|
|
What do panels look like and
do they have to be on my house? 1. What do panels look like and do they have to be on my house? Solar electric (photovoltaic)
panels look a lot like skylights when they are mounted on the roof.
Modules range in size, but they are typically 2-3 feet wide and 4-5
feet tall. Although modules can be ordered in multiple custom colors,
they usually look blue-black. The modules are covered with a tempered
glass which gives them a glazed appearance when the sun hits them. Simply, net-metering is selling electricity back to your power company. Think if it as debits and credits of electricity. When your system is producing electricity and you do not immediately use it, the electricity produced is sent back through your power lines to the utility grid. If you ever produce more electricity than you use, your utility provider will buy the excess electricity from you. [top] 3. How efficient is a Solar Electric System? Overall system efficiency is usually estimated at approximately 80% when performing calculations of system performance. Each component is a key link in the chain, and each component's efficiency can be affected by a number of variables. For instance, solar module efficiency is affected by temperature, angle of irradiance and shading. Inverters are affected by wiring lengths between modules and the power center. [top] 4. How many PV panels do I have to put on my house? The size of the system depends on the energy output you desire. A 10'x 10' square or 100 sq/ft produces approximately 4.3 Kilowatt hours a day. The three biggest factors that limit system size are orientation, available roof space and shading obstructions. Also, no system to be rebated by the New Jersey Clean Energy Program can be designed to produce more electricity than 125% of what is currently consumed. [top] 5. How does Solar Electric Work? Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight strikes a PV cell, electrons in the ionically charged layer of silicon are stimulated, creating an electrical current. [top] 6. What kind of Energy Savings will I see? The amount of electricity savings you can achieve depends on the size of the system that you choose to install. In theory you could produce 100% of your electricity. It can be easily calculated using your energy history and the "energy calculator". [top] 7.
How long will it take to payback the cost of the system? 8. What kinds of programs/rebates are available? The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (www.dsireusa.org) lists tax savings, rebates and incentives by state. Refer to the website for details pertaining to your home state. [top] 9. Will the installation process disrupt the rest of my house? Solar Electric installation should be 2-4 days and is primarily done outside to house. The installation is meant to be a seamless change for you to a "greener" life. [top] 10. Will my home increase in value when I have a solar system? Yes! Independent studies have shown that houses with renewable energy systems will sell for approximately 20 times the yearly energy savings versus similar houses without renewable energy. For example, if your house has a system that save you $1000 a year; the value of your house would be approximately $20,000 more. Typically, the increased value to your home is nearly equal to the initial installation cost. Renewable energy is a relatively low risk investment. [top] 11. Can I increase the size of my system in the future? Yes, Photovoltaic (PV) systems can be increased in output at any time. The panels are modular and can be added as needed. [top] 12. How long are the PV panels guaranteed for? PV panels are typically guaranteed for 25 years. Other components have 5 year guaranteed. Installation is guaranteed for 5 years. [top]
Absolutely. The solar current produced is of a higher quality than the electricity produced by the power company. The use of "grid - tied" or solar produced energy is done seamlessly. [top] 15. Even if I can not supply my full monthly power or choose not to produce 100% of my power usage, is it still worth putting up a system? Yes. The price of energy is not going to go down. Many systems can have a zero dollar net effect. Once you incur the initial cost you will pay yourself back many times over. [top] 16. Is my house/commercial building suitable for solar electric or hot water? It is dependent on the amount of unshaded area you have facing south
to south east to southwest. That can be easily determined by you or
us doing a sight analysis with a "Solar Pathfinder". [top]
|
|
