Frequently asked Questions
BlueSky Energy welcomes your questions and enquiries.
Your privacy is important to BlueSky Energy. We are committed to the BlueSky Energy Privacy Promise for Customers, which can be found here.
Following are answers to the most common topics:
Is the energy required to manufacture a solar panel greater than they will ever produce?
We’ve heard this many times! The answers from numerous studies are that photovoltaic (PV) panels give an energy return greater than other electricity sources.
The Green Energy Guide of the Environmental Working Group, (http://www.ewg.org/reports/choosinggreenenergy/appendix.html) , reports an energy return of nine to one (9:1). Coal is less than 8:1, wind is 5:1, nuclear is less than 5:1 and biomass is 3:1.
Bluesky Energy’s photovoltaic panels are between two and three times as efficient as the Green Energy Guide’s assumption and are manufactured using power generated from our own photovoltaic panels supplemented by other renewable sources, so the energy return is at least 18:1. The working group also note that they make no calculation of the energy used in the mining of coal or uranium for electricity generation.
Is it true that manufacture of solar panels creates toxic by-products and waste?
Also heard this one before! The Environmental Working Group’s Green Energy Guide reports the manufacture and operation of photovoltaics creates far less emissions than any other source of electricity analysed.
We don’t own the property on which we operate. Can we still go solar?
Yes. It’s very common for businesses and individuals to lease property. And so it’s common for property owners to allow their tenants to make improvements to their facilities. BlueSky Energy will take responsibility for guiding you through this part of the preparation process. That’s part of our job.
BlueSky also designs portable systems that fit into a car trailer or tradesman’s utility so you can take your solar system with you wherever you go.
How long will photovoltaic panels last?
Out in the sun and weather all day every day? Photovoltaic (PV) panels probably last longer than any other capital investment your business will make.
In 2003 the manufacturers of one of our cheaper panels published the results of their warranty claim analysis and reported that of more than two million (2,000,000) modules in service over 10 years, approximately one-tenth of one percent were reported faulty. 99.9% after 10 years “represents one module failure for every 4,200 years of operation”. You can view the report at ; http://www.nrel.gov/ncpv_prm/pdfs/33586015.pdf
What happens on dark or cloudy days?
If you need to use lots of electricity whilst it is dark or cloudy your grid-connected Bluesky Energy system seamlessly switches to draw power from the National Electricity Grid.
Alternatively, especially if back-up power is crucial to your business so you never want to rely upon the National Grid, BlueSky Energy can install battery backup to meet the needs of your risk prevention and disaster recovery plans.
|
