FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why install a Solar Energy System at Home or Business?

 

Three reasons why:
Cost Reduction  – Renewable Energy saves money, has a relatively quick ROI (Return On Investment) period.
Independence    – Not dependent on Eskom.
Environmental   – Renewable Energy is a key in the improvements of our environment for the future.
 
 
Does Solar PV increase my Property value?
 
 Yes!   Solar PV Systems reduces cost of electricity and therefor increases the value of your property and leads to quicker selling/renting. 
 
What is PV Systems (Photovoltaic Systems) ?
 

photovoltaic system, also known as a Solar PV system, is an energy system that is designed to transform the energy from the sun into electricity by means of photovoltaics, also known as Solar Panels. This system is safe, reliable, low-maintenance, and provides green energy without on-site pollution or emissions. Hence, by installing a photovoltaic system, you contribute to a greener environment, and, what is more, you will be an owner of a more sustainable home.

What is PV power?

Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons by the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells produce direct current electricity from sunlight which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery or batteries.

How does Photovoltaic System work?

Every day, sunlight hits your roof’s solar panels with photons (particles of sunlight). The solar panel converts those photons into electrons of direct current (“DC”) electricity. The inverter converts that “DC” power (commonly used in batteries) into alternating current or “AC” power use by your everyday household or business equipment.

Power Inverter

A power inverter, or inverter, is an electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). The inverter does not produce any power; the power is provided by the DC source i.e. solar panels.

Battery Bank

A backup battery or batteries which provide power to a system when the primary source of power “Eskom” is unavailable.

Back-Up Systems

Back-up systems consist of an inverter and a battery bank. This will provide an uninterrupted power supply to your household / business when the grid is not producing electricity. You will only be able to sustain power until the batteries energy is depleted.

Grid-tied VS Off-grid Solar PV Systems

As the adoption of PV Solar Solutions around the world grows, one of the leading questions we get asked is: Do we stay connected to the grid or go off-grid completely?

If you are concerned about the environment and want to go off “Eskom” the grid completely. For most people who are concerned about environmental issues, they might feel that to go off-grid completely truest form of sustainable living. However, here at Advanced Energy Power we like to provide all the facts:

To start, let’s quickly look at the difference between the two systems.

Grid-tied PV system

When the grid “Eskom” is available, power produced by your solar system is used by the home / business and excess energy is sent to the batteries. In the event of a power outage or at night the inverter will automatically turn on to power appliances. The combination of solar energy and battery storage works seamlessly to provide power to essential appliances during an outage or at night, working similar to an off-grid system.

Off-grid PV system

Off-grid is exactly that, off “Eskom” the grid completely. There is no connection to the utility and you are reliant on the power generated by your Solar PV Solution, battery bank backup and/or the generator.  The power created by the Solar PV System is in the form of DC which feeds through a charge controller and is stored in the battery bank when the power is needed it flows through an inverter to change it to AC for use in your household / business.dependent

What you might have heard about Solar Power

Can it save me money

It’s true!     With a solar battery, clean, self-produced energy is available around the clock. Solar battery technology integrates with your solar PV system, storing the excess energy generated and making it available when you need it, saving you up to 70% on your electricity bills.

I feel installation is complicated and risky

It isn’t!    With the right solar design and expert installation, your system will operate trouble and nearly maintenance free for at least 25 years.

It is expensive for me to switch

Switching to solar might be the best investment you’ve ever made! We will show you how residential solar panels make economic sense so that you can make a wise investment that is both low risk with a high rate of return.