Frequently asked questions

PowerPatio is a terrace or ground mount structure that provides an aesthetic recreational space integrated with a PV system. PowerPatio systems are available in standard configurations of 204 sq. ft. / 2.9 kW PV, 252 sq. ft. / 3.6 kW PV, 300 sq. ft. / 4.3 kW PV, and 348 sq. ft. / 5 kW PV. A PowerPatio can be installed by our approved dealers or installers on most terraces or backyards.

ARKA BIPV products include solar tiles, custom-designed mounting structure, and an improved electrical interconnection to offer a solar patio solution. While conventional PV modules are made with glass-on-back sheet with metal frames for structural integrity, Arka products are built with tempered glass-on-glass without a metal frame offering superior durability, inherent structural integrity, and ruggedness.

ARKA products use an innovative solar tile technology to maximize power density and performance. While most conventional solar panels use 150/162 mm full solar cells, AKRA  products are built with one-third cut high-performance 182 mm solar cells offering more power from a smaller area. Shingling (cutting) of solar cells increases power density and offers a superior aesthetic finish along with increased reliability and energy production. Each ARKA tile produces about 77 W of power in an area of 250 sq. ft. PowerPatio has forty-five such tiles for an aggregate of 3.46 kW rated DC capacity.

ARKA  products undergo rigorous reliability testing to ensure durability. Solar tiles are undergoing the certification process for IEC 61215 and UL 61730 at NRTL. They are being tested for long-term durability, to ensure a 25-year life, and their ability to withstand 140 km/hr cyclone winds, extreme hail, heavy rain, and snow loads. The PowerPatio is exhaustively tested to last through its projected 25+ year lifetime. The power inverter and gateway are also undergoing the approval process.

All ARKA products, including associated mounting structure and electronics are in the process of being approved at the local level. We use rigorously tested and qualified inverters in the PV systems. We currently offer on-grid PV systems that have the added benefit of “pay back” from local utilities for energy generated and fed back into the grid. In the near future, we will also offer hybrid inverter-based solutions with Lithium-Ion battery storage.

Energy production from the ARKA products is monitored continuously with our gateway that includes a cellular Modem and WiFi for backup/ The energy production information gathered every 15 mins and stored on our cloud servers. This data is available to the system owners to view through the Spotlight mobile and web apps.

Yes, the PowerPatio is all-weather proof and completely waterproof. It includes a waterproof underlayment that withstands all inclement weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, and cyclones. It also has a false ceiling and improved aesthetics.

Yes. Our installation crew will do a site survey to assess the roof condition, determine the right location and orientation for the PowerPatio. Once the site survey is completed, a design plan is shared with customers for their review, and additional checks on electrical circuits/main panel are performed before an actual installation is scheduled.

We can recommend simple and innovative solutions to keep the ARKA systems performing at their peak. You can either sign up for the periodic maintenance with our installation partners or buy one of their cleaning accessories.

A 2-hour pre-install site survey is scheduled to assess the site and check on the electrical interconnections. PowerPatio systems of 180 sq. ft. and 250 sq. ft. take about 2 days to install, while the larger systems, 400 sq. ft. and above, would take around 3-5 days.