Mathai Green Energy
Frequently Asked Question
We have dedicated ourselves to driving change and fostering growth within the green energy sector.
What is solar energy and how does it work?
Solar energy is energy derived from sunlight. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This electricity can then be used to power homes, businesses, and various electronic devices.
What are the benefits of using solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable, abundant, and environmentally friendly. It reduces electricity bills, decreases reliance on fossil fuels, and helps combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, solar panels require minimal maintenance and can provide energy independence.
How much does a solar panel system cost?
The cost of a solar panel system depends on various factors such as the size of the system, location, roof type, and local incentives. Generally, the upfront cost includes the cost of solar panels, inverters, installation, and permits. However, over time, solar energy can save customers money on their electricity bills and provide a return on investment.
What size solar panel system do I need for my home or business?
The size of the solar panel system needed depends on factors such as energy consumption, roof space available, and budget. As a general guideline, a small residential system typically ranges from 3 to 8 kW (kilowatts), while larger systems for commercial or industrial facilities may range from 10 kW to several megawatts (MW). A professional solar installer can conduct a site assessment and recommend the appropriate system size based on your specific needs and requirements.
Are there any incentives or rebates available for installing solar panels?
Yes, there are often incentives, rebates, and tax credits available at the federal, state, and local levels to encourage the adoption of solar energy. These incentives can help offset the cost of installing a solar panel system and improve the financial viability of going solar.
Can you run a refrigerator, AC, TV, and other appliances on solar power?
Yes, it's possible to run most household appliances on solar power. With the increasing interest in solar energy to reduce energy bills and grid dependency, homeowners are exploring the feasibility of powering essential appliances with solar energy.
What size solar system do I need?
The size of the solar system you need depends on the total electricity consumption of your appliances, sunlight availability, roof space for solar panels, and energy storage capacity (if using batteries). Working with our team can help you design a system that meets your specific needs.
Can I run appliances with a small solar system?
If you have a small home and only want to power a few appliances off the grid, you might be able to use a small solar system. However, it's crucial to ensure that the system can generate enough power to meet your appliances' demands. By understanding your appliances' electricity requirements and working with our team to design an appropriately sized solar system, you can enjoy the benefits of running essential household appliances on clean and renewable solar energy, potentially reducing your monthly energy bills and environmental impact.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels typically come with warranties ranging from 25 to 30 years, indicating their expected lifespan. However, solar panels can continue to generate electricity beyond their warranty period, albeit at slightly reduced efficiency. With proper maintenance, solar panels can last for several decades.
What maintenance is required for solar panels?
Solar panels require minimal maintenance, usually limited to occasional cleaning to remove dirt, dust, and debris that may accumulate on the surface. Additionally, it's advisable to have the solar panel system inspected periodically by a professional to ensure optimal performance.
Can solar panels work during cloudy days or at night?
While solar panels generate the most electricity when exposed to direct sunlight, they can still produce electricity on cloudy days or during periods of low light. Additionally, excess electricity generated during sunny periods can be stored in batteries for use at night or during cloudy weather through a process called solar energy storage.
What happens to my electric bill in Kenya when I install solar panels?
In Kenya, your electric bill will depend on how your specific utility handles solar interconnections. Most utility companies have small fees that they bill regardless of how much solar energy you generate. For example, you may still be charged a "meter charge." However, regardless of these fees, you will see a decrease in the amount of energy you purchase from your utility on your bill. This is because the solar power generated will be used by your house before any excess is fed back into the grid. Any excess generation that you feed back into the grid can potentially result in "Net Zero" billing, where your electricity bill may be reduced or even eliminated altogether.
What is Net Zero or Net Metering
In Kenya, Net Zero or Net Metering operates similarly to the concept described above, although specific regulations and policies may vary. Net Metering allows solar panel owners to feed excess electricity generated by their solar systems back into the grid, essentially spinning their electric meters backward. This excess electricity can then be used to offset electricity drawn from the grid during periods when the solar panels are not producing enough power, such as at night or on cloudy days. For example, if your solar panels generate more electricity during the day than your home consumes, the excess electricity is exported to the grid, and you receive credits for it. These credits can then be used to offset the electricity you consume from the grid at night or during periods of low solar generation. At the end of each billing cycle, you only pay for the net amount of electricity consumed from the grid after accounting for the credits earned from exporting surplus solar energy. Net Metering thus allows solar panel owners to achieve Net Zero energy consumption over a given billing period, where the total electricity consumed from the grid equals the total electricity exported to the grid. This can lead to significant savings on electricity bills and promotes the adoption of renewable energy technologies like solar power.
Do you get a tax write-off for solar panels?
The short answer is yes, you can get a tax write-off for solar panels, however, there are some limitations and the amount of write-off will also depend on if you have installed the panels for personal or business use. There are also some limitations on how much of your solar panel installation costs can be written off. Generally, you can only deduct the cost of the equipment and materials that were specifically used in the installation of the solar panels. The cost of labor and other associated expenses usually can’t be deducted.