FAQs
Our goal here at Technique Electronics is to help customers
understand the benefits of solar energy and to help educate
them about the trivia of purchasing, owning, and maintaining
a system. Below are some frequently asked questions--not only
about solar energy but ordering from us as well.
Solar
How can I find out the average sunlight hours I
get where I live?
Your average sunlight hours are fairly consistent
based on where you live. In South Africa work on 5.58 hours
per day multilplied by your panel rating.
What sort of Municipal incentives am I eligible for?
Unfortunatally there are currently no incentives
in South Africa, although this is set to change.
Which type of system is right for me?
The type of system you might want for your home
or business depends on a number of variables, including
geographic location, the amount of energy you need to produce,
and the size of the investment you plan on making. For a
better understanding of both off-grid
and grid-tie
systems, check out the applicable guides.
What sort of back-ups work best for an off-grid system?
There are several kinds of back-ups, each of which
works fairly well. Gasoline generators are fairly cost-effective,
but tend to be loud and give off fumes. Wind generators
work when there is no sun, but are like-wise constrained
by the weather. For a more detailed comparison of back-ups,
visit the battery
basics page.
Should I consider a hybrid system over a conventional solar
grid-tie system?
Hybrid systems can be more inexpensive than solar
grid-tie systems. These systems, however, may not be efficient
where you live. Wind systems require certain climate conditions,
and wind generators tend to have many movable parts, which
only increases the need for maintenance. For a detailed
discussion of hybrid systems and whether they're right for
your needs, check out our grid-tie
hybrid systems page.
Wind
Why is a wind system right for me?
Wind systems are good solutions for homes and
businesses with enough space to use them. Small-lot homes
(e.g. suburban and urban homes) generally can't fit wind
towers comfortably, and will therefore not produce the sort
of energy to make wind cost-efficient.
How much wind do I need to make a wind system worthwhile?
According to the American
Wind Energy Association, wind turbines require at least
a 16 kmh average windspeed. If winds in your area aren't
consistently that high or aren't consistent, wind turbines
won't make a good grid-tie solution. Storing wind energy
in batteries might still prove effective; hybrid grid-tie
systems are rising in popularity, and wind back-ups for
off-grid systems are increasingly popular.
How effective a back-up is wind?
Wind power makes a very effective back-up for
off-grid systems. Innovations in wind turbine technology
have made towers very effective.
Orders
Can I fax my order?
Of course! Add items to your shopping cart normally
and print it out. You can fax this to us at (011) 763-2133
and we'll confirm your order either by e-mail or telephone.
Can I call a person to place my order?
Certainly. You can call us at (011) 763-5718
and speak with one of our System Engineers, who can help
you determine what system or components will be right
for you. Please take a look at our informative pages in
the Learning
Center section before calling--those will help you
be acquainted with what we sell so you'll be ready to
discuss your system with a Systems Engineer.
One of the items I received is broken. What should I do?
All of Technique Electronics's products are
covered by the original manufacturer's warranty.
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