What Is Solar?
Solar electric or photovoltaic solar panels (PV for short) are the key component of a solar electric system. Photovoltaic solar panels are made of silicon, which converts the sun’s energy into electricity. This electricity is then added to your home’s traditional source of energy. The electricity created by these panels is utilized to lower or even eliminate your electric bill.
How Much Does Solar Electric Cost?
The cost of a PV system depends on how much power you want to produce. Offsetting a $100 monthly utility bill is much less expensive than offsetting a $400 monthly utility bill. However, PV systems are an excellent route for you to save money, no matter your budget. If you can afford to pay your monthly electricity bill, you can afford to install a photovoltaic solar system.
Is It Possible to Finance Solar Electric?
There are multiple financing options available for solar. It is common for homeowners who explore financing options to take advantage of the terms and rates that keep their monthly payments about the same as their electric bills used to be. Additional popular finance choices are home equity loans or as a figure of your property taxes.
Do Panels Have To Be Installed On My Roof?
The most popular area to install solar panels is on a roof, although they can be installed on any available terrain.The only thing you should note is to avoid shaded locations because the amount of sunlight your solar panels acquire will influence the amount of energy produced; you want to make certain the area receives optimal sunlight exposure.
What Is The Best Direction/Angle For Photovoltaic Solar Panels?
The best direction and angle for your solar panels is south-facing at 30 degrees. However, if your roof faces another direction, we can do our best to work with it. Roofs facing southwest or southeast can generate up to 95% of optimal energy, whereas roofs facing east or west can generate up to 85% of optimal energy.
How Long Does It Take To Install?
Typically, a residential installation will take about 45 to 60 days from start to finish. Depending on the jurisdiction, this could be up to 90 days in the worst-case scenario. Once the permit is issued, installation of the system usually takes 1-3 days, depending on the size of the system. We advise you to check the current wait time for your jurisdiction with one of our solar consultants.
Is Solar Electric Cheaper Than The Public Utilities?
Although solar energy can initially cost a good amount to purchase and set up, people find that in the long run, photovoltaic solar is plenty less expensive than the public utility. As long as you install the proper size solar electric system, your system can produce enough electricity to fulfill your demands over a 12-month period.
Will Solar Panels Increase My Home Value?
We cannot guarantee that solar electricity can increase the value of your home. A Zillow analysis has shown, on average, solar panels raise a home’s value by 4.1% across the U.S. It will enhance your home's energy performance, which factors in the value of a home. The quality of installation is also essential to what value it may add.
Can I Take My Solar Panels With Me If I Move?
Yes, you can, but more often than not, homeowners find that solar electric increases the home’s value to a point where it pays for itself, and they choose to sell the house with the solar.
Will My System Work If There Is A Power Outage?
For solar to keep functioning during an outage, it must work in conjunction with a battery backup system. A selected set of critical loads is powered, such as lights, refrigerators, smaller AC units, etc. Generators require fuel, while solar will begin to recharge your battery every morning when the sun comes out.
What Happens When The Sun Isn't Shining?
At night, or on cloudy days, your power comes from the utility company unless you have a battery backup system. Most solar energy systems today are grid-interactive, meaning any surplus energy is sent back to the utility grid and put “in the bank” for later use. When you require electricity, the utility delivers preserved power to you seamlessly, and you're billed only for the net amount you use (Net Metering).
What If I Use More Energy Than My System Produces?
PV systems are tied to the electric grid. Wwhen you use more electricity than your PV solar panels produce, you draw electricity back from the grid. Each month, you are billed the net of what you put onto the grid vs you took off the grid. At the end of the year, if you have excess energy you didn’t use, your utility company may provide bill credits for the extra power you put back into the grid.
Will Solar Panels Damage My Roof?
As long as your solar panels are installed correctly, they shouldn’t damage the infrastructure or exterior of your roof. If you are working with a qualified and licensed professional, and your roof is in good shape, then your solar panels won’t impact the integrity of your roof. They can even prolong the life of your roof by shielding it from day-to-day wear and tear.
What If I Need To Replace My Roof?
We simply remove the system and set it aside at your residence until the roofer is finished. Once the new roof is completed and inspected, we return and reinstall the system. Keep in mind that if you change your roofing material, often new mounts will be required for reinstall (i.e., new mounts would be required if you originally had a shingle roof and get a new metal roof).
What Kind Of Maintenance Will My Solar Panels Need?
In most cases, little to no maintenance is required throughout their lifespan, typically 20 to 25 years. If your panels are pitched at an angle lower than 10 degrees, you may find that dust and debris accumulate, and you may have clean them frequently, but do not to use harsh chemicals or abrasives.