How does solar PV energy work?
Visit our Solar Overview page to learn more.
How much maintenance is required?
VVery little to nothing! But if the property is in dusty area, frequently washing solar modules (with lower roof line) may increase generation. Or just wait for the rain!
How long do solar systems last?
The lifespan of a solar installation estimated by the industry is around 25 years, but it can last more than 30 years.
What if there is a cloudy day?
Solar systems will generate less.
What if I'm not using electricity when the system is producing power?
The first solar electricity is used for that location, and then the excess generation will go into the grid. When the system does not generate but the location needs power, the excess is used from the grid. This is called “Net Metering.”
Will the electric company pay me under “Net Metering”?
No. But if you want to get paid for your excess generation, different rate schedule is to be selected during the permitting process.
Is financing the system a good option?
The solar system’s overall benefits will be reduced due to the cost of financing.
What are the risks to getting solar power?
The system conforms to the local laws, certified by the building dept, utility company approved and the state commission permitted. It is installed by licensed and insured general and electrical contractors. Therefore, damages resulting from solar system are uncommon.
Will my projected solar savings match actual savings throughout the life of system?
The actual performance and savings vary due to several reasons such as environmental conditions, variance in sun lights, shade from a nearby object, rate changes by the electric utility.
Why there can be different estimate of solar energy production
Solar energy production estimates depend on many factors, such as shading, typical weather in your area and equipment used. Different suppliers can have different estimates, leading to different outputs.
Many
solar providers will give you a final solar production estimate based on shade readings they take while inspecting your roof.
Electromagnetic Field
EMF occurs naturally, just like thunderstorm. Due to Earth’s EMF, we have compass needle facing North. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center noted that Electrical field exposure recommendation is maximum of 4200 Volts/meter (V/M) and magnetic field exposure maximum is 833 mili-Gauss (mG). The solar farm readings are Electrical Field =<5 V/M and magnetic field strength =0.2-0.4 mG. As per WHO home vacuum cleaner electrical field strength =50 V/M and magnetic field strength = 20-200 mG.
Shining
Solar panels are required to absorb light and not reflect! But a small amount of light is reflected anyway. To reduce the reflection, each solar panel is treated with anti-reflective coating. This reflection is smaller than Portland white cement concrete airport runways, snow, or structured glass. The panels are mounted at an angle and solar farms need FAA approvals for glare hazards for aviator. To date, no solar project is considered a glare hazard.
Recycling
Solar systems have long life. Disposal of solar products in the US is governed by the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and state policies that govern waste. aprx 90-97% of the material used (glass, paper, aluminum, copper, polymers) in solar pv modules are recycled. Module passes EPA’s Toxic Leaching Characteristics Procedure Test – so they are not hazardous and can be disposed of in landfills. Many private companies, NGO, and manufacturers are involved in take-back program.
What’s the process for going solar?
Check out our guide for going solar.
What makes a roof good for solar?
Enough clear roof space, shade-free, south, SE-SW facing roof
What if my roof is really old?
There are a couple of options. If the roof is not leaky, you may continue without replacing it. But if it is leaky or you want it to be replaced, it is better to get it done before the solar system is installed. The solar system will last aprx 25 years.
What if I have to move after a few years?
The system becomes an integral part of the house/building. If it is fully paid, you can handle the way you want. It can be transferred to the new owner. If it is financed, the terms will be subject to the financing company.
Why generation varies from location to location?
The property location and roof orientation matters. For the northern hemisphere, the southern roof generates more electricity. Shading from trees or chimneys also plays a big role.
Can I build an oversize system relative to my current electricity consumption?
All depends on the local utility. Different utilities have different rules for what size they will allow to be built. Duke Energy’s residential solar program allows 20kW system for a home.
What if I rent an apartment or rent my home?
Most solar solutions are geared toward property owners, but there are some options for those who want to participate in green energy. Some utilities offer green energy options, and in some states community solar programs allow people to buy solar power from remote solar installations.
What if it snows on solar panels?
In climates warm enough to melt the snow, you can just wait until the snow melts. Snow will start melting quicker on solar panels as compared to other surfaces.
Will my roof support the weight of so many panels?
The design is approved and sealed by a structure engineer for wind and snow load calculations as per the local ordinance.
What is the minimum quantity of installation required?
We continue to perform 'modeling' until we arrive at an equilibrium point, at which the system can either meet the required kWh or has desired financial outcome.
If my historical electric usage is very little, should I go for solar?
As each property is unique and therefore, sustainability study report is prepared. This report also includes financial analysis for a better decision making process.
What are the equipments? Are they safe?
Equipments are like solar modules, inverters, safety switch, and required wires and conduits. These equipments are UL approved and permitted during the permit process.
How the generation and financial number calculated?
What benefits consumer get?
There are numerous financial and non-financial benefits:
Property Value
Study conducted by local appraisers in NC indicated that there is no negative impact on the property value due to solar farm in local communities. Appraisers in other states have conducted similar studies and arrived at similar decision. The national laboratory conducted a similar study in CA and found that solarized residential property fetched several percentage higher value than a non-solarized residential property in the same market.
Aesthetics
The roof top solar project sits on the back side roof facing the sun, large scale, commercial projects sits on the commercial property roof top or back yard, and solar farms are hidden from common view. They retain the vegetation at the existing border. The government or renewal energy enthusiast encourage RE installation with several options. The solar panels also are blending in the existing roof color. Installation is neat and clean and makes it attractive.
Noise
None of the parts is moving and therefore any solar project is quietly works. There is a study by Massachusetts Clean Energy Center that concluded that noise is very low and negligible and can’t be heard from 50-100 feet away.
Warranty
Normally, the products are warranted for reasonable time by the manufacturers. However, there are few options:
