Solar Power Frequently Asked Questions
Surely manufacturing a solar PV panel consumes more energy than it saves?
No. In some parts of the world a panel will have produced more green energy than it took to be manufactured after only 1 year. It's safe to say that in most parts of the world when mounted correctly that no more than 3 years after manufacture the panel will have "redeemed" itself.
Do solar panels require maintenance?
For the most part, solar panels don't need any maintenance as there are no moving parts. Dirt and dust will suffieicntly be removed by the weather for the most part. Bird droppings or any heavier stains should be removed as fast as possible to maintain optimal system performance.
How long do solar panels last?
Quality panels can produce a reasonable yield for up to around 35 years. Past this point it is probably more economical to replace the unit. SolarWorld panels are protected by a 25-year performance guarantee that ensures no panel's performance degrades by more than 0.7% each year. Cheaper panels may suffer from a much faster performance degradation.
Do I require planning permission?
In most cases, planning permission isn't required though we always advise that you check with your local authority. For listed buildings this may not be the case and you should definitely check with your local authority.
The climate isn't very warm where I am, will this affect the energy generated?
Heat isn't a factor when generating solar energy, it's down to the amount of direct sunlight received so this shouldn't be something to worry about. If you have any doubts, contact our team for a free survey and we can do calculations taking your location into account.
