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Commonly Asked Questions about Solar Energy

Commonly Asked Questions about Solar Energy

What are solar panels made of and how do they work?

Solar cells are primarily made of silicon, a chemical element with conductive properties. Exposure to light changes silicons electrical characteristics which generates electrical current


How many solar panels do I need?

This entirely depends on how much electricity your home uses and how much you might be using in the future. The easiest way to figure this out is to look at past electricity bills, which should tell you how much power you've used in the previous month, from this, you can see the average daily usage. It is really crucial to properly size your solar installation,if you undersize your system then you won't meet your energy needs,oversize it and you will waste money on components you are not using.


How long does it take for solar panels to charge a battery bank?

If a battery is completely drained, a panel can charge the battery within 5 to 8 hours depending on the amount of sunlight available


How long do solar panels last and how do i take care of them? 

Tubim energy panels have a performance warranty of 25 years and something great about panels is that they require little maintenance. All you need to do is examine the panels during installation to make sure all connections are in place  and at least once a year wash off the panels to remove any dirt or other residue that may have collected on the panels.


How much energy storage do I need and how many batteries do I need for my solar system?                                                                                

Solar battery systems are designed to store the excess energy from your PV system , they are capable of monitoring the homes usage of electricity. Properly siding your battery bank is a crucial step to creating an efficient and powerful system. If your battery bank is undersized, you may not be able to fully meet your energy needs, if your battery bank is oversized, your solar panels may not be able to fully recharge the batteries, which may lead to chronic undercharging,decreased lifespan and poor performance.The size of the battery installed should be matched to your electricity usage and the size of the PV system.

 

How long will it take to charge a deep cycle battery?  

Whether you are planning to run an off-grid system , or you are looking to add a battery bank to your grid- tied solar power system , you will need to familiarize yourself with deep cycle batteries. Deep cycle batteries are uniquely suited for solar applications, as they are designed to be charged and discharged over and over again. They can be discharged down to extremely low power levels without needing to be jump started, this means the stored solar electricity stored within your deep cycle batteries can actually be used at your convenience.If your battery is totally drained, maximum charger current should allow the charger to recharge the battery in 5-10 hours fully.Charge times will also vary depending on how efficient your solar equipment can operate, for example the amount of direct sunlight your solar panels are exposed to will determine how efficiently they are able to operate.


What is the lifespan of deep cycle batteries?

The average lifespan of deep cycle batteries is about 3-6 years depending on the efficiency of use. However , the lifespan of a deep cycle battery will vary based on several factors such as the type of battery, how it is used and maintained, and the climate in which it is kept, For example if you live in a hotter climate your battery will experience a shorter lifespan than someone living in a cooler climate.

There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a battery like how much power you are using,the temperature of the environment you are using it tin, the level of care and maintenance  you are giving it . Over time as a battery gets older it develops higher internal resistance, which lowers the capacity of the battery to hold charge.

The life expectancy of any deep cycle battery is hard to predict and is largely dependent on how well you maintain and monitor the battret. The better you are at maintaining it, the longer it will last.you should keep it clean and store it properly,dirt and corrosion can cause a decrease in your battery’s overall performance . When not in use, store your battery in a cool dry place that's protected from extreme heat and cold.


 

Why do I need a solar inverter? 

A power inverter changes DC power from a battery into conventional AC power that you can use to operate all kinds of devices ... electric lights, kitchen appliances, microwaves, power tools, TVs, radios, computers, to name just a few. You just connect the inverter to a battery, and plug your AC devices into the inverter ... and you've got portable power ... whenever and wherever you need it.

The inverter draws its power from a 12 Volt battery (preferably deep-cycle), or several batteries wired in parallel. The battery will need to be recharged as the power is drawn out of it by the inverter. The battery can be recharged by running the automobile motor, or a gas generator, solar panels, or wind. Or you can use a battery charger plugged into an AC outlet to recharge the battery. Solar inverters are a vital part of solar power systems as power optimizers and have a number of benefits that homeowners should consider before choosing one.

Solar inverters can be used on on-grid solar power systems, off-grid power systems, and hybrid solar power systems. They ensure constant power output regardless of the weather conditions, shading and energy availability, making them an ideal choice for power home appliances.


What size inverter should I buy? 

The size of the inverter is entirely based on your electricity demands. When sizing a solar inverter for your home, first determine the wattage of the system and then compare inverters with similar wattages. Next consider volts and Amps needed by your appliances in order to operate properly.

Choose an inverter that is appropriate for your appliances and system size. 


How long do inverters last?

Solar inverters typically last 10-15 years, but this depends on how often they are used and how well they are maintained,

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