Frequently Asked Questions
 

FAQ - Solar Water Heaters

FAQ - Photovoltaic - Generating Electricity through Solar Panels

FAQ - Wind Energy

This section is dedicated to providing accurate information relating to renewable energy and other products/services that Solar Solutions Ltd provides in Malta.

Solar Water Heating

1. What savings should I expect from a solar water heater?

In Malta we are blessed with very high levels of sunshine and this contributes to a high level of performance from solar water heaters. Malta is right in the centre of the Mediterranean and therefore we experience adequate sunlight for around 80% of the year. A good comparison is that a user of solar water heaters will save over 80% of the cost of running an electric boiler. For an average family of 4 this will translate in savings of €350-€500 annually (at current prices 2008). 

2. Is it only families that can benefit from solar water heaters?

No - the larger the user the bigger the gains. Our customers include schools, commercial establishments, factories, etc, who have made the investment on a solar water heater in Malta.

3. What is the difference between the Siemens solar panels and (vacuum) tubes?

Panels similar to the Siemens solar panels (flat plate collectors) in Malta are the right panels to use for our climatic conditions and there are specific reasons for this. We have to find a balance between adequate heating in winter and avoiding overheating in summer. If a solar water heater using flat plate collectors is sized correctly (depending on the number of users and their consumption pattern) then the user will be supplied with an adequate supply of hot water.

The difference in design is mainly due to the insulation used from one type of solar panel to another; Siemens (flat plate collector) uses polyurethane to insulate their panels whereas the vacuum tubes will use the vacuum itself (thermos effect) to insulate the tubes. The problems start when the vacuum tubes keep collecting heat in summer without being able to lose that heat - until the heat in the boiler goes over 100 degrees Celsius. The first thing that will happen is that the vacuum tube boiler might not be able to withstand the pressure created by the now boiling water and develops a leak. The second is that the vacuum tube boiler will start spurting water from the safety valve on top of the boiler to release the pressure. If the water over 100 degrees Celsius goes into pipework or any other water fitting that cannot handle the heat (steam fittings must be used for this application), the pipe or fittings could give way.

There are a few ways that retailers of vacuum tubes are using to control the heat, the most obvious one is to cover the solar heater in summer. Some installers are also piping the safety valve overflow water to a tank! Solar Solutions Ltd will not risk it's customers property and therefore does not supply products not designed for our climatic conditions. We therefore only supply and install solar panels (flat plate collectors) in Malta unless there is a specific application. In fact, only 10% of solar panels in Europe are vacuum tubes as against 90% in China. Most vacuum tubes manufactures are actually based in China and also supply European manufacturers of solar thermal equipment.

4. Will a solar water heater in Malta supply us with all our hot water?

The answer is yes, however it is unrealistic to expect that all that hot water will be supplied from the sun for free! There are actually two reasons for this; the first is that if one uses all the stored hot water at night or late evening, there is no sun to reheat the water. The second is that there will be days in winter where the light intensity is too low to heat the water up to a level used for washing. The electrical backup element will therefore have to be used sparingly in winter.

5. Does a solar heater use UV to heat water?

UV (ultraviolet light) is often mistakenly thought to be the magical part of the sun's radiation which heats water! UV is only a small part of the whole light spectrum and will not heat water on it's own. It is the intensity of the whole spectrum of the light which will heat water - the more intense,  the more hot water from your solar heater!

Photovoltaic (PV)

1. What is 'photovoltaic'?

Photovoltaic refers to what is commonly known as 'solar panels' that generate electricity from sunlight.

2. Is photovoltaic used in Malta?

Yes, the first photovoltaic installations were carried out by the University of Malta and have been used for collecting relevant data over a number of years. Solar Solutions Ltd is the first commercial organisation in Malta to install photovoltaic panels on a commercial and domestic scale and have installed over 180kWp of PV making Solar Solutions Ltd the largest renewable energy company in Malta. For a sample list of installations please click here.
 

4. Can I generate all the electricity that I need for my home?

Yes, the only limitations are that the roof must be large enough and the area must have no shade within the area where the solar panels would be installed.

5. Are the systems in Malta connected to Enemalta?

Yes, these are called 'grid-tied' systems, which means that any unused electricity will be 'given' to Enemalta. These units of electricity are metered and refunded by Enemalta on a net basis.

6. How much electricity does the PV generate?

This depends on the size and type of system installed. For example, Kyocera solar panels are producing around 5% more electricity than other brands of solar panels are producing in Malta. The amount of electricity provided by the solar panels is determined by the type of consumption that a user would have. This can be assessed by Solar Solutions Ltd at no charge and Solar Solutions Ltd would then advise on what system size would be appropriate.

7. Does PV need a MEPA or any other permit?

All PV installations require approval or notification from Enemalta Corporation and the Malta Resource Authority. MEPA permits can be requested in certain types of installations - the height and visibility can be requested criteria for a MEPA application. Solar Solutions Ltd can also give professional advice for installations of solar panels in Malta and Gozo

8. Do Solar Solutions Ltd assist in permits, applications etc?

 Yes, Solar Solutions Ltd will assist and guide customers from the first enquiry through to choosing the right system size and will also assist in analysing electricity consumption to determine a suitable system.

Wind Energy

1. How does a wind turbine create electricity?

A wind turbine uses wind to rotate the blades that turn a generator at the top of the wind turbine. The electricity is fed into an inverter to be able to supply a residence or commercial building.

2. Can I generate all the electricity I need from the wind turbine?

Yes. The conditions for a wind turbine in Malta are particular and Solar Solutions Ltd would therefore have to make a site assessment to determine the viability of the wind turbine.

3. How much electricity can I generate  from the wind turbine?

There is no limit from the wind turbine, however careful consideration of the site must be made to ensure maximum safety and to be within MEPA permits.

4. So does that mean that a MEPA permit is required?

Yes, MEPA must be consulted before installing a wind turbine in Malta. Solar Solutions Ltd can also assist is permits and/or any notifications from the relevant authorities.

5. Does a wind turbine make noise?

Every moving or rotating object will create 'noise', e.g. air conditioners, fans etc. Different brands of wind turbines will create different noise levels. Proven Energy wind turbines, represented by Solar Solutions Ltd in Malta are among the most silent (and toughest) small scale wind turbines in the world. For details please click here.