FAQs

The solar industry is booming, and with it, there are growing concerns about the waste it produces. Fear not! We want to assure you that solar panels can be environmentally friendly and recycled! Much research and development are focused on improving the efficiency of solar panels. Conversations on the topic of recycling solar panels are particularly uncommon. In this article, we tell you all you need to know about solar panel recycling.

In 2012, the European Union included PV components under the ten categories of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive. Thus, solar PV elements must be collected and recycled. The waste management regulations require that all solar panels must be dealt with and manufacturers of PV panels who supply to the European market must pay a recycling fee. The US does fall behind Europe in its waste management policies, however, the state of California (one of the largest solar markets) in the past has proposed supervision and control of the processing of solar equipment.  

The research revolved around solar panels needs to be more focused on managing waste. There is evidence of economic, social, and environmental benefits with recycling solar panels. More effective policy planning and research must take place to reap the environmental benefits of solar systems.  

With over 20 years of experience in the solar energy industry, Enlighten.energy is committed to helping you go solar. Contact us if you have any questions!

The implementation of these systems can also improve the ecosystems in which they are situated. It is possible for these systems to serve a dual purpose as a habitat for endangered species and provide energy for human consumption.

Floatovoltaics are an adaptation that can significantly increase energy production. The water acts as a cooling mechanism for the solar panels, making the whole system increasingly efficient and cost-effective. The water also cleans the panels to prevent dust accumulation and reduced efficiency.

Floatovoltaics is a colossal adaptation to the growing energy crisis as well as the depletion of land resources. The oceans are rising with the enduring effects of global climate change. People are excited because floatovoltaics offers the opportunity to use the current situation that humanity has created to possibly change the direction of the future.

Floating solar, or “floatovoltaics,” is exactly as it sounds – solar panels situated on a body of water. What’s the point of this invention? Land is a valuable resource, and humankind is quickly taking advantage of its benefits. Floatovoltaics are an adaptation to this development and create renewable energy while not using the land.

The simple fact that water landscapes can undergo harsh conditions was considered when designing the floatovoltaic systems. An installation in the Netherlands withstood a cyclone with winds up to 71 miles per hour and waves of over 16 feet in height.

Why does my solar system not work? Why am I shown a single panel as inactive? Help – is something broken!?

Sometimes it happens that individual solar panels stop working. If you have an IGS system, for example, you can track this very accurately with our app. There, every single solar panel is shown and errors are displayed. We also have access to it and control the systems we install on a regular basis to be able to react as fast as possible if something does not work as it should. But what are the reasons? It could of course be a technical defect or an immense amount of snow that does not let light through. However, our experience is that panels are often shown as inactive due to other funny or interesting events.

Once, when inspecting a system, we discovered that exactly one single solar panel did not work. All others were intact. During an on-site visit, it turned out that our customer had placed a wooden board on the solar panel. The system was a ground installation and he just wanted to put the board down for a moment – and then forgot to take it away again.

Fortunately early enough. Only a few things needed to be replaced. A critter fence is now making sure that the little rodent will move back to the trees again in the future. Our thanks goes to Eva, who told us her solar squirrel story and sent us a picture.

When a wooden board can cause excitement, then squirrels do so even more. So it already happened that a squirrel has established a nest under the solar system on a roof. It is certainly cosy and well protected from wind and weather. This would probably not be a problem, but it also enjoyed nibbling on the cables. Two panels switched off and that’s how it first became noticeable.

There are two main types of solar panel mounting types:

• roof mount
• ground mount.

Roof-mounted systems utilize available space most effectively as modules on the same roof cannot shade each other. On the other hand, ground-mounted panels have to be installed in distanced rows so the first row's shade is not interrupting the second row's working conditions.

Roof-mounted solar panels.

A rail mounting system is the most common way to install solar panels on the roof.

These systems are made of:

• Roof attachments. There are various types of roof attachments depending on the roof type they are going to be installed on. Roof attachments are fastened to roof structure beneath roofing material or to the roofing material itself.

• Mounting rails.
  • When roof attachments are installed it is possible to add mounting rail to the racking system. They are solar panels support on the roof as PV modules lay directly on mounting rails.
• Module clamps.
  • To keep solar panels in place module clamps are used. They connect solar panels with mounting rails using bolts installed in mounting rail bolt channels. The main types of module clamps are end-clamps used where panel array ends and mid-clamps used where two solar panels meet.

Ground-mounted solar panels.

Ground mounting systems are all-in-one systems that include:

• module clamps
• mounting rails
• ground-mounted racking

Systems of this type usually either use mounting poles dug into the ground or a ballast system to ensure system stability and wind resistance.

Ready to finally clean your solar panels? Perhaps your solar panels are looking a little dusty? Perhaps they have an absurd amount of bird droppings? Or maybe it is spring cleaning time! Here is what you should know when it is time to give your panels a little scrub.

First off, solar panels are self-cleaning! Generally, the rain should be enough to clean off any dirt that has accumulated on any of your Photo Voltaic (PV) panels. In most cases, cleaning your panels is not worth the hassle and danger. Regardless, over time you may find that a buildup of dust and particulates may occur. Here are some general guidelines for cleaning depending on what system you own.

It is important to keep safety a priority when cleaning. Please shut down your system before attempting to clean it. Clean in the morning or evening to avoid times when the solar panels can get very hot. Pick a day that is cooler in temperature, or overcast. If you feel uncomfortable climbing onto the roof, you may also seek professional cleaners.

When it snows, many people wonder if it is necessary to clean the snow off their photovoltaic panels. However, it is not necessary to be doing so. The glass panels are designed to be non-sticky, so most snow should slide off. Additionally, during heavy snowstorms, production will be low—it is part of the design of the solar panel system. So, there is no need to take any risks on a heavy snow day.

A solar inverter is one of the most significant parts of a solar power system. A solar inverter converts the electricity generated by solar panels into usable electricity that can be used by homes. The excess electricity in your household is later fed into the grid or the home battery storage.

The process of collecting solar energy begins with the sun shining down onto your solar panels (photovoltaic cells). Electrons inside the solar panel cells to move, which creates energy. Circuits collect this energy and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. The appliances with your household can only be run on alternating current (AC) electricity. A solar inverter receives direct current electricity (DC) and converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity.

There are many different types of solar inverters available for residential use. The inverter you get is dependent on a variety of factors such as shade, the company you hire, and utility requirements within your area. When considering a solar system, one of the most important decisions to make is what type of solar inverter you need to install.

String inverters are one of the most common and cost-effective options available. A single string connects a group of solar panels to a central inverter. The least productive solar panel in the system will produce electricity since the solar panels are all connected. String inverters benefit homes that have a simple solar installation and have a lot of access to sunlight. String inverters are known for their durability and easy maintenance. String inverters are not advantageous for homes with shading or panels facing different directions.

Microinverters are very small and are attached to each solar panel. These inverters are desirable for homes that have more shade and more complicated installations. This is because they optimize each solar panel, offering more energy. If a solar panel is not performing well, the other panels will continue operating efficiently. These inverters allow a homeowner to monitor the power production level for each solar panel. Microinverters are, however, a more expensive option for homeowners.

Optimized string inverters are a hybrid version of both string inverters and microinverters. They are more expensive than string inverters but less expensive than microinverters. Optimized string inverters condition DC electricity and after sending it to the string inverter. The optimized inverters connect to each solar panel, which also allows you to monitor the power production level for each panel. These inverters are a good option for homeowners with shading and who are looking for a more cost-effective option.

Hybrid inverters allow you to connect batteries to your solar system. This inverter combines a solar inverter (either string or optimized string inverters) and a battery inverter. Hybrid inverters are popular amongst homeowners looking for energy backup options because it is cheaper to install a battery. Homeowners who install a solar system with a traditional inverter and decide later to add a battery incur higher costs because a battery-specific inverter will also need to be added. However, getting a hybrid inverter will be less expensive. Many homeowners get a hybrid inverter without batteries in anticipation of getting them later in the future.

Do you want to know which solar inverter is right for you? Sign up with us today and we will help you with everything you need to know!

Off-grid solar systems do not connect to the electricity grid. Thanks to the off-grid feature, solar systems can be used anywhere there is access to solar radiation. Solar systems can also be used as an independent power source. Software located in the power software manages the electricity generated by solar panels during the day. The energy produced can be used for current needs, and the excess energy that is not needed is stored in battery packages. If energy production is low on a cloudy day, or there is no generation at night, the required load is met by energy from the backup in the battery packages.