Why Solar?
Solar is unique method of generating electricity in that it emits no CO2 or any other pollutants. The ongoing energy source, sunlight, is free and plentiful. There may be some CO2 produced in the manufacturing of panels (depending on the manufacturer’s power source) but this is cancelled out early in the life of the equipment.
Over the last few years, the international solar industry has developed rapidly, and consequently the price of panels has dropped dramatically. If one considers the cost of a system against the electricity it will produce over its life, the cost per Kilowatt hour (Kwh) is well below that of power from the grid.
In essence, installing a solar system is paying for decades of clean energy in advance. Even with a financing cost, solar is a winner. Ask us about calculating payback periods and return on investment projections when doing your solar sums.
Solar Design
Solar panels have to be connected to each other in series and the nature of the silicon crystalline technology is that if one panel is shaded, the performance of the whole electrical circuit is affected, not just the individual panel. For this reason, it is an essential part of a proper solar design that shade analysis be conducted in the exact location where the solar panels are to be placed. Shade analysis needs to be carried out by a suitably qualified technician with appropriate equipment. Subtle adjustments to the positioning of solar panels can dramatically affect the performance of the solar system for decades to come.
Solar photovoltaic panels generate Direct Current (DC) electricity when exposed to light, but for most applications, the electricity needs to be converted to Alternating Current (AC). It can then be used to power AC appliances or interface with the electricity grid. This requires an inverter.
To operate at optimum efficiency, the panels have to be connected in certain configurations to match the input voltage requirements of the inverter. The panels need to be attached to the roof of the building or ground mounted with purpose built railing equipment.
The design process needs to be carried out by a technician experienced in the art of solar design, while the installation needs to be performed by fully qualified and accredited tradesmen.