Solaric FAQs
General
Why do you charge for Solar 101?
Solar 101 There are significant costs in hosting a Solar 101 event, trainer salaries, catered food, venue rentals, text books etc, in as much as we want to make it free, economic constraints prevent us from doing so. More than P4M was spent in putting up the Solaric training center and its curriculumn and training level is industry standard for solar basics. The Solar 101 is a requirement for would be dealers, sales agents to represent Solaric in solar sales and marketing transactions, there is also a significant number of end users who attend the Solar 101 because they want to know the full details on how Solar installations are done in the Philippines, spot substandard installations and be eligible to the discount vouchers at the end of the seminar.
I want to be a dealer, where do I start?
First is to attend both Solar 101 and 202 if you expect to be an installer and or dealer. There are minimum standards to be an installer, it is highly recommended to have at least a master electrician on your crew if you plan to get into the solar business, Second is capital- must have at least enough assets and vehicles to do installations, marketing expenses etc. the amount would vary on what scale you want to begin with. For more questions please give us a call at 5040092 or 09178603141
Hi Solaric PH, how much will it cost for 2X 1hp aircon, 8cu ft auto defrost ref and total of 100watts total of LED house lighting?
Assuming the air conditioners are run during the day for 8 hours a day and the above appliances we compute base load as 2 x 750 X 8 hours + ref ( 150W* 6 hours) + 100w X 8 hours= 13.7kWh daytime consumption. To produce that much power it would take a 3kWp to match that load at roughly 12kWh daily production. Any shortfall will be provided by the grid; any surplus such as when you turn off the aircon will be exported or sold back at the grid with Net Metering. A 3kWp system is optimal, but if the aircon use is mostly at night, then a much smaller system would make sense as daytime loads are much less. Probably a 1.5kWp or smaller system would be appropriate. Look at page for popular packages
If aircon use is at night, then it will be twice as hard to power or take out from your bill because it’s either a lot of batteries or export a lot of power under net metering credits.
Why do you sell products from China, are they any good?
At Solaric, we do not discriminate by nationality, race, or color. We do offer our customers a choice if they want to get China, Malaysia, or Korea. We dont play the fake nationality card for our equipment sourcing decisions or misleading brand names that are anything but the true country of origin. Solaric is a global buyer of solar panels and have the same scrutiny as international banks when evaluating product track record, financial capability of the suppliers to protect end user warranties. As for China, they are now the undisputed leader in solar panel manufacturing with over 75 percent of the world production. As to all the products we sell, we dillegently only acccept products that are top of their game, reasonable price, compatibility with Philippine Grid and potent power output. There are enhanced testing protocols we demand our suppliers to do on the solar panels to resist tropical heat and humidity. Details such as salt spray corrosion capability, super typhoon windspeed requirements are things our engineers demand for our clients. You may do a Google search on the brands and products we carry; it's the good stuff – nothing but the best at Solaric.
How do I only power my 5 lights and fridge on solar? How do I only power my aircon on solar?
Old school solar you have to isolate Solar only loads, Grid tie solar, what we actually use to truly reduce bills does not need load segregation. For grid tie solar, it will energize the entire house for what it can produce, and the grid will provide only what is lacking or even buy the surplus if you are producing more than consuming. Simply put Solar and the grid will ride in tandem in your electrical system of your house, with solar being the first choice provider.
What is grid tie and why don't I need batteries?
Grid tie solar is how solar is simply done if you want to decrease or eliminate bills. The cost to generate energy on Solar Grid tie is P2 per kwh. the cost to store energy in a battery can range from P8kwh to P17kWh for lead acid batteries. That is why 90 percent of our installations are grid type systems as its designed to eliminate or reduce bills and be cost effective
Don't get me wrong, battery bank is an excellent system if you live in a lighthouse or a small island off Spratleys, or must have some power on at all costs.
Grid tie solar, means solar is inter tied or interacts with Grid power. It has no manual transfer switch, no batteries, no switching. Your house will be powered by two sources simultaneously during the day but by design, it will use solar before utility because solar is providing power at half a volt more than the utility. Being half a volt higher, your appliances will use Solar first before Utility power. If you use less power than what solar is producing this excess is EXPORTED to Meralco or utility and they buy back or credit this power under Net Metering ( a program that is now part of the Renewable energy law in the Philippines)
Solaric is the first to get Net Metering with peak and off peak and pioneer installer in many electrical cooperatives around the Philippines.
Does Grid tie work during brownout?
No it does not. I know you are thinking…but I have so much solar and its sunny, so why don't I have power? The answer is because of the design and safety of a grid tie must shutdown automatically and within 3 seconds. If the Grid is down, the grid connected solar must shut down. Its downright dangerous to export power to a de energize grid
MERALCO and any utility for that matter will test your solar system for what they call Anti-Islanding, which is the ability of your inverter to shutdown once power is cut. You can make your solar work in brownout if you physically isolate its output from the grid, these are called the Hybrid grid tie HAGRID (TM) or using the Solaric HOG (TM). It is important if you use a grid tie system to use certified equipment. This equipment must have third party certification passing VDE 4105, UL, or IEC 62109 would have these grid safety protocols built in and also have longevity in design and proper power quality so it won’t ruin your appliances.
How do I run my aircon at night with solar?
We "run aircon at night" in most areas by using Net metering credits. That is the pro way in savings. Lead Acid Batteries for now are very costly, the battery would cost P13K per HP per hour of runtime and replace every 2 to 3 years. So to run a 1.5Hp aircon for 8 hours at night with battery and replace battery every 2-3 years would be P156K spent on batteries and throw away x 5 before the panels have degraded. You would have been better off "oversizing" your system to a 3kWp grid tie and never ever buy a battery again. 3kWp Grid tie system is a proven bill slayer with bankable returns, even if you are running the aircon at night.
We normally size our builds to export 20-30% of solar production for Net Meter credits. We do have some clients who HATE paying for electricity bills so we put larger than usual builds that amass so much net metering credits that at times they have a NEGATIVE electric bill. These households, of course, run multiple aircons.
Do you use batteries for your system?
For 95% of the people who were asking about using solar, it is no longer needed! The classic sense of using Solar is that you collect your harvested solar power into a big battery or battery bank then later draw on those charged batteries to supply your normal AC appliances such as TV, Lights and Air condtioner ( must be a huge battery bank!). This has been the model for decades. However the battery storage is now obsolete with Meralco approving Net Metering. Instead of storing your excess power in a battery, Meralco will give you a credit for every watt you send back to their grid as SURPLUS power. Maintaining a battery bank is no fun. The affordable versions last 2-3 years due to our hot and humid weather in the Philippines, and need maintenance, it is however more advantageous to use versus a diesel generator if brownouts our outages are frequent
How do I size the number of panels to the grid tie inverter?
Due to heat losses operating in a tropical environment, its usual practice to put slightly more panels than the rating of the inverter. typical ratio is 1:1.25 with 1:1.35 ratios for East/West orientations, this is a fairly technical question for electrical professionals and covered in our Solar 202 class.
What's better- Mono or Poly? Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline?
If you are after to pack as much energy generation for limited roofspace Monocrystalline is preffered, if you are after cost per watt, the cheaper to manufacture PolyCrystalline might be a better choice.
Solar Panels
How are Solar Panels rated?
We base our system ratings from manufacturer data under Standard Test Conditions – when the sun’s iridescence is at peak strength ( module temperature at 25c and sea level airpressure, and solar radiation is at 1,000 watts per sq meter. From these standardized test conditions, the solar panel manufacturer gets a rating for their panels from flash testing. Our most common panels have a rating of 270w of output under Standard Test Conditions or STC.
Do you have the Sunpower panels?
Yes we carry Sunpower panels and install them for our clients looking for a superlative solar panel.
Do you always have stock of panels or systems?
We mainatin a wide assortment of inverters and panels from many top brands. Please call for latest pricing and availability.
Can your solar power industrial plants or large 3 phase equipment?
Absolutely, since its mostly grid tie or grid interconnected systems we put in industrial installations, the solar would power what it can, and the grid picks up the slack. the limiting factors on how much unshaded roofspace and of course budget. We routinely do large 3 Phase 440v systems energizing malls and iceplant.
I saw some solar panels in Quaipo can I buy that and have you install it.
There are some substandard solar panels floating in the market and we cannot legally install some questionable brands as they do not have international safety certifications. Solar panels is something you do not want to get "too cheap" as they are fully exposed to tropical sun, typhoons and humidity that will test its build quality. Solaric only carries the top brands from reputable global solar panel manufacturers like LG, Sunpower, JA Solar and Seraphim.
Finance
Is there bank financing available?
For large projects like 100kWp and above, we can have it financed by the bank. However, terms vary depending on the credit worthiness of the end user and, of course, if there is a relationship with end user and bank.
I want to save on my electric bill and use my solar during a brownout?
A grid tie system is a solar setup designed to decrease electric bills for the least amount spent. However a grid tie systems cannot and will not run during power outages due to safety reasons. If you want your solar to work during power outages and save on your bill you would want a battery based hybrid or offgrid system. we have some clients choosing this system than investing into a diesel generator that gets barely used. Hybrid systems typically cost about 40 to 60 percent more than a regular grid tie system and is practical if backed up loads are kept low to 5000w or less
Hybrid grid tie units cost about 30-40% more mainly because of the batteries needed, but it negates the need to buy a generator and is used a hundred times more than a generator.
How much solar should I put in my house? HM po?
Give us a call and we will ask a bunch of questions. HM solar depends how much energy you want to use and what can fit on your roof/budget. We suggest putting enough solar to cancel out what you USUALLY run during the daytime and if you want, an aircon or two. For us to have an idea what is your daytime baseload we will ask what are the usual daytime appliances. Refrigerator, Pool pump, water pump, Lola naka aircon etc. If you want to be accurate, then take out a log book and take a meter reading in the morning around 7 to 8am and at late afternoon around 5 to 6pm. This will give us an idea what is your DAYTIME Running load or consumption. This is called daytime baseload and this is the load that solar can effortlessly power without going into battery storage or amassing a horde of net metering credits ( *some meters have a multiplier, normally very large houses, it is shown in bill as a multiplier, or above your meter a big steel box on top of your service drop. )
Next question is how much is your current electric bill so we can get you in the ballpark of what would give the fastest return on investment or what it takes to get the ZERO BILL
Lastly, it is the available sun power falling on your roof. Sqm of roof space and if it’s facing East, South, etc. Sorry condominium and apartment dwellers, no roof means no power. We did installations in condos, but it's the condominium association using it to power elevators and lights.
Why do I have to tell you what I run during the day and my monthly bill to get a quote?
Our philosophy is that our solar has to give you maximum benefits and financial returns and for that we would need to know how you use electricity or any future needs
We custom build your personal SOLARIC power plant that will match your daytime loads closely as this brings you the most return on investment, under 5 years in most cases. Putting appropriate amounts of solar during its time of use gives the fastest return as power storage requirements aren't needed, powering loads at night is twice as difficult because you will either rely on batteries (power storage not cost effective if aircons are involved) or Net metering credits ( utility credits you on generation charge rate so it takes more power to offset evening use). Secondly we also ask secondary concerns such as importance of backup power for your home and any special conditions, IE :Elderly parent who needs vital medical equipment on, Koi fish who will die in a prolonged outage etc.
I only have budget to put 1.5kW solar but eventually would want 3kwP system, can I upgrade when I have more budget?
Yes, actually our grid tie setups are highly scalable. You can add one panel at the time using the micro grid tie technology or 6 to 12 panels at a time using the string grid tie inverters. You can put 1.5kWp of panels on a 3kW grid tie inverter or 2.5kW on a 5kW system etc. Ideally we want to put at least six panels or more on a string. 12 panels being optimal for residential builds. A common option for large homes it to put 2-3kWp of solar on a 5kWp inverter while waiting for net metering or more budget.
What is the ROI for putting solar in my house or business?
It used to be a very long ROI cycle, but with mass production, global competition and improvement of technologies, the ROI is as short as 4-6 years. Hundreds of thousands of installs are done around the world because it made economic sense in Germany, Australia and the USA. Their electric rates are almost half and installation costs are x4 than the Philippines but they still do it because it makes economic and social sense. The Philippines has one the highest electricity costs in Asia because we have to burn oil for our power and we have no doubt no shortage of sunshine. If you look at your power bill there are all these add on charges such as system losses( euphemism for power loses caused by illegal connections and bad equipment), random fees plus 12% VAT at the end of it. In short we are paying way too much with nothing to show for it after everything. With solar you are increasing the value of your home or business, you are slowly but effectively reducing your power consumption and pollution caused by traditional power generation. It makes economic sense to own your own power instead of renting it. The PV system will last up to 25 years or even more, key components has a warranty for 5 years and chances are power rates will only go up as they are oil based commodities. We can plan systems to have scalability in mind and can easily add on more capacity as your budget grows or you get convinced on the value of free air conditioning.
I have so many questions, what will I save, what can be installed etc
Just send us a message, email or text. We can get ball park figures over the phone and schedule a site survey if the ballpark numbers seem doable and can verify the actual site conditions.
NET Metering
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is a power program backed by national law. It mandates utilities and cooperatives to buy back or credit you power that you export or send back to the grid (or Meralco). It is now technically feasible to send power back to the grid by the use of an approved Grid tie inverter and, of course, having a power surplus generated by your solar power. First World countries such as Germany, Australia, and the United States have these programs in place and gave incentives for Eco Minded people to reduce and almost eliminate their utility costs by allowing them to sell back renewable energy back to the utility. Under net metering, Meralco will install a bidirectional meter with two functions: One to measure how much power your home consumed from meralco and another to measure how much SURPLUS power you credited or gave Meralco when you generated more power than you consumed.
How net metering will help me get the most from my solar investment?
It makes sure that you get compensated for every watt of power you send back to the grid. Just as you pay every centavo of power you get from your utility. Your power company would credit you the same for the power you return to them as a surplus. That is the essence of net metering. what is the net cost or power consumption you have with your utility after deducting the credits or surplus you send back to them. A hypothetical scenario, If your solar array produces 3kwh per hour but you were out of the house shopping and your house was only using 1Kwh for refs, lights etc, the other 2 Kwh being produced is a SURPLUS and will be pumped back into the meralco grid. The surplus power will be reflected as a credit to you via Meralco's Export Meter. Later that evening when you get home, there is no more solar power ( no sun) but you accrued 12Kwh hour in your export meter. You can use up that 12 Kwh credit before you effectively get billed by the input or import meter for your air conditioner before the sun comes up the next day and repeat the cycle. The Utility will compute at year end or billing cycle on how much credit you had vs consumption. They will NOT however honor something that you actually have a bigger credit or surplus than your total year end consumption from them. That is already being an independent power producer and a whole different ball game. In most cases we aim to reduce our electric bills to something saner and of course be good environmentally conscious citizens. We would assist in your application for net metering if needed. If your system is closely matched to your average daily loads and a consistent lifestyle, it would not be that necessary . There are many factors to be considered. the first one is what is your monthly electric bill, or average. also what is your most brutal electric bill, normally the months of April and May when the kids are back and the sun is brutal. If your bill is 4-8K a month. I would recommend a 1.5Kwh system.
Our cooperative or electric company has no NET metering program. What do I do?
Net metering is now the LAW of the country and no one can opt out of the law. The utility cannot say we don't have a net metering program and not get fined. Penalties are very harsh. You can search RA 9513 Sec 10 in google. There are hefty penalties for non-compliance and the ERC will and already have given them stiff penalties for ignorance or apathy to this law.
If you feel you are being denied your right for net metering, ask for it in writing and send a copy to ERC consumer affairs. Chances are their attitude will change after they explain their deficiency to ERC.
Chances are if you are not in Cebu, Dumaguete, Davao, Metro Manila, Clark, or Dagupan – you may not have a net metering program in place but your utility provider should and will be able to get it to you. Just be patient because the first one is always the hardest but most rewarding.