Friends for Friends promotionFriends for Friends promotion
Earn R700000 or moreEarn R700000 or more
Is your roof suitable for solar power?Is your roof suitable for solar power?
SolarTotal Earnings CalculatorSolarTotal Earnings Calculator
Invite your friends to take a look at our websiteInvite your friends to take a look at our website
SolarTotal, Energy for You

Frequently Asked Questions

> Contact > Frequently Asked Questions 


Here are the questions and answers most frequently asked about Solar PV.


A. Solar Power Definitions

  • 1. What is a kilowatt peak (kWp)?
  • 2. What is a kilowatt hour (kWh)?

    • B. Solar System Size

  • 1. How much area is required for a 2kWp system?
  • 2. What size PV system do I need?

    • C. Investment and Prices

  • 1. How quickly will a solar electric system pay back the cost of installation?
  • 2. What is the cost of a solar PV system?
  • 3. Can solar add value to my property?

    • D. General Solar Power Questions

  • 1. How does a solar electric system work?
  • 2. What happens if there is a power cut?
  • 3. How efficient are solar panels?
  • 4. How can the energy benefits of the system be maximized?
  • 5. Do the PV panels / tiles need direct sunlight to work?
  • 6. How long do solar panels take to payback the energy that was used in their production?
  • 7. What happens at night?
  • 8. Does the glass front of the panels reflect light away?
  • 9. How much energy will I generate?
  • 10. Are there different types of solar systems ?
  • 11. How does all this work with my existing power company?
  • 12. How can I be sure I am using the free electricity?

    • E. Installation Questions

  • 1. Do I need planning permission?
  • 2. Does the system need batteries?
  • 3. What is the proposed design for the system, in particular roof fixing, layout etc?
  • 4. What's a good roof for solar?
  • 5. How much weight will the solar electric system put on my roof?
  • 6. How long does it take to fit the solar system?

    • F. Maintenance & Safety

  • 1. Who is responsible for looking after the panels?
  • 2. Who insures the panels (in the case of vandalism or accidental damage, for example)?
  • 3. Will our roof tiles be damaged in the installation?
  • 4. Is the energy produced affected if the panels get dirty?
  • 5. How long do solar panels last?
  • 6. Do solar photovoltaic roof tiles and panels need cleaning?
    • Share | |