Why Should I Go Solar?
What are the advantages of solar energy?
Solar energy allows you to capture sunlight and convert it to electricity in a clean and efficient way to power your home or business. Solar panels will increase the value of your home and significantly lower, or eliminate, your electricity bill altogether.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the system the utility company uses to monitor and credit solar energy system owners for the electricity their solar panels produce. Net metering allows you to store the energy produced by your solar energy system on the grid for use at a later time.
What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
You will save a significant amount on your electricity bill. How much you save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area. Owning a solar energy system will also increase the value of your home and help you sell your home faster.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar energy reduces greenhouse emissions; produces fewer air pollutants to the environment; and lessens your carbon footprint. Even one home with a solar energy system has a measurable and significant impact on the environment.
Is going solar affordable?
Solar is very affordable! There are tax credits, solar rebates, net metering programs, and flexible financing options.
How Does Solar Work?
Do solar panels work in a blackout?
If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is as a safety measure – to protect emergency responders and electricity utility repairmen from being injured by your system sending power back to the grid. However, there are invertors you can buy that will provide energy when paired with a battery, in the event of a blackout.
Can I be totally off grid with a solar energy system?
To be off grid, you will need a way to convert and store the electricity produced by your solar energy system. You specifically need a battery that can form its own grid and store the electricity each that your panels collect. The downside is the cost of the batteries to allow you to be off grid.
Will hail damage my solar panels?
Solar panel manufacturers test their panels to ensure that they are capable of withstanding hailstorms. Solar panels are certified to withstand hail up to 1 inch falling at approximately 50 miles per hour.
What happens if my solar panels are covered in snow?
If the solar panels are covered in snow, they cannot collect sunshine to produce energy. However, when the sun does come out, your solar panels will heat up and shed the snow very quickly and start collecting sunshine again. Snow is generally not heavy enough to cause any damage to your system.
Will my system work on cloudy days?
Yes, your solar panels will still work on cloudy days, but not as effectively as they would on sunny days. You can expect them to produce at about 25% to 45% of their normal rate, depending on how thick the cloud cover is.
Misc. Questions
How much does it cost to install?
The exact cost is entirely dependent upon your energy consumption per month. On average for a 2000 sq. ft. home, you can expect to spend between $15,000 – $40,000.
Will I need a new roof?
If your roof is between 10 and 15 years old, it’s a good idea to have it assessed prior to installing a solar power system.
What if my roof needs to be replaced after the solar panels have been installed?
The solar panels will need to come down and you will lose access to renewable energy throughout the duration of the roof replacement – this means your home will be entirely dependent on the grid for power while the roof is being worked on.
Will the electricity company pay me for supplying power to the grid?
No, they will not pay you for the electricity your system produces. However, they will give you credit towards future months when you under-produce.
What maintenance do solar panels require?
Solar panels require very little maintenance. Generally you can keep them clean and in top condition with just a little rainfall, spraying them off with a hose, or using a leaf blower to clear debris or dust off the panels.
Can I install solar panels now and add a battery system later?
The solar panel system that we install needs to be storage ready to cost-effectively add a battery and storage system later on. If it is not battery ready, it will be more costly later to add a battery storage system.