GENERAL FAQ’S ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY

 

 

 1.      What is solar energy?

 

          Solar energy is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.

 

2.      How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?

 

         Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC). Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC). So,            DC is passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, the electricity is either utilized or sent back to the electric grid.

 

3.      What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

 

          When a solar energy system is installed, money is saved on electricity bills and the public is protected against rising electricity rates in the future.

 

4.      What are the environmental benefits of solar energy for houses?

 

         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 reducing air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

 

5.      What are the key factors that affect solar power generation?

 

         Location, solar irradiation, weather conditions, layout, shading, system design, equipment quality, operations and maintenance affect the solar power generation.          Luckily, the province of Punjab receives very high levels of irradiation, thus maximizing solar power output.

 

6.      Is maintenance of solar plant costly?

 

         No, it is not very expensive to ensure proper maintenance of a solar plant, as the solar panels only require cleaning/washing once a while. The panels should be            inspected three to four times a year, for any dirt or debris that may accumulate upon them. It is true though, that cleaning helps to improve electricity production.

 

7.      How solar energy is beneficial for us?

 

         Solar energy helps us by providing uninterrupted supply of electricity during frequent hours of load shedding and facilitate us in our scientific journey. It will                provide us exposure of the latest technological advancements of the world.

 

         According to statistics, approximately 70% of Pakistan’s installed power generation capacity is based on fossil fuel that is being imported for power generation.           One third of Pakistan’s total import is comprised of Crude Oil (approx. $ 6.69 billion annually). Our Natural Gas reserves are depleting at an increasing rate,                 while our power demand is increasing day by day. Solar power uses sun as fuel and is independent from fossil fuel consumption that is why having solar power             would mean lower fossil fuel imports and higher GDP.

 

8.      Why should we go solar now?

 

        Simply put tis way– the sooner we get solar, the sooner we will enjoy its benefits. If we wait for some unproven technology, we will miss the opportunity to                   generate our own power now. Solar is like saving for retirement – the sooner you start doing it, the better.

 

9.      Does a solar plant produce same energy output throughout the day?

 

        Solar plants, worldwide, work on the basis of the intensity of sunlight it gets. The energy output increases gradually, peaks at around noon and then decreases as           the sun starts setting. But since the solar energy produced integrates with the national grid, hence electric supply is not impacted.

 

10.  What is the future of solar energy?

 

       Solar energy is abundant and free. Technologically advanced countries are resorting to solar energy for attaining sustainability and fuel independence. Solar                  energy is the fastest growing energy harvesting technology and it is quite possible that in the near future all appliances, homes, gadgets and buildings will go                solar.