Will the system work at night?
 
No. Sunlight (daylight) must be present for your solar modules to produce power. At night, you draw power from your utility. At night the solar system’s output is stopped; however, your home then gets electricity from the utility grid. You are always connected to the grid, so you can have as much power as you need, any time you need it, regardless of whether the solar system is able to produce any power.
 
Will the system work on cloudy days?
 
Yes, though they produce less electricity. Under a light overcast sky, panels might produce about half as much as under full sun.
 
Does the solar system make hot water?
 
No. People often confuse our products with solar thermal panels that involve water circulating through tubes to be heated by the sun for hot water heating. Our solar modules convert sunlight into electric current to operate appliances, motors, pumps and other devices.
 
How can I tell a water heating panel from a solar electric module?
 
Solar electric modules are typically one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) thick with 48 or more cover glass. Solar water heating panels are generally much thicker and may have tubes connected to a flat black plate under the glass, or a black tank inside the collector panel.
 
What do the terms on-grid, grid-connected, grid-tied mean?
 
On-grid, grid-connected or grid-tied means connected to the utility electrical grid.  

 
ON THE GRID DURING A SUNNY DAY
Solar electric systems generate electricity silently and without any moving parts. Sunlight falls on the solar array and generates DC electricity. That DC electricity is converted into household 240V AC electricity by the inverter. The AC electricity is fed into your electric meter and circuit breaker panel. The electricity either goes to your automatically every day.

ON THE GRID AT NIGHT OR DURING A CLOUDY DAY
At night and during cloudy weather, the solar system’s output is reduced or stopped; however, your home then gets electricity from the utility grid. You are always connected to the grid, so you can have as much power as you need, any time you need it, regardless of whether the solar system is able to put out any power.

How do I know if a solar electric system would work on my home?
 
Solar electric power works for most homes. Our systems are engineered to work with most roofing materials in most locations where direct sunlight is available. You need a sunny place on your roof about 120 square feet or 11 square meters (10 by 12 feet or 3 by 3.67 meters) for our smaller systems and more space for a bigger one.
installation. A south-facing roof area is optimal, but solar electric panels can be mounted on west- or east- facing roofs and still produce better than 90 percent of the power of a true south roof mounting.
 
Why does it require at least 120 square feet (11 square meters) of roof space?
 
Each solar module is approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and 2½ feet (0.75 meters) wide. The modules are always grouped in a set of four, and the minimum number of modules for our smallest system is twelve modules. This requires an area of at least 120 square feet (11 square meters).
 
Why is shade a problem?
 
Because of the wiring design of a solar module, all of the individual solar cells on a module must receive full sunlight for the module to work properly. If any portion of the module is shaded, the entire module power output-even those sections still exposed to sunlight-is lowered.
 
Can I add reflectors or mirrors around the solar panels to increase the power they generate?
 
No. Our solar panels designed for use in direct sunlight only.
 
How many solar panels do I need to produce enough electricity to run my house?
 
The array size you need depends on your average electrical usage, roof angle, shading problems and many other factors. To approximate the array size you need, multiply your average daily electrical demand in kilowatt-hours by 0.25. The result is the approximate size of solar array, in kilowatts, needed to meet your electrical demand.
 
Will a system produce enough energy to cover all my electricity needs?
 
It is important to understand that a solar electric system does not need to provide all of the electricity you need to be of great value. A small system that replaces an average of one-quarter to one-half of your average demand reduces your electric bill. We are happy to provide you with a system that supplies 100 percent of your energy needs, but cutting your electricity by 40 to 50 percent is typically the most cost-efficient approach for home solar power.
 
What other options do I have if the system cannot be mounted on my roof?
 
If a roof-mounted system proves impractical, a ground-mount, trellis or pergola application may be an option.
 
Can the modules withstand high winds and hail?
 
The panels are supported by the roof-designed mounting system that has been tested to withstand 125 mph (200 kph) winds and can work on almost every type of roofing material. Our modules can withstand one inch (2.5 cm) hailstones at 50 mph (80.5 kph).
 
How can I tell how my system is performing?
 
We provide a power meter with the system. Located in your home, your power meter tells you exactly how much electricity you generate and use, and when you send powernever before.
 
What happens if there's a utility power cut?
 
With grid-connected solar electric systems, you will experience loss of power for the safety of the people working on the grid.

Do I need Planning Permission?

Permitted development rights

In England and Scotland, changes to permitted development rights for renewable technologies introduced on 6th Arpil 2008 and 12th March 2009 respectively, have lifted the requirements for planning permission for most domestic microgeneration technologies.

Solar PV and solar thermal (roof mounted):

Permitted unless:

• panels protrude more then 200mm when installed.

Solar PV and solar thermal (stand alone):

Permitted unless:

• more than 4 metres in height

• installed less than 5 metres away from any boundary (England Only)

• above a maximum area of array of 9m²

In England only:

• situated on a wall within any part of the curtilage of the dwelling house and would be visible from a highway in Conservations Areas and World Heritage Sites.

Should I clean my panels if they get dirty?

There is no need to. E.g. birds’ droppings will not significantly impair performance and when it next rains they will be washed off.

How long does it take to install a system?

Typically a solar pv system can be installed within approximately 2 days. This, naturally, will vary depending on the type of property, the type of roof etc.

Where are the panels fitted?

Ideally to a south facing roof although an east / west configuration can be used. Most panels are mounted on a roof, but they can also be mounted at ground level. It is important that they get direct sunlight. To get the best results they should be at an angle between 20 and 50 degrees from horizontal (most pitched roofs fall within this bracket).

Will installing solar panels increase value of my house?

Off course. Anybody buying your house will benefit from FIT payments and free electricity and will pay premium to have all this already on site

Will they work in winter or in very cold weather?

Yes, the system will work in much colder temperatures than we experience in this country. However, it will not work if the panel is covered in snow as this will prevent light striking the absorber plate.