How Solar Works Image Call for a free consultation MSL Logo: Go to homepage
Logo: Goto Homepage Innovative Solar Systems Design and Integration Banner: Click to go to Homepage Contact Page Button: Call for free consultation
solar_basics.html
Why Solar
Environmental Benefits
Protect Yourself
NEWS

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player



SOLAR SUCCESS STORIES

Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

PHOTO GALLERIES

 

Solar Basics

 

Why is solar power good for the environment?
Will the solar system work on my home or business?
Why select MSL Solar?
How much I can save if I go solar?
Why Do Solar Electric Systems Now Pay Off?
How much is the total life cycle payback?
How much energy comes from the Sun?
How does PV work?
Should I wait for new technology?
What happens at night, or when the weather turns cloudy?
What is the lifetime of a solar system?
What maintenance is required?
What happens if there is a power cut?
Is it difficult to switch over to solar power?
How long will it take to get my new solar system up and running?
What kind of permits are needed to meet local building codes?
How reliable is solar power?
Do I need a battery backup for my solar electric generating system?
Is the power produced by the solar system any different from the utility power?
Will solar energy hurt my home appliances or business equipment?

 

Why is solar power good for the environment?

Unlike fossil fuel based technologies, solar power does not lead to any harmful emissions during operation. There is no pollution, noise or fossil fuels.

Photovoltaic installations can operate for many years with little maintenance or intervention after their initial set-up, so after the initial capital cost of building any solar power plant, operating costs are extremely low compared to existing power technologies.

Back to Top

 

Will the solar system work on my home or business?

Yes! But the amount of sunlight received and the size of the roof will determine how much power the solar system can generate. Our professional representative will help you in making a better choice. Call (888) 780-6789, or schedule a free Solar Evaluation

Back to Top

 

Why select MSL Solar?

There are countless companies providing Solar Panel System sales and installations. The difference between MSL Solar and other companies is shared by our existing customers, that is our personal touch. We care about our customers and the fact that our customers care about the future generations, your investment is not only monetary but it is in fact an investment in our planet and our future generations lives. Therefore we strive to give our customers nothing but the best in customer service.
MSL Solar is the only company that will provide yearly maintenance for a period of ten years.

Back to Top

 

How much I can save if I go solar?

When you begin to generate your own solar power, your electricity bill will drop significantly. How much you can save will depend on the size of your solar system and your electricity usage. When your solar system generates more electricity than your building can immediately use, your excess power flows back to the utility grid and your meter literally spins backward!

Back to Top

 

Why Do Solar Electric Systems Now Pay Off?

Solar systems now pay off for average and larger California homes because of:

Back to Top

 

How much is the total life cycle payback?

Most solar electric system typically will repay the investment 6 to 8 times over 25 years. That means, the total life cycle payback is from 600% to 800%. This is just the saving of your electricity bill, not to mention the value increase of your home.

Back to Top

 

How much energy comes from the Sun?

In one hour, the sun gives the Earth the same amount of energy as that consumed by all humanity in one year. Put another way, every 2.6 days the Sun delivers energy equivalent to the word’s entire reserves of oil, coal and gas. With photovoltaic technology, 18% to 22% of this energy can be converted directly into electricity.

As long as the Earth exists, the sun's energy will be inexhaustible.

Back to Top

 

How does PV work?

Photovoltaics are best known as a method for generating electric power by using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into electricity. The photovoltaic effect refers to photons of light knocking electrons into a higher state of energy to create electricity. The term photovoltaic denotes the unbiased operating mode of a photo diode in which current through the device is entirely due to the transduced light energy. Virtually all photovoltaic devices are some type of photo diode. Solar cells produce direct current electricity from light, which can be used to power equipment or to recharge a battery. The first practical application of photovoltaics was to power orbiting satellites and other spacecraft, but today the majority of photovoltaic modules are used for grid connected power generation. In this case an inverter is required to convert the DC to AC.

PV modules should not be confused with solar thermal panels, which produce hot water from the heat of the sun.

Back to Top

 

Should I wait for new technology?

No, it's the best time to invest in a solar system with the combination of technology and cost. With inexhaustible solar energy and very little maintenance required system, the clean power will continually flow to your home or the business. Federal and state governments are currently offering generous rebates and incentives to go solar; however, these programs are designed to reward early adopters of solar power, so the rebate amount per project continues to drop as the allotted funds are consumed.

Back to Top

 

What happens at night, or when the weather turns cloudy?

Since the amount of power your solar system generates is a direct result of sunlight, it will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy. Your system will not produce any energy at night.

Your solar power system will be interconnected to your locally utility grid, so that you can automatically begin to draw power from the grid whenever you need it.

Back to Top

 

What is the lifetime of a solar system?

The PV module that MSL Solar installed carry manufacturer's warranties of 25 years; other parts, such as inverters, carry 10-year manufacturer's warranties. In addition, MSL Solar offers a warranty of 10 years on installation and system performance. Most solar systems may far outlast their warranties; The very earliest PV made 30 years ago are still operating.

MSL Solar would like to give our customers the peace of mind and the assurance that MSL Solar will stand behind our product.

Back to Top

 

What maintenance is required?

MSL Solar is the only company that will provide yearly maintenance for a period of Ten years
free of charge, that is our personal commitment to you.

Back to Top

 

What happens if there is a power cut?

If there is a power cut, the power from the solar modules is also cut off. This is a safety requirement by the utility company so that their technicians can safely repair down electrical lines.

Back to Top

 

Is it difficult to switch over to solar power?

It is not difficult at all. MSL Solar makes it easy to switch to solar. We will get your solar system up and running as quickly and smoothly as possible so that you can start saving money and using clean energy. You won't experience any changes inside your home or business.

Back to Top

 

How long will it take to get my new solar system up and running?

A typical residential roof installation takes about 3-5 days and a typical commercial installation takes about 1-3 weeks from the day we begin the installation. The length of time depends on the complexity of your roof and the number of panels that will be installed.

Back to Top

 

What kind of permits are needed to meet local building codes?

As part of our comprehensive service, MSL Solar will obtain all building permits and design your system to meet your local building codes. We’ll arrange the electrical, building and utility inspections and be on-site to make sure that everything is up to code. MSL solar takes care of your project every step of the way.

Back to Top

 

How reliable is solar power?

Solar systems built today are very reliable. They have proven to be dependable sources of energy for large office buildings, mass retailers and governmental agencies, supplying megawatts of energy. Some of the largest companies in the world have buildings powered by solar energy, including eBay, FedEx, WalMart, Whole Foods, and the US Air Force. Stationary PV systems have no moving parts; there is nothing mechanical that can wear out. They operate silently, and require no fuel, filters or other costly parts or maintenance.

Back to Top

 

Do I need a battery backup for my solar electric generating system?

A battery backup for your solar system is unnecessary when your system is connected to your utility's electric grid. The grid serves as backup during times when your system is not producing electricity. (For example: at night and on very cloudy days).

Back to Top

 

Is the power produced by the solar system any different from the utility power? Will it hurt my home appliances or business equipment?

No. The electricity generated by your solar system is no different from the electricity delivered by your local utility. The solar system connects directly to your utility. The solar system connects directly to your utility panel or circuit breaker box. so it interfaces seamlessly with your utility power.

Back to Top