system minimizes the impact of these rising energy costs. Sunlight is projected to last for millions of years to come. There is no need to worry about its rising cost.
Finally you should also take the time to consider the costs to our environment. It is the burning of fossil based fuels that, by far, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, acid rain, and other forms of pollution. Without viable alternative energy solutions our environment will continue to suffer. Using the sun to produce your electricity displaces the use of fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
As an added consideration many governments have programs to encourage the adoption renewable energy technology, including PV based systems. Feed-in tariffs, rebates, net metering, tax credits, low or no interest loans and other incentives are available to reduce the costs of a PV system. When you take the time to find out what incentives are available, you may be surprised at how affordable a PV system really is.
Q. What is the difference between an on-grid PV system and an off-grid system?
A. On-grid means that you are still connected to the utility grid, so you have electricity available form both your PV system and your utility company. An off-grid system is not connected to the utility grid, meaning that your PV systems will be required to cover all of your electrical needs. Off-grid systems require additional components, mainly batteries for storing energy to use at night and charge controllers to regulate the discharge of the batteries.
Q. What are the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system?
A. For an on-grid PV system the main components are the PV modules, mounting frames and hardware, an inverter that will transform the system's DC electricity to AC, and the wiring and components needed to connect the PV system with the electrical system of your home or business. An off-grid PV system will require additional components including storage batteries and a controller to regulate the batteries' charge and discharge.
Q. How long will a PV system last?
A. A PV system that is properly designed, installed and maintained can operate for many years. Our solar modules have a power output guarantee that lasts for 25 years. PV modules have no moving parts that are susceptible to wear. Many of the earliest PV systems continue to work today. With proper care a PV system will operate and provide energy for many years to come.
Q. What size PV system do I need for my home?
A. The size of your PV system will depend on a number of factors including how much energy you use on average, available annual sunlight, what type of mount you chose (roof or ground installation) and other considerations. But a reliable estimation for the size PV system you need can be done by taking your daily electricity usage and multiplying it by 0.25. This will give you an approximation, in kilowatts, of the size of your system. Most electric utility bills list your average daily usage, making this calculation very simple.
Q. What do I have to do to maintain a PV system?
A. There are no moving mechanical parts in our solar modules which means very little maintenance is required. Occasional cleaning of the front surface is recommended to eliminate dirt deposits and debris that may accumulate between rain showers. Snow should be removed using a soft bristle brush so that your modules can be exposed to the sun.
Q. What is net metering?
A. Net metering is a way to measure the difference between the electricity produced by your PV system and the electricity you use form the utility grid. When your PV system produces more electricity than you use the excess electricity is fed into the utility grid, causing your meter to spin backwards. When you use more electricity than produced by your PV system, the meter will spin forward (although not as quickly as without a PV system). The availability of net metering in your area effectively discounts the cost of the electricity you get from the utility company. Contact your local electricity company to find out if net metering is available where you live.
