FAQ

Solar FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about solar for your home or business. Are there other things you’d like to know about solar?

Why should I go solar?

1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emission, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulphur (IV) oxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?

The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill.

4. How does solar impact my property values?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. In most parts of the country, going solar will actually increase your property value more than a kitchen renovation.

How do solar panels work for my home?

1. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity

2. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

3. What happens if there is dust on solar panels?

Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered with dust they can’t produce electricity. Dust generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle the dust will slide off. If dust does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean with mop and water.

4. Can I go off grid with solar panels?

When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more.

5. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?

Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce the bill, or even cut the amount you owe to ₦ 0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.

6. Do solar panels work in a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.

7. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?

Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.

What are my solar financing options?

1. What solar energy incentives are available?

Solar incentives vary depending on the product you purchase from Inlaks Energy. The most significant is the reduction of prices on the packages for homes as well as the warranty cover of 12 Months on each products.

2. What are my solar financing options?

There are two solar financing options: you can purchase your system in cash or take out a solar loan to buy your system. Inlaks Energy can help you assess the costs by connecting you to a reliable microfinance or cooperatives where you will pay back the cost with little or no interest.

3. How do I choose the best solar loan?

Many different institutions offer solar loans, including local and national banks, specialty financing companies, manufacturers, and credit unions. To choose the best solar loan for you, send mail to enquiry@inlaksenergy.com to get information about the best solar loans.

Am I ready for solar?

1. Can I afford to go solar?

If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. ₦0-down solar financing options, including both solar loans and solar leases, make it easy for homeowners with good credit to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar. Register on www.inlaksenergy.com  to compare costs and savings for multiple financing options.

2. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. 

3. What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. Take a look at your past electricity bills and compare packages offered on www.inlaksenergy.com to determine the best system size for your needs.

4. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. Our Technical teams will be able to tell you whether to replace your roof before going solar.

5. How long will my solar power system last?

In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.

6. What happens if I sell my solar house?

If you own your solar energy system, your solar house will sell at a premium: studies have shown that solar energy system increases property value. However, if you lease your system, that is not the case. You will need to either buy out your lease before you sell your home, or work with your leasing company to transfer the lease agreement to the home’s new owner.

How do I evaluate solar quotes?

1. How do I choose a solar installer?

There are a few criteria that everyone should use when choosing a solar installer. Confirm that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. All Inlaks Energy approved installers are pre-screened to ensure that they meet these high quality standards. Meet with your solar installer in person before you sign an agreement to ensure that you are comfortable working with them.

2. How do I compare solar quotes?

If you have multiple quotes from different solar installers, comparing them can be difficult. Not all solar installers use the same underlying assumptions and metrics when they provide equipment and financing options to homeowners. On www.inlaksenergy.com, you can make easy side-by-side comparisons to ensure that you understand the costs and benefits of each option. Homeowners with pre-existing solar quotes can also contact us at enquiry@inlaksenergy.com.

3. What are the different types of solar panels?

While every solar panel brand and product has unique specifications, Inlaks Energy has grouped solar panels into two categories: Economy (Polycrystalline Technology) and Premium panels (Mono-crystalline Technology). Premium panels perform the best, but have a higher price tag, while Economy panels are inexpensive but often less durable over time. Your decision about which category of solar panel to purchase depends on your priorities.

4. What are the different types of power inverters?

Power inverters convert the electricity your panels produce from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power. There are various types of inverters but Inlaks Energy deploys four outstanding and economical products: INVT, Power Star, Schneider Conext XW+ and Schneider Hybrid Inverters

5. What happens during the solar power installation process?

The first step to going solar is to contact our sales executives or visit www.inlaksenergy.com to receive and compare multiple packages quotes. These quotes will include a variety of equipment choices, financing options, and Inlaks energy terms and conditions. When you find one you’re happy with, Inlaks Technical team will conduct a site visit to assess your property. Once you accept a quote from Inlaks energy, the technical team will file the paperwork necessary to have your system approved and the actual installation takes a day or two to complete.

6. Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?

Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as Back up storage, are increasingly popular, but can be pricey. Luckily, batteries are not necessary for most solar homeowners. As long as you are connected to the grid, your system does not need a battery, but in the case of the epileptic condition of power system of the grid in Nigeria, it is 100 percent advisable to install solar batteries with the solar power system.