The #1 frequently asked solar question. Solar energy takes advantage of the sun’s rays to generate heat or electricity. It is an infinitely renewable resource and unique for its ability to generate energy in a quiet, clean, and consistent manner. Can’t beat the sun for being oh-so-cool!
It depends, in part, on how much electricity you use and the efficiency of the appliances you’re currently operating. So really the answer is different for everyone. But what we can tell you is to expect to generate excess electricity in the winter (when most warm their homes with natural gas), which can potentially offset the energy you use from the grid in the summer (when that A/C unit is cranking). An expertly-sized solar system can offset 30-60% of the costs of electricity for a homeowner on a monthly basis.
Solar hot water systems, broadly termed solar thermal systems, use the sun’s energy to heat water. Solar hot water systems can be used to heat a hot water tank or to warm a home’s radiant heating system. Swimming pools and hot tubs use a modified solar hot water system for heating water as well. A solar hot water system is distinctly different than solar electric (photovoltaic) systems.
Absolutely! Radiant heating applies solar thermal technology. Transferring solar energy through pipes into an under floor radiant heating system is a wonderful way to stay warm. Radiant floor systems are typically 40 percent more efficient than their forced air counterpart and can be zoned to match thermal comfort to each room.
Yes. Most homeowners use a solar loan to purchase their own solar system. Many financing companies offer low APR loans that require 0% down to get the process started. All that is required is to re-allocate the money that was going to the electric company back into the equity of your own solar system each month. Remember, solar energy systems are viewed as a major home energy savings upgrade and because of this, there are financial tools out there that reward you for your efforts. Installing a solar energy system is comparable to any other upgrade you might do to your home, such as installing a new deck or remodeling a kitchen. But this upgrades pays you back year after year.
Yes. You’ll need to obtain building permits to install a solar photovoltaic or solar hot water system. Similarly, building, electrical, and plumbing codes also apply. Be aware that residential solar power systems do not use “radical” building techniques and most jurisdictions have building codes that fully embrace solar energy technology. We take care of all of this or you. The price to pull permits and manage the electric company and local jurisdiction is all rolled into our estimate.
You can estimate how much a solar electric may cost if you determine your current energy needs and costs and compare against your future anticipated use. Once you have a sense of how much energy you use, you can evaluate the cost of purchasing and installing the technology.
Luckily in today’s market you can take advantage of multiple federal, state, and local tax credits, rebates and other financial incentives that allow for attractive and competitive prices for solar PV.
Take a look at the position of your home on its lot – and particularly your roof. Ask the following questions:
1. Is there good southern exposure? Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the effectiveness of energy collection.
2. Is the exposure free of trees or buildings that could shade the panels or drop debris on them? Shading photovoltaic panels dramatically reduces their effectiveness.
3. What is the pitch of your roof? Most roofs, from flat to 60-degrees can accommodate photovoltaic panels.
Perhaps – a backup battery system can add as much as 25% in cost to a residential solar PV system. It’s not necessarily more efficient either – a same sized solar array will yield about 7–10% less energy if it’s battery-tied than its grid-tied counterpart.
Though you will remain tethered to your local utilities’ grid, you will not have to worry about not generating enough power. You also gain the advantage of offsetting rising utility costs. Adding a backup battery system is a great way to avoid TOU rate increases and to keep your home powered during a utility outage or the residence.
A 2kW solar electric system costs approximately $20,000. That estimated total includes the cost for all components – solar panels, panel mounts, and inverter – and labor associated with installation. It does not however, reflect all the avoided costs, such as the tax breaks and the credits received through net metering.
Pool heating systems use a modified solar hot water system to capture the sun’s rays to heat your pool or hot tub.
Solar photovoltaic panels require little maintenance – no need to wash or dust. It is, however, important to place panels where they will remain clear of shade and debris. Thus you will have to wipe them off if too much snow or leaves fall on them.
Solar hot water collection arrays don’t need much attention either. It does help to periodically use a window wash brush, biodegradable soap, and water to clean the tubes.
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies generally suffice in order to meet electric utility requirements. Electric utilities often require that homeowners who take advantage of net metering sign an interconnection agreement.
Planning, configuring, and doing any custom ordering for your solar energy system can take up to a few weeks. However, the installation process itself can usually be completed in only a few days time, in many cases even less.
Net meters look very much like other outdoor meters with one notable exception – they spin both forwards and backwards, recording both the power produced and power used.
The location of your home and the local climate will play a large role in determining where you place and how you install your solar electric or solar hot water system. Wind speeds, heavy snow loads, and salt water can all affect a solar array. It is important do understanding how those inputs affect performance as this will help determine the types of mounts or how the arrays are angled. A solar pro in your area should be knowledgeable about your local conditions and can help you design that works well for you.
Although southern exposure increases the effectiveness of a residential solar power system, your home may still work for solar power without having south facing exposure. Seek advice from a professional solar designer or installer to ensure success.
Unfortunately shading a photovoltaic system dramatically decreases its output. Just shading the bottom row of wafers alone amounts to an 80% reduction in efficiency. So above all, don’t shade your array!