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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power

PV Solar Systems Solar Water Heating

Will I have hot water in winter? Does a solar water heating system require maintenance? Which is better – flat plate or evacuated tube systems? What is the advantage of using a solar geyser as opposed to converting my existing geyser? Will I be able to use my old geyser? What are the different types of rooftop solar PV systems? What will a solar water heating system cost? Will I have hot water at night? Will I still have hot water on the days when the sun doesn’t shine? Evacuated tubes get too hot in South African conditions - is this true? Why should water reaching my hot water taps be less than 55 degrees? Doesn’t the power required for the pump cancel out the electricity saved in the geyser? What is the cost of replacing Eskom with a PV Solar system for my house? What is the guarantee period? How long does an installation take? Will my roof be able to hold all of that weight if I do decide to put the geyser on the roof? How does evacuated tube technology work? How hot does the water get with a solar water heating system? What is the difference between flat plate and evacuated tube systems? 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? Does solar water heating generate any electricity? What about the wind blowing the collector off the roof? Does the geyser have to go on the roof as well? What are the advantages of having the geyser on the roof? How is the pump powered? Will my pumped system heat water during a power outage? Why do professional Solar Companies charge for Solar System designs? How long will it take for my solar water heating system to pay for itself? How do I decide what size system to install? What is the life expectancy of our systems? I want a Solar System to feed electricity back into the Eskom grid and earn money from it Why should I purchase a PV system? What type of battery must I use in a standby system? How does Solar Water Heating work? How much can a solar water heating system save me? Why is it advisable to have a controller? What if the pitch of my roof is less than 25 degrees? What is the difference between a thermosiphon system and a pumped system? What is a PV Solar System? Why do I need a timer switch for my solar water heating system? Which way does the collector have to face? What is the difference between a "SINEWAVE" and "SQUAREWAVE / MODIFIED SINEWAVE" inverter? What type of battery must i use in a solar system? What is an Inverter? What pitch does the collector have to be at? What’s the difference between PV and other solar energy technologies? How long have evacuated tubes been around? Will the installation affect my house warranty? What is a Backup System? What is Photovoltaic or "PV" Can I install a solar water heating system if I live in an area that experiences frost? How do evacuated tubes compare to flat plate collectors with regards to efficiency?