Solar Panel Installers

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels, often referred to as photovoltaic (PV) panels work through the process called the photovoltaic effect which in simpler terms, means sunlight hits special materials, freeing electrons that create electricity. Each solar panel is made up of multiple individual solar cells, typically made of silicon, which helps to capture the sunlight and convert this into usable electricity to be used around your home or business. This direct current (DC) that is created is then passed through an additional component called an inverter, where it is converted into alternating current (AC), suitable for running general electrical appliances and technology. Solar panels are most effective when they are installed in the correct positions that capture the maximum amount of sunlight per day.

Solar Panels and Lithium Batteries

Solar panels often make use of lithium batteries to store energy to be used at a later stage. Lithium-ion batteries often require minimal maintenance whilst offering longer lifespans. The one potential downside is these batteries can be more expensive compared to lead-acid batteries. In general, lithium-ion batteries can endure more charge cycles than lead-acid batteries, making them ideal for providing ancillary services to the power grid. One of the energy-efficient features of lithium-ion technology is its impressive charge and discharge efficiencies, which make it a suitable choice for solar systems.

Areas to Install Solar Panels

Roof-mounted Solar Panels

A common question we often receive is, do solar panels have to be on the roof? this is not the case as solar panels can be installed in various locations but this is often the most popular choice due to them being hidden away and often out of direct sight on your roof. For homes that have flat roofs, this will make it particularly important to get the right tilt and orientation to capture the greatest sunlight.

Ground-mounted Solar Panels

As the name suggests, ground mounted solar panels are installed on the ground, these are ideal for properties that may have limited roof space or when customers are looking to install a larger number of solar panels. By utilising this method, it can allow you to install a greater number of panels due to their often being more space around certain areas of your property.

Carport (Covered Parking) Solar Panels

You often see this type of system in larger commercial installations where the property has lots of client and employee parking and by using carpark solar panels this can allow you to make use of available space that would normally go to waste. This option provides dual benefits for customers as you can offer covered parking while generating solar energy at the same time.

Best Type of Solar Panels for Home

The solar panels we use are engineered for high performance and durability, boasting a high efficiency of up to 21.50%. They are certified for reliable operation under high temperatures and are resistant to salt, ammonia, and Potential Induced Degradation (PID), ensuring robust performance in various environments. Quality control and traceability are integral to the manufacturing process, with each module thoroughly earth leakage tested to 3600V DC. Constructed with advanced MBB, larger wafer, and half-cut cell Mono PERC technology, the panels feature 3.2mm tempered, low iron, high-transparency solar safety glass with an anti-reflective coating.

The encapsulation is made of EVA with a choice of white or black backsheet, reinforced by an extruded, anodized aluminum frame for enhanced durability. The IP68-rated junction box, equipped with three diodes and 1100mm cables with standard MC4 connectors, ensures reliable connectivity and protection. Measuring 2279 x 1134 x 35mm and weighing 28.5kg, these panels are designed to withstand harsh conditions. Temperature performance is optimized, with a nominal operating cell temperature of 45°C ± 2°C and a nominal module operating temperature (NMOT) of 41°C ± 3°C. The temperature coefficients are -0.36%/°C for Pmax, -0.26%/°C for Voc, and -0.04%/°C for Isc, indicating minimal efficiency loss under temperature fluctuations.

Solar Panel Installation Tips and Tricks

  • When installing solar panels at your residential or commercial premises, it’s important to maintain the correct spacing between each panel to maximise space efficiency. A crucial consideration is to ensure that the panels are spaced to prevent shading from one panel to another, which can influence the amount of sunlight that can be received. A general rule of thumb is to have roughly 10-18cm between each solar panel row to allow a pathway to install and maintain the panels.

  • Yes, you will need to install a solar inverter, as this plays a crucial part in the functioning of your solar energy system. The inverter’s primary function is to convert the DC power generated from your solar panels into an alternating current (AC) supply to power electrical appliances around your home or business.

  • When installing solar panels, some stages should be followed to ensure that your system functions properly. After installing the solar panels in your chosen location, such as on the roof or ground mounted - you’ll need to connect them to an inverter. From here, the inverter will connect to your electrical panel, allowing you to power appliances around your property.

Battery Backup for Solar Panels

Solar panels combined with battery backup systems offer a powerful solution for both homeowners and businesses aiming to produce their own electricity and lessen their reliance on the power grid. A typical residential solar setup consists of solar panels, an inverter, and a battery backup, enabling homeowners to harness solar energy during the day and store surplus power for nighttime use or during grid outages. In contrast, commercial solar systems are larger and more intricate, designed for businesses to generate electricity and lower their energy expenses.

In South Africa, load-shedding solutions are becoming increasingly vital as the power grid struggles to meet the nation’s energy needs. By incorporating a battery backup system, both homeowners and businesses can maintain a steady electricity supply during load shedding, ensuring they are never left without power.

Why is the Tilt of the Solar Panels so Important

The tilt of your solar panels has a large impact on the amount of energy that they can produce. In the South Africa, solar panels should ideally be titled to face northwards at roughly 25 to 35 degrees. This is a general rule of thumb as the exact tilt and orientation will depend on factors such as your exact location and roof orientation. Additionally, roof pitch and available installation space can influence the angle you’re able to achieve, particularly when mounting panels on existing structures. Ensuring your solar panels are titled correctly is essential for maximising the efficiency and generating the most electricity possible from your system. Our team can handle this part as ensure your system is setup correctly.

How to Connect Solar Panels in Series vs Parallel

Connecting your solar panels in series or parallel depends on the desired voltage and current output of your system. When connecting panels in series, the positive terminal of one panel is connected to the negative terminal of the next, resulting in a higher voltage while the current remains the same. This configuration is ideal when you need to increase voltage to meet the input requirements of your inverter or charge controller. On the other hand, connecting panels in parallel involves linking all the positive terminals together and all the negative terminals together. This setup maintains the same voltage but increases the current, making it ideal for applications where higher current is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It’s recommended to clean your solar panels at least twice a year - however this can be influenced depending on where your solar panels are located such as near trees or coastal regions where sediment build up may affect the overall performance. When it comes to actually cleaning the panels, using a soft brush or sponge with soapy water can normally do the job whilst avoiding any abrasive chemicals. One question that often gets asked around this topic is whether you can use a high pressure washer - this is not advisable as it may damage the panels and void warranties. The important consideration is to always follow manufacturer guidelines and best practices.

  • High-quality solar panels typically last around 25 years. However, the actual lifespan can vary depending on where your solar panels are installed and how well maintained they are over the years. It’s always important to refer to manufacturer guidelines as the actual timeframe may slightly vary depending on the brand so this should always be the benchmark on how long they should last.

  • No, solar panels don’t work at night due and produce electricity as they require sunlight to generate power. This is why it’s so important to install your solar panels in the right location so that you can take full advantage of the available sunlight each day. If your solar system is installed with battery storage, then you can use this excess power generated during the day at night.

  • Most modern solar systems include some form of monitoring software that can help to provide real-time information on your energy production. Additionally, checking your inverter’s display can give you an instant reading of current power generation.