1. Solar FAQ's
Solar Power Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process?
STEP 1 - Quote with customer, from this we send a formal proposal and associated information.
STEP 2 - Acceptance of the quote, with deposit.
STEP 3 - Installation of the solar system, testing and commissioning, sign off installation report.
How much energy will my Solar System produce?
A 1 Kilowatt system should produce about 7 kW/hours a day on average. A 1.5 Kilowatt system about 10 to
12 kW/hours of energy. The amount of energy produced will also depend on panel angle, temperature,
shading and weather conditions.
How long will it take to install my solar power system?
Usually 3-4 days for 1kW – 2kW system depending on weather, system size, roof type, roof area and height.
Does the solar system require maintenance?
Once the system has been installed there is little maintenance that is required. The only item that may need
attention is a build up of dirt or dust on the solar panels so they should be checked and cleaned periodically.
What sort of components does Solargy use?
We use Suntech, BP, Conergy Kyocera & Sharp. We also use Latronics, Fronius & Sunnyboy inverters.
Latronics inverters are manufactured in QLD.
Can I monitor my solar system remotely?
Yes, there are wireless displays available, which are quite cost effective and it is great to monitor the
electricity you are producing.
Will shading affect the power production of the solar system?
Yes, if any part of the system's panel is shaded, the output of the system will be affected.
How much space does the system need?
A 1kW Solar array will require around 8m2 of roof area, and a 1.5kW solar array requires around 12m2
Do the panels need to be mounted on my roof?
Most systems are mounted on the roof, but we can also mount them on the ground if you have a large block.
Ground mounting is ideal if you have limited roof space, or your roof is subject to regular shading. We can
also supply and install ‘tracking’ systems, where the panels are mounted on a pole, and the panels move
during the day, according to the position of the sun. They are more expensive to install, but can provide an
extra 3 hours of effective sunlight per day
Do the panels need to face north?
North facing is the ideal situation, but panels facing east or west will still provide a very high percentage of
power. The recommended angle for installation is the roof pitch, say 23 -27 degrees but you may
compromise on some solar output.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
Every house is different, depending on your appliances, how energy efficient you are (ask us for tips), and
especially whether you have kids! We tailor each package to meet the customer’s needs, so when booking a
Solar power consultant have ready your last bill and we will show you how to bring it down.

2. How long will the system last?
All of our solar panels come with a 25 year manufacturer’s warranty. This is longer than almost anything
else you can buy. Most other components have a 5 year warranty. Our installation and workmanship are
covered by warranty.
What happens when the power company has a failure?
We include a battery back-up into your package, but this increases the cost and maintenance factors. Battery
back-up systems will switch to battery power instantly when the grid goes down, and re-connect to the grid
when it comes back online.
Do I need batteries with the system?
Yes if you require backup power at night or during rainy days.
Can I use PV to power my business?
PV systems can be blended into virtually every conceivable structure for commercial buildings. You will
find PV being used outdoors for security lighting as well as in structures that serve as covers for parking lots
and bus shelters, generating power at the same time. Architects can use building-integrated PV to design
buildings that are environmentally responsive, aesthetically pleasing, and produce their own power.
Building-integrated PV provides a dual-use building material, reduces PV system costs by using the building
as the mounting or support structure, and reduces utility bills through on-site power production.
Does the system affect my existing roof?
The frames for the solar panels are connected to your existing roof, so nothing will need to be altered. For a
tile roof, we attach the frames to the beams in the roof, then the tiles go back into place. For a tin roof it is
even easier because the frames are mounted directly to the roof.
What happens if the panels are shaded?
The solar panels will still put out a reasonable amount of power in partial shade, for example from a tree
branch. The panels have a bypass diode built in, so if one side of the panel is in shade, the other half will still
produce power.
Can the panels be damaged in a storm?
Panels are designed to withstand the most harsh weather conditions possible, including hail the size of large
golf balls. The only thing that could pose a problem would be a direct lightning strike.
Is there a financial incentive for installing solar power?
Yes, but it varies from State to State.
If I sell my property, do the solar panels affect the sale price?
Yes, any investment that lowers the cost of your electricity over a long period of time will add value to your
home.
How long does it take to install a solar power system?
For a 1kW or 1.5kW most installations will be completed in a few days.
Will the installation require half my house to be ripped apart?
All of our hardware is installed with virtually no modification to your house. The framing kits are
incorporated into your existing roof (with a tile roof, we remove the tile and mount the frame to the beams
inside your roof, then replace the tile as if it was never removed). We also run the cables behind the walls,
and use conduit where required, so you can be sure that the system will have very little impact on the
aesthetics of your home.

3. Should I insure my solar power system?
Yes. Please notify your insurance company that you have installed the system and tell them the value of the
system so that they can note it down.
How does a residential solar PV system work?
Solar cells in the modules mounted on your roof convert sunlight directly into DC power. A component
called an inverter converts this DC power into AC power that can be used in your home. The system
can be interconnected with your utility. During the day, if your solar system produces more electricity
than your home is using, your utility may allow net metering or the crediting of your utility account
for the excess power generated being returned to the grid. Your utility would provide power as usual
at night and during the day when your electricity demand exceeds that produced by your solar
system. Systems are also available with a battery backup; usually these are “off grid”. Part of the
power produced by your solar system during the day is used to charge the batteries, which provide
power for your critical loads in the event of a power outage.
Will my system work at night?
No. Sunlight must be present for your solar modules to produce power. However, batteries can be installed
for Backup as and when needed.
Will my system work on cloudy days?
Yes, though they produce less electricity. Under a light overcast sky, panels might generate lower power
than as much as under full sun.
Does your 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 swimming pool 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 PV module?
Solar pv modules are typically 2.5 to 5 cm thick, 7.5 to 10 cm blue or black solar cells on the back of the
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.
Can I generate heat for my home with a residential solar electric system?
No. Our solar power systems are designed to provide electricity to run your lights, appliances and other
electric devices in your home.
What does the terms grid connect and off-grid mean?
Grid-connect or grid-tied means connected to the utility electrical grid. Our solar pv systems are
designed as on-grid systems, meaning that they interconnect with your existing power utility
provider. Off-grid refers to systems that are not connected to the utility electrical grid and are
commonly used in remote areas.
How do I know if a residential 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, in almost every region of India. You need a
sunny place on your roof of about 9 square metres for our smaller systems, and up to 100 square meters for
our larger systems. Shading from trees or other obstructions can reduce the practicality of a specific
installation.

4. Why does it require at least (6 square meters) of roof space?
Each solar module is approximately 1.5 metres long and 0.75 metres wide. The modules are always grouped
in a minimum set of 2 or more.
What if I need a new roof or am building a new house?
This is the ideal situation for installing solar. Before laying the roof, you can install flushable mounting
brackets that provide the highest level of protection from leakage.
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, climate, 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 PV system does not need to provide all of the electricity you need to
be of great value. A small system that displaces an average of one-quarter to one-half of your average
demand reduces your electricity bill. We are happy to provide you with a system that supplies 100 percent of
your energy needs, but cutting your electricity by 25 - 50 percent is typically the most cost-efficient
approach for home solar power.
Are government incentives available to reduce the price?
Yes! RECS (renewable energy certificates). RECS pricing varies depending on demand and your postcode.
How much power will a residential system produce?
The amount of power produced by a system varies depending on the size of the system, your geographic
location and climate and whether the system has a battery backup.
How long will my solar power system last?
With no moving parts and made of very inert materials, our solar modules are tough. Most of the related
system components should also last for 20 or more years without problems. The batteries in our residential
system may need replacement in 3 to 7 years.
How can I tell how my system is performing?
Either the inverter has a digital readout (depending on the system installed) or we can provide a wireless
meter with the system. This can be located in your home; your power meter tells you exactly how much
electricity you are generating.
What maintenance does the system require?
You should go years without problems. We recommend that we do a quick system check once a year, just to
make sure everything is performing as it should. If it is convenient, you can hose off the modules two or
three times a year.
Do I have to buy a service contract?
No, but we do offer an annual service contract.
How much does the maintenance cost?
Since the maintenance required is very low, your cost should be minimal. Most of the related system
components should last for many years without problems. However if you require an “off grid" system, the
batteries in the residential system may need replacement every five to 10 years.

5. Do I need a D.A. approval?
For subsidy you require to make an application for sanction.
Do I need permission from the local utility to connect my solar system to the grid?
Yes. The local utility has rules and procedures that must be followed to connect any generator to the grid
safely and legally. These rules are generally based on national standards with which our systems comply.
Can I have a solar PV system on my house and still be connected to the grid?
Yes, most solar PV systems are designed as grid connectable systems, meaning they are designed to
interconnect with the power authority electricity grid.
Can I be totally independent from the utility?
We can design a solar PV system that is “off grid”. Off-grid systems must be custom designed and are
normally suited to remote locations where no electricity grid is available.