Frequently Asked Questions
Solar panels are made of highly conductive materials. When the sun’s rays hit the solar panels, the reaction creates direct current (DC) electricity. Since most homes and businesses use alternating current (AC) electricity, your solar-generated DC energy will pass through an inverter to become AC electricity. Then it flows through your property’s wiring and behaves just like the power you’ve been using your whole life.
Solar energy is environmentally friendly – no toxic fumes are emitted. It is silent, maintenance-free, safe application
via low DC voltage output, portable panels can be strategically repositioned and, fainancially, it is cheaper to use solar
than a generator.
Unlike solar, generators have ongoing maintenance and costs and they are relatively expensive. Generators are fuel dependent
and they emit a lot of noise and toxic fumes which are detrimental to both the environment and human lives.
A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for more than 20 years.
The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and can last
more than 30 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system
is by having it installed and maintained properly. Experience has shown that most problems occur
because of poor or sloppy system installation.
Since solar panels are so easy to maintain and have zero moving parts, they’ll keep
generating energy for you home long enough to see a sizable return on your investment.
Newer models have expected lifespans of 50+ years.
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
Your solar panels don’t need sunshine, per say, to generate electricity as much as they need direct, unobstructed access to the sun’s UV rays. Your solar array may not be as effective during an overcast day as it is during a bright day without clouds, but it will still power your home or business. Similar to how your skin still tans when it’s overcast outside, your solar panels will still generate electricity during cloudy, rainy, or snowy days — they just won’t produce as much energy as they do during clear days. Solar panels do not generate electricity at night since the sun’s not out.
Right now you don’t have any control over the electricity rate your utility company (ZESA) charges. And trends show that electricity rates will continue to rise with high levels of blackouts. When you install solar panels on your property, you’ll be generating more electricity than you use from the utility company at the price of free. Then you’ll also generate more than enough to sell back to the utility company as credits to further lower your monthly bills. No more surprise electricity bills to tank your budget again.