Q: Is it worth it to go solar?
A: Energy rates are rising every year. By installing solar panels you are locking in your energy costs for the life of the system, about 25 years. If your system is big enough you can sell excess power back to the power company creating more savings. You can further save money with a low interest solar loan, or if you’re able, pay cash for the system. Switching to solar does not only benefit you financially. It’s good for the planet.
Q: How much sun do I need to make having a solar power system worthwhile?
A: The more sun your location gets in daytime, the more electricity your solar system produces and the more money you save. The area where solar panels are to be installed should have unobstructed sunlight from 9am to 3 pm. However, if that’s not the case we can evaluate your situation and see if it makes sense to go solar. Just because you don’t have the perfect situation doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
Q: How long is the lifespan of a solar power system?
A: Most solar power systems have a lifespan of between 25 and 30 years. Usually solar manufacturers guarantee that at 25 years of operation solar panels installed will generate about 80 % of the electricity they generated after system launch.
Q: What size system do I need?
A: The size of a solar system depends on how much electricity you need daily. We analyze your yearly usage and design a system based on your needs, and the size of the available space on your roof.
Q: How much does a solar energy system cost, and how much will I save on utility bills?
A: Typical residential solar systems run from $25,000 to $100,000 (not including a back-up battery) depending on your needs. The average 2000 sq ft home is around $50,000 before rebates and incentives for solar panels. There are many factors in estimating solar system costs. We will evaluate your needs and available resources to get you a custom quote that best suites your needs.
Q: Can local Homeowners Association (HOA) stop me from installing a solar power system on my building?
A: This is unlikely to happen. Your HOA may try, but in many states this is not allowed – like, for example, in California. You should mind however that your HOA may ask you to modify the system design and/or placement for aesthetic reasons. In a case like that such changes are not supposed to significantly impact solar electricity production (a decrease greater than 10%) or cost more than $2,000.
Q: How much roof space do I need for installing solar panels?
A: First of all the required roof space depends on your daily electricity needs. The more energy to be generated, the larger roof area needed. What also matters is the number of bright sunny days in your area.
Q: What roof type is best suited for a solar system?
A: Composite shingles, tile, metal, hot mop are all suitable for solar. Each requires different specialized mounting systems designed specifically for them to prevent leaks and damage to the roof.
Q: Do I need to have my roof replaced?
A: Most shingle roofs are expected to have a lifespan of about 30 years. Some up to 50. Metal and tile can last longer if maintained. If your shingle roof is more than 15 years old you may consider having it replaced along with the solar installation so you won’t ever have to remove your panels to replace the roof within the 25 year solar warranty period. We can assess your roof and advise you during the estimation process.
Q: How will the solar panels be mounted?
A: All solar panels mount to an aluminum frame that is then fastened to your roof with specialized metal clips. Different roofing materials require different mounting clips. The system that best matches your roof type will be used for your installation.
Q: Do solar panels need to be tilted at an angle?
A: Ideally yes. To achieve maximum performance of your solar system, solar panels need to be tilted at a certain angle. Moreover different tilts are recommended to optimize solar system performance in summer, in winter and all the year round. It should be noted however that for system performance tilt angle is less critical than orientation.
Q: How many solar panels do I need?
A: That depends on how much energy you use. We look at your power bills going back a year to determine your solar needs.
Q: Is solar electricity produced in bright sunny days only?
A: No. The best weather for producing solar power is surely the sunny day. This does not mean that solar electricity can be generated during sunny days only. Solar electricity is produced even in fog or rainy day although in such days energy yield is just 25-30 % of the one at best weather.
Q: What happens when it snows?
A: Immediately after solar panels get covered with thick snow they do not produce electricity. However since snow easily slides off panel surface after getting melted and your panels will be again exposed to sunlight relatively soon. Furthermore power production might even boost due to the sunlight reflection in the white snow around.
Q: What happens to solar panels in hail?
A: Typically solar panels are stated by their manufacturers to withstand 3/4 inch hail balls at 120 miles per hour.
Q: What if a solar panel gets struck by a lightning?
A: Properly grounded solar systems can typically survive a lightning strike. That being said, damage can still occur even if the system is properly grounded. It’s lightning.
Q: Can I sell extra solar electricity produced by my home solar system to my utility company?
A: Yes. In California you can sell excess solar power to the utility provider. How much depends on your system and your utility company. New laws went into effect April 15th, 2023 (NEM 3.0) that lower the amount your make selling excess energy to some utility companies. LADWP in Los Angeles still pays the higher rate, for now. Other companies pay a much lower rate, unless you also have a back-up battery connected to your system.
Q: Can I add solar panels to my home solar power system later?
A: Yes, but you may have to upgrade other parts of your system to accommodate the higher capacity. If you want to start with a smaller system to get started and may upsize later you may want to oversize those components up front so you don’t have to pay for them again later when you add more panels.
Q: Will my solar system keep on generating electricity if the utility power goes out?
A: No. If you have a solar system connected to the grid, in case of a power blackout your system will shut down immediately until the utility supply is restored. This feature is provided for safety reasons and is a must for every grid-tied system. The power company doesn’t want power from your panels back feeding the grid while power is out and repairs are being made.
However, If you have a back-up battery attached to your system it will continue to provide power to your home until the power is turned back on, or the battery runs out of power.
Q: What maintenance will my solar system need?
A: As a rule solar electric system need little maintenance since they do not have any moving parts. During solar system lifespan (which is expected to last between 25 and 30 years) the following components may have to be replaced:
· Inverter and/or charge controller (if any) – every 10-15 years of operation
· Batteries – every 5 – 10 years of operation. Check with your battery manufacturer.
Q: How frequently should I clean my solar panels?
A: Cleaning is not required, but is advised for the best operation of your system. Yes, solar panels do get soiled by dust, bird droppings, etc. but wind and rainfall act as natural cleaners, so that generated electricity remains near its optimum. You have to clean your panels upon a heavier drop in electricity production (10-15%) occurring in very special situations, such as a forest fire in your area.