Question: I’ve been looking into solar which has led me to talk to several companies. One company said their 180 watt modules are what I need, while another says their 200 watt is more powerful. Is bigger really better?
Answer: When strictly comparing solar modules by size, bigger Is not really a deciding factor. Solar modules are purchased on the wholesale market by the “watt”, and in turn sold to the public the same way. Even if a company is quoting prices based on a module cost, they came to their price by using the cost per watt. So the bigger the module is (that is to say the more watts it is) the more it costs. When applying the modules on a residence, the size is usually determined by what will fit best, aesthetics and the best wiring configuration for the intended inverter. As a solar system becomes larger, usually in a commercial setting, there is some merit to using larger sized modules to reduce the total number of them. The bottom line is simple: A solar module makes a certain amount of power per square foot and costs a certain amount per watt.
Question: There are a lot of different solar module brands out there. It is getting confusing to know if there really is a quality difference. I’ve heard about American, Chinese, German, etc. How does the average consumer decide?
Answer: The playing field in solar module technology is very close. Assuming we are talking about crystalline modules, which is by far the most commonly used, it really comes down to your perspective. It may help to use automobiles as a reference. Many like Asian, many like European, many like American. Arguments can be made for all of them. However, there are some basics to look for in any and all of them. History is one thing that should be looked at in any company. Have they been around awhile? Are they growing and advancing? What are the public reviews, etc. Customer Service, warrantees, transparency are all important factors. On a more technical aspect, look at a modules’ P.T.C. (Practical test conditions) Rating. This rating says a lot about a module’s power output. The P.T.C. rating can only be compared accurately to another module of an identical overall watt rating.
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Question: It seems all I hear about when investigating solar financing is leasing. Why are so many companies pushing a lease. I’ve always understood that purchasing means you own it and leasing means you’re renting it. Is the general condition of the economy driving this?
Answer: The short answer is: yes. In our current economic state the banking industry is very restrictive in their lending practices. With the strong public desire to move in a “greener” direction, the demand for solar energy is abundant. The flip side however has a public with limited purchasing power due to the job market, drastic equity reductions, etc. In a somewhat desperate move to tap into this demand for solar energy, a lot of companies went into leasing (renting) the products to provide much less qualification restrictions on the consumer. As with any “convenience” it comes with added costs. When the dust settles, a leased solar energy system will have a greater cost per watt of power received over the long term, than will an outright purchased system. Everyone needs to assess their own priorities on this one. (Be very cautious of strong sales tactics).
Question: How do I know how big of a system I will need?
Answer: Several factors determine this.
- Your priorities – are you trying to keep your utility costs in the lower rates, or do you wish to completely eliminate any electric utility costs and do as much as you can to help the environment.
- Available space for the solar array. Whether we put your array on a roof or ground mount, we need adequate sun exposure to the East, South, or West. A combination of any of these will work.
- Your budget.
There are some very attractive cost factors available to you.
a) Several forms of financing are available.
b) 30% total tax credit on the current year tax return.
Note: This is a minimum, should your system be for your business, it then qualifies for the modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) which allow the total cost (less any other cash back incentives) to be totally depreciated within 5 years. Consult your tax advisor.
c) California Solar Initiative Rebate
Cash back based on the size of your system
Question: What do I have to do concerning maintenance?
Answer: Very little. During dry months it is helpful to wash off dust occasionally. If you have a “back-up” system, you will need to check oil in your generator and change it yearly. Also, if you have storage batteries, you will need to keep distilled water levels full in “flooded” type batteries. Note: if using batteries, we recommend “gel-filled” maintenance free type.
Question: What if the grid power goes down? Will I still have power as long as the sun is out?
Answer: With a standard “grid tied only” system – No. We have several options to provide a “back-up” power source that can be fully automatic to provide power when the utility source is down.
Question: Will my Solar Energy System work well in winter months when it’s cold?
Answer: Solar modules (panels) actually work better as the temperature cools. Although the amount of sunlight hours are less in the winter, the voltage levels increase when it’s colder. A compensation occurs – in the winter you will produce more energy in a shorter day. In the summer, your solar modules will produce less energy as temperatures rise, but have longer days to offset reductions.
Question: If I want to produce more alternative energy than I will use, will the utility company (PG&E) pay me for the extra?
Answer: Under the current agreement, (2009), No. For a typical consumer using grid power for their residence and/or business, PG&E will credit back to you in KWH (Kilowatt hours) a maximum equaling the amount of KWH you used during a 12 month period. You will have an “anniversary” date set at 12 months after the initial start date you began producing energy. During this 12 month time you can have months in which you overproduce. The extra KWH’s will be transformed to a credit, which will be applied to your account. At the end of your 12 month period a grand total of the balances for each month will be calculated. If you consumed more electricity than you produced, you will owe the difference. If you produced more than you consumed, you will not be paid the difference and your meter will start a new 12 month period.
Question: With the rapidly increasing popularity of alternative energy, should I wait awhile and allow the technology to improve?
Answer: This answer is more of an opinion. It depends on how you look at things. There is no doubt technology is improving as it does on most things. You could wait and more than likely in a couple of years you would have access to better products. But you will have forfeited your cost saving during this same time. This seems to be a never ending circle. At what point do you decide the continued costs you’re paying each month for your energy needs are more important than the technology you’re waiting for in the future. Each person must decide this one for themselves.
Question: If I installed a ground mount for my solar array, should it be on a “tracker”?
Answer: In certain circumstances the tracker type mount is good. It also depends on your attitude toward maintenance. First, the ability for the array to follow the sun’s path through-out the day will add a moderate amount of production ability when the conditions are right. 20% - 40% at different times of the year is a rough estimate. Should you have the need to produce the maximum amount of energy in the smallest ground area, these systems are great. However, now you have moving parts that could malfunction. If you can check your array frequently to assure its movement, then you have very little risk of loosing a lot of production time. If ground space is available, we recommend using the extra money you would spend on the tracker hardware to purchase a few extra modules and keep your array stationary.
Question: What if I sell my property before my investment has been fully recovered?
Answer: The California real estate commission produced a study that concluded – for every $1,000.00 of yearly debt that is eliminated from an average home, the resale value would increase $20,000.00. We should note that in a distressed housing market such as now, the increase in value would be lower. But a significant value is added to any home that can produce much of it’s own energy.
Question: I live out in the country and it seems like the wind blows a lot. Should I use a wind turbine?
Answer: Wind generation is very “location oriented”. Our company greatly supports wind generation when the conditions are correct. There are many factors contributing to wind being right for you. We would encourage an opportunity to analyze your location and needs. This is a good time to note that a new breed of wind turbines is becoming available. Unlike the traditional horizontal prop style, these operate on a vertical axis. Whether a prop or vertical axis type is considered the private wind market is currently very difficult. This is primarily due to the low product costs in the solar industry. Dollar for Dollar in California, windturbines have a very difficult time competing with solar energy.
Question: I have a lot of gas consumption in my house. How can I offset some of that?
Answer: Whether you use L.P. (Propane) typically in rural settings, or you’re in town with natural gas, the cost for these is very similar. Assuming we’re talking about an average house with 3-4 people using a typical amount of gas, there are steps you can take. The two largest consumers are usually the forced air furnace and the water heater. We would recommend you have the condition and age of your furnace examined by a very reputable HVAC company. The efficiency of these units has greatly increased in the last 10 years or so. When looking at the other large gas consumer (water heater) we would consider all your individual circumstances and make a recommendation. Usually the addition of a solar backed hot water system will have a very favorable impact on your gas consumption.
Question: I live in the country and have my own water well. Is there a more cost efficient way to pump water?
Answer: There are a couple of options that will reduce or completely eliminate the electrical costs associated with your pump. Depending on the amount of time your pump runs each day, and the amount of water you consume along with the structure the water is supplying we will be able to determine the best avenue to take. Many times by simply installing an alternative energy system to offset the grid demand, your electric consumption is taken care of. Should your pump be old and in-efficient, we could replace it with a D.C. pump and eliminate the need for electricity altogether. Each situation has determining factors that will indicate the proper approach.
Please contact us to begin the process of personalizing your renewable energy system.
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