Q3. What does photovoltaic (PV) mean?
A3: The direct conversion of light into electricity. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight strikes a PV cell,
electrons are dislodged, creating an electrical current. Photovoltaic cells power many of the small calculators and wrist watches in
use every day. More complex systems provide electricity to pump water, power communications equipment light homes, and run appliances. Beyond the utility power line, PV is often the lowest-cost means to provide electricity, and almost always simplest and cleanest to operate.

The cost of PV has fallen by 90 percent since the early 1970s. Photovoltaics are producing electricity for critical loads from the polar ice caps to the tropics to satellites in outer space. There is a strong market today in developing countries to provide rural electrification with solar panels, which replace kerosene lamps, batteries, and wood fires at a far lower cost than the central station power plants.

Photovoltaics are also making inroads as supplementary power for utility customers already served by the grid. Currently costly compared to most conventional choices for grid power, Photovoltaics is still a very small part of the energy make-up of any country. However, more and more individuals, companies, and communities choose PV for reasons other than cost: because of a desire to develop a clean, sustainable energy source, interest in a clean back-up power source, a need for placing power generation right at the source with no fuel, noise or moving parts; and an attraction to a power technology that can be built right into building roofs, facades, canopies and windows

Q4. What is a PV cell?
A4: The smallest semiconductor element that converts light into electrical energy (DC voltage and current).

Q5. What is a PV array?
A5: An interconnected system of PV modules that function as a single electricity-producing unit. The modules are assembled as a discrete
structure, with common support or mounting. In smaller systems, an array can consist of a single module.

Q6. What is a solar cell and a solar module?
A6: A solar cell, also called a photovoltaic (PV) cell, is the smallest element that converts light into electrical energy. Each cell is made of
silicon like a computer chip. The silicon is treated so that it generates a flow of electricity when light shines on it. Solar modules are series of
solar cells wired together.

Q7. What is a PV system?
A7: A PV system is a complete set of components for converting sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic process, including the array and the balance of system components.

Q8. What is PV conversion efficiency?
A8: The ratio of the electric power produced by a PV device to the power of the sunlight shining on the device.

Q9. These panels are made of amorphous type solar cells. What is the difference between amorphous cells and polycrystalline cells?
A9: Amorphous solar panels contain no cells per say but are created rather through a deposition process which actually forms the silicon material directly on the glass substrate. To understand this a bit clearer, think of it as spraying the silicon onto the glass in very thin layers. This film which gives amorphous panels the "thin-film" nick name, is laser patterned which interconnects instead of physical connecting tabs which eliminates a mechanical connection that can break down and fail. The amount of silicon used in this process produces a film, which is often up to 100 times thinner than that of a polycrystalline cell. Furthermore, amorphous type solar cells are better at generating electricity in all lighting conditions.

Q10. Are solar electric systems safe?
A10: Yes. Solar cells are mostly silicon, the primary component of sand. There is no exhaust and no toxic materials to leak out of the system. The electricity coming through the inverter is just like the electricity coming from household wall sockets; you should use the same care you would with utility power. All components are approved for utility interconnection and are installed according to standard construction practices.

Q11. Are solar power systems good for the environment?
A11: Yes! Energy created through our solar electric system produces no pollutants. Our smallest system typically cuts greenhouse gas emissions as effectively as 50 trees.

Q12. How well do solar panel withstand, and work in, inclement weather?
A12: In cloudy weather, solar modules work, although they produce less electricity than on a sunny day. Under a light overcast, the modules might produce about half as much as under full sun, ranging down to as little as five to ten percent under a dark overcast day. If the modules become covered with snow, they stop producing power, but snow generally melts quickly when the sun strikes the modules; if you brush the snow off, they resume operation immediately. Our modules can withstand one inch (2.5 cm) hailstones at 50 mph (80.5 kph).

Q13. Can my panel be left outdoors without a protective covering?
A13: Yes. The Solar Module has been weatherproofed and can be mounted outdoors without any additional protection.

Q14. The LED on the panel does not light up. Should I be concerned?
A14: The LED indicates that your unit is receiving daylight exposure. If it is not lit, it may mean that you are not exposing the unit to enough
daylight. Please position the solar panel to maximize its exposure to the sun. If this does not trigger the LED to work, it is possible that the LED is burnt out. The LED may have a more limited life span than the panel. This in no way reflects on or affects the performance of the solar panel. If the LED light is not blinking and you feel you have sufficient daylight, test the solar module with a solar voltage tester or a multimeter.

Q15. How does a solar outside light work?
A15: In principle it is very simple: A solar panel is used as a generator, which converts light to ele- ctricity. That makes it a "solar generator."
The electricity is used to charge a battery while there is daylight--even under cloudy skies. The battery powers the light at night, turning it on at dusk and turning it off at dawn, or at some earlier time if chosen.

Q16. Why use solar outdoor lights?
A16: Thousands of commercial grade solar outdoor lights have been in everyday use since1990, lighting residential streets, country roads, traffic and adver-tising signs, transit shelters, park- ing lots, national and municipal parks, recreation areas, and military installations. These lig- hts are so dependable that an utility has installed them at their own switching centre to get light when " electric wired" power fails. They have survived through hurricanes and earthqua- kes. Remember those giant blackouts.

Q17. Why are solar lights so dependable?
A17: Because each light has its own power plant--a solar generator is energized by the sun. The generator is guaranteed for twenty years-which keeps an ultra reliable battery charged to de- liver lighting power whenever it is needed. There is some charging every day, even when it is cloudy.Solar lights don't depend on faraway generating stations, high voltage transmission li- nes and switches, substations, transformers, and wires or cables. Though these are very reli- able on average, the failure of any one of these elements will extinguish hundreds and som- etimes thousands of lights all at once, often at times when they are vital, like in hurricanes or snow storms and ommunities are plunged into darkness.

Q18. What kind of batteries are used in Miss Solar lights?
A18: All Miss solar lights use special Ni-MH/Ni-Cad batteries, lead acid batteries or capacitors that perform extremely well under harsh
environmental conditions. Specifically, they are sealed, rechargeable batteriesthat provide a large energy capacity for their size and deliver
extremely reliable power output over a long period of time.

Q19. How do LEDs compare to a normal incandescent light bulb?
A19: Miss Solar lights use LEDs (light emitting diodes) for their light source, which are far more efficient in their power consumption than
incandescent bulbs. Incandescent lamps expend much of their energy in the form of heat dissipation (85%), whereas LEDs waste relatively lit-tle energy as heat.

Q20. What is Miss Solar light warranty?
A20: All Solarland Lights come with a 1-year warranty.

Q21.How long will a solar panel last?
A21: A well-made panel will last for 20 to 25 years. If after this period the cover has started to deteriorate, it is cheap to recover the panel and it will operate for a similar period of time.

Q22. Do the products need direct sunlight?
A22: No. Ordinary daylight is all that's required, as long as the product is placed so that the solar panel is not obscured in any way, such as under hedges or under roof overhang.

Q23. How easy is it to install the lights?
A23: Couldn't be easier just unpack, follow the simple assembly instructions. There are no wires or cables to lay, so you can move the light
around the garden as you wish. Totally safe to use ar- ound ponds asit's low voltage. No live cables to become a hazard.

Q24. How long do the lights stay on for?
A24: As a general rule solar lighting performs best during the summer months-mainly because the longer days enable a full charge to be achieved. Adverse weather and short winter days do affect performance, as charge times are reduced in relation to hours of daylight and the stren- gth of the light. Your solar light will always come on, but the length of time may be reduced.

Q25. What is the life span of solar lights?
A25: Our lights have been tested to 11,000 hours. Replacement bulbs and batteries are available.

Q26. Do they require any maintenance?
A26: Only an occasional wipe to ensure optimal performance of the solar panel.

Q27. What other benefits are there?
A27: There are a number most notably all products are running costs free! They are also environmentally friendly with no external power supply.

Q28. How long will they run at night?
A28: Solar products require direct sunlight for maximum efficiency. Factors such as place- ment, cloud cover and time of the year all affect nightly lighting times. For best results, units should be placed in open areas,away from bushes trees or structures that cast shadows on the unit's solar cell. Most units run up to 8 hours at night..

Q29. Why does solar outdoor lighting compete so well with "electric wired" lighting?
A29: Solar outdoor lights may seem expensive before the real costs of installing "electric wired" lights are added up for the years of service
that are to be expected. Solar outdoor lights have no charge for running wires or trenching, no charge for putting in transformers and meters, and no recurring electric bill.

Q30. How will this product benefit both remodelers and homeowners? Will it save money or energy? Is it the latest style or trend? (This question is for our Building & Commercial Series, such as Light Emitting Paver and Ground Star)?
A30: These tiles will end up saving both money and energy; plus, their simple beauty will quickly become the latest style and trend. First, they
will save money, mainly in this respect: They util- ize a new energy storage component. Unlike rechargeable batteries, which must be replaced every two to three years, these tiles use an energy storage component, known as an ultra ca- pacitor, which is guaranteed for at least ten years,and may last almost indefinitely! Ultra capa- citors are very efficient at storing and delivering energy, but, unlike rechargeable batteries, their ability to store and deliver that energy declines very little with age and use; thus the tiles are almost maintenance free for life. This means that they can be permanently installed in unserviceable locations and then forgotten about. In addition to this, the ultra capacitors are made of non-hazardous non-polluting materials, which present no environmental hazards or human safety concerns. The solar cells built into these tiles will gather enough energy, even if not located in direct sunlight or on rainy days, to power the lights for at least 12 hours. So they also save energy because they do not need to be connected to a manmade energy supply. They are much easier to install than any other outside lighting, since they do not need to be wired to a power source; or have rechargeable batteries replaced periodically. In addition to this, the elegant beauty of their simple design and their inviting soft glow will make them a we- lcome addition to the decor of any garden, patio, driveway or walkway. They will most certainly become both the latest style and trend.