FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here you will find answers for frequently asked questions on solar energy, on technology for harvesting of solar energy and on Pedison Energy:

1. How do passive methods harvest and use solar energy ?

Passive methods of collecting solar energy converts available sunlight into usable hot air, hot water, or thermal mass and causes air movements for ventilation, cooling and heating. The scientific basis for the optimum use of these methods depend on climatology, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, natural convection, human thermal comfort based on heat index and enthalpy control for buildings.

2. How do active methods harvest and use solar energy?

One active method of collecting solar energy focuses large patches of sunlight into narrow beams onto solar collectors like the parabolic trough, linear Fresnel reflector, etc and then the radiation is converted into heat for generation of electricity by heat engines like steam turbines. The other method use solar panels connected to semi-conductors that show photo-voltaic effect. The energy output is controlled by inverters. Electricity produced by both these methods are either used up or fed into an AC grid for use by others.

3. What are the special advantages of solar energy?

The following advantages of solar energy make it the first choice for those seeking alternative energy sources:

• Solar energy is clean, renewable and abundant and its harvesting is non-polluting.
• Solar cells do not produce noise or electrical disturbances while they are working.
• Solar harvesting equipment need negligible maintenance, except annual cleaning.
• Solar panels are easy to install and have long lives without reduction in efficiency.
• The technology is improving faster than any other alternative-energy technology.
4. What are the products and services that Pedison Energy can provide?

Pedison Energy can provide the complete spectrum of solar harvesting facilities and services required by individuals for their dwellings, by business people for their business structures, by power producing and distributing agencies for helping them satisfy their clients by supplying uninterrupted and affordable power and by the public sector administration agencies or organizations for meeting the requirements of whole communities.

Pedison Energy does all the work, without any need for the client to go anywhere else at any stage of the work. Preliminary planning, consultations, financing assistance, designing, architecture, construction of structure and infrastructure, installation of equipment and related facilities, training the operating staff, managing on-going operations and continued maintenance are all provided by the Company within the stipulated time frame, according to the requirements of the clients, at affordable cost, making use of the latest technical advances.

5. What makes Pedison Energy different from other solar energy providing companies?

Most other companies do not have long years of experience in providing flawless systems like us. There are several areas in which other companies will leave you in the lurch, while we always with you from start to finish. Securing finance for the whole project is an area in which most companies do not come to your aid, while we provide all the help you need to secure sufficient finance.

Giving training to the operating staff and monitoring maintenance are the other two areas in which we have left our competitors far behind. Proprietary software and equipment that we have help us to do remote-monitoring and control of PV power plants. Besides, our service platform provides hourly real-time monitoring and maintenance. Last, but not the least, our eco-friendly attitude makes us do the job with least damage to the environment, minimizing environmental destruction in construction and installation.

6. Where are the services of Pedison Energy available?

The services of Pedison Energy are available all over the world to individuals, institutions and organizations, including national, regional and local governments.

7. What factors are to be considered when designing a passive solar dwelling?

When designing, you have to take into consideration all aspects such as the size and location of your land, the orientation of the proposed house, the choice of building materials, the positioning of windows and doors and every other relevant aspect that you consider important. Best passive solar houses have a long east-west axis and optimized south-facing window wall. However, you have to be flexible enough to take most advantage of the local climate and environment. Window placement and glazing type, thermal insulation, thermal mass, shading and related elements have to be considered before making the design for a solar dwelling.

8. What can I do to conserve energy in my daily life?

Use your common sense and imagination and let your concern for the fast-depleting energy sources of the earth be translated into practical steps in your daily life. The following are just some tips:

• Whenever possible walk, ride your bicycle or horse or use public transport facilities.
• When buying a new vehicle, either change over to one that runs on electric batteries or, at least, chose one that uses least fossil fuel.
• Maintain proper tyre-pressure to get the maximum mileage from the fuel
• When buying new appliances, get those which are most energy efficient
• Turn off lights, fans and other equipment when you are not using them
• In cold places, insulate doors and windows to stop cold winds
• In hot places, keep all possible windows and ventilators open to let fresh and cool air in
• Replace your tungsten lights with compact fluorescent lights
• To turn off stand-by power in electronic equipment and appliances use a power strip
• Understand and assist the steps taken by your governments and officials to improve energy efficiency
• When buying or taking on rent a new residence, check the energy efficiency and performance in advance.