FAQ

COMMERCIAL FAQ

HOW DOES A SOLAR (PHOTOVOLTAIC PV) PANEL SYSTEM WORK?

The solar panel contains several individual cells which are made largely of two layers of silicon. By design there is an electronic imbalance between the two layers and when the sun’s photons bombard the cell it knocks the electrons loose and they “bounce” from the top layer to the bottom layer creating energy. These bouncing electrons are captured as electricity by metal contacts in the panel.
Since the electricity created inside the panel is direct current or DC, it is necessary to push the current through an inverter which creates alternating current or AC. Once converted this electricity is then routed to your electrical outlets for your use.

HOW LONG WILL A SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM LAST?

Although most solar components have a 25-year warranty, they are expected to continue to produce power for 40+ years. There are no moving parts and virtually no maintenance which means longevity also comes with reliability. Major solar module (panel) manufacturers have modules that were installed 37 years ago and they are still producing clean, renewable energy today

HOW MUCH DOES A S OLAR INSTALLATION COST?

The cost of a system varies on a few factors including the system size and location. In the past four years prices have decreased as much as 75% making solar a financially sound investment. Many solar systems can be installed under $2.00 per watt prior to Federal and State Incentives. Economies of scale also come into play as larger systems will cost less than smaller system on a per kW basis.

HOW WILL SWITCHIN G TO SOLAR SOLAR IMPACT MY BUSINESS?

From day one solar power offsets a portion of your electricity purchases from your utility and therefore reduces your electric bills. Since there is very little, if any, on-going costs, you also lock in the solar portion of your electricity costs which is a great hedge against inflation and makes budgeting your utility costs more predictable.

WHAT SIZE SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM DOES MY BUSINESS NEED?

The recommended size of your system depends on your power consumption. If you want to completely offset your current electrical usage from the utility with a solar electric system, the first step is to review your annual energy consumption which can be obtained from your utility bill. Commercial systems can range in sizes from 10,000W up to and beyond 100,000W, or 1,000 to 10,000 square feet of solar modules. Your needs will depend upon the size of your facility and your energy loads.

WILL SOLAR INCREASE THE PROPERTY VALUE OF MY BUILDING?

Absolutely, for every $1 of electricity that you offset through solar you will increase the value of your building by $20. So if you reduce your electricity consumption by $20,000 your building will be worth an additional $400,000, immediately.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PAYBACK PERIOD FOR A COMMERCIAL SOLAR SYSTEM?

The average payback period for commercial solar is 3 to 7 years. This depends on the location and size, federal and local incentives.

WILL SOLAR IMPROVE MY COMPANY’S BRAND AND IMAGE?

Definitely! Going solar will demonstrate that your company is committed to environmental responsibility. In this transparent economy, consumers are increasingly demanding that the companies they do business with engage in sustainable business practices. There is a huge amount of public interest in renewable energy, climate and sustainability.

DOES IT MATTER WHAT TYPE OF ROOF I HAVE?

Solar modules can be installed on any roof, but different roofing materials require different methods which can impact the system’s installation costs. If your roof will need to be replaced during the next ten years we recommend that you replace it before having your system installed.

WHAT IS THE BEST ORIENTATION OF MY ROOF?

In general there’s one big rule: if you’re in the U.S., your solar panels should face true south (though there is an exception).

CAN THE BUILDING OWNER SELL POWER BACK TO THEIR UTILITY?

Yes, through net metering any excess electricity generated will spin your meter backwards which has the effect of selling your excess power to the utility at a full retail rate. On a monthly basis, you pay only the net of the power you used. If you generate more power than you used in a month your utility company will forward your excess solar energy credits to be used during the next month. This allows any excess energy generated in the summer to be used during the winter when there is less solar energy and usually higher energy usage.

CAN MY BUSINESS REDUCE ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT BY INSTALLING A SOLAR SYSTEM?

Answer to question 11

GENERAL AND RESIDENTIAL FAQ

WHY SHOULD I GO SOLAR?

One excellent reason is that solar can stabilize your energy bill for decades. Grid-tied panels have an expected lifespan of 50 years, protecting you from rate spikes over that period. Maintenance-free and many with a 25-year warranty, a grid-tied PV system is hard to beat for stability and reliability.
You also begin reaping solar benefits as soon as you act. Waiting for ‘new technology’ to produce ‘something better’ is a waiting game that can potentially go on forever. The sooner you lock in energy stability and maintenance-free panels that operate for decades, the sooner you enhance your energy security!Since the electricity created inside the panel is direct current or DC, it is necessary to push the current through an inverter which creates alternating current or AC. Once converted this electricity is then routed to your electrical outlets for your use.

HOW DO I FIND OUT HOW MUCH I PAY FOR ELECTRICITY?

Just check your electric bill. You will see your electrical usage measured in Kilowatts (Kw) usually on a monthly basis and in most localities, you will also see the rate applied to your usage based on time of day or day of the week. You will find many guides to reading your electric bill online.

HOW DOES SOLAR IMPACT MY PROPERTY VALUES?

All things being equal, studies show homes with solar energy fetch a higher price than homes without, but only if you own, rather than lease, your solar system. In areas where solar is popular, the increase in property value is similar to the value added by a major renovation.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY?

Utility rates and government policies vary by locality, but all electric rates and local policies for grid-tied solar are designed to enlist you in the production of power and incentivize you to make the move. When you install solar on your property, you benefit from these policies with a lower electric bill and protection against spikes in future electric rates. Going solar makes good economic sense no matter where you live.

WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF SOLAR ENERGY?

For all practical purposes, going solar removes your home’s energy consumption from contributing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, a key source of global warming. By helping reducing demand for ‘dirty fuel,’ you are doing your part to cut down air pollutants that threaten health such as coal-generated sulfur and carbon dioxide.

CAN I GO OFF GRID WITH SOLAR PANELS?

You will still need a connected to your local power grid even when you produce your own power with solar panels. There are two reasons for this. 1) You will need to draw from the grid when your panels are not producing the power you require. 2) Under utility company policies, you automatically send any excess power you generate back to the grid. Some solar systems include the option of storing power with batteries, making it theoretically possible to go off the grid. However, this option is usually very expensive and not very practical.

DO SOLAR PANELS WORK IN A BLACKOUT?

Your solar panel system will shut down in the event of a blackout in order to prevent you from sending power to the grid when the grid is in a non-normal condition, which may cause damage to the local electrical system or even injure utility workers. If you have a battery system associated with your solar power, special inverters can convert the stored power for your emergency use.

HOW MUCH WILL SOLAR PANEL MAINTENANCE COST?

Solar panels are designed to need little or no maintenance during the decades of their active life. In most cases, even cleaning is not required. If you are interested, ask your installer about a manufacturer’s warranty.

HOW MUCH ROOF SPACE WILL I NEED FOR A SOLAR ARRAY?

At about 75 square feet per kilowatt, a typical 3kW array is two rows of six panels, requiring a rectangular area of roughly 20 feet by 11 feet.

WILL I STILL RECEIVE AN ELECTRIC BILL IF I HAVE SOLAR PANELS?

You will still receive monthly statement from your local utility. However, solar power dramatically reduce your bill, and can even result in a credit if you produce net excess energy that is transferred to the utility.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A SOLAR INSTALLER?

Confirm that they are a certified solar installer, licensed and insured. All legitimate installers want to meet you personally to inspect the job (you should never agree to a deal over the phone or by email). They should be happy to explain their relevant experience and provide you with as many customer referrals as you like. We suggest getting at least five, with email addresses. If you develop a good relationship, consider asking to view their solar installation personally. All installers should also guarantee their workers have undergone thorough background checks and be willing to put everything in writing.You also begin reaping solar benefits as soon as you act. Waiting for ‘new technology’ to produce ‘something better’ is a waiting game that can potentially go on forever. The sooner you lock in energy stability and maintenance-free panels that operate for decades, the sooner you enhance your energy security!

WHAT IS NET METERING?

Net metering is how utilities credit you for the electricity your solar panels produce. Simply put, you only pay for the electricity you use over and above what your panels generate. There are different practices and policies around the country. For example, most utilities will pay you or credit your bill if your panels generate excess electricity the utility can then use. The state of Tennessee does not have net metering. Be sure to look into the practices in your area!

HOW DO SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PANELS WORK?

Solar panels convert solar energy to direct current (DC), which is then passed through an inverter to convert it to alternating current (AC) which is the standard current for commercial and home electricity. There is no change in your light switches or wall outlets. Once power is generated, it is either used in your home, stored, or sent to the utility electric grid.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS SNOW ON SOLAR PANELS?

If your solar panels are blocked from the sun, such as when covered with snow, they can’t generate power. However, snow cover is rare since snow easily slides off the angled panels. Even if snow does accumulate, panels are robust enough to withstand the weight and are easy to brush off.

DO MY SOLAR PANELS PRODUCE POWER WHEN THE SUN ISN’T SHINING?

Solar panels depend on sunlight to produce electrical power, so they produce the most on sunny days, a little less with overcast skies, and nothing at night. Because rates are usually lower at night and energy consumption is low, solar is usually a smart decision even if you rely on utility-delivered power overnight.

WILL THE SOLAR ARRAY PUT HOLES IN MY ROOF, OR BE TOO HEAVY?

The mounting rails you see behind panels are made from aluminum and are fastened to the rafters of your house – through the roof – every four feet. The application is slightly different for each roof type, but generally, asphalt roof penetrations are sealed with a 50 year tripolymer sealant. On metal roofs with standing seams, the aluminum grid can be connected directly to the seam so no penetration is required. A solar array’s average weight is five pounds per square foot, so they are not a significant load-bearing issue for residential roofs of any type.

HOW MANY PANELS DO I NEED?

Factors include total solar exposure (where on the house they are located, for example), how much energy you require, and more. We suggest using any online solar calculator to give yourself a rough idea of your needs, then contact us for a more detailed analysis.

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE SYSTEM COST?

That varies depending on your situation, as described above. The average residential project in 2018 cost $25,000. But remember, no one is average! Chances are excellent your total cost will be somewhat below or somewhat above this figure. Get an accurate estimate by chatting with one of our design experts.

WILL MY PROPERTY TAXES GO UP BECAUSE OF SOLAR?

Most local governments do not increase property taxes for solar installation even though studies show solar increases your property’s value. Quite sensibly, local jurisdictions do not want to seem to penalize you for reducing energy consumption. However, not all municipalities feel this way. It is a good idea to check with your local City Hall to find out your town’s philosophy.

FAQ