Frequently Asked Question

1.0 Electrical Service Design

Question 1: Why do we need to do Electrical Design for both residential and industrial buildings?

Answer 1: To know the total load of the building.

Question 2: Why knowing the total load of the building?

Answer 2: For proper electrical component sizing and for the control, protection and metering devices to react accordingly during the event of abnormal condition.

Question 3: What happens if I wire a building without doing the electrical design?

Answer 3: Electric hazard may occur, which can lead to damage of appliances, electrocution, and electric fire outbreak.

1.1 Solar systems

Question 1: How does a solar system work?

Answer 1: The generator (solar panel) transforms the solar energy into a Direct Current (D.C) which can be used to power DC Load like: DC televisions, DC fans, DC speakers, DC motors etc. The DC is transformed to Alternating Current (A.C) by the help of converter (inverter) which can be used to power AC Loads like: AC televisions, AC fans, AC, Speakers, AC motors, etc.

Question 2: Can a solar system power the entire load in a building?

Answer 2: Yes, if the solar system is carefully designed.

Question 3: Can I have 24/7 power supply by solar system?

Answer 3: Yes, through calculative design and implementation.

Question 4: What is the installation cost of Installing solar in my building?

Answer 4: The cost is dependent on four variables.

  1. If the solar system will be an Off-Grid-Stand-Alone system (that is the building is not connected to utility).
  2. If the solar is a Back-up system (that is the solar system is serving as a stand-by supply system).
  3. Location. Here, insolation level will be considered.
  4. Total load to be connected to the installation.

Question 5: Can I disconnect from utility (Distribution Company)?

Answer 5: Yes. If you have a self-generating power systems like solar system. This will make you stop paying utility bill.

Question 6: Can I generate my own power and sell to my neighbours?

Answer 6: Yes. If you cannot consume all your generated power, you can sell to the public but you must have a binding agreement.

Question 7: How much is operational and maintenance cost of solar systems?

Answer 7: Solar systems have zero operational cost while the maintenance cost is relatively small as solar system is a stationary machine.

Question 8: What is the life expectancy of solar systems?

Answer 8: The solar panel last for 25years to 30years, the battery’s life span depends on the condition its subjected to and the inverter last for years as it undergoes repair when the need arises.

Question 9: What are the components of solar systems?

Answer 9: They include but not limited to:

  1. The generator (solar panel) for DC power generation.
  2. The charger controller: for charge regulation and stabilization.
  3. Battery bank: for DC power storage.
  4. Converter (Inverter): for conversion of DC power to AC power.
  5. Cables: for power transmission.
  6. Accessories: for manual or automation purpose.

Question 10: In absence of Insolation (during the night) how do I get power from solar?

Answer 10: During the day, the insolation is high. The battery bank stores the energy that will be used in the night for power supply.

Question 11: At which discharge point is it advisable to start charging the battery?

Answer 11: The state of charge of a battery is preferably 45%. When the battery is discharged to 45%, it is a good advice to start charging it for its life span to be elongated.

Question 12: The installation cost of solar is high, why?

Answer 12: The installation cost is high because you are investing in a project that will last for years (25-30years). When the cost is distributed over the life span, you will deduce that the benefits outweigh the cost. Also, the maintenance cost is relatively small as is only the batteries that will be changed for few years.

Question 13: If I start feeding from solar systems, how much will I save?

Answer 13: The benefits of solar systems are a function of time. Since solar systems are usually a long term investment, you stand to enjoy the following benefits when you install it:

  1. the cost of running your generator set on fuel,
  2. the generator set repair cost,
  3. the generator set spare parts cost,
  4. the generator set serving cost,
  5. and the utility bill cost.

Question 14: What maintenance do I need to conduct on my solar systems?

Answer 14: Solar systems generally require minimal maintenance which include but not limited to:

  1. Cleaning the surface of the solar panels especially during the dry season.
  2. Greasing the terminals of the batteries.
  3. Functionality test of automation systems.

Question 15: How can I determine the capacity of solar system that will power my loads?

Answer 15: Kindly contact us so that our specialist will visit your apartment to conduct load schedule analysis of your building. That is to take the rating of the appliances that will be connected to the solar supply and their time of operation. This will help us produce an optimal design of your solar system.

Question 16: Some of my questions are not addressed here, how can I make other enquiries?

Answer 16: Kindly contact us using our contact page and your questions will be addressed effectively and efficiently.