Frequently Asked Questions
Questions that Interest You
How does solar power work?
When the sun’s rays hit the solar panels on your roof, the solar energy is turned into an electrical energy in form of a DC current. The problem is that your home uses AC current electricity, which is why you need to install an inverter or a solar charger. The inverter changes the DC current to AC current (ac coupling), which can then be used in your home with the excess fed into the grid. A solar charger modify the voltage of the DC current into a voltage compatible with the batteries that store the energy.
Will solar panels generate electricity on cloudy or rainy days?
Solar panels will stop generating electricity at night but will still generate electricity on cloudy or rainy days, just not as much as on sunny days. To create electricity, your solar panels need direct sunlight, so whilst it doesn’t need to be a bright sunny day all the time, the more sun that reaches your panels, the more electricity is produced.
Does roof orientation matter?
Yes, the orientation of your solar panels will make a difference to the amount of electricity produced. A South orientation is best, but your solar installer will look at the orientation of your roof and place the panels in the best locations to maximise the production of electricity on your property (west and East can work, but not north!).
How much money can I expect to save on my bills?
This depends on a number of factors that include how much electricity your system produces, its efficiency, how much electricity you use, the government feed-in (not available at present time in Lebanon), where you live, and the rate you are charged by your electricity provider. Most people can expect a reduction of between 70% to 90% on their bills.
What is a feed-in tariff? (not available at present time in Lebanon).
When your solar panels create more electricity than you use every day, the overflow is fed into the main grid. Your provider will pay you for this additional electricity you have not used, and this payment is called the feed-in tariff.
Do solar panels need cleaning?
Most quality solar panels are designed to be self cleaning in the rain. If you don’t have much rain for a period of time however, they can collect dust, debris and bird droppings that will reduce the amount of electricity produced. So it’s a good idea to regularly check your panels and clean them with a hose or cloth, as necessary. (Find out more about our panel cleaning services- we don’t offer this service at the moment).
Can solar panels create hot water?
Some people get confused about solar power, thinking that it can also create hot water, but it can’t. For solar hot water you need to install a solar hot water system, not solar panels, but you can have both! There are some brands that offers both solutions integrated in the same panel.
Will solar panels increase the value of my home?
Yes. If you install solar panels on your roof, you will increase the value of your property. Many buyers look for properties that already have solar power installed, because they can pay lower electricity bills immediately without installing the panels themselves.
How does going solar help the environment?
Solar panels help the environment, because they are a renewable resource. Solar power let you use the sun to power your home, which is a renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly form of energy.
what type of batteries are better?
All types of batteries are good and compatible with solar projects. The choice of batteries type depends mainly on the cost and technology. Acid, Gel or Lithium, are all good batteries if they are provided by well known brands. However, no matter the type of battery, the sizing is the most important issue in order to have a long lasting battery life.
How to make a good solar project?
The choice of good Products for the batteries and the inverters (preferably European – American or Japanese made products), good Design and sizing done by professionals, and good execution in compliance with European norms.
Are batteries hazardous?
Batteries are a very important item of a solar project with storage. Batteries are widely used (watches, PC, phones, cars….) and are very reliable if sized and selected properly.
When the battery reaches its end of life, it must be properly handled to be recycled by professionals otherwise it will end being a very hazardous and toxic waste. Some fabricators of batteries take them back to professionally give them an overhauling and a second life.
Do we need a permit to install solar panels?
For elevated structures less than 3 meters for buildings under 15m height, and less than 4.5m for building above 15m height, we could install solar panels without a construction permit.
However, it is mandatory to have a license / LCEC facilitating solar installation document from the Lebanese center of energy conservation to make sure that the project is compliant to the norms and the user won’t have problems with local authorities