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 power do I use?
You can find out how much electricity you use by looking on your utility bill or calling your electric utility. It is very helpful to get the last 12 months of electric usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). Your electric utility can provide you with this information over the phone.

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.

Is utility power really cost-effective?
No. Your utility charges more than you would pay if you had a solar electric system. Utility rates are constantly increasing. As you pay your utility bill you do not gain equity in an asset. Paying for utility power is equivalent to having an infinite term loan with a variable interest rate, which always increases.

Which appliances and loads can I power with my solar electric system?
You do not designate electricity to any specific loads. The electricity produced by your solar system functions in the exact same way as the electricity from the grid. Your solar electricity will provide power for all of your uses.

Will my solar electric system provide heating?
Most homes use natural gas or LPG (liquified petroleum gas) for heating. If your home has a heat pump, the solar system will provide power to it.

What are the major components of a solar electric system?
A grid-tied solar electric system requires solar modules and one or more inverters. AC and DC safety disconnects are the other necessary components.

What does the inverter do?
The electricity produced by the solar modules is direct current, or DC. The inverter converts this electricity to alternating current, or AC. Most electrical devices in homes and businesses run on AC electricity.

Do I need batteries?
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.

Do I need a generator?
You do not need a generator if you are installing a solar electric system. A generator can be integrated to work with solar to power your house for a certain number of hours in case of a black out.

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, or metal rooftop. Solar panels are usually installed parallel to the roof surface.

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 4lb/ft2 of load to the roof. Virtually all modern construction is designed to support loads far greater than this. 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 long until my system realizes net savings?
If you finance your system, you may experience net savings as early as the first year. Instead of paying your monthly utility bill, you will make monthly loan payments for your PV system. You will effectively pay less for your loan over time than you currently pay your utility company.

Solar power systems usually yield an initial return on investment of 7-11%. As utility rates increase your return will also increase.

Systems will usually have a payback period of between 5-10 years. Your exact payback period will depend on your electrical usage, electric rate schedule, and cost of your system. In most cases the larger your electric bill the greater the return on investment and the faster the payback.

Why should I borrow money to pay for solar?
You have to pay your electric bills. You are already essentially financing an indefinite, variable rate loan from your utility company. Installing a solar power system allows you to refinance this loan at a fixed rate and term, pay less every month, and have your loan payments go towards ownership of a valuable asset.

Solar power is a low-risk, high-return investment that is very competitive with other types of investments (stocks, bonds, and property). Solar power systems usually yield an initial return on investment of 7-11%. As utility rates increase your return will also increase.

Are there special loans for installing residential solar power?
Currently there are no state or federal sponsored financing programs for residential solar electric systems. However you can make use of any secured loan such as home equity loans (or lines of credit). These loans typically have the best terms and lowest interest rates. In many cases the loan payment is similar to the amount you will be saving on your utility bill. This results in an immediate positive cash flow.

Are there special loans for installing Non-Profit Organizations?
Third-party financing is an option for non-profits who would like to install solar power but are not able to take advantage of the tax credits. In this type of arrangement a party other than the contractor and non-profit will purchase the system and make use of the tax credits. The 3rd party can pass on charges for the produced power to the non-profit. After the system has been depreciated the third-party can sell the system to the non-profit at a large discount. In many situations both parties can see very good return on investment.

How does a solar electric system affect the value of my property?
According to The Appraisal Journal, Evidence of Rational Market Evaluations for Home Efficiency, a $1 decrease in your annual energy bills results in a $20 increase in your property value. Using this formula, one can estimate that your property value will increase by the net cost (after rebate) of your system.

Will my property taxes increase?
No. Despite the fact that your property value will increase, there is legislation that prevents your property taxes from increasing.

Can I really make my electric bill be $0?
Provided you have enough physical space, you can install a photovoltaic system that will produce as much electricity as you use.

Will the utility company pay me for my solar electricity?
Throughout the year, you are given credit for every kWh that you produce. This credit is worth exactly what you would have been charged for that same kWh. At the end of the year, if you have produced as much as you have used, you will have reduced your electric bill to zero.

Is it true that solar modules are still not very efficient?

Silicon solar cells have conversion efficiencies of 10 to 14%. Your car, at best, converts gas at a 20% efficiency rate. The difference is that gas costs more than sunshine. The cost per kWh of energy produced is a more relevant factor. Other considerations are the space required and the total cost.

What is solar thermal?
Solar Thermal systems (also called solar hot water) heat hot water for a pool or domestic hot water use. Solar thermal installations involve the placement of solar collectors to the rooftop. These collectors include an insulated copper piping system. As the water runs through the pipes it is heated by the sun.

If you have any other questions or concerns please contact us.