Solar Answers

If you have a question or need clarification on any answer, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any question.

Q: How much Solar Power do I need for my home or business?

A: Power needs vary from home to home, but there are ways to reduce your energy consumption. We can provide a quick analysis based on your current electric bill, and then make recommendations on ways to reduce consumption. With this data, and implications related to the site, a system can be sized to meet your needs.

Q: How long does it take to install a Solar Power system?

A: A typical system can be installed in as little as two days. A larger system may take a week or more.

Q: How does a Solar Power System affect my property’s value

A: A solar system is an investment that can increase your property’s value by a 20 to 1 ratio per year. For every dollar your system can produce, your property’s value increases dramatically. For example, if your system generates $600 dollars in annual savings, your property’s value may increase by $12,000.

Q: What is the pay back time?

A: Many factors affect the payback time for a Solar Power System. Future energy costs are unknown. The quicker prices rise on traditional utilities, the quicker your solar investment will pay off. Factors include location and orientation of solar modules and panels, the number of sunny days, technology improvements over time, and factors in net metering laws. A typical system carries a life expectancy of greater than 25 years, but pays for itself in about 10 years.

Q: Where can the panels be installed?

A: Panels can be located virtually anywhere there is a good southern exposure. Roof mounts are typical, but systems can also be mounted on ground secured poles. Tracking pole mount systems are also available to maximize system production. A south east or south west orientation will also produce power but our goal is true south whenever possible.

Q: How much space do the panels need?

A: An average system requires 7 to 8 square feet for each dollar of your electric bill. This will vary with electric kilowatt hour rates, and your specific site.

Q: What about shady sites?

A: Shading can greatly reduce production. We can perform a site analysis that will determine shading issues over an entire seasonal sun cycle.

Q: How fragile are the panels?

A: Panels are manufactured using tempered glass, and subjected to testing that simulates severe weather conditions, including hail storms. These are the same type of panels used in extreme arctic and desert conditions. They are not designed to withstand assault from falling trees, or being walked upon.

Q: What is net metering?

A: Net Metering is the ability to get credit on your electric bill by feeding excess energy from your system to the electric grid. It is essentially having your meter run backward. We are able to assist the client in accessing this benefit as a licensed installer with master electrician designation in Virginia and West Virginia. This is currently required on net metering agreements with utility providers.

Q: When should batteries be used with a Solar Power system?

A: Batteries are only needed if you desire back up power when the utility power fails, or your system is independent of any other power source. It is currently illegal for a solar system to provide power in the event of a utility outage if batteries are not part of the design. This is important to keep in mind if you are implementing a system in a region that has frequent power outages.

Q: What about new Solar technologies like solar shingles, and adhesive sheets?

A: While the latest technology news frequents the headlines, we have found their availability and installations falling short of the long time industry leaders. We recommend installation of modules with 25 year warranties by companies with market longevity.

Q: What are the rebates and incentives for the system?

A: Tax incentives and rebate are subject to change. For the latest information visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website.

Some personal incentives may include:

  • Higher resale value of my home.
  • Todays solar power systems provide very accurate power virtually eliminating the surges and spikes found on the utility grid
  • Accurate power can increase the life of todays sensitive electronics and appliances
  • Making a statement for renewable energy and future generations
  • Having  stable electrical costs
  • Having backup power when system is installed with batteries
  • Watching your electrical meter run backwards
  • Secure energy supply
  • Having your own personal power system