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.