| Questions | Answers |
| What stands PV for in PV Systems | PV stands for Photo Voltaic, the proces of converting sunlight into electricity |
| Why should I install a solar energy system on my home or business? | PV Systems offer a way to fix your electricity rate for more than 25 years. The panels come with a 25-year production warranty and the expected useful lifespan is up to 50 years (output starts to slow down over time but is still significant). A grid-tied PV system can protect you from electricity price increases for decades. That’s a feeling of energy security that is hard to duplicate.nMany of our clients feel better knowing that they are producing their own electricity without any environmental harm – that they are part of the energy solution and no longer part of the problem. |
| What are the basic components for a PV System? | A PV System is made up of several components. PV Modules that convert sunlight into DC (direct current). An inverter that converts DC into AC (alternate current). Alternate current is the juice that makes all your electric appliances in the house run. Off Grid Systems and Grid Tied Systems with a backup also need batteries involved and a charge controller. |
| What is the lifespan of a PV System? | A well designed PV system can operate succesfully for more then 30 years. The basic PV module 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 properly installed and well maintained |
| Can I save money by installing my system myself? | Solar energy systems are sophisticated pieces of equipment and not suitable as DIY type projects. With grid-tied solar electric, you need to contract with a professional company to meet most state rebate program requirements, as well as to perform the interconnection with the utility. With solar hot water, while you can do the plumbing yourself, the cost and risk associated with a poor installation greatly outweighs the cost of hiring a professional. |
| Will I see a difference in my lights or in how appliances run, like on a generator? | Solar electricity is identical to grid power, so you will never notice that the house is running on solar power. What you will see, of course, is a smaller electric bill! |
| How much power will I be able to produce? | On most decent sites in Indonesia, each kilowatt watt of grid tied solar will produce ~1,490 kWh/year of electricity. |
| Can I go get rid of the utility company and go ‘off-grid’? | While the idea of cutting ties with the electric company may seem romantic, in reality it is anything but practical except for very specific cases (generally when utility power is not available and prohibitively expensive to install). For example area's in West-Papua |
| What panels do you recommend? | We use a variety of top, well-respect solar panel manufacturers depending on the application. We usually carry three options, which we call “Good,” “Better,” and “Best.” Our “Best” option is a panel by electronics manufacturer from Germany. All reputable solar manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty on their panels, which are expected to live roughly twice that long. |
| What inverter do you recommend? | Again, we choose among a variety of top manufacturers depending on application. Among these are , SMA Sunnyboy, China made ThinkPower, USA-made Fronius, Steca, Bosch etc. All inverter companies offer at least a 10-year warranty, though the inverter is expected to last 25 years or longer. |
| Will the system be noisy? | Power inverters are relatively quiet – emitting about as much noise as a refrigerator. They are generally installed in utility rooms or basements alongside existing mechanical systems, rather than in living spaces. |
| Will the solar increase the value of my home? | Yes! Several studies demonstrate that solar homes are worth more money and sell more quickly. |
| How will I know if the system is working? | Today nearly all inverters come with built-in (WiFi) monitoring that varies based on manufacturer. By reconciling your production with your electric bill, you can get a good idea what your household’s electric load is and how much of a difference the photovoltaic system is making. |
| Why should I go solar now? Aren’t innovative new technologies on the way? | Simply put – the sooner you get solar, the sooner you will enjoy its benefits! If you wait for some unproven technology down the road, you will have missed the opportunity to generate your own power now. Solar is like saving for retirement – the sooner you start doing it, the better. |
| How much roof space will I need? | Every kilowatt of solar array takes about 6.75 square meter. So a typical 3kw array (twelve panels) will take a roof area about 12 x 2 meters, or 6 x 4 meters. |
| What if my roof is not adequate? | We can also pole-mount photovoltaic panels, or ground-mount panels on a concrete base. |
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