Frequently Asked
Questions;
Questions;
about
owning a
solar power
plant.
owning a
solar power
plant.
What is the life of solar panels?
Most experts believe solar electric modules have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years and most manufacturers provide a warranty for this period. However, the truth is that we don't really know for sure since most modern solar panels have not been in existence that long. Many experts believe the actual number could be much higher, possibly as much as 50 years. What is very clear is that solar modules are extremely durable and lose very little of their energy generating capacity over time.
Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
In most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. If the site is in a dusty area (very near a busy dirt road) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels regularly, which often just entails hosing them off.
How durable are the solar panels? What about hailstorms?
Solar modules are very durable. They are built of strong aluminum frames and high strength tempered glass that are designed to withstand all sorts of weather including moderate hailstorms.
Can I use all of my normal 120 and 240 VAC appliances?
Probably, however, when you purchase and install a renewable energy system, you become your own power company. So, every kWh of energy you use means more equipment is required to meet your energy needs. Any appliances that operate at 240 VAC (such as an electric water heaters, stove, furnace and air conditioner) are impractical loads to run on solar. You should consider using alternatives such as LP or natural gas for water/space heating or cooking, evaporative cooling instead of compressor based AC units and passive solar design in your new home construction if possible.
Refrigeration and lighting are typically the largest 120 VAC energy consumers (after electric heating) and these are areas where getting the most energy efficient units available can really pay-off. Appliance makers are constantly improving the efficiency of electric refrigerators/freezers. Compact fluorescent lights use a quarter to a third of the power of an incandescent light for the same lumen output and they last ten times longer. The rule of thumb in the renewable energy industry is that for every dollar you spend replacing inefficient appliances; you save three dollars in the cost of a renewable energy system to run them. Investment in energy conservation at the appliance level can really pay off.
Most experts believe solar electric modules have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years and most manufacturers provide a warranty for this period. However, the truth is that we don't really know for sure since most modern solar panels have not been in existence that long. Many experts believe the actual number could be much higher, possibly as much as 50 years. What is very clear is that solar modules are extremely durable and lose very little of their energy generating capacity over time.
Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
In most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. If the site is in a dusty area (very near a busy dirt road) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels regularly, which often just entails hosing them off.
How durable are the solar panels? What about hailstorms?
Solar modules are very durable. They are built of strong aluminum frames and high strength tempered glass that are designed to withstand all sorts of weather including moderate hailstorms.
Can I use all of my normal 120 and 240 VAC appliances?
Probably, however, when you purchase and install a renewable energy system, you become your own power company. So, every kWh of energy you use means more equipment is required to meet your energy needs. Any appliances that operate at 240 VAC (such as an electric water heaters, stove, furnace and air conditioner) are impractical loads to run on solar. You should consider using alternatives such as LP or natural gas for water/space heating or cooking, evaporative cooling instead of compressor based AC units and passive solar design in your new home construction if possible.
Refrigeration and lighting are typically the largest 120 VAC energy consumers (after electric heating) and these are areas where getting the most energy efficient units available can really pay-off. Appliance makers are constantly improving the efficiency of electric refrigerators/freezers. Compact fluorescent lights use a quarter to a third of the power of an incandescent light for the same lumen output and they last ten times longer. The rule of thumb in the renewable energy industry is that for every dollar you spend replacing inefficient appliances; you save three dollars in the cost of a renewable energy system to run them. Investment in energy conservation at the appliance level can really pay off.
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