FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY SHOULD I GO SOLAR?
What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in effect, either way, going solar is a smart investment.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Read up more on net-metering regulations and their benefits here.
SOLAR ENERGY 101
How many forms of solar energy are there?
There are two main types of solar energy that one can adopt for his/her property: solar thermal and solar photovoltaics (PV). Solar thermal is mostly for water heating, space heating and cooling as well as process heating. Solar PV is how sunshine is converted into electric energy.
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
Solar panels absorb the sun's light energy (irradiance) and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or feed it to the electric grid.
Do solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
The amount of power solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.
So what should I do when the sun is not shining, especially in the evening?
If connected to the national grid already, you will still be able to use electricity from the utility company (ZESA) just as you did before the solar equipment was installed. Otherwise batteries to store the electricity your solar panels produce during the day will offer a reasonable alternative even though that will be an extra cost.
Can I go off-grid with solar?
As alluded to in the previous question, it is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more.
COSTS
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. Most solar panel manufacturers include warranties which should cover most incidentals.
What are my solar financing options?
There are three common solar financing options: you can purchase your system in cash, take out a solar loan to buy your system, or sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA).
Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?
The decision to buy or lease your solar energy system depends on your reasons for going solar. If you are interested in maximizing the financial returns of your solar energy system, buying the system is probably a better decision for you. However, if you are looking for an easy, maintenance-free way to reduce your energy bills and help the environment, you might want to consider a solar lease.
Which are better – solar loans or solar leases?
Solar loans and solar leases each have advantages and disadvantages. Both options reduce your monthly electricity bills and your impact on the environment, but the terms and conditions of each type of agreement are different. A closer comparison of the two may be warranted to determine which one is right for you.
What is the difference between secured solar loans and unsecured solar loans?
The primary difference between secured and unsecured solar loans is that secured solar loans require that you promise an asset, usually your home, as collateral for the money that you borrow. Unsecured solar loans do not, but their interest rates are generally higher to compensate for the increased risk taken on by the lender.
How do I choose the best solar loan?
Many different institutions offer solar loans, including local and national banks, specialty financing companies, manufacturers, and credit unions. To choose the best solar loan for you, compare options from a few different financing providers.
Can I afford to go solar?
If you can afford to pay your electricity bill you can afford to go solar. $0-down solar financing options, including both solar loans and solar leases, make it possible for several homeowners to start saving on their electricity bills by going solar.
GOING SOLAR
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Northerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are typically ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. Ground mounting can be an option, space and finances allowing, or even an east-west orientation which has its own merits, as recent studies have shown.
What size solar energy system should I get?
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electric energy you will need to be supplied with, as well as the weather conditions where you live. A quick look at your monthly electricity bills or the sizes of the electric loads on your property can give you a really good idea of the size of the system. You can use the Solar Assist ZW app or consult with us/solar installers to determine the best system size for your needs.
How do I choose a solar installer?
There are several criteria that you can use when choosing a solar installer. These include confirming that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. See our section under the buyer’s guide for a more in-depth discussion on this.
How do I compare solar quotes?
If you have multiple quotes from different solar installers, comparing them can be tricky (we discourage the use of the word difficult where possible J ). This is because there are several factors you might want to take into account, and their importance will vary from one person to another. Furthermore, not all solar installers use the same underlying assumptions and metrics when they provide equipment and financing options to homeowners. Our guide on ‘How to choose an installer’ might be of assistance to you.
SOLAR PV EQUIPMENT
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are typically three types of solar panels: polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon and thin film. Monocrystalline modules are typically the most efficient ones and consequently the most expensive ones, followed by polycrystalline and then thin film. Another important consideration to make in choosing solar panels is their compliance to the solar PV standards set in Zimbabwe. You can find them here:
What are power inverters?
Power inverters convert the electricity your panels produce from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power - the form in which most household appliances use electricity. There are three types of inverters: string/centralized inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers and they differ in size and scenarios in which they would be appropriate. Optimal inverter sizing is therefore a really consideration.
Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?
If you are interested in receiving detailed information about how much energy your solar panel system is producing, ask your installer about solar monitoring system options. In many cases, solar lease agreements will include free programs to track your system’s performance. If you own your system you may need to pay for one separately.
Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?
Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as solar-plus-storage, are increasingly popular, but can be pricey. As long as you are connected to the grid, your system does not need a battery: excess power goes back into the grid, and you can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels can generate – see net-metering principle. However, we do know that most people who adopt solar energy solutions often do so for regions in new residential areas and rural areas where the electricity grid has not been set up yet. In this case, batteries are almost a must-have, so that there is back up energy for the household for the evenings and days on which the sun won’t be shining.