Solar Energy FAQs
Frequently asked questions about solar energy systems in Mozambique.
Solar Energy FAQs
Common questions about solar installations, costs, and performance in Mozambique.
General Questions
How does solar energy work?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells. When sunlight hits the panels, it creates an electrical current that flows to an inverter, which converts it from DC to AC power for use in your home or business.
Is solar viable in Mozambique?
Yes! Mozambique has excellent solar potential with 5-5.5 peak sun hours per day on average. This makes solar one of the most cost-effective energy solutions available.
How much can I save with solar?
Most clients save 50-90% on their electricity bills. Exact savings depend on your system size, energy consumption, and whether you have battery storage. Commercial clients typically see payback periods of 2-4 years.
What is the lifespan of a solar system?
Solar panels last 25-30 years with minimal degradation (typically 0.5% per year). Inverters last 10-15 years and may need replacement. Batteries last 5-15 years depending on type and usage.
System Types
What's the difference between grid-tie, off-grid, and hybrid systems?
Grid-Tie:
- Connected to utility grid
- No batteries required
- Lowest cost option
- Requires stable grid connection
Off-Grid:
- Complete independence from grid
- Requires battery storage
- Higher upfront cost
- Ideal for remote locations
Hybrid:
- Connected to grid with battery backup
- Best of both worlds
- Protection from outages
- Most popular option in Mozambique
Do I need battery storage?
Battery storage is recommended in Mozambique due to frequent power outages. It provides:
- Backup power during outages
- Energy independence
- Peak shaving capabilities
- Better ROI with time-of-use rates
However, grid-tie systems without batteries are cheaper and work well if you have reliable grid power.
What size system do I need?
System size depends on your energy consumption:
Residential:
- Small home (2-3 bedrooms): 3-5 kW
- Medium home (4-5 bedrooms): 5-8 kW
- Large home (6+ bedrooms): 8-15 kW
Commercial:
- Small business: 10-30 kW
- Medium business: 30-100 kW
- Large facility: 100-500+ kW
We'll analyze your electricity bills to recommend the optimal size.
Installation & Costs
How much does a solar system cost?
Residential (per kW installed):
- Grid-tie: $1,100-$1,500
- Hybrid: $1,500-$2,000
- Off-grid: $2,000-$2,500
Commercial (per kW installed):
- Grid-tie: $1,000-$1,300
- Hybrid: $1,300-$1,700
Battery Storage: $400-$600 per kWh
Example: A 5 kW residential hybrid system with 10 kWh battery costs approximately $9,000-$12,000.
Are there financing options available?
Yes! We offer several financing options:
Bank Loans:
- 3-7 year terms
- 8-12% interest rates
- 10-30% down payment
Leasing:
- No upfront cost
- Monthly payments lower than current bill
- Maintenance included
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
- Pay only for power generated
- No upfront cost
- Best for large commercial installations
How long does installation take?
Timeline:
- Site assessment: 1-2 days
- Design & permitting: 2-4 weeks
- Equipment procurement: 2-6 weeks
- Installation: 3-10 days
- Testing & commissioning: 1-2 days
Total: 6-12 weeks from contract to activation
Do I need permits?
Yes, you'll need:
- Building permit from municipality
- Electrical permit
- Utility interconnection agreement (for grid-tie)
- Environmental clearance (for large systems)
We handle all permitting as part of our service.
Performance & Maintenance
How much electricity will my system generate?
A 1 kW system in Mozambique generates approximately 1,800-2,000 kWh per year (5-5.5 kWh per day).
Example:
- 5 kW system: 9,000-10,000 kWh/year
- 10 kW system: 18,000-20,000 kWh/year
- 50 kW system: 90,000-100,000 kWh/year
What maintenance is required?
Regular Maintenance:
- Panel cleaning: Every 2-3 months
- Visual inspections: Quarterly
- Professional inspection: Annually
- Inverter checks: Annually
Costs: $100-$500 per year depending on system size
What happens during cloudy days or at night?
Cloudy Days: Panels still generate 10-25% of normal output
Night Time:
- Grid-tie: Draw power from grid
- Hybrid: Use battery storage, then grid
- Off-grid: Use battery storage
Battery systems typically provide 4-12 hours of backup power.
How do I monitor my system?
All our systems include monitoring that shows:
- Real-time power generation
- Daily/monthly/yearly production
- System performance and efficiency
- Alerts for issues or maintenance needs
Access via smartphone app or web portal.
Technical Questions
Will solar work on my roof?
Most roofs are suitable if they:
- Face north (optimal) or east/west (acceptable)
- Have minimal shading
- Are structurally sound
- Have adequate space
We'll conduct a site assessment to confirm suitability.
What if my roof needs repairs?
We recommend completing roof repairs before installation. We can:
- Assess roof condition during site visit
- Recommend repairs if needed
- Coordinate with roofing contractors
- Ensure roof warranty remains valid
Can I expand my system later?
Yes! We design systems with expansion in mind. You can add:
- More panels for increased capacity
- Additional battery storage
- EV charging stations
- Solar water heating
What happens during power outages?
Grid-Tie Systems: Shut down automatically for safety (required by law)
Hybrid/Off-Grid Systems: Continue operating on battery power, providing backup for essential loads
Financial & Incentives
What is the payback period?
Typical Payback Periods:
- Residential: 4-7 years
- Commercial: 2-4 years
- Industrial: 2-3 years
After payback, you enjoy 18-23 years of free electricity!
Are there government incentives?
Yes! Available incentives include:
- Tax credits (up to 10% of system cost)
- Import duty exemptions on equipment
- Accelerated depreciation for businesses
- Net metering programs
We help you apply for all available incentives.
Does solar increase property value?
Yes! Studies show solar installations increase property value by:
- Residential: 3-5% increase
- Commercial: Improved cap rates and tenant appeal
Solar is considered a valuable asset by buyers and appraisers.
What warranties are included?
Standard Warranties:
- Solar panels: 25 years performance, 10 years product
- Inverters: 5-10 years (extendable to 20 years)
- Batteries: 5-10 years
- Installation workmanship: 5 years
- Monitoring equipment: 5 years
Environmental & Safety
Is solar environmentally friendly?
Yes! Solar energy:
- Produces zero emissions during operation
- Reduces carbon footprint by 1-2 tons CO2 per kW annually
- Pays back manufacturing energy in 1-3 years
- Panels are 95% recyclable
Are solar panels safe?
Yes! Solar systems are very safe when properly installed:
- No moving parts
- No fuel or combustion
- Automatic shutdown during faults
- Grounding and surge protection included
- Meets all electrical and fire safety codes
What happens at end of life?
Solar panels are highly recyclable:
- Glass: 95% recyclable
- Aluminum frames: 100% recyclable
- Silicon cells: 85% recyclable
- Copper wiring: 100% recyclable
We can arrange recycling when your system reaches end of life.
Getting Started
How do I get a quote?
- Contact us for initial consultation
- Schedule site visit for assessment
- Receive proposal with detailed design and costs
- Review financing options
- Sign contract and begin installation
What information do I need to provide?
Please have ready:
- 12 months of electricity bills
- Property ownership documents
- Roof age and condition information
- Photos of electrical panel and roof
- Budget and timeline expectations
How do I choose a solar installer?
Look for:
- Licensed and certified technicians
- Portfolio of completed projects
- Positive client references
- Comprehensive warranties
- Quality equipment from reputable brands
- Transparent pricing and contracts
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