FAQ's

1. What is Photovoltaic (PV)?
Photovoltaic means electricity from light. The photovoltaic (PV) process converts free solar energy directly into electricity.

2. What are solar cells?
Solar cells are basic building blocks for PV modules. They are usually made of thin wafers of Silicon. The basic function of a solar cell is to convert sunlight energy into electric current.

3. What is a PV module?
A group of Solar cells connected either in series or parallel encapsulated in a laminate. PV modules deliver direct current (DC).

4. What are Solar Home Systems?
A Solar Home system (SHS) is a system that converts solar energy into electric energy for domestic purposes.

5. What are the components of a Solar Home System?
The system consists of Power pack and Loads. Power pack consists of PV module, inverter, charge controller and battery. Loads consist of appliances such as lights, fans, TV, etc.

6. What are the different types of Solar Home Lighting Systems?
Direct System (DC) System and Alternating Current(AC) system.
DC System : A system that generates DC power and runs only DC appliances . These systems can be used for basic lighting, DC fans, TVs etc.
AC System : A system that converts the DC power generated to AC power using an Inverter. This system can generate 230V AC power which can be used to power all AC appliances such as colour televisions, ceiling fans, music systems, refrigerators, electric blenders (mixers), lights, etc.

7. What are solar inverters?
PV modules deliver DC current. An inverter is therefore required to convert the DC power to AC power that is used in conventional utility powered appliances like color TVs, fans , refrigerators etc.

8. How should a PV module be mounted? What are Tilt angles?
In order to optimally receive solar irradiation, PV modules must always face the equator. They are mounted at a certain Tilt angle, which is approximately the latitude of the location.

9. How do I estimate the energy requirement for my home?
Our trained sales personnel would help you arrive at the optimum energy consumption. However you could use this formula for arriving at the load consumption Daily energy demand = No. of loads X Power consumption of load X Daily usage( hours) Load – TV, fridge, Tube lights, CFLs, Incandescent bulbs etc.

10. How do I arrive at a SPV system configuration for my daily energy consumption?
Based on your daily energy consumption, a SPV system is “sized” and a solution arrived at. We at Environ Energy specialize in system sizing and installation. Contact us at info@environenergy.co.in

11. Do you provide energy solutions to institutions and industrial enterprises also?
We are proud of our attempts to cater to the unique needs of each customer, and we are heartened by the trend of people buying bigger systems. Our solar solutions range upto MW catering to a wide section of clientele.

12. What is Solar Thermal? Is it the same as Solar PV?
Solar Thermal systems produce heat from Sun’s radiation whereas Solar PV systems convert light directly into electricity using semi-conductor technology.

13. What is the max. temperature of hot water that can be attained by using a Solar water heater ( SWH) ?
Temperature of hot water depends on ambient temperature. However during summer temperature attained can be greater than 60⁰C.

14. How does a Solar Water Heater work ? What are the different type of SWH ?
There are 2 types of SWH –
Flate Plate Collector ( FPC) and FPC SWH -
The solar radiation is absorbed by flat plate collectors which consists of a metal box covered on top with a glass sheet. Selectively coated blackened metallic absorbers form the bottom part of the box. The sides and bottom are insulated to minimize heat loss. The absorber consists of riser tubes to carry water. The absorber plate absorbs the solar radiation and transfers the heat to the flowing water through the riser tubes to the insulated storage tank

Evacuated Tube Collector ( ETC) water heaters.

ETC SWH - The collector is made of double layer borosilicate glass tubes evacuated for providing insulation. The outer wall of the inner tube is coated with selective absorbing material. This helps absorption of solar radiation and transfers the heat to the water which flows through the inner tube. The vacuum within the evacuated tubes reduce conducted heat losses. This system is suitable for hard water areas (hardness up to 800 PPM)

15. What are the commonly used SWH capacities for domestic application?
Solar water heaters of 100-500 litres capacity are suited for domestic application. Larger systems in excess of 1000 Litres can be used in restaurants, canteens, hotels, hospitals, process industries etc.

16. What is the payback period of a 100 LPD SWH sytem?
A 100 LPD system pays back in less than 4 years. A 100 litres capacity Solar water heater can replace an electric geyser for residential use and saves 1500 units of electricity annually.

17. What are the environmental benefits of using a Solar Water heater?
A Solar water heater of 100 litres capacity can prevent emission of 1.5 tonnes of carbon-dioxide per year.