Frequently Asked Questions

The major components of a solar PV system are solar panels or modules, inverters, and mounting hardware, also known as racking.

Solar PV panels absorb sunlight and use that light to generate electricity via a principal known as the photovoltaic effect. When a solar cell is exposed to sunlight, the sunlight "knocks" electrons loose, which then flow together creating an electric current. All the cells in a panel (between 60 and 144) are wired together to combine the electron flows into DC electricity.

Solar PV panels are made from tempered glass and are built to withstand one-inch hailstones travelling at terminal velocity. This is more durable than the roofs of most homes. If your roof is damaged during a hailstorm, usually the PV panels will need to be temporarily taken down in order for the roof to be repaired. The cost for removing and re-installing the panels in this instance is covered by most homeowners' insurance plans.

When it snows it's usually pretty cloudy, so there will be little to no electricity generated by the solar PV system. Snow that builds-up on the solar PV panels will block sunlight from hitting them, reducing electricity generation, however the snow will slide off quite easily once the sun shines and the panels start to heat up.

Solar panels generate DC electricity, but most homes and businesses use AC electricity. Inverters are needed to convert the DC electricity into AC electricity so you can use it.

Grid-interactive is a type of inverter that receives DC electricity from solar panels and outputs electricity to the home matching the grid voltage and frequency, nominally 240 VAC at 60 Hz.

A solar PV system does not need batteries. Most solar systems use grid-interactive inverters that are connected directly to the home's electrical distribution panel. Any electricity that you generate and can't immediately use will get exported to the electrical grid.

Yes, we supply battery storage options to complement solar PV systems, though the added cost means that they're not financially viable for most people. If you're just looking to save on your utility bill and reduce your environmental footprint, then the best option is a grid-tied system without batteries. However, batteries do offer back-up electricity if the grid goes down and also facilitate 'time shifting' by charging the batteries during sunny periods and using the stored electricity during dark or cloudy periods, increasing your energy independence.

We have the expertise and equipment to provide off-grid systems for sites that do not have access to the electricity grid. However, if you're already grid connected then it's far more economical to maintain a grid connection than to invest in the additional hardware to go off-grid. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to discuss your options.

The cost of having enough batteries to provide electricity all year round is a significant barrier for most people interested in going off-grid. By adding a generator, you can significantly reduce the number of batteries needed. On most days, your electricity will be supplied from solar and batteries, however, when the batteries start running low because you're in the depths of winter and haven't seen the sun in a week, then the generator can recharge the batteries so that you don't run out of electricity.

With a grid-tied solar PV system you won't have electricity during a power outage. The system will automatically shut down when it detects a power outage in order to protect the utility workers repairing the power lines. Systems with a hybrid inverter will disconnect from the electrical grid during a power outage so the solar PV system can supply electricity and charge the batteries.

A hybrid inverter works while grid-tied or off-grid, meaning you can export excess electricity when you have it, and still generate electricity when the electrical grid goes down.

Your solar PV system requires very little maintenance. We recommend a monthly visual inspection and a more thorough annual inspection. An inspection checklist is included in the owner's manual provided with each system. To ensure your system is operating correctly, a monitoring device is included that provides alert messages if a component is not working optimally.

There is no need to shut down your solar PV system when you go on vacation. Your system works whenever the sun shines, whether you're home or not.

Simple Solar provides a one-year comprehensive installation warranty and a five-year installation workmanship warranty. Solar PV panels generally come with a 10 to 25-year product warranty and a 25 or 30-year performance warranty. Most inverters come with a 10 or 25-year warranty.