FAQ (Solar Energy)

While a majority of the world’s current electricity supply is generated from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, these traditional energy sources face a number of challenges including rising prices, security concerns and growing environmental concerns over the climate change. As a result of these and other challenges facing traditional energy sources, governments, businesses and consumers are increasingly supporting the development of alternative energy sources and new technologies for electricity generation. Renewable energy sources such as solar Energy.

Typically in a Solar Energy system, PV panels directly produce electricity from sunlight, PV panels have no moving parts, and use an inverter to change the direct current (DC) power they produce to usable alternating current (AC) power. Most concentrating solar power systems use concentrated sunlight to drive a traditional steam turbine, creating electricity on a large scale. There are also concentrating solar technologies that use photovoltaic technology to produce electricity without a thermal process.

Depending on which solar module is used, each 1kilowatt of PV Crystlline (SolarWorld 275w) will require roughly 163 square feet of roof space. So, a 4kW solar system will require roughly 652 square feet (4 x 163′ = 652 square feet).

Washing the solar array with water a few times a month is a good idea but not strictly critical. Most good solar designers have factored the effect of seasonal dust on your projected system output over time. Occasional visual inspection of the array is wise in order to identify any serious soiling of the array such as significant bird droppings or other types of opaque soiling. Checking the integrity of mechanical and electrical connections, checking the electrical characteristics of the system and logging data are other good annual maintenance practices.

The main component of a solar system, good quality solar modules, are typically warranted for 25 years but have a design life of over 40. There are modules still operating today that were manufactured in the 1970’s.

Every requirement is different, and therefore we can provide the best solution as per your need. Once potential solar customers begin exploring their options, they often find that the total up-front cost of solar is less relevant than estimates, we always try our best to reduce system cost without compromising quality. However our system normally cost around PKR 110-130 per watt without batteries.

CTI has dedicated team of professional’s engineers and our commitment to quality has powered our success for more than a decade. We sell internationally certified solar products that can produce clean energy for at least 25 years by optimizing their day-to-day energy requirements in a cost effective manner.

Solar Modules are typically warranted to produce up to 80% of their original capacity up to 25 years. Different manufactures warrant the production degradation on different schedules. When comparing solar module warranties, read the warranties to determine which has the better coverage.

Photovoltaic panels can use direct or indirect sunlight to generate power, though they are most effective in direct sunlight. Solar panels will still work with low production, even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by clouds. CTI deals in highly efficient solar panels which are manufactured by SolarWorld Germany, these modules can work even in low light.

Always remember below points while finalizing any Solar deal;

• Always buy highly Efficient Solar Panel, ask company about efficiency of Panel both in Peak time and Low Light
• Always physically check the quality of Panel
• Always check “Linear Performance Degression”
• Physically Check the finishing and quality of tempered glass
• Check the durability and if possible, apply Pressure test
• Check the Energy production of panel both in Sun and shadow
• Check the credibility of Company
• Check the warranty of each items.

The English term “peak” designates the rated power of the module under standard test conditions. This is stipulated with 1000 watt radiation power on a surface of one m², cell temperature of 25ºC and AM = 1.5x. The latter means that the sun radiation penetrates 1.5 times the atmosphere thickness (AM = Air Mass) of the earth on its path. All of these conditions are in reality rare; the real power therefore deviates from the rated values.

When light hits a solar cell, it generates electricity, producing the photovoltaic effect. The amount of electricity depends on a number of factors: cell material (silicon, thin-film, other). The main difference between Crystlline and Thin Film Solar Panels is that electricity production per area achieved with crystalline silicon panels is higher than thin film with comparatively lower installation costs. For some commercial large area solar installation like parks where no space concern, thin film panels are good, Price of thin Film panel is lower than Crystlline panel.

There are few important design factors while calculating Energy pay back time or ROI. Normally it is in-between 2 years to 3 years,  with a 25 years performance guaranteed , so for more than 02 next decades the panel will give a net energy gain. But in case of Petrol pump , ROI is much better (6 months to 1 year)