Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power

 

Will I be able to use my old geyser?

 

What is the advantage of using a solar geyser as opposed to converting my existing geyser?

 

Which is better – flat plate or evacuated tube systems?

 

Will I have hot water in winter?

 

Does a solar water heating system require maintenance?

 

What will a solar water heating system cost?

 

Evacuated tubes get too hot in South African conditions - is this true?

 

What are the different types of rooftop solar PV systems?

 

Will my roof be able to hold all of that weight if I do decide to put the geyser on the roof?

 

Will I still have hot water on the days when the sun doesn’t shine?

 

How long does an installation take?

 

Will I have hot water at night?

 

What is the cost of replacing Eskom with a PV Solar system for my house?

 

Why should water reaching my hot water taps be less than 55 degrees?

 

How long will it take for my solar water heating system to pay for itself?

 

What about the wind blowing the collector off the roof?

 

Does the geyser have to go on the roof as well?

 

What is the difference between flat plate and evacuated tube systems?

 

Doesn’t the power required for the pump cancel out the electricity saved in the geyser?

 

My heighbour was told by a so-called "Solar Company" that they can change his entire house tp PV Solar for less than R30 000?

 

How do I decide what size system to install?

 

What type of battery must I use in a standby system?

 

What are the advantages of having the geyser on the roof?

 

What if the pitch of my roof is less than 25 degrees?

 

Will my pumped system heat water during a power outage?

 

Why do I need a timer switch for my solar water heating system?

 

Why do professional Solar Companies charge for Solar System designs?

 

I want a Solar System to feed electricity back into the Eskom grid and earn money from it

 

What is the guarantee period?

 

What is the life expectancy of our systems?

 

How hot does the water get with a solar water heating system?

 

Why is it advisable to have a controller?

 

Does solar water heating generate any electricity?

 

How is the pump powered?

 

Why should I purchase a PV system?

 

How does evacuated tube technology work?

 

What is the difference between a thermosiphon system and a pumped system?

 

How much can a solar water heating system save me?

 

What is a PV Solar System?

 

What pitch does the collector have to be at?

 

What type of battery must i use in a solar system?

 

Which way does the collector have to face?

 

How do evacuated tubes compare to flat plate collectors with regards to efficiency?

 

Will the installation affect my house warranty?

 

How does Solar Water Heating work?

 

What is the difference between a "SINEWAVE" and "SQUAREWAVE / MODIFIED SINEWAVE" inverter?

 

What is a Backup System?

 

How long have evacuated tubes been around?

 

Can I install a solar water heating system if I live in an area that experiences frost?

 

What is an Inverter?

 

What is Photovoltaic or "PV"

 

What’s the difference between PV and other solar energy technologies?