Are solar products capable and reliable or are they just novelty junk?
Are solar chargers safe to use with my devices?
What is Solar System's return policy?

Photovoltaic Systems

How do solar panels work?
Will it work and/or is it available in my area?
What size PV system do I need?
How much will it cost?
Are there recurring maintenance costs?
Grid-Tie or Battery or Both?
What is the life-expectancy and/or warranty on PV systems?
What is the payback period?
How often do panels need to be cleaned?
Will my system generate electricity on a cloudy day?

Solar Products

Are solar products capable & reliable or are they just novelty junk?

It depends where you buy them and how they are made. We personally test and recommend every product we sell. We work hard to provide only the highest quality products that really do the job they say they will do. Unfortunately, many solar products and gadgets have earned a bad reputation from people's experience with cheap yard lights and similar items that are weak and ineffective. We do not sell such products. We also back up all sales with our satisfaction guarantee.

^back to top^

Are solar chargers safe to use with my devices?

All the chargers we sell are equipped with charge controllers and exact adapters for specific devices so they deliver just the right charge for your device. All are warranted by the manufacturer as well.

^back to top^

What is your return policy?

We will gladly accept all unopened items back within 60 days of the date of sale. Buyer is responsible for return shipping charges and appropriate insurance. Please call or email us for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) code before returning any item.

^back to top^

Photovoltaic Systems

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels, also known as Photovoltaics or PV, generate electricity by the photo-electric effect of light not by the sun's heat. Please see our Photovoltaic page for more information.

^back to top^

Will it work and/or is it available in my area?

Photovoltaics will work anywhere there is sunlight. In fact, they will put out electricity with any light source, but the sun is the best light because it's free.

The sun's light hits the Earth (solar insolation) with varying intensity depending on the season and the sun's position in the sky. The sun's position in the sky varies not only with time of day, but also by latitude. Generally, photovoltaic output is less the farther away the system is from the equator because there are fewer peak-sun hours. This can all be accounted for in system design and there are photovoltaic systems that work well in Alaska or Chile just as there are systems that work well in the tropics.

^back to top^

What size PV system do I need?

There are a few steps to figuring this out, but they are simple. A better question would ask what size system do you really want.

First, you will want to know how much electricity you use per day. This will probably change with the season, so you will need an annual average. Next is system type. Do you want to be totally self-sufficient (Stand-Alone) or still attached to utility-grid power (Grid-Tied)? Other variables include your site location, the percentage of your energy used that you want the system to generate, and how much you can cut back your consumption.

We would love to help you decide! Our online system calculator can give you a good general idea, but please contact us for a more personalized quote at sales@ecofly.biz .

                                                                                               
^back to top^

How much will it cost?

This is another question that needs some personal calculation. A big variable to this is the availablility of rebates or incentives in your area. Please check the DSIRE website
( www.dsireusa.org ) for information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives.

In general, Stand-Alone systems tend to be more expensive than comparably-sized batteryless Grid-Tied systems because they have more components and usually require more space.

One thing to keep in mind is we are talking about initial cost. Photovoltaic systems that are designed correctly will pay for themselves long before they wear out. A different perspective is the cost of not installing a photovoltaic system when you think of the savings you will not get after the payback period. In addition, there is the environmental cost of using energy not generated by solar. Looked at this way, maybe we should ask: How much will it save?

Are there recurring maintenance costs?

Maybe one of the best things about photovoltaic systems is their relatively low requirement for maintenance. PV panels should be kept clean of debris and rinsed off every year or so depending on conditions. There are no moving parts (except for Tracking systems) so there is much less probability of things breaking or wearing out. If batteries are used, they will require some periodic maintenance, but these systems are otherwise strong, reliable, and maintenance-free.

^back to top^

Grid-Tie or Battery or Both?

Grid-Tied systems are simple, powerful, and can give your home or business a beautiful high-tech look. With utility incentives, they can be the easiest way to get into photovoltaics. Stand-Alone systems let you enjoy real electrical power virtually anywhere with no monthly bill. A Hybrid system grid-tied with battery backup gives you independence when utility power goes out.

Please see our Photovoltaics page for more information.

^back to top^

What is the life-expectancy and/or warranty on PV systems?

Most PV panel manufacturers warranty their panels for 25 years, however, they are expected to perform well for 40 years or more. PV panels have been to the Moon, Mars, and out of our solar system and still function as long as they can get sunlight.

Inverters are commonly warranted for 10 years and should outlast that mark as well. Batteries can last from 8-10 years. The balance of system parts have various warranties and life-spans, but all can be covered under most homeowner's insurance.

Ecofly warranties all design and installation labor for one year of service.

The bottom line with photovoltaics is that they are strong and reliable and will be producing energy long after they have paid for their manufacture and installation costs.

What is the payback period?

Usually, a photovoltaic system will pay for itself in energy bill savings in a period of 7-15 years of use. Of course this depends on system size, energy use, cost of utility power, rebates & incentives, and so on. Panels will recoup energy used in their manufacture within 2-4 years of use. 

For commercial applications the benefits of installing photovoltaics can be huge. Increased Federal incentives for businesses as well as depreciation benefits let the system start paying for itself from year one.

^back to top^

How often do panels need to be cleaned?

Under normal conditions, panels should be rinsed off at least once a year. The idea is to keep them clear of dust and film that can inhibit light penetration. 

More importantly, it is necessary to remove any leaves or debris that may shade a section of the panel. Shading dramatically reduces the panel's output. For this reason, it is a good idea to watch the growth of nearby trees that may shade the panels also, and trim them as needed.

Will the system still generate electricity on a cloudy day?

Yes. As long as they receive light, PV panels will generate electricity. Clouds make the sunlight ambient, not direct, so the output from the panels will be less, but they will still generate a significant amount of electricity.

Solar Heating

How does solar water-heating work?

Please check back for information on solar heating.

^back to top^