Want to switch to solar energy, but also wonder what to do with the excess energy as you may not use it all?

The short answer is you can store the surplus energy in a solar battery.

There are three types of solar batteries that you can learn about here: 

• Lead-acid: The oldest battery type with a shorter lifespan.

• Lithium-ion: A newer battery technology with a longer lifespan and less maintenance. 

• Flow Batteries: A newer battery technology with a good depth-of-discharge but low storage capacity. 

• Nickel Cadmium: An old technology that can work in extreme temperatures. Note that they are banned in many countries due to their high toxicity.

Solar batteries are also segmented according to the duration of storage.

Short-term storage refers to an operation that takes only a few minutes. The aim is to ensure that the solar system still works despite a passing cloud, for example. 

Long-term storage, as the name suggests, refers to a longer time frame, providing power over days or weeks, rather than minutes or hours. 

When investing in a significant asset like solar panels, it’s quite natural to wonder about warranties. After all, a warranty provides assurance about your investment and peace of mind in the event of unforeseen issues. So, does a solar panel come with a warranty? Let’s dive into this.

Yes, solar panels typically come with two types of warranties: a performance warranty and an equipment warranty.

Performance Warranty: This warranty assures that the solar panels will maintain a certain level of efficiency over a specified period. On average, solar panel manufacturers guarantee about 90% production at 10 years and 80% at 25 years. However, this can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

Equipment Warranty: Also referred to as the product or materials warranty, this covers potential issues related to manufacturing defects, environmental influences, premature wear and tear, and more. If your solar panels fail or underperform due to such issues, the equipment warranty covers repair or replacement costs. The duration of this warranty varies among manufacturers but generally spans between 10 to 12 years.

When you choose your solar panel system, it’s essential to review both types of warranties carefully. High-quality solar panels from reputable manufacturers often come with robust warranties, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected for many years to come.

Embarking on your solar adventure might seem daunting, but armed with the right information and guidance, it can be a journey worth taking.

Solar energy, in essence, is a type of renewable energy derived from the sun’s radiant light and heat. Unlike its non-renewable counterparts like oil or coal, solar power provides an endless supply of energy, leading to significant reductions in our carbon footprints. However, the leap to solar energy may seem overwhelming due to its perceived complexity and unknown benefits.

While it’s correct that solar panels can be less efficient in hot temperatures, this reduction is relatively small. According to Solar Energy UK, solar panel performance falls by 0.34 percentage points for every degree that the temperature rises above 25°C. Plus, the longer days and clearer skies mean solar power generates much more electricity during the summer, even if their efficiency falls slightly.

No. Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to harness energy from sun, they just require some level of daylight in order to generate electricity. That said, the rate at which solar panels generate electricity varies depending on the amount of direct sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use.

A solar lease allows you to lease solar panels from a solar company, while a solar loan allows you to purchase solar panels and pay for them over time.

Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but it is recommended to have them inspected every few years to ensure optimal performance.

Solar panels shut down during a power outage to prevent injury to utility workers who may be repairing power lines.

Solar panels work best in sunny weather, but they can still generate electricity in cold weather.