ETS KHALIHANNAFAQ
Answers to the most common questions about hybrid solar systems and energy storage.
What does an installation cost?
Cost depends on your requirements: equipment to be powered, desired autonomy and site configuration. Each project is sized individually and quoted in detail after a site survey.
How long does the battery provide power?
Autonomy, meaning how long the battery can power the home without sun or grid, depends on storage capacity and the equipment in use. Lighting, fans, refrigerator and TV can be covered through the night; air conditioning requires significantly more capacity, defined during sizing.
Can the system run air conditioning?
Yes, provided the PV capacity and storage are sized accordingly. More efficient "inverter" air conditioners are recommended.
What happens during a SOMELEC outage?
The hybrid inverter automatically switches to the battery, usually with no noticeable interruption. When the grid returns, it resumes normal operation and recharges the storage.
Hybrid or off-grid: what is the difference?
A hybrid system uses solar energy and the battery first while staying connected to the SOMELEC grid as backup. An off-grid system operates without the grid and requires more panels and storage. In Nouakchott, hybrid is usually the best compromise.
Why LiFePO4 storage?
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) offers high safety, a much longer service life than lead-acid batteries and a high depth of discharge, meaning more of the capacity is actually usable.
What is the service life of a LiFePO4 battery?
A quality LiFePO4 battery withstands several thousand charge/discharge cycles, often ten years or more depending on use and operating temperature.
What maintenance is required?
Maintenance is limited: periodic panel cleaning, visual inspection of connections and keeping the storage in a dry, ventilated room. Remote monitoring can complement this.
How are dust and sand handled?
Sand deposits reduce output. Regular rinsing of the panels with water, more often after sandstorms, is sufficient; abrasive products should be avoided.
Can the equipment withstand Nouakchott's heat?
Yes. Panel efficiency drops slightly at high temperatures, which is accounted for in the sizing. Inverter and batteries are installed out of direct sunlight in a well-ventilated location.
Can the system be expanded later?
Yes, by adding batteries or panels. It is best to plan for this at the design stage to ensure equipment compatibility.
Can a battery be added to an existing system?
In most cases, yes. We first verify the new battery's compatibility with the existing storage (voltage, cell count, BMS) and with the inverter.
How long does installation take?
For a home, on-site work typically takes one to two days once the equipment is available.
What warranties are provided?
Equipment carries the manufacturer's warranty, and workmanship is also guaranteed. Periods and conditions to be specified in the quote.
What are the payment terms?
Terms are specified in the quote, for example a deposit on order and the balance on commissioning.
What savings can be expected?
The system reduces SOMELEC bills and generator diesel consumption. The study provides a savings estimate based on your consumption.
Is a special roof required?
No. Flat roofs are well suited. Available area, shading and structural soundness are checked during the site survey.
What information is needed for a study?
Your recent SOMELEC bills, a list of the main appliances (particularly air conditioners) and a photo of the roof. These can be sent via WhatsApp.
Do you work outside Nouakchott?
Yes, throughout Mauritania, depending on the project.