{"id":22,"date":"2020-12-09T16:29:16","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T16:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/?page_id=22"},"modified":"2020-12-20T14:20:54","modified_gmt":"2020-12-20T14:20:54","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Weather Related Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Will a solar panel produce electricity on a cloudy day?<\/span><\/div>

Yes, a solar panel does produce electricity even when it is not placed in bright sunlight. On a normal cloudy day there is always enough diffuse light, by which the panel will produce electricity. However, the production of electricity is not as high as when the panels are placed in bright sunlight.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Will a solar panel charge on a cloudy day?<\/span><\/div>

Do solar panels work on cloudy days? The simple answer is that solar panels do work on cloudy days \u2013 they just do not perform as well as they would on a bright sunny day. Though estimates range, solar panels will generate about 10 \u2013 25% of their normal power output on a cloudy day<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels work in cold?<\/span><\/div>

Like other electronics, solar panels work more efficiently in cold temperatures, allowing the panel to produce more voltage, thus more electricity.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Why do solar panels work better in cold?<\/span><\/div>

In the winter, it’s less likely for solar panels to reach their peak temperature. Thus, the electron reactions occur at a greater rate. At lower temperatures, solar panels absorb more energy from the sun to more efficiently generate electricity<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Will solar panels work in the winter?<\/span><\/div>

Yes, solar panels work on light not heat. The amount of sun hours will be less in the winter, as the sun rises later and sets earlier.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels melt snow?<\/span><\/div>

The dark silicone cells of solar panels are designed to absorb heat from sunlight. Once any portion of a panel is exposed to the sun, a small amount of heat spreads throughout the panel and melts the snow. \u2026 You’ll even see solar panels completely snow free while the rest of the roof is still covered in snow.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels work under Snow?<\/span><\/div>

If snow covers your panels, they can’t produce power \u2013 but it’s easy to clean them off with the right equipment. Solar panels need sunlight to produce power, so if your solar panels are covered in snow, they will not generate electricity<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels work in rain?<\/span><\/div>

Photovoltaic panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, though they are most effective in direct sunlight. Solar panels will still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. Rain actually helps to keep your panels operating efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels work with Moonlight?<\/span><\/div>

The moon produces no photons and none of its own light so unfortunately, it is not able to charge solar panels. If you were to put a solar panel on the moon itself, it would generate electricity from the sun’s light but only during Earth’s night time hours, because the sun lights up the moon when the sun has gone down<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels work without direct sunlight?<\/span><\/div>

Solar panels produce electricity from the photons present in natural daylight, rather than from the sunlight itself, so panels don’t actually need to be installed in direct sunlight to work<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels get damaged in hail?<\/span><\/div>

While hail certainly could damage some types of solar panels, the likelihood is very small and occurrences are extremely rare.

Many solar-electric modules and solar hot water collectors are made with tempered glass. \u2026 The substrate is a flexible plastic material and highly resistant to damage from rocks or hail<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>How strong is Moonlight?<\/span><\/div>

The intensity of moonlight varies greatly depending on the lunar phase, but even the full Moon typically provides only about 0.05\u20130.1 lux illumination. When a full Moon around perigee (a “supermoon”) is viewed around upper culmination from the tropics, the illuminance can reach up to 0.32 lux.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels need to warm up?<\/span><\/div>

The number one (often forgotten) rule of solar electricity is that solar panels generate electricity with light from the sun, not heat. While temperature won’t change how much energy a solar panel absorbs from the sun, it actually can change how much of that energy is converted into electricity<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Solar Panel Production Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Will a solar panel supply electricity 24 hours a day?<\/span><\/div>

No, solar panels convert light into electricity. So as the light reduces in the day so does the output of the solar panel.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What should a 3kW solar system generate per day?<\/span><\/div>

On average, a 3kW solar system generates 13 units a day. This equates to around two thirds of the electricity used in a modest household.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What should a 4kW solar system generate per day?<\/span><\/div>

A fairly large 4kW solar PV roof (around 20m2) will produce around 15kWh of electricity per day in May or June, but only 3 or 4 kWh on a typical day in December or January.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>How much power does a 5kW solar system produce per day?<\/span><\/div>

22 units per day
How much power does it generate? On average, a good quality 5kW solar system generates 22 units per day \u2013 enough to easily offset a typical household’s entire energy usage. The amount of power your 5kW solar system generates depends on three things: location, positioning and quality.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What is the useful life of solar panels? About 25-30 years<\/span><\/div>

About 25-30 years
As a general solar industry rule of thumb, solar panels last about 25-30 years. However, this doesn’t mean that they stop producing electricity after 25 years \u2013 it just means that energy production has declined by what manufacturers consider to be a significant amount<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What Kind Of System Do I Need Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>How big of a system do I need for my home ?<\/span><\/div>

We will review your energy needs and lifestyle to help determine the best system size for your home.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Typw Of Solar Panel Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Are Mono or Poly or Thin-Film solar panels better?<\/span><\/div>

Monocrystalline solar cells are more efficient because they are cut from a single source of silicon.

Polycrystalline solar cells are blended from multiple silicon sources and are slightly less efficient.

Thin-film technology costs less than mono or poly panels, but is also less efficient.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What is the best type of solar panel?<\/span><\/div>

Monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panels
Of all panel types,

Monocrystalline typically have the highest efficiencies and power capacity.

Monocrystalline solar panels can reach efficiencies higher than 20 percent,

Polycrystalline solar panels usually have efficiencies between 15 to 17 percent<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Propert Values Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do homes with solar sell faster?<\/span><\/div>

Buying a solar energy system will likely increase your home’s value. \u2026 Additionally, there is evidence homes with solar panels sell faster than those without. Homes with energy efficient features and PV are found to sell faster than homes that consume more energy.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Solar Panel Installations Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Where should I aim my solar panels?<\/span><\/div>

For best results, your solar panels should face toward the equator. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, face them south. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, face them north.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Which direction do solar panels need to face?<\/span><\/div>

The traditional advice is to position solar panels to be south-facing. This is because, for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is always along the southern part of the sky as we complete our yearly orbit around it.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What is the most efficient angle for a solar panel?<\/span><\/div>

Ideally, a fixed, roof-mounted solar energy system should be at an angle that is equal to the latitude of the location where it is installed. However, pitch angles between 30 and 45 degrees will work well in most situations<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What side of roof is best for solar panels ?<\/span><\/div>

South, Solar panels are most effective when installed on south-facing roofs. If not facing directly south, then you may need more panels<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What degree is true south?<\/span><\/div>

This means that true south is 9\u00b0 east of magnetic south. If our compass needle is aligned so that north points to 0\u00b0\/360\u00b0 on the compass and the south points to 180\u00b0, then true south will be at 171\u00b0 (180\u00b0 \u2013 9\u00b0).<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>How long does a solar panel installation take?<\/span><\/div>

Most of the installs should be complete over the weekend. Larger jobs can take longer.
We will put up scaffolding before the solar install and take the scaffolding down afterwards<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Solar Panel Cleaning Faq<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Should I wash my solar panels?<\/span><\/div>

Unless you live somewhere with high amounts of smog, dust, dirt or sand blowing around, solar panel cleaning is generally not necessary. In most cases, occasional rain will be enough to naturally and safely keep your solar panels clean and free of debris that could lower production<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can I pressure wash my solar panels?<\/span><\/div>

If you are going to clean your solar panels yourself, use water, a gentle soap like dishwashing detergent and a soft brush to get the buildup out of the corners. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers and pressure washers, which could damage your solar panels.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can you use vinegar to clean solar panels ?<\/span><\/div>

Fill a bucket with warm water and with a cleaning solution. Green cleaning supplies do a great job on glass and solar panels.

Here’s is a simple non-toxic recipe for glass cleaner: 1\/4 cup vinegar, 1\/2 teaspoon liquid non-abrasive soap or detergent, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can I use Windex to clean my solar panels?<\/span><\/div>

But not a lot of Windex; for safety and environmental reasons, panels are usually cleaned with deionized water. And NEVER just hose off your panels; minerals in the water will create a white film on the glass.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Solar Panels And Batteries<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels need batteries to work?<\/span><\/div>

That means off-grid systems need a battery bank to function. Batteries are expensive, but with no option to store power in the grid, they are mandatory for off-grid systems. \u2026 You don’t need to go \u201coff the grid\u201d to get the benefits of solar power.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Do solar panels drain batteries at night?<\/span><\/div>

No. Whilst there is a small drain in a Solar panel without a blocking diode, it certainly wouldn’t be sufficient to flatten a battery overnight<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Where does solar go when batteries are full?<\/span><\/div>

Any extra power produced by the solar panels will be sent to the inverter. When the batteries are fully charged, the charge controller will cut off the charge going to the batteries except for a small float charge meant to keep the batteries fully charged<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can you overcharge a battery with solar panel?<\/span><\/div>

Yes, when a solar panel is directly connected to the battery, then it can be overcharged. A 12 Volt solar panel can give an output of 21 Volts during peak sunlight. The 12 Volt battery should be charged to a maximum voltage of 14 Volts<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Electrocution<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can a solar panel shock you?<\/span><\/div>

The panels will still generate DC power and can cause a shock. If the solar system has a battery backup, it will also continue to produce power. Remember, as long as the sun is shining, solar panels will stay energized.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>What happens if you touch a solar panel?<\/span><\/div>

Shock or electrocution from energized conductors.
Just as with other electric power generation, PV systems present the risk of shock and electrocution when current takes an unintended path through a human body. Current as low as 75 milliamps (mA) across the heart is lethal<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can you turn off a solar panel?<\/span><\/div>

Can a Solar Panel be switched off?

Solar panels cannot be turned off when exposed to light. This means that the panels are always live and can potentially cause electrocution during an emergency situation.

The only reliable means of rendering the panels safe is to use the ‘liquid blanket’ PVStop.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Can solar panels kill you?<\/span><\/div>

Solar panels are not dangerous if you know how to handle them safely and how they work. The truth is that they are not any more dangerous than the main Electricity Cosumer unit that you have installed in your property<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Planning Permission For Solar Panels<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Is planning permission required?<\/span><\/div>

In Scotland, you don\u2019t need planning permission for most home solar electricity systems, as long as they\u2019re below a certain size

Most domestic properties in Scotland and England do not require planning permission before installation of photovoltaic solar panels.

Those in Conservation Areas, listed buildings and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or World Heritage Areas must consult local Planning Departments.

Non residential buildings will require planning consent.<\/p><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Weather Related Faq Solar Panel Production Faq What Kind Of System Do I Need Faq Typw Of Solar Panel Faq Propert Values Faq Solar Panel Installations Faq Solar Panel Cleaning Faq Solar Panels And Batteries Electrocution Planning Permission For Solar Panels<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","spay_email":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"vw-solar-energy-homepage-thumb":false,"woocommerce_thumbnail":false,"woocommerce_single":false,"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":false,"shop_catalog":false,"shop_single":false,"shop_thumbnail":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Weather Related Faq Solar Panel Production Faq What Kind Of System Do I Need Faq Typw Of Solar Panel Faq Propert Values Faq Solar Panel Installations Faq Solar Panel Cleaning Faq Solar Panels And Batteries Electrocution Planning Permission For Solar Panels","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":323,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22\/revisions\/323"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghsolar.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}