Is my roof right for solar?
A solar power system can be installed on a flat composite, tar and gravel, bitumen, composite shingle, cement tile, Spanish tile, or metal roof top. The orientation of your roof is important. South facing roofs offer the most annual production, while east and west facing roofs will produce somewhat less. However, west-facing roofs produce more power during “peak” times when power can be worth more money.
What size PV system do I need?
Several factors will influence the size of the PV system. Considering your present electricity needs is the first step in determining the appropriate size. We can help with this
Can my roof support the weight of the solar array?
Solar panel and mounting equipment add very little load to your roof. In most cases, the solar power system will add less than 4 lbs per square foot of load to the roof. Virtually all modern construction is designed to support loads far greater than this. Note, some older homes may require some structural work prior to installing a system. However this is very rare and is still an exception even for older homes.
How does solar electricity work?
The sun’s energy in the form of photons release electrons from their bonds in the silicon semiconductors that make up the solar cells. The flow of these electrons makes up the current that will ultimately be utilized in your home or building.
How much electricity will a PV system produce?
A PV system will produce the most electricity in spring through fall when sunlight hours are the longest and the sun is positioned higher in the sky. A 1 kW system can produce from 1,400 kWh to 2,000 kWh per year depending on the location.
What happens on a cloudy day or at night?
Your solar electric system will produce electricity on cloudy days. However on dense cloudy days (unusual in So Cal) and at nighttime, you will draw electricity from the grid. You build up credits on sunny days and draw from these credits on cloudy days and at night.
What if there is a black out?
If there is a black out you will lose power from your solar system. Utilities mandate that grid-connected solar system shut down in a black out for the safety of utility workers.
Are there any tax incentives?
Yes. Homeowners and Businesses alike may claim a first year 30% federal investment tax credit. Businesses can take this tax credit in the form of a Cash Grant. Commercial investments are also eligible for greatly accelerated depreciation tax deductions.
Is solar electricity really cost-effective?
Yes. Your solar electric system will supply you with electricity, which costs you less than the utility rates you are currently paying. Over the course of its 40-year useful life, a solar electric system is a great investment. It is low risk, high return investment that is very competitive with other types of investments (stocks, bonds, and property). We can look at your specific situation and calculate exactly what your return on investment will be and how much you will save over the life of the system.
How long are the manufacturers’ warranties?
The solar panels have a 25-year power warranty from the manufacturer. This is longer than almost anything else you can buy. The rest of the system has a 5-year warranty in most areas. Inverters can have warranties up to 10 years.
What happens to the solar electricity that I do not use?
Any excess solar electricity produced will go back into the grid through your meter, running it backwards. You are credited for each kWh produced at the same rate that you would be charged.
What does solar electricity do for the environment?
Your system will reduce the demand on existing fossil-fuel power plants, thereby reducing pollutants and global-warming CO2 emissions. The EPA says, “Using solar energy to replace the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources can prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere.” We can calculate how much CO2 your system will offset.
Do I need batteries?
No. You do not need batteries if you are tied into the public utility grid. Essentially your utility company stores your solar electricity for free. Batteries would only be necessary if you need power during blackouts or if you are not connected to the grid.
Why is solar energy important?
Solar energy is the ultimate renewable energy. Clean, plentiful and thanks to today’s technologies, easy to harvest. Every single day enough solar energy strikes the planet to meet the world’s energy needs for four to five years. In an era where global warming and CO2 buildup are of critical concern, solar energy can become an incredibly valuable solution for helping to protect our planet.
Why is solar energy important?
Solar energy is the ultimate renewable energy. Clean, plentiful and thanks to today’s technologies, easy to harvest. Every single day enough solar energy strikes the planet to meet the world’s energy needs for four to five years. In an era where global warming and CO2 buildup are of critical concern, solar energy can become an incredibly valuable solution for helping to protect our planet.
Can I add to my system if I choose to later?
Yes! The system is modular. You can add up to the load limits of your inverter, and inverters can be added as well.
Are there cleaning and maintenance costs?
PV output is significantly affected by dirt accumulation. The frequency of cleaning depends on the location. For example, locations in high wind or dust areas, are likely to accumulate dirt more frequently, and should be cleaned more often.
Will my property taxes increase?
No. Despite the fact that your property value will increase, California has enacted legislation that prevents your property taxes from increasing.
