Frequently Asked Questions

Solar panels are comprised of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of power used to operate household appliances and electronics.

Yes, is the simple answer; solar panels utilize UV light to generate energy, which allows them to continue producing electricity on cloudy or overcast days, albeit with reduced efficiency.  however, that they do not produce energy at night.

To ensure a continuous and reliable power supply, there are two primary configurations. Grid-tied systems are designed to draw power from the utility grid when solar production is low, this is primarily the case for a hybrid system i.e grid/solar system. Alternatively, off-grid systems rely on battery storage to collect energy generated during the day for use throughout the night.

To protect your system's efficiency and maintain your warranty, it is important to ensure your solar installation is designed to avoid prolonged shadows, modern premium quality solar panels are designed to by-pass shaded areas on your modules. We recommend installing adequate solar panels and consulting with a local solar provider to map out any seasonal shading paths on your roof before proceeding.

Proper placement will ensure you get the maximum energy output from your panels over the long term.

Proper evaluation of the strength of your roof should always be considered, most especially for older properties.

Provided proper assessment is carried out and the panels are installed by qualified professionals; solar panels should not damage your roof.

In fact, the mounting system can act as protection for the underlying tiles from harsh weather and UV exposure, poor installation or overlooking existing roof issues can cause leaks and lead to structural complications.

Premium solar panels are built to last longer than 30 years losing only about 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency each year—other components, such as the inverter and the battery will require replacement over the system's lifetime depending on the quality. 

The simple answer is yes. The more complex answer is down to a) correct sizing - ensuring there is a proper assessment of your current load, this is essential to ensure that your solar system generates enough power during peak hours and accounts for darker days where there might be need for a generator to fill in and charge your batteries b) Energy efficiency - Ensuring all electric equipment from light bulbs to A/C's are energy efficient c) Battery storage - A larger and superior battery storage system is compulsory to ensure continuous supply. 

A typical solar panel is 2 metres by 2 metres, going by this allows you to work out a rough idea of size required. There are of course, google and various apps for a more reliable sizing, however, hiring a professional surveyor for an on-site calculation is the only way to get accurate sizing. Various factors like shade from trees, chimneys, roof orientation, roof shapes can affect the availability of space on your roof for solar modules/panels. 

High-quality solar panels are very robust products that are tested against wind, hailstones, extreme temperatures etc. thus rarely require maintenance for up to 30 years aside from regular cleaning to ensure consistent performance.

Inverters and batteries on the other hand are complex systems that depending on various factors including quality may require more periodical maintenance visits by approved technicians to ensure optimum perform of your solar panel system. It is important to not alter settings on your inverters and solar batteries without expert knowledge or experience as this could alter the efficiency of your entire system and end up costing you more money. 

Valve-Regulated Lead Acid batteries are a cheaper but less efficient alternative to Lithium batteries, whilst certain VRLA batteries are more suited to extreme cold and hot conditions, Lithium batteries are more efficient and guarantee better longevity and consistency overall. 

Lithium batteries generally safely discharge up to 90% of their output without damage, whilst VRLA batteries are generally set to 50% Depth of Discharge to avoid long term use damage. 

It is important to note that the complexity of a lithium battery system may require more expert knowledge and, in some instances, where not correctly installed and sized can pose technical issues. 

Yes, extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect the efficiency of your solar inverter causing it to underperform. Inverters have an optimal range between 25 degree Celsius to 45 degree Celsius any deviation from this can lead to the system automatically reducing its maximum output to reduce damage to its internal components. It is important to discuss with your supplier to understand which inverter best suits your project.

Yes intense heat in regions of Africa and the Middle East can be an issue with the performance and longevity of solar panels and products. When solar panels are exposed to temperatures above 45 degrees, temperatures internally can significantly increase to over 70 degrees and more which can lead to up to 5% loss per 1 degree Celsius increase. It is recommended to discuss the adequate premium solar panels and products suitable for regions that encounter desert like conditions with your supplier.

UK Solar Power advantage panels are designed in the UAE to withstand high heat desert conditions and manufactured in the Middle East.