FAQ

Regarding installation of solar power systems
Would a solar power system produce noise and electromagnetic waves?

A:Solar power systems do not generate noise during operation. A solar panel of 20,000 kilowatts would only produce the same number of electromagnetic waves as an ordinary appliance (such as computer), which is vastly lower than the environmental limits of the EPA, and does not endanger the human body in any way.

Does solar power produce no pollution?

Solar power systems produce no pollution during operation. However, during manufacturing, industrial waste water and gas could be produced, which the factory by law must control to safe standards (waste water and gas disposal). The production of solar panels is like that of semiconductors, albeit without the production of the frontal tip of reticle mask. The production of such frontal tip tends to result in waste gas and toxic water which could result in cancer. Therefore, the pollution it produces is less than semiconductor manufacturers. In addition, compared to traditional coal-fired power generation (thermal power), solar power systems create less than 90% of the air pollution caused by coal-fired generation, even adding in pollution during production.

Would a typhoon damage solar panels?

Solar panels are supported by steel or aluminum framework. The structural design has been approved by technicians. The durability of the structure can handle natural forces like typhoons.➤➤➤To know the construction method

How long would it take from signing a contract to ful operation of a solar power system?

In addition to design and construction, applications must be submitted to Taipower, the Bureau of Energy, and Construction Management Offices of local governments. The installation could take 1-3 months depending on the projects scale, while from signing the contract to the full operation of system takes three to six months. After three months of documentation, selling can begin. ➤➤➤To know the detailed procedure

Can it be installed on an apartment building?

1. It can be processed through Regulations for Condominium Management
*Article 31: Host a meeting of unit owners and receive the agreement over conference. (Two thirds of the units’ owners must be present, while more than three quarters of participants must agree to it.)
*Article 32: Re-summon the assembly if the agreement is not reached according to Article 31. Three owners of the property and one fifth of residents must be present, while over half of participants have to agree upon the settlement.
*Article 33: Installation on rooftop should be approved by the owner of the level.
*According to Article 34, the notification will be sent to the owners of units 14 days after the meeting. Exclusive usage must be clarified. Note: rooftop should not be considered exclusive.
2. Areas without management committee may follow the regulation of Civil Law.
➤➤➤Read more about examples of installation in condominiums.

Service and Support
Is there warranty for a solar power system?

Out system is warranted for five years, with the transition rate guaranteed to be more than 80%.

Does a solar power system require maintenance?

Should too much dust, leaves, or bird dropping remain on the surface of a solar panel, the efficiency of generation will be affected. Regular cleaning is advised. Initial Solar provides complete maintenance service. For more detailed content, please consult Service and Support.

Want to install solar power system, what information should be prepared?

Prepare: address , power number , legal certificate

➤➤➤Learn more.

Rental roof to build solar power system, how much is the annual rent?

One square meter: NTD 50-60 / year

There are differences depending on location, orientation and roof condition.

Generating capacity and calculation of returns
Can solar power system function during cloudy days?

Solar power system requires sunlight to generate electricity. Cloudy days provide less sunlight, therefore it only generates half of the capacity as during a sunny day. If solar irradiance of the local area is low, customers may consider using membrane solar panels. Due to its special feature, its generating capacity is much greater than that of singular silicon or multi silicon panels in cloudy weather.

How large can my solar power system be on the installation site?

One kilowatt of solar power system requires two square feet. Using the same area, a high efficiency solar power module would contain greater capacity. However, the exact system capacity still depends on the shading of the establishment, such as water tower, trees, or tall buildings, which may result in lower returns long term. ➤➤➤To get the evaluation report online

How much power can my installation site generate?

One kilowatt of solar power system requires two square feet. Therefore, yearly generating capacity of a solar power system is equivalent to the average annual generating capacity times the area of rooftop (square footage)/2. Take the average rooftop of Taipei’s buildings (24 square feet);12 kilowatt solar power system can be installed on the rooftop, which generates 7664 kwh, which is 21 kilowatts per day. Learn more.

How much would I receive if I sell all generating capacity to Taipower each year?

In 2018, solar power is sold at NTD 4.32-5.87 per kilowatt. 6% extra bonus will be given if customers use high efficiency solar panel modules . To encourage residents from islands and northern areas (including Taipei, New Taipei City, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Ilan, and Hualien) to establish solar power systems, an extra bonus of 15% will be included. The total rate can be NTD 7.16/kilowatt. Take an average rooftop of Taipei’s buildings (24 square feet); 12 kilowatt solar power system can be installed on the rooftop, which generates 7664 kwh annually. In 2018, the selling rate to Taipower is NTD 7.1609/kilowatt, with annual income of NTD 57,000. ➤➤➤Learn more about profiting from solar energy.

Can I apply for government subsidies with the establishment of a solar power system?

Various local governments provide annual subsidies for solar power equipment. The subsidies range from a couple thousand to tens of thousands. The application terms for various counties are different and are updated annually. For the current subsidy program for your area, please consult the latest subsidies of 2018.

Can I receive a loan for installing solar power equipment? Is there any other payment method other than cash?

Installation of a solar power system can be processed through cash, loan, or rent. Arrangements can be made according to your location and financial requirement.
We will conduct a customized evaluation for you. Please click here for free consultation.

Do I need to pay tax while selling power to Taipower?

According to No. 09904544950 explanation issued by Department of Finance on December 10th, 2010:
If you are an individual and do not belong to other companies, and monthly revenue in the last six months does not reach NTD 80000, then you don’t have to apply for management registration or pay sales tax. Taipower will fill in the individual application form of sales data for individuals, and request the individual to pay personal tax according to the person’s profit.
If you are a company, then regardless of the revenue, you should apply for management registration and pay sales tax.
If you are an NPO, and do not belong to other companies and monthly revenue in the last six months does not reach NTD 80000, then you don’t have to apply for management registration or pay sales tax.

If the rooftop of campus building is rented to vendors for installing a solar power system, would it influence housing tax and land value tax of the school?

When a rooftop of a campus building is rented to install a solar power facility, other than encumber the building itself, it does not add to the usage value of the complex, therefore it would not be charged with housing tax, while being viewed as not being rent or managed. In other words, should the campus building of public and private schools fit the tax-free regulations, they would not be charged with housing tax and land value tax. (source: Revenue Service Office, Kaohsiung City)

Would the meter reading be conducted monthly or once in two months?

According to the contract, power generating equipment with capacity of more than 100 kilowatts will be read monthly. Those with capacity less than 100 kilowatts will be read once in two months.

Taipower guarantees to purchase power for 20 years. What about 20 years later?

There are two options after the purchase contract expires:
1. Renew the deal with Taipower and keep selling power to Taipower, but the selling period is changed to five years. The selling rate will be fixed according to the budget of Taipower that year.
2. Install power storage equipment and use the power yourself.

Initial Solar: decrease carbon emission with green energy