Solar for Homes

Maintenance for residential solar panels is generally minimal but important to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Regular monitoring of the generation is essential.

1. Periodic Cleaning: Regular cleaning of solar panels is essential to remove dirt, dust, bird droppings, and other debris that can accumulate on the surface. Typical once a year is good, but many typical roof installation only need cleaning every 3 to 5 years.
2. Professional Maintenance: While many maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, some may require the expertise of a professional solar installer. Climbing on the roof is a dangerous affair. Consider scheduling annual maintenance visits with a qualified technician to ensure your system remains in top condition. AmSolar provides routine maintenance at a competitive rate.

Comparing string inverters and microinverters involves weighing their respective advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown:

Microinverters:

Advantages:

1. Optimized Performance: Microinverters are installed on each individual solar panel, allowing for optimization of each panel’s performance independent of the others. This can result in higher overall energy production, especially in systems with shading or panel orientation challenges.
2. Flexibility: Microinverters offer greater flexibility in system design, allowing for panels with different orientations, tilts, or shading conditions to be used in the same installation without impacting overall performance.
3. Safety: Microinverters typically operate at lower DC voltages compared to string inverters, reducing the risk of electrical hazards during installation and maintenance.
4. Monitoring: Many microinverter systems come with monitoring capabilities that allow homeowners to track the performance of each individual panel in real-time, helping to identify and address any issues quickly.

Disadvantages:

1. Cost: Microinverters are generally more expensive than string inverters, both in terms of upfront equipment costs and installation labour.
2. Complexity: Installing microinverters involves more labour and wiring compared to string inverters, as each panel requires its own microinverter.
3. Reliability: With more individual components, there may be a higher likelihood of component failures over time, although advancements in technology have improved the reliability of microinverters in recent years. High temperature under the panels on the roof is a big enemy to electronic components and is the major reason for failure. Many micro inverters means many more components, and many more connections (connectors) on the roof and introduces many more failure opportunities.

String Inverters:

Advantages:

1. Cost-Effective: String inverters are generally less expensive than microinverters, making them a more budget-friendly option for solar installations and therefore better payback.
2. Simplicity: They involve a simpler installation process since only one inverter is typically needed for the entire solar array, reducing installation time and complexity.
3. Efficiency: String inverters are highly efficient and can effectively convert DC electricity from multiple solar panels into AC electricity.
4. Maintenance: With fewer components, string inverters have lower long-term maintenance costs compared to microinverters.

Disadvantages:

1. Performance Degradation: The performance of a string inverter can be affected by shading or mismatch issues. If one panel in the string is shaded or underperforming, it can reduce the output of the entire string.
2. Design Limitations: String inverters are designed to handle the output of multiple panels connected in series (a string). This means they may not be ideal for installations with panels facing different orientations or with varying levels of shading.
3. Safety Concerns: In a string inverter system, the DC voltage of the entire string is present at the input of the inverter. This can pose a safety risk during installation and maintenance if proper precautions are not taken.

In summary, the choice between string inverters and microinverters depends on factors such as system design, shading conditions, budget, and desired performance. String inverters may be more cost-effective and suitable for simpler installations, while microinverters offer greater flexibility and optimized performance, particularly in challenging shading or orientation scenarios.

High temperature under the panels on the roof is a big enemy to electronic components and is the major reason for failure. Many string inverters means many more components, and many more connections (connectors) on the roof and introduces many more failure opportunities.

In a normal grid-tied solar system, a battery is not typically included. These systems are designed to directly feed excess electricity generated by the solar panels back into the grid, usually in exchange for credits or compensation from the utility company through a process known as net metering

The grid (TNB) serves as a large virtual battery, storing excess electricity generated by the solar panels during the day for use at night or when solar production is low, a separate battery storage system is not necessary in a grid-tied solar system.

However, some homeowners may choose to install battery storage systems as part of their grid-tied solar setup for backup power during grid outages or to further increase self-consumption of solar energy for example in charging EV. These systems are often referred to as grid-tied solar systems with battery backup or hybrid solar systems.

NEM stands for Net Energy Metering, which is a billing arrangement used by TNB to credit customers with rooftop solar panels for the electricity they generate and export to the grid. Here’s how NEM works:

1. Solar Energy Generation: When you have solar panels installed on your property, they generate electricity during the day when exposed to sunlight.
2. Household Consumption: The AC electricity produced by the solar panels is used to power your household appliances and devices. Any excess electricity generated that is not immediately used by your home is exported to the grid.
3. Net Metering: With net metering, your utility company installs a bidirectional meter that measures both the electricity you consume from the grid and the electricity you export to the grid. The meter keeps track of the net difference between the two.
4. Billing Credits: At the end of the monthly billing period, TNB credits your account for the excess electricity you exported to the grid. These credits are typically applied to offset the cost of electricity you consume from the grid when your solar panels are not producing enough electricity to meet your household demand, such as at night or on cloudy days.
5. Rolling Credits: If you generate more electricity than you consume in a billing period, the excess credits can typically be rolled over to future billing periods. This allows you to benefit from the excess electricity your solar panels generate over the course of the year. At the end of the annual billing cycle which is at the end of each calendar year, any remaining credits will be burned.

The lifespan of a photovoltaic (PV) system depends on several factors, including the quality of the components, installation practices, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Here’s a general overview of the lifespan of key components in a PV system:

1. Solar Panels: New High-quality solar panels are typically warrantied to last 30 years or more. However, many panels can continue to generate electricity well beyond their warranty period, with degradation rates for N-Type technology is 0.4 percent per year. This means that even after 30 years, solar panels can still operate at around 80% to 90% of their original efficiency.
2. Inverters: Inverters are essential components of a PV system that convert DC electricity generated by the solar panels into usable AC electricity for your home. The lifespan of inverters varies depending on the type and quality, but they are typically warrantied for 5 to 10 years. It’s not uncommon for inverters to require replacement or maintenance during the lifespan of the PV system.
3. Balance of System: The balance of System is made up of the mounting structure and the electrical system. These are very robust, and with best practice installation methods, they typically last a lifetime. The installation is a solid state assembly with no moving parts.
4. Maintenance and Repairs: Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help extend the lifespan of your PV system. This includes tasks such as cleaning the solar panels, inspecting electrical components, checking for shading issues, and monitoring system performance. By addressing any issues promptly and keeping the system well-maintained, you can maximize its longevity and performance.

Determining the number of solar panels needed for your home depends on several factors, including your energy consumption and available roof space.

1. Evaluate Your Energy Consumption: Start by reviewing your past electricity bills to understand your average monthly and annual energy consumption. Look for patterns in your energy usage and identify any seasonal variations. Read from your TNB bill to determine your average monthly kWh usage.
2. Calculate your System Size: Rule of thumb solar PV generation is 100kWh per month per 1 kWp of solar panel. You can simply determine your kWp system size. Ask your service provider for the power class of the solar panel being used, and you can calculate the number of panels you need.
3. Consider Other Factors: Seda’s guideline is 5kWac for single phase and 12.5kWac for three phase residence. DC ratio normally is between 1.3 to 1.5, and you can calculate the maximum kWp size. Additionally, consider your long-term energy goals and whether you want to install additional panels to offset future energy needs or increase energy independence. Adding an EV will easily require an additional 2kWp to your system size.

It’s recommended to consult with a professional solar installer who can conduct a site assessment and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances. AmSolar can help you determine the optimal system size, panel configuration and placement to maximize energy production and return on investment for your home.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are generally safe and reliable when installed, operated, and maintained correctly. However, like any electrical system, there are potential hazards associated with solar PV installations. Here are some common hazards to be aware of:

1. Fire Risk: While solar panels themselves do not pose a significant fire risk, issues such as electrical faults, damaged wiring, or improper installation can increase the risk of fire. Regular inspections, proper wiring, and adherence to building and electrical codes can help mitigate this risk. There are a few insurance companies providing the necessary solar PV coverage, such as Allianz Insurance by Anora Agency. Alternatively, we can include the coverage into the house insurance.

To mitigate these hazards, it’s essential to follow industry best practices, adhere to applicable safety standards and regulations, provide proper training to workers, conduct regular inspections and maintenance, and consult with qualified professionals during the design, installation, and operation of solar PV systems.

If you move to a new home after installing a solar PV system, you have a few options regarding what to do with the system:

1. Transfer the System to the New Home: If your new home is suitable for a solar PV system and you’re interested in continuing to benefit from solar energy, you may be able to transfer the existing system to your new property. This would involve coordinating with a solar installer to assess the feasibility of moving the panels, inverters, and other components to the new location. Keep in mind that there may be additional costs associated with uninstalling, transporting, and reinstalling the system. Seda’s quota is attached to the house owner and can be transferred along with the owner to a new home.
2. Leave the System with the Existing Home: Alternatively, you could leave the solar PV system with the existing home as a selling point for potential buyers. Solar panels can increase the value of a home and make it more attractive to environmentally-conscious buyers. Be sure to communicate with your real estate agent about the presence and benefits of the solar PV system when listing your home for sale.

Before making any decisions, it’s important to consult with a AmSolar and consider factors such as the condition of the existing system, the suitability of the new home for solar, local regulations and permitting requirements, and potential financial implications.

1. Quality and Reliability: Solplanet inverters offer high-quality components and robust engineering, resulting in reliable performance over the lifespan of the system. This could translate to lower maintenance requirements and fewer issues over time. Solplanet is formerly owned by SMA, and is still a ODM partner manufacturing SMA inverters.
2. Innovation and Technology: Solplanet incorporate advanced features and technologies into their inverters, such as MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) algorithms, grid support functions, and communication capabilities for remote monitoring and control. These features enhance system performance, flexibility, and monitoring capabilities.
3. ShadeSol is a Solplanet software solution that allows for high yields, even in shaded conditions! Shadows cast over a PV installation should ideally be avoided during the design process. Shadow can however, not always be avoided. Unexpected objects (i.e., a growing tree or a neighbouring construction) clouds, or leaves can cast shade over the solar modules, reducing the output power of the solar modules. With Solplanet’s ShadeSol shade management solution, the inverter constantly scans the full range of the PV curve and finds the Global Maximum Power Point (GMPP), ensuring the whole system is always performing at its best efficiency.
4. Product Warranty and Support: Solplanet offers competitive 10 years product warranties and comprehensive technical support services to customers, ensuring peace of mind and timely assistance in the event of any issues or concerns with the inverters.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Solplanet inverters offer competitive pricing compared to other manufacturers, providing cost-effective solutions for solar PV installations without compromising on quality or performance.
6. Compatibility and Integration: Solplanet inverters are designed to seamlessly integrate with their own brand of EV chargers, smart meters and batteries, and monitoring equipment, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation and site energy monitoring capabilities.

After the end of the 10-year Net Energy Metering (NEM) contract, the terms of your agreement with TNB may vary depending on the specific regulations and policies. Here are some potential scenarios that could occur:

1. 1. Self-Consumption: You may choose to prioritize self-consumption of solar energy generated by your system to maximize energy savings and reduce reliance on grid electricity. This could involve adjusting energy usage patterns, installing energy storage systems (batteries), or implementing energy management strategies to optimize self-consumption.
   2. Purchase of Excess Generation: SEDA has been testing Prosumer to Prosumer model. Perhaps, then you can sell your excess energy across town through some blockchain type arrangement. This is currently tested by various GLCs.