MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Despite its many benefit s, so many people are still skeptical when it comes to investing in solar power systems. Over the years, there has been many misconception and misinformation regarding this important alternative energy source. Some of them include;

1. SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS DO NOT WORK AFTER SUNDOWN OR NIGHT. (This is very untrue).

Solar power systems function at any time of the day depending on its design or working expectation.

For instance, the solar power systems seen in homes are designed with battery backup which ensures that electricity can still be supplied to your appliances at sundown, at night or on cloudy days. Whereas, a solar water pump is often designed to operate mainly during the sunshine hours (i.e. during the day). This is simply because the quantity of water to be pumped during sunshine hours is sufficient for use till the next sunshine period (which is the next day). The desired quantity of water to meet the day’s need is considered and noted during the system’s design stage.

2. SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS ARE LIMITED IN TERMS OF THE APPLIANCES THEY POWER. (False!)

A solar power system can power any electrical or electronic appliance. With a professional design and installation, all home and many industrial appliances can be solar powered without any consequence(s).

3. SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. (Not really true)

As with other electricity generators, solar power systems come at different prices. The prices depend on a variety of factors which include; size/capacity of installation, brand and warranty of product, labour intensity of installation, etc. A 2kVA solar power system is expected to be more expensive than a 1kVA option. Consequently, a 2kVA solar power system is expected do more work than a 1kVA option.

4. SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS ARE NOT DURABLE (This is not true.)

A lot of factors can determine the durability of components of a solar power system. If installed by a skilled professional and used under the conditions specified by the manufacturers, a solar power system can live a considerable number of years. A professionally designed and installed solar system can serve for as long as 20 – 25 years with a replacement of few components like the batteries within its lifespan.

Durability often depends on but not limited to the following; 

a. Quality of system components: Just as it is with other items, solar system components come with different price variations. Some products come without warrantee and are considerably cheap, hence might have high tendency to malfunction. High warrantee products indicate their quality and hence do not come cheap. 

b. Installation Personnel: Most installations done by non – professionals have high probability of failure. Even with good/quality products, a poorly designed and installed solar power system is likely to fail or collapse under its electrical load.

c. Use of the system: Every solar power system is designed to bear a specified range of electrical load (or appliances). Overloading a system can affect its durability or that of its components. Also the temperature of the system environment can adversely affect it if it is higher than it was designed to operate. 

5. SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS ADVERSELY AFFECT SOME HOME APPLIANCES. (Not very true)

Solar power systems are designed and installed according to the intention for its use. It is important to note that the quality of the Alternating Current (AC) electricity of a solar power system depends on the type of inverter used. A true pure sinewave inverter produces electricity that is as good as (if not better than) that distributed to homes, industries and institutions from the national grid. 

Square wave and modified sinewave inverters are not good for many home appliances and should be avoided except for particular applications. Consult a professional to help you make good choice of system components.

6. SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS DO NOT NEED MAINTENANCE. (False)

There is a common misconception that solar power systems do not require any sort of maintenance. This notion is false. As with any other electrical system installation, solar systems should be maintained periodically to ensure safe and reliable functioning.

Maintenance when done correctly by a professional, helps to identify avoidable problems that could lead to system failure. Some maintenance tasks include;

a. Visual inspection of components and wiring system

b. Evaluation of structural attachments and weather sealing

c. Cleaning and removal of debris around solar panels

d. Battery maintenance

e. Measuring electrical characteristics and verifying system performance

f. Replacement of failed or faulty system components

At SSPE, we are committed to providing the society with sufficient and relevant information on how solar power systems work. We encourage you to ask for clarifications on issues preventing you from owning a solar power system for your home or business.

For professional advice, design, installation and maintenance of your solar power system, consult us today at:

SECO SunPower Enterprises (SSPE)

3 Biosa Amantu Street, Off DLA Road.

Asaba. Delta State.

08064129973, 08071709764.

01sspe@gmail.com