Frequently
Asked Questions:
1. How much space
does the system need?
2. Do the solar
panels need to be mounted on my roof?
3. Do the panels
need to face south?
4. Are the panels
fragile?
5. How much
solar electric power do I need to power my home?
6. How much
power does the system produce?
7. How long
will the solar power system last?
8. What happens
when the utility has a power outage?
9. Do I need
batteries with the system?
10. What is Net Metering?
11. How does the
solar power get stored?
12. Do I need to
install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
13. What happens
if the panels are shaded?
14. Do I need to
clean the solar panels periodically?
15. Does solar power
work for commercial buildings?
16. Are there financial
incentives for buying solar electricity?
17. If I sell my
property, what effect does PV have on the sale price?
18. How long does
it take to install a PV system?
How much space does the
system need?
A typical system requires about 7 to 8
square feet for each dollar of your electric bill. This figure varies depending
upon your electric rates and the roof exposure.
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Do the solar panels need
to be mounted on my roof?
Panels are often mounted on the roof, but
can also be mounted on the ground. Ground mounts are great if the house
is shaded or you do not have enough roof space.
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Do the panels need to face
south?
South is best, but panels installed facing
east or west still generate a very high percentage of possible power.
However, the State Rebate is efficiency based and you will receive the
highest rebate for a south facing system.
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Are the panels fragile?
No. While the panels are made of tempered
glass, it is quite strong. They pass hail and wind tests. They are
regularly installed in remote locations such as te desert and mountains
because they can handle diverse weather conditions.
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How much solar electric
power do I need to power my home?
Each home is different, and the amount
of electricity you use is very dependent upon your lifestyle, how your
home was built, and your appliances. As part of our services, we work with
you to reduce your electrical consumption in easy ways.
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How much power does the
system produce?
Systems come in all sizes, and produce
as much or as little power as required. Many systems produce a portion
of the home's required power, leaving room for additional conservation
or generation in the future.
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How long will the system
last?
The solar panels have a 25-year power warranty
from the manufacturer. This is longer than almost anything else you can
buy. The State of California requires a warranty of 10 Years on the
system equipment.
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What happens when the utility
has a power outage?
Most systems we sell are “clean power”
systems, without batteries. These systems do not generate power when the
utility is out, even if it is sunny. If backup power is desired, a battery
system can be added. This increases the complexity and cost. Most people
find that what they want is Clean Power, and find that the very occasional
outage does not bother them, so they do not purchase the battery option.
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Do I need batteries with
the system?
Batteries are only required if you want
backup power when the utility is out of service. Without batteries, the
system has no way to store power, and for safety reasons cannot produce
power without the utility in operation.
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What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is the regulatory ability
to get credit for electricity you generate with solar energy and send backwards
through your utility meter. Exact provisions vary with each state, but
the effect is to allow you to generate excess power during the day, and
use it at night, without needing batteries.
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How does the solar power
get stored?
In a Clean Power, non-battery system, power
is not stored. It is either used immediately in the house, or sent backwards
through the meter, creating a credit. If storage is needed, large batteries
and other equipment are added to the system.
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Do I need to install a
new roof before the solar panels are installed?
Solar panels will last many years (over
25). Because of this, we want the roof to be in decent condition, as it
does not make sense to remove and reinstall the panels after only a few
years. However, after the panels are in place, they will greatly reduce
the wear on the roof by blocking ultraviolet rays, keeping most snow and
ice off the roof, and keeping anything from hitting the roof. Most installations
do not require a new roof prior to PV installation.
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What happens if the panels
are shaded?
PV panels should be installed in areas
where they get significant shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts
of shade can significantly reduce the output. Our designs and installations
also seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through selection
of the proper equipment and good engineering.
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Do I need to clean the
panels periodically?
Most of our customers do not clean their
panels. In most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean
the panels. However, if you are in a dusty area (very near a busy dirt
road, very urban area, etc.) you may see a performance gain from cleaning
the panels monthly. If necessary, a hose stream is usually sufficient for
cleaning. Do not walk on or over the panels to clean them. Do not use metal,
hard, or abrasive methods for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels
when they are very hot.
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Does solar power work
for commercial buildings?
Systems can be installed on office buildings,
retail buildings, schools, and government facilities. Anywhere electricity
is used, solar electricity can be used.
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Are there financial incentives
for buying solar electricity?
There are many incentives for purchasing
solar. Some common incentives include:
* Clean electric generation
* Stable electric cost
* No increase in Property
Taxes
* Fight climate change
/ global warming
* Create secure electricity
supply
* Political statement
for a renewable energy future
* Strongly dislike
buying electricity from the utility
* Feeling of empowerment
* Solar energy just
makes sense
* Higher resale value
for my property
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If I sell my property,
what effect does PV have on the sale price?
Energy conservation and renewable generation
adds value to a home. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000.00 saved
per year, $20,000.00 is added to a home's value. Solar energy can be one
of the best home improvement investments you make.
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How long does it take
to install a PV system?
Typical residential systems take from 2
to 5 days to install. Systems mounted on the ground and systems with batteries
are more complex, and may take longer. Most of this time is spent outside
your house, so there is little disturbance to you. Commercial systems take
several weeks to over a month to install, depending upon size and type
of installation.
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