Solar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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SOLAR BASICS
Q: Do panels store energy from the sun?
A: The electricity generated by your system is used directly by your property when it is produced. Any power generated in excess of your home's requirements is sent out to the utility grid, spinning your meter backwards. This establishes an economic credit that is used to buy back the utility's power at night, or any other time that your home's electricity demand is greater than your system's production.
Q: What can a solar system power in my property?
A: The electricity generated by your system will be used to power any and all devices and appliances plugged into your home's electrical service. Solar systems are not designed to provide power for a single device, e.g. an air conditioner, but go to offset the total sum of your electricity usage.
Q: How much roof space is needed to power my home?
A: A good rule of thumb is to allow 100 sq. ft. per every kilowatt (kW) of electricity the system produces. A typical solar electric system for a home will require approximately 300-500 square feet. A typical solar electric system for a business will require approximately 5,000 square feet.
Q: How do you attach the system to my roof?
A: First, it's important to select a contractor that has experience installing solar electric systems, as we do. We use the highest quality racking system on the market today made entirely from anodized aluminum and stainless steel for long life without rusting. The racking system attaches directly to the roof rafters and there are several ways for us to do this.
Q: How long does it take to install?
A: It takes 2-3 days for our qualified installers to install a typical residential system. With rebate paperwork, utility interconnection agreements, permits etc., our turn around time is 4-8 weeks. A commercial solar electric system will depend on the system magnitude, location, and other variables.
Q: What is an inverter?
A: An inverter converts the DC (direct current) power produced by solar panels to common household AC (alternating current) power.
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Q: My roof gets sun for most of the day; that would be enough for a solar system, right?
A: Even though your roof gets sun for most of the day, it may or may not be enough to make a solar electric installation cost-effective. On a site evaluation we’d be able to determine this for you. If there is not full access to the sun, year-round, it may take longer for the system to pay for itself, which would increase the return on your investment. Removing or trimming back some trees around your property can help with better access to the sun.
Q: If the power goes out, will my solar system continue to produce electricity?
A: You will not have any electricity if there is an outage. While we could offer you a storage solution, the cost of batteries combined with their short lifespan and maintenance requirements makes them a product we choose not to offer. Unless you’re in an off the grid situation, batteries rarely make sense.
Q: Will this system heat my pool?
A: Typically, a solar electric system is not the most efficient or cost effective way to heat a swimming pool. Using solar water heating panels, natural gas or a propane heater would be a more efficient method.
Have a question about solar? Ask one of our solar pros! click here.
Q: How long will my solar system last?
A: Most solar panels come with a 25 year power output guarantee and are expected to last at least twice that long. The power output guarantee on the solar panels in provided by the manufacturer of the panels and states that at the end of the 25th year, the solar panel will still produce a minimum of 80% of their original power output.
Q: If I move can I take my solar system?
A: Yes, you can take your solar electric system with you if you move but it’s best if you leave it on the original house because it increases the resale value of a home.
Q: What is the optimum angle for a solar system?
A: Equal to the latitude.
Q: Will the panels create a glare that can disrupt planes flight path?
A: No. The panels have a glare resistant tempered glass cover that minimizes reflected light.
Q: What is the voltage of a typical solar panel?
A: It depends on the panel. A single panel has an operating voltage between 20 and 60 volts, depending on the model type. When the solar panels are wired together in high voltage string they have an open circuit voltage between 200 & 400 volts.
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Q: How will solar affect the value of my property?
A: According to a study by ICF Consulting, solar can add $20 of home value for every $1 of yearly energy cost savings. For more information about how solar can increase your home’s value, visit http://www.irecusa.org/articles/static/1/binaries/wfnews.pdf.
Q: What is the payback?
A: Payback is immediate, if you finance your solar system your payments would typically be less than the electric bill that it replaces. A solar system will also add value to your property, reduce your monthly expenses and insulate you from rising energy costs. If you were to pay cash for your system, at today's rates, you will often recover all your investment within the next 8-12 years for home owners and 5-7 for businesses, if not better. However, as rates increase the time it will take to fully recoup your investment will improve.
Q: Are there still rebates and tax credits?
A: Yes, there are state rebates in various states but the rebate amounts per watt are always going down. The federal government currently offers a $2,000 tax credit the first year of purchasing a solar system. For more information about your state rebate program, go to http://www.dsireusa.org/.
Q: What will it cost to get rid of my electric bill?
A: The cost for this will depend on your electric usage. The more panels you place on the roof, the more you will be saving in electricity costs.
Have a question about solar? Ask one of our solar pros! click here.
Q: How do I know if my system is producing what it is supposed to?
A: REC Solar is one of the few companies that make it easy to monitor your system performance. We use a conservative 20 year historical sun data when estimating what your system production from NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory). Your inverter has an LCD display that provides a readout as to how your system is producing, which makes it simple to compare our estimates to your actual production. Plus, all REC Solar customers who purchase a Fronius IG inverter receives an REC Solar Wireless Display, which allows you to monitor your system's production from inside your home.
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Q: What is net-metering?
A: Net-metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your utility company and the electricity you produce with your solar energy system. Any excess electricity produced by your solar energy system spins your existing meter backwards, effectively storing the electricity in the utility grid until it is needed. Your meter then spins forward when it is not producing all the electricity you are currently using and tracks the “net” difference as you generate electricity and take electricity from the utility grid.
Q: What is the current status of net-metering?
A: Currently, 28 states require utilities to offer net-metering. The specific size and technology (solar, wind, biomass, etc.) requirements vary from state to state.
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Q: What is the current rebate amount?
A: For the most recent rebates please go to our Rebate and Incentives section of the website.
Q: Who fills out my rebate forms?
A: REC Solar takes care of your rebate forms, every step of the way. We float the rebate amount for residential and some commercial solar installations.
Q: Are the rebates ever coming back up?
A: As of now, the rebates are not coming back up. They will continue to drop over time.
Q: Will federal tax credit apply every year?
A: No, the federal tax credit is a one time benefit.
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Q: How will the weather affect my solar electric system?
A: Solar electric systems are designed to withstand most weather conditions. Lightning, wind up to 80 miles per hour, and extreme temperatures are all things your solar system can handle. However, these conditions will temporarily reduce its energy production. When REC Solar designs your solar electric system, we use a method based on national data that takes these weather conditions into consideration.
Q: Can solar panels withstand hail?
A: Yes, solar panels are guaranteed to withstand 3/4 inch hail balls at 120 miles per hour.
Q: What's the effect of rain and fog?
A: In fog, marine layer, or June gloom your system will still produce about 25 - 30% of the normal production. A steady rain can cut production slightly but is great for cleaning your panels.
Q: Is snow covering the panels going to reduce production?
A: You're absolutely right that during the time immediately following a snowstorm when the panels are covered the system production will be minimal. However, we place solar systems in the exact spot where sunshine is greatest. The first area to melt will be where the solar panels are located. Plus, the panels are tilted with a surface made of tempered glass allowing snow to easily slide off.
Q: What happens when lightning strikes a panel?
A: The solar electric system is designed to sustain lightning by being sufficiently grounded under National Electric Code.
Q: What happens if there's a utility power outage?
A: With grid-connected solar electric systems, you will experience loss of power when the utility grid is down. This is intentional: when there is an electricity outage, there are people working on the power lines. If your system were allowed to stay active during the outage, the people working would run the risk of being electrocuted by the live wire.
Q: Who does your installations?
A: All of REC Solar's installations are done by our own staff of professional solar installers, many of whom are licensed electricians.
Have a question about solar? Ask one of our solar pros! click here.
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