Solar Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a Solar PV System myself?
Possibly...If you have electrical systems experience, a contractor's license, are able to carry heavy loads around rooftops and have a high tolerance for the government permit process. You will also get a 15% lower state rebate. As with any specialized job, there are good reasons to have expert solar installation.
What if my roof needs repair after the Solar Panels are installed?
A roof inspection (and any necessary repair) is recommended prior to a PV installation. If roof replacement is needed after installation, then the solar panels can be temporarily disconnected, removed, and then reinstalled for an hourly fee.
How do I maintain my Solar PV System?
Solar PV systems are designed and installed to be low-maintenance and repair-free. They are solid state technology and have no moving parts. Panels benefit from being hosed off twice a year, especially after long periods without rain.
How long does It take to install?
Installation time depends on the size of the system. Average residential systems rarely take more than one week to complete.
What is the process?
First, your site, building or home is inspected to evaluate a year's worth of electric bills to create a profile of annual energy needs. Next, a system is designed tailored for your site, and you are presented the design in a proposal. After you approve the design, sign the contract and make a deposit, the materials are ordered for your system and the required paperwork is started for local building permits and applicable state rebates.
Does a Solar PV System have to meet local building codes?
Yes. Your PV system must be inspected and meet local building and national electrical codes.
What does a Solar PV System look like?
PV panels are designed and mounted to minimize visual impact and maximize aesthetic appeal. Flat roof-mounted systems are most common, but sometimes systems are installed on open ground away from a building. Often, clients approve system design before installation.
How do I sell electricity back to the utility company?
Solar PV systems are tied to the utility grid through inverters. Inverters track kilowatt-hour (kWh) production every day. When a solar system produces more electricity than is used, the inverter sends the surplus energy to the grid, the electric meter spins backwards and the utility credits the owner for the surplus energy at the same retail rate that it charges for electricity during that period. If you're on an optional Time-of-Use net energy metering schedule, the utility credits your account during peak rate periods at several times off-peak rates. This helps to reduce the size of your solar installation, and can zero out your electric bill over the course of each year.
Is a PV System Modular something I can add to my home?
Yes. Additional modules can be added to your system up to the load limit of your inverter, and inverters can be added to expand the system.
Does my house have to face south?
No. South-facing systems are ideal, but southeast or south-southwest can be used with minimal loss of production.
How much will I save on my electric bill?
Ideally, your solar system will be designed to eliminate your electric bill. However, restrictions on space, budget or sunlight exposure may affect the size of the system that can be installed.
Are there rebates or financial incentives?
- The Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar systems is 30% of the system's net cost (capped at $2,000 for residential systems).
- The Internal Revenue Code has a 5-Year Accelerated Depreciation Schedule for commercial solar systems.
- Solar systems are exempt from property taxes in some states, but the value of a solar system adds to the appraised value of a property.
How much does a PV System cost?
System cost depends on size, materials and labor. Most systems pay for themselves within 5 to 10 years. To roughly estimate your investment, take your annual electric bill and multiply it 5-10 times (representing years). That will provide you with a rough estimate of your investment in solar based on payback periods.
Keep in mind that each PV system is sized to the unique annual energy needs of each customer. Systems aren't sized for square footage, but designed to replace the total amount of electricity you use annually. Site specific elements, differing electric rate schedules, and financial incentives that you may or may not qualify for all affect your total system investment.
Do I need a battery backup?
No. PV systems can connect to the local utility grid. No batteries are necessary. On sunny days, the solar system sends surplus energy to the grid for credit on your utility bill. The utility provides the power at night and on rainy days, and you tap into the credit your solar system earned on sunny days.
What size system do I need?
PV systems are tailored to the unique energy needs of each customer. A detailed site and energy needs analysis is necessary to determine appropriate system size.
How does a Solar PV System work?
PV solar systems consist of modular panels made of silicon, which react directly to sunlight by generating electric current. An inverter changes the DC (direct current) generated by the panels into AC (alternating current), supplying power for lights and electrical appliances.
Why should I invest in a Solar PV System now?
- Eliminate your net electric bill, use current incentives - High performance solar photovoltaic (PV) systems combined with state rebates, federal tax credits, depreciation and most states' Net Energy Metering program, create very favorable financial incentives for installing a solar system now.
- Declare energy independence - Invest in a solar PV system and generate your own electricity from sunlight - a clean, silent, renewable energy source with no emissions.
- Enjoy long-term solar life expectancy - With PV panels 25-year warranty and 40+ year lifespan, your solar system will last for years to come, sheltering you from rising electricity rates.
- Add value to any property - Solar systems are exempt from property taxes, but the value of a solar system is added to the appraised value of a property. It's one of the few home improvements that can be justified in terms of return on invested dollar.
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