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FAQs

Learn more about the FAQs regarding solar energy and different types of services in Buskowitz Energy. Understand how solar energy works.

How does solar work?

Solar panels or modules collect energy from the sun. The panels will now give DC voltage and power to the inverter which will in turn convert it from DC power to AC power. AC power will supply to the Load during the day and provide the power for the home or facility.

How are we sure the system is really working?

Users can look at the Inverter Display Screen
Inverters have their own display screen. It shows the actual power and production for a specific inverter. It also notifies the user once the unit experiences an error.
Using Clamp meter
The Clamp Meter is a device used to test the output voltage and current produce by the inverters.

What is the difference between On-grid and Off-grid solar PV systems?

Solar PV Panels (Canadian Solar)
Panels have a twenty-five (25) year insurance-backed warranty that is non-cancelable; immediate (Canadian Solar) warranty insurance linear power output warranty. There is also a 10 (10) year warranty on any physical factory defects.

Ten (10) years product warranty on materials and workmanship. Canadian Solar guarantees that for a period of twenty- five years the module will maintain a performance as set forth below:
 
For Polycrystalline Module Products:
– During the first year, Canadian Solar guarantees the actual power output of the module will be no less than 97.5% of the labeled power output.
– From year 2 to year 25, the actual annual power decline will be no more
than 0.7 %; by the end of year 25, the actual power output will be no less
than 80.7 % of the labeled power output.
In the event it is determined that there is a negative deviation of actual performance from the warranted values then Canadian Solar, at its option, will compensate for such loss in power by either providing to the Buyer additional modules to make up the total wattage loss, or by repairing or replacing the modules or providing an appropriate residual market value of the product(s) as compensation.

Inverters (Solar Edge, U.S.)
Twelve (12) years factory warranty (extendable up to 20 years)

Optimizers (Solar Edge, U.S.)
Twenty Five (25) years commencing on the earlier of: (i) 4 months from the date the power optimizers are shipped from SolarEdge; and (ii) the installation of the power optimizers, provided, however, that for the module embedded power optimizers (CSI and OPJ models), the Warranty Period shall not exceed the maximum of (1) the module product warranty and (2) the module power warranty periods provided by the applicable module manufacturer.

Inverters (Zeversolar)
Five (5) years factory warranty (extendable up to 10 years) – extension on warranty must be purchased together with the product and not after it has been bought.

How long does it take to install?

Installation time depends on the system size. An average household will take approximately two-days while a commercial building approximately one to two months.

Will it damage my sensitive equipment?

We design our systems to consider your sensitive equipment. Solar PV is non-invasive and can be applied to any situation. These are all taken into consideration during the design stage.

How do I switch between solar and my DU?

This happens automatically. The technology has been developed to be seamless and worry free.

What happens during power outs?

For grid-tied installations, once the grid supply is cut, to abide by international safety regulations, the solar system will shut off or operate at a safe low voltage. It will automatically reset once the grid power resumes.

Does your system include batteries?

While we can provide batteries, we typically propose on-grid systems, which means the solar panel installation is connected to the country’s power grid. This is not only more economic (purchasing a battery will considerably raise the initial investment), it is also more efficient.

Can we use solar at night?

If your solar power installation has a battery then the battery will charge during the day in order to provide you power at night.

How many square meters do I need?

This depends on how much power you need and how much space you have. For example, the typical residential installation is around 5 kwp (Kilowatt peak), which needs approximately 19 panels or 35 square meters. A 100 kwp commercial installation, on the other hand, you will need around 364 panels or 750 square meters. For a megawatt, you will need around 3,640 panels or 7,500 square meters.

What is net metering?

This is an agreement between you and your distribution utility, which basically states that if your solar system produces more energy than your home or business needs, then your distribution utility will pay you or credit you for the excess power that your system has fed into the grid.  Basically, it means you get to save even more!

Can it power my entire site?

It can, but that depends if you have the space to accommodate the necessary number of panels that will generate the energy you need for the whole site, and if you run your operations both day and night. If you need to run at night, then the solar panel installation will not be able to meet the nighttime energy requirements without a battery.

What if it rains?

Solar power is generated through what is known as the photovoltaic effect, which requires sunlight. When it rains, the amount of power generated will be less due to the cloudy skies and precipitation, however it will still produce around 10% to 30% of the installation’s capacity.