FAQ's
Why should I go solar?
1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
3. How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill.
4. What is net metering?
Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state– so make sure to do your homework ahead of time.
How do solar panels work for my home?
1. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
Solar panels absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.
2. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.
3. What happens if there is snow on solar panels?
Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in snow they can’t produce electricity. Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean.
4. Can I go off-grid with solar panels?
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.
5. Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
6. 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 to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.
7. How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.
Am I ready for solar?
1. Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system is ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases, there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof.
2. What size solar energy system should I get?
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live.
3. How long will my solar power system last?
In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.
Power Inverters
1. Do I need a Power Inverter?
Actually, no. This is the only component of a solar energy system that is not absolutely required. However, if you don’t use one, you will not have 230 volts of AC and will have to use battery power alone. This might be acceptable in a small RV or cabin, but most people want to use normal AC appliances. That time we have to use an inverter which converts DC to AC for your appliances.
2. What is the difference between 12, 24, and 48-volt inverters?
This refers to the input voltage from the battery bank. The main consideration is that at higher voltages the current is less so that you can take more backup from the battery bank. Of course, when you decide on a system voltage, the Solar Panels, Inverter, and Battery Bank all need to use the same voltage.
3. What is a Grid Tie inverter?
If you are connected to normal Utility company power and just want to add some Free Sun Power electricity to reduce your electric bill and you do not need an independent system, it is possible that a Grid Tie inverter will suit your needs. With a Grid Tie inverter, whatever electricity your solar panels produce will reduce the amount supplied by the power company, in effect lowering your bill. For this setup, a large battery bank to store the power for later use is not needed. Unless you have frequent power company outages, you will not need any batteries at all.
4. What is the difference between a true sine wave inverter and a modified sine wave inverter?
The AC sine wave of a true sine wave inverter is just as good as the utility company AC power. A modified sine wave inverter is not as close but is still quite satisfactory in most cases. Certain motor control circuits don’t like the modified wave. Modified sine wave inverters are also much less expensive. But it can damage your expensive and critical home appliances.