FAQs
Solar energy
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Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using cells made of semiconductors, typically silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it stimulates electrons, creating an electric current, which can then be used to power appliances, machinery, and other electrical devices.
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High-quality solar panels are guaranteed for 20 or even 25 years. Their lifespan can easily exceed 30 years: the end of the warranty period does not mean that the panels stop producing electricity; their efficiency simply decreases slightly over time.
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Solar energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy. It reduces dependence on fossil fuels, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting solar, businesses contribute to a more sustainable and cleaner future.
Efficiency and Capability
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Absolutely. With the right system size and configuration, solar energy can power everything from basic appliances to heavy industrial machinery. We assess your energy needs and design a system that ensures you have the necessary power.
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Yes, solar systems can be integrated with other power sources like the national grid, diesel generators, or other renewable sources to ensure consistent energy supply.
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Solar panels can still produce energy on cloudy days, but at a reduced rate. kalao's sizing methodology takes into account the variability of sunshine throughout the year. In some cases, a battery bank can be integrated into your solar system to store excess energy on sunny days for use during less sunny periods.
Performance and Maintenance
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Our team carries out an energy audit to determine the system size best suited to your needs, guaranteeing optimum performance and savings. The first step is to gather information using our form. Then, in certain cases, we can refine the analysis by installing sensors on your electrical installation.
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The installation timeline varies based on the size and complexity of the project. Typically, small to medium-sized installations can be completed within a month, while larger projects may take several months.
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kalao manages your project from A to Z, and provides maintenance to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your system.
Benefits and Saving
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While savings vary, businesses can typically offset their financing costs through the reduction in their monthly energy bills. We offer a free consultation to provide a more tailored estimate.
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Our solar solutions are designed to significantly reduce your dependence on the national grid or generators. Depending on your energy consumption and the size of the solar system installed, you can reduce your electricity bills, but rarely eliminate them completely.
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Absolutely. Our solar solutions are scalable. If your business expands or your energy needs increase, we can augment your existing system with additional panels or storage.
Costs and Financing
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We offer flexible financing options, enabling companies to spread the payment for their solar system over 10 to 15 years, to be offset by savings on energy bills.
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The integrated financing offer is reserved for companies currently spending more than 500,000 FCFA on electricity every month. Our financial partners then have to ensure the financial soundness of our customers by analyzing their balance sheets and energy bill history before approving the signing of a contract.
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We do not generally require any guarantee from our customers.
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At kalao, we attach great importance to transparency. All costs and charges are discussed and agreed before the project begins.
Regulation
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All solar systems above 10 kW must be submitted to the Benin Electricity Regulatory Authority for approval.
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Of course. That's one of the many advantages of our integrated approach.
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Benin's Electricity Code opens the way to this possibility, but in practice the terms and conditions of grid injection are not yet defined. kalao is pushing these issues at the national level, with the aim of making solar energy even more attractive to its customers.