Q: What are some reasons to invest in a Solar Electric system?
A: There are good reasons why people decide to invest in solar energy systems. Solar Electricity systems lower energy costs and is an affordable and smart environmental choice, especially for residents on a small island developing state, where the cost of electricity is high. Living in a tropical climate gives us in Dominica, a special advantage to harness clean energy from the sun and transform it into electricity through solar panels. Also, in some instances, some individuals live in areas where the cost of extending power lines to their home is more expensive than buying a solar energy system.
Q: What size Solar energy system do I need?
A: The size of solar system you need depends on several factors such as what percentage of your electricity bill you wants to offset, the size, tilt angle, the direction of your in reference to the cardinal point if you are using your roof, the type of mount (steep roof, flat roof, pole mount or ground mount), the type of system (grid-direct, stand-alone or grid-interact battery base system) and how much you want to invest. TSS will help to determine what size and best system would suit your needs.
Q: I have not built my house yet; can I start planning for Solar electricity before?
Yes. If your house is not yet designed or built, it is important to plan for your Solar electric system’s energy requirements now, by making the building as energy efficient as possible and making allowances for the system installation. TSS is a reputable, professional company trained in installing solar systems and will help to plan before, install during the building process and provide support after. We can discuss power requirements for your building, sunlight availability, and other important factors, and determine the type of panel mount system that’s needed to meet your needs.
Q: I already built my home. Can I use Solar electricity to power my home?
A: Yes. Solar electricity can be used to power your entire home’s electrical systems, including lights, cooling systems, and appliances, it’s all depends to how much you want to invest. A Solar systems can be used to power both traditional and nontraditional homes.
Q: Can I use Solar Electricity to power my business?
A: Solar Electricity systems can be used in practically any application, including commercial, industrial etc.
Q: What is net metering?
A: Net-metering is a system used to monitor both the PV production being exported to the grid and customer’s consumption; this usually use with grid-tied systems. In this case the original meter is replaced with a bi-directional meter which has the ability to monitor electricity flow from the utility grid to the customer and from the customer to the utility grid. Net metering allows owners with grid-tied Solar systems to use any excess electricity they produce to offset their electric bill. (Find out more from your local electricity company). As the owner’s system produces electricity, the kilowatts are first used for any electric appliances, equipment etc being used inthe home. If the Solar system produces more electricity than the owner needs, the extra kilowatts are fed into the utility grid.
Q: What are Solar Panel mounts?
A: Solar panel mounts are the type of system used to install the panels on. They are steep roof, flat roof, ground mounts and pole mount. Some mounts are designed to automatically adjust the tilt angle during the year to maximize production, as the sun changes elevation during the course of the year. The mounts can be positioned in most sections of your property, and they’re built to provide a secure hold that normally stands up to high levels of wind during operation.
Q: What are the types of Solar Panel Mounts?
A: Solar panel Roof Mounts – steep and flat. B: Solar Pole Mounts. C: Solar Ground Mounts
Q: What is PV?
A: Photovoltaic (PV) is a solar electric technology. Photo, means light, and volt is a measurement unit. Simply put, photovoltaics can be translated as light-electricity. Photovoltaic devices convert light energy to electricity.
Q: How long do Solar systems last?
A: Once a solar electric system is designed, installed, and maintained properly, it can operate for more than 25 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your solar electric system is by having it installed and maintained properly by professionals. TSS will provide support before, during and after installation of your solar electric system.
Q: How do I know if I have enough sunlight for Solar electricity?
A: The Solar panels needs unhindered access to the sun’s rays for most or all day. Energy output can be affected by shading on the system. While we may have rainy periods, this is not really a major concern, as solar panels are angled to catch the sun’s rays and in Dominica, there is enough sunlight to make solar energy systems useful and effective in most locations if not all.
Q: Is a site assessment required before designing a solar system?
A: Yes. Solar power system is not just about putting panel and connecting to the BOS, but requires a firm design and installation plan, as well as an expectation of how your system is going to function, both technologically and economically, on the short term and long term. A solar site assessment is critical for a proper solar power system design and to produce an expectation for its future performance.
