How does solar work?

Solar panels or modules collect energy from the sun. The panels will now give DC voltage and power to the inverter which will in turn convert it from DC power to AC power. AC power will supply to the Load during the day and provide the power for the home or facility.

What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.

What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

Can we use solar at night?

If your solar power installation has a battery then the battery will charge during the day in order to provide you power at night.

What happens during power outs?

For grid-tied installations, once the grid supply is cut, to abide by international safety regulations, the solar system will shut off or operate at a safe low voltage. It will automatically reset once the grid power resumes.

What if it rains?

Solar power is generated through what is known as the photovoltaic effect, which requires sunlight. When it rains, the amount of power generated will be less due to the cloudy skies and precipitation, however it will still produce around 10% to 30% of the installation’s capacity.

Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.

How Durable Are The Solar Panels?

The average life expectancy of most solar panels falls between 25 and 30 years. This is a long period that is great to cover the initial set up price. However, some other solar panels do have a shorter life span, while others have a longer one.

What is Net Metering?

This is an agreement between you and your distribution utility, which basically states that if your solar system produces more energy than your home or business needs, then your distribution utility will pay you or credit you for the excess power that your system has fed into the grid. Basically, it means you get to save even more!

On what roof materials can solar be installed?

Solar panels can be installed on almost any kind of roof material and almost any roof structure (flat roof, pitched roof, etc.). Panels are attached to your roof with a racking system. The best racking system for your home depends on how your roof is structured and what type of roofing materials you have. Your installer will recommend the racking system most appropriate for your property.

What if my roof isn’t good for solar?

In some cases, your roof may not be suitable for solar. This can be due to obstructions on the roof (i.e., dormers, peaks, chimneys, HVAC vents, etc.), the roof’s integrity, shading, orientation, or other structural factors. If your roof isn’t a good fit for solar, you may be able to install a ground-mounted system. For a ground-mounted system, you’ll need to have access to a clearing far away from trees and other objects that cast shadows. Most ground-mounted systems are composed of aluminum and stainless steel racking and are mounted on concrete footings in the ground.

How long does it take to install a system?

It typically takes one to two months for an installer to design your solar array and secure initial permits (from your municipal government) and interconnection agreements (from your electric utility). Depending on your exact solar permitting office and utility interconnection team, this could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once initial permits and interconnection agreements are in hand, your installer will typically need only one to two days to physically install your array (panels, inverter, racking system, and wiring).

How do I read my electric bill?

Even before you install solar, reading your electric bill can be confusing. There are several charges and different line items to keep straight. Once you install solar, your monthly bill will look slightly different. Most notably, the bill will take into account “outbound energy,” or the solar electricity (kWh) you’ve exported to the grid in moments where it wasn’t needed at home. It’s important to be able to read your bill in order to verify that your utility company is accurately crediting you for your solar electricity.

What happens if I produce more electricity than I use?

It is common for systems to produce more energy than a home consumes. This happens during the day when no one is home. However, it is uncommon for systems to be sized to produce more energy than you will consume over the course of a year. If you produce more energy than you consume on an annual basis, you will be compensated in different ways depending on the state policies in place. We do not recommend that you install a system that will produce more than 100 percent of your energy consumption, because you are often compensated for the excess electricity at a lower wholesale rate.

What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. Take a look at your past electricity bills and compare offers from licensed, pre-screened solar installers to determine the best system size for your needs.

What factors affect system pricing?

Several factors dictate the price of your system, not just the cost of the panels themselves. Other factors include the price of the inverter, racking equipment, and engineering time as well as design, labor, and permitting. Many of these components are soft costs that are not based on the price of physical equipment.