How do solar photovoltaic (PV) systems work?
Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house, store in a battery, or send it back to the electric grid.
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Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
Solar energy systems can last for 30 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. It is advised that you make sure that your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
North-facing roofs with little to no shade are ideal for installing solar panels. However, in most cases there are workarounds if your property doesn’t have the “perfect” solar roof.
What types of buildings are compatible with solar?
Nearly all buildings are compatible with solar, so long as the roof is structurally sound and has enough space to accommodate panels and racking. For smaller facilities with limited roof space, ground mounts or solar carports are a good alternative. ...
Will I still receive an electricity bill if I have a solar system?
Unless you are fully off the grid (no previous or planned grid connection), you will still receive a bill from your power utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill (to fixed charges) with a hybrid solar system (panels and storage) that ...
Will solar panels power my building when the grid is down?
Yes. Your solar system can be designed to work with or without grid power, and by design can be the primary power source during sun hours. During load shedding or power outage (during sun hours), the PV solar panels will continue to generate the ...