FAQ's

  1. What is Solar?
  2. What is the difference between Solar Thermal and Solar PV (Electricity)
  3. How does Solar Thermal work?
  4. What are the benefits of a Solar Thermal Installation?
  5. How is energy production impacted by cold and cloudy weather?
  6. How does Unitech Solar installations differ from those of other system integrators?
  7. What is a typical project's timeframe from assessment to completion?
  8. What will be my system's reliability?
  9. How long do Solar Thermal systems last?
1. What is Solar?
Solar energy is the cleanest and most inexhaustible of all known energy sources. Solar radiation is the heat, light and other radiation that is emitted from the sun. Solar radiation contains huge amounts of energy and is responsible for almost all the natural processes on earth. The suns energy, although plentiful, has been hard to directly harness until recently.
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2. What is the difference between Solar Thermal and Solar PV (Electricity)

Solar Energy can be classified into two categories, Thermal and Light. Photo-voltaic cells (PV) use semiconductor-based technology to convert light energy directly into an electric current that can either be used immediately, or stored in a battery, for later use. PV panels are now becoming widely used as they are very versatile, and can be easily mounted on buildings and other structures. They can provide a clean, renewable energy source which can supplement and thus minimize the use of mains electricity supply. In regions without main electricity supply such as remote communities, emergency phones etc, PV energy can provide a reliable supply of electricity. The disadvantage of PV panels is their high cost and relatively low energy conversion rate (only 13-15%). Thermal solar on the other hand has average efficiency levels 4-5 times that of PV, and is therefore much cheaper per unit of energy produced.

Thermal energy can be used to passively heat buildings through the use of certain building materials and architectural design, or used directly to heat water for household use. In many regions, solar water heaters are now a viable supplement or alternative to electric or gas hot water production.

Thermal energy obtained from the sun can be used for a number of applications including producing hot water, space heating and even cooling via use of absorption chilling technology.

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3. How does Solar Thermal work?

Solar thermal collectors collect radiation from the sun and actively convert the energy/radiation from the sun into Heat. When the suns radiation hits the solar collector, the Evacuated tubes act as an absorber and insulator that transfers the heat to the heat-pipe which then heats your DHW and heat.

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4. What are the benefits of a Solar Thermal Installation?
  1. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity via the photovoltaic process.
  2. Power conditioning equipment converts the electricity from the panels to utility-grade alternating current.
  3. The meter measures net power usage, turning backwards when the system generates more power than is needed.
  4. The utility grid supplies supplemental power when demand exceeds the solar power system's output and absorbs excess when the system output exceeds demand.
  5. The customer electrical load draws power from the solar power system and/or the utility grid.
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5. How is energy production impacted by cold and cloudy weather?
While PV systems have historically been designed for rooftops to minimize the allocation of otherwise useful space, the desire for larger systems and ancillary benefits are driving innovative design configurations. The following three locations are now common.

Rooftop – Still the most common system built, rooftop-mounted systems are fairly inexpensive. PV can be installed on any type of roof, but some roofing types, such as standing seam, are easier than others. Design considerations include penetrations or ballasting that is suggested or mandated by wind and seismic codes and the age of the roof. When considering installing a PV system that may operate in that location for 10-40 years, it is important to consider the age, warranty, and general condition of the roof.

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6. How does Unitech Solar installations differ from those of other system integrators?
Uniteck Solar provides unique, customized solutions to our customers. As the smart choice in solar we provide an exhaustive assessment and design process to ensure that each and every solar project we build provides the maximum benefit to our customers. Unitech Solar has one of the most experienced teams in the industry providing the highest level of expertise and project management.
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7. What will be my system's reliability?
UTS system reliability is close to 99%. Unitech Solar uses its web-based system to monitor solar power systems, and to respond quickly with assistance if needed.
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8. How long do solar power systems last?
Under the sun's ray, all solar panels degrade over time. The same sunlight that provides photons also provides more destructive ultraviolet and infrared waves, which eventually cause the panels to degrade physically. In addition, solar panels are also exposed to destructive weather elements, which can also seriously affect efficiency. Solar power systems have a design lifespan of 30+ years and crystalline and thin film modules are typically guaranteed under warranty for 20-25 years. Some reports show that thin film modules degrade at a faster rate than crystalline modules, but since they have not been field tested for as long, we must rely upon manufacturer claims and warranties.
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