FAQs

A solar power plant is a device that converts solar radiation—consisting of light, heat, and ultraviolet rays—into electricity, suitable for supplying both homes and industrial enterprises.

The process of electricity generation in solar power plants is entirely eco-friendly and does not pollute the environment. Additionally, it is one of the most efficient types of renewable energy available today.

Because of these benefits, solar power plants have become a key tool in creating a new, long-term, sustainable model for electricity production that fully meets ecological standards.

Based on their operating system, there are two main types of solar power plants: solar thermal power plants and solar photovoltaic power plants.

Solar panels generate electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect. Most residential solar panels are made from semiconductor silicon. When sunlight reaches the silicon in the solar panels, electrons are excited, creating an electric current that is transmitted to a solar inverter and later used to power appliances and devices.

If your solar panels produce more energy than your home needs, the excess solar energy can be sent to the power grid or stored in an energy storage system.

How exactly a solar panel system will work with your home and the electrical grid depends on the type of solar system you have. There are three main types of residential solar systems: grid-tied, hybrid (with storage capability), and off-grid.

The ideal roof slope angle and direction for a solar power plant depend on geographic location and building orientation. In Lithuania, it is optimal to install a solar power plant on a roof facing south, with a slope angle of about 35 degrees. This ensures maximum solar light absorption throughout the year and the highest possible electricity generation.

If the roof faces east or west, the optimal slope angle may be slightly lower—around 15–25 degrees. While the efficiency of the solar power plant may be slightly reduced, it can still generate sufficient electricity.

For ground-mounted solar plants, the installation should face south, with the structure angled at 35 degrees. On a flat roof, where solar modules are elevated, wind forces become a concern, so modules should be oriented southward at only an 18-degree angle to mitigate wind risk.

Knowing your roof’s slope angle and orientation allows for better assessment of any additional power reserve that may be required for your solar power system (see the table).

The ideal locations for a solar power plant in Lithuania are in the Klaipėda or Marijampolė counties. If you live in these areas and your roof has a 35-degree slope facing south, you will have one of the most efficient solar power systems in Lithuania. However, if the roof has a complex structure and is oriented in less sunny directions, the electricity generation—and therefore the payback period—may be extended.

After heavy hail, small cracks or scratches may appear on the protective glass of a solar panel, and depending on the impact strength, the solar cells themselves could be damaged. The good news is that before solar panels reach the market, manufacturers conduct thorough testing to ensure that their products can withstand various extreme weather conditions, including hail and strong winds. Solar panels are designed to last 25 years or longer, and since they are inherently meant for outdoor use, they are built to be durable.

So, while hail can damage solar panels, it is relatively rareThanks to careful design and testing, damage typically occurs only in the most extreme weather conditions. Additionally, different solar panel manufacturers optimize their products based on various performance factors. This means you have options when choosing brands and panel types. By consulting with our team, our specialists can recommend high-quality solar panels that not only meet your energy goals but are also best suited to your local weather conditions.

Dirty solar panels can lose up to 20% of their efficiency.

However, there is no universal answer to how often solar power plants should be cleaned—it depends on factors such as location, weather conditions, the type of solar panels, and more.

Rough glass and frames can contribute to the accumulation of dust. Meanwhile, frameless solar panels feature completely smooth glass and are coated with a special layer that prevents dust buildup. Since frameless panels don’t have frames, there’s less opportunity for dust to cling to them.

If you live near a dusty gravel road, more attention will need to be paid to maintenance. Similarly, areas near large fires may require more frequent cleaning.

To ensure that the system operates as efficiently as possible, the general rule is to inspect (and clean, if necessary) the panels at least twice a year.

If you have frameless solar panels, cleaning them is not necessary. When the sun comes out, the panels naturally begin to clean themselves—due to the heating of the panels, snow melts and slides off. Since there is no frame on these panels, there’s no place for the snow to cling, so it easily slides off. However, if the snow falls continuously for several days or even weeks, the solar power plant may not be able to clean itself.

During Lithuanian winters, when solar activity is low, the electricity production of solar power plants can be significantly limited. While occasional snow removal might slightly improve energy generation, its benefits are not always significant. Therefore, if it’s snowing continuously, cleaning is usually not necessary.