What exactly does a PV solar power system do?
Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy into DC electricity. DC electricity is then converted to AC by an inverter. This AC electricity is then fed into the electrical grid.
How large a system do I need for my home?
This depends on your annual electricity consumption. The current domestic Net Metering scheme allow for a maximum system of 10KW to be installed per property. This produces annually a maximum of 16,500 kilowatt hours (KWhs).
Does the Cyprus government offer any subsidies?
Yes. There are currently two types of subsidies (a) €750 per kW with a maximum subsidy of €5,000.00 (€1,000 per installed KW) for people with low income/3+under age children/on benefits. (b) For all other citizens a subsidy of €375 (maximum €1,500.00) per KW installed (+50% for mountainous areas).
4. Do photovoltaic panels emit electromagnetic radiation?
No electromagnetic radiation is emitted by the photovoltaic panels which produce DC electricity.
5. Is the application procedure complicated?
Unfortunately, it can be. At Suxeed Solar, we will assist you to understand the process and we will take care of all the required documentation.
6. Is a solar power system a good investment?
A PV power system is one of the best investments in Cyprus, due to the high levels of sunshine we enjoy. A domestic 3 KW system can generate electricity to the total value of €1,500 per annum. The write-off period is around 2.5-3.5
years (excluding subsidy). Figures are based on EAC’s charges of €0.30/kWh including VAT, at an annual minimum production of 5,100 KWhs.
7. Do I have to continue paying the EAC for electricity?
It depends on your electricity consumption. You will continue to receive a bi- monthly EAC bill which will take into account your own production therefore netting the amount payable. Green taxes will still have to be paid. A new charge will be added which is for grid usage. This varies depending on the size of the photovoltaic system installed.
8. Monocrystalline or polycrystalline?
The most prevalent technology which is the solution considering the weather conditions in Cyprus is mono crystalline silicon where the materials used are of higher quality thus offering higher performance.
9. Will my roof be affected by the installation of the system?
No, the roof of the house is not affected by the installation of photovoltaic panels. On flat roofs, photovoltaic panels are placed on inclined aluminum bases which are bolted to concrete blocks. On tiled roofs, special ‘S’-shaped mounts are fitted around the tiles while the photovoltaic panels are mounted to rails which themselves are secured onto the mounts. Thus, no drilling is necessary, no matter whether the roof is flat or slanted.
10. How much space do I need to install a photovoltaic system?
A 3KW system on a flat roof requires approximately 25–30m2 of space
11. What is the lifespan of a photovoltaic system?
Solar panels can generate electricity even up to 30 to 40 years. Most manufacturers give a guarantee of performance for 25 years that will deliver at least 80% of their original output.
12. What kind of maintenance does the photovoltaic system require?
An occasional cleaning of the glass and the frame is advisable, especially if dust has gathered on the panels after rain. Ask for our Nano technology up fluid.
13. Is there a risk of electric shock?
No. High specification equipment is used in all our installations. All electrical boxes and cabling are sealed. Before connecting the system to the grid, the EAC carries out a site inspection of the facility to ensure that it complies with all safety standards. In any case solar panels generate DC electricity which is harmless to people.
14. Do photovoltaics carry a warranty?
Photovoltaic panels carry a 15-25 year manufacturer’s product warrantee. Additionally photovoltaic panels carry a manufacturer’s warrantee for the first 10 years to perform at 90% of their initial output. For the following 15 years, the manufacturer’s warranty covers 80% of the initial output.
15. How do I know if my system is working properly?
By checking the small screen of your inverter you will know that is functioning and is producing the expected daily output 5-8 KWhs per KW installed per day). In addition most inverters carry a built-in monitoring system which provides you live production reporting by logging into it from your pc or mobile phone application.
16. Can solar panels be damaged by strong winds?
All modules go through rigorous testing to ensure that they are resistant to
extreme weather, much stronger than those observed in Cyprus.
17. How does the solar power system perform during overcast weather?
Production decreases during cloudy conditions but does not stop. The photovoltaic module generates electricity even in diffused light and without the influence of direct sunlight. Intense heat is known to decrease energy production, so for example, the best production periods are during the spring and early summer months.