FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (F.A.Q.)
Introduction
Electricity generated by solar panels is referred to as Photovoltaic energy (see Glossary for more terminology). This tongue twisting word is often shortened to "PV," and thus we refer to a solar system that generates electricity as a PV Electric System.
You really don't need to understand all of the details of how a solar electric system works to understand its appeal (For more information, see How Solar Works). Investing in a solar electric system allows you to produce your own electricity with no noise, no air pollution, and no moving parts while using a clean, renewable resource.
A Sunscape Solar PV Electric System will never run out of fuel! It is quiet, dependable, energy efficient and it will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by coal and natural gas fired power plants. Due to these unique characteristics, solar electric technology has been called "the ultimate energy source for the 21st century."
What is a Solar PV Electrical System?
What is an inverter?
How does a solar cell work?
What kinds of solar systems are available?
Does solar power work for commercial buildings?
What is a "grid-tie" PV system?
What is net metering?
What is the difference between a grid-tied and a grid-tied system with batteries?
How much electricity will a system produce?
How is the solar power stored?
Do I need batteries?
What about blackouts?
What are the economic benefits of a solar electrical system?
Just how large is a typical system?
What is the California Energy Commission (CSI) Rebate Program?
How can I get information on the State's Rebate program?
How much power does the system produce?
How much do these solar power systems cost?
Is financing available?
Why do these systems cost so much money?
How long do these systems last? What is the warranty on these systems?
What is the maintenance on these systems?
How much solar electric power do I need to power my home?
How much roof area do these systems take?
Do the panels need to face south?
What happens if the panels get covered by snow?
Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
What happens if the panels are shaded?
Are the panels fragile?
Does a solar electrical system have enough power to run all my major appliances?
Will my property taxes go up if I install a solar energy system?
Are there tax credits or any other incentives to go solar?
If I sell my property, what effect does PV have on the sale price?
Why is there such a variation in prices?
How much will I save?
Can I install the PV Electric System myself?
How long does it take for a PV system to pay for itself?
What about licenses, permits and building codes?
What do I do next if I want to see about getting a system on my house?
How does the whole process work to get started?
What is a Solar PV Electrical System?
A Solar PV Electrical System is a device that generates electricity when exposed to the sunlight. It literally spins the electric meter backwards, providing you free solar electricity during the day! PV technology produces electricity directly from electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with a solar panel made of semiconductor material. The power provided is direct current (DC) electricity. The basic building block is known as a cell. Many cells put together are known as a module, and many modules assembled together form an array. A PV system will consist of an array of modules generating DC electricity, an inverter, and sometimes battery storage back up with charge controller. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
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What is an inverter?
There are two kinds of electricity, DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). Homes and businesses that are connected to utility power use AC electricity. Flashlights, small radios and automobiles use DC electricity. In order for you to be able to use solar to operate the appliances in your home, an inverter will convert the power created by the PV panels from DC to AC. Inverters can be further classified as units that utilize batteries (UPS) and those that use the utility grid as power storage (Grid-tied). There are also Grid-Tied Systems with Battery Backup power. Inverters are now required to possess meters that will indicate their performance and most manufacturer's supply remote display units that can be mounted inside the home or can be monitored by a computer or through the Internet. It is important to check on your inverter regularly to become acquainted with its operation and performance and you will be able to tell when your panels are dirty because of the diminished performance.
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How does a solar cell work?
Solar cells are (semiconductor) solid-state devices (no mechanical action) in which photons (or packets of light) collide with atoms transforming the resulting energy into electrons. These electrons flow into wires that connect all the individual cells in a module and all the modules in a system. Silicon wafers laminated under non-reflective glass in solar panels collect photons from the sun, and turn this into DC electrical power (electrons). These electrons then flow to an inverter, which converts and transforms it into usable residential or commercial voltage and subsequent AC electrical power.
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What kinds of solar systems are available?
There are two basic types: Bill Reduction and Bill Elimination. Sunscape Solar offers many different solar power system designs including ground and patio mounts, metal, round, and tile roof mounts, and sophisticated commercial building designs.
Sunscape Solar is a B1 commercial contractor that specializes in PV Solar Electrical systems for commercial and residential applications as well as other energy saving improvements. As a designer and installer of solar electrical systems in Arizona, Southern California and New Mexico, we pride ourselves in providing "Grid-tied" and "Grid-tied with batteries" photovoltaic (PV) power systems. We offer many different brands of main components (solar panels and inverters). We prefer to use 100% USA-manufactured components but will use foreign components upon request. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
Does solar power work for commercial buildings?
Absolutely! We have installed solar on office buildings, retail buildings, schools, churches and government facilities. Anywhere electricity is used, solar electricity can be used to reduce or eliminate the electricity bills. As a matter of fact, State rebates, Federal Tax Credits and accelerated depreciation can often make the Return on Investment (ROI) on a commercial system is much higher than a residential system.
What is a "Grid-Tie" PV System?
Today in California, you may connect your solar PV system directly into the wires of your utility, the grid. Since the "Net Metering Law" allows you to do this you will actually be spinning your meter backwards when your system is generating more power than you are consuming. Thus you can 'sell' electricity back to the utility, up to the amount you would have used. Without Net Metering, you would be forced to 'sell' the energy back to the utility at a lower or wholesale rate and buy it back at a much higher retail rate. Net Metering is one of the principle reasons solar electricity has become economically viable.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is the regulatory ability to get credit for electricity you generate with solar energy and send backwards through your utility meter. Exact provisions vary with each state, but the effect is to allow you to generate excess power to the grid during the day when the prices are at the highest, and use power from the grid at night when the rates are at their lowest, without needing batteries.
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What is the difference between a Grid-tied and a Grid-tied System with Battery Backup?
A Grid-tied PV System produces solar electricity during the day and spins your utility meter backwards for you to use free electricity during the night or to bank excess power until you need it. Currently, utility companies use an annual cycle for payment of your utility bill. A Grid-tied Photovoltaic System with Battery Backup provides the same benefits as the system without batteries but, this system will provide limited electricity if the grid fails. The usual protected circuits are refrigerator, telephone, alarm and entertainment circuits. The system provides enough electrical power to provide emergency lighting and minimal comforts during prolonged electrical outages. High current items like air conditioners and pool or spa pumps will not run on battery power.
How much electricity will a system produce?
The amount of power produced will depend upon how large the system is. In California the average residential customer purchases 6,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. There is enough sunshine falling upon on the average home to produce this and a system can be designed to offset all electrical needs. The cost to accomplish a 100% system may be prohibitive and sometimes it makes more sense to simply reduce or 'shave' your consumption. Some utilities use tiered rates when they charge for consumption which means that the more energy you use the higher is the cost per kilo-watt-hour. The most economically feasible size is usually between 50% and 75% of your annual household needs. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
How is the solar power stored?
In a Grid-Tied (non-battery) System, power is not stored. It is either used immediately in the house, or sent backwards through the meter, creating a credit. If storage is needed, large batteries and other equipment are needed for the system.
Do I need batteries?
That depends; the most popular systems sold in California do not have batteries and are designed specifically to lower or eliminate electrical bills only. However, batteries are an option for solar electrical systems designed for blackout protection, so when power goes out the batteries will operate special isolated circuits in your home, and your “power” stays on!
What about blackouts?
A Grid-Tied PV Solar System will not provide any power during a blackout. This is to ensure the safety of utility linesmen who may be working on the downed lines. However, a Grid-Tied PV Solar System with Battery Backup can "ride-out" utility blackouts with the exception of high-draw items like air conditioning and pool or spa pumps. Batteries add significantly to the expense of a system while providing no payback, need weekly maintenance, are hazardous and will need replacing every seven to ten years. For this reason most solar users are choose a "grid-tie" system.
What are the economic benefits of a Solar Electrical System?
A Sunscape Solar PV Electric System protects you from future rate increases and allows you to “fix” your utility rates for the next 30+ years. Systems are designed to lower—or in many cases eliminate--your monthly electric bill! For our California solar systems' customers, the benefit is obvious.
Just how large is a typical system?
PV Solar systems range in size from fifty to four hundred square feet. A typical system requires about 7 to 8 square feet for each dollar of your electric bill. This figure varies depending upon your electric rates. A system composed of high efficiency cells will produce 1kW per hour for every 100 square feet. In order to qualify for the California Energy Commission's (CEC) "Buy-Down" rebate, the maximum size cannot be more than 200% of the home's annual historical needs. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
What is the California Energy Commission (CSI) Rebate Program?
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) is part of the Go Solar California campaign, an unprecedented $3.3 billion ratepayer-funded effort that aims to install 3,000 MW of new grid-connected solar over the next decade and to transform the market for solar energy.
The CSI Program provides incentive payments either in one lump sum for smaller systems or over the course of five years for larger systems. Smaller systems typically receive an upfront, capacity-based incentive, called the Expected Performance-Based Buydown (EPBB). Larger systems receive incentives based on their actual performance over the course of five years, called the Performance Based Incentive (PBI).
The CSI Program is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission and provides incentives for solar system installations to customers of the state's three investor-owned utilities (IOUs): Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Southern California Edison. PG&E and SCE serve as Program Administrators in their respective utility territories. The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) serves as Program Administrator in SDG&E territory. The State of California will help you buy a PV Solar Electric System. The California Public Utilities Commission will pay you a lump sum rebate up front or monthly for five years based upon the actual performance of the system. The amount of the lump sum rebate is calculated by using an online tool created to take into account module and inverter efficiencies, tilt and orientation, shading and local weather to produce an Expected Performance Based Buydown (EPBB). The rebate was administered by the California Energy Commission (it was called the Emerging Renewable's Program-ERP) but the program was extended and altered on January 1, 2007 (it is now called the California Solar Initiative-CSI). In prior years the rebate had been as high as $3.50 per watt but has been reduced several steps to the current $1.90 per watt last month and is scheduled to be reduced again, very soon. You must be serviced by SCE, PG&E or SDG&E utilities to qualify for the state rebate.
How can I get information on the State's Rebate program?
You may apply for the program yourself by going to the Go Solar California website. We can also provide the forms and do the necessary paperwork to make your reservation.
How much power does the system produce?
Systems come in all sizes, and produce as much or as little power as required. Many systems produce a portion of the home's required power, leaving room for additional conservation or generation in the future.
How much do these solar power systems cost?
It depends on your electrical usage and your service area. For example, a 3kW solar system in California would remove the majority of a $100.00 per month electrical bill. Winter months are a little less and summer months a little bit more. As systems get larger, the cost per watt is lower. A two (2) kilowatt system may cost between $16,000 and $20,000 ($9.00 to $10.00 per watt), while a five (5) kilowatt system may be installed for as little as $40,000 ($ 8.00/watt or less). All of these prices are figured after the rebates and tax credits.
California solar power rebates depend on your service area and purchasing entity. For example, if you lived in the Southern California Edison, PG&E or SDG&E service area, you could currently receive a $2.20 per watt rebate if you had the perfect location, direction and angle for your PV System. If you were to purchase this solar power system as a business, you would receive the 30% Federal tax credit and accelerated depreciation for State and Federal on the balance. Of course, this would be different for each person and tax bracket, and should be examined by your tax professional... but you get the idea. We're looking at a 7-10 year break-even and a positive cash flow for 30+ years. Another benefit here is solar power systems are exempt from property taxes, a good thing to remember when the tax man comes collecting.
Is financing available?
Yes! While you can obtain financing at your own bank or credit union, many customers choose the Sunscape Solar Residential Finance Program through Clean Power Finance and others. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
Why is solar energy so expensive?
There are many reasons why solar energy is so expensive.
a. There are only so many PV component manufacturers so competition is minimal.
b. Government regulations will not allow home or business owners to install their own systems.
c. Architects are reluctant to approve innovative unproven solar house designs.
d. Builders find that it is not profitable for them to spend excessive architectural fees on designs that are not mainstream and salable.
e. Our government, who should be demonstrating a leadership position in the promotion and use of solar energy, is the primary offender of energy conservation and does little in the promotion of a sustainable culture that might threaten the aristocracy.
f. The price of oil is maintained at an artificially low price by government subsidies and special interest groups.
g. Most people are too busy dealing with the problems of day to day survival to be concerned with the headache of a long range investment like solar energy.
h. Fossil fuel oil corporations, who control our economy are doing all they can to discourage the proliferation of alternative energies.
i. We have become addicted to fossil fuel energy concentrates the way a child becomes addicted to candy.
How long do these systems last? What is the warranty on these systems?
Photovoltaic systems have been around for over 50 years and so far, the original systems are still working just fine. Yet the accelerated testing is giving us numbers like 40-50 years with a 2% per decrease throughout the systems life. The limited warranty is 25 years on the solar modules and 10 years on the inverters. The inverters are designed as modular units so if you have a component failure, just that card or component needs to be replaced, saving a lot of money over replacing the entire unit.
What is the maintenance on these systems?
These systems require little to no maintenance. Because there are no moving parts in a solar power system, there is nothing to go wrong. The main concern is to make sure the modules are clear of bird droppings and dirt and that trees aren't shading the system. Also, make sure the system is putting out its proper power during the year by glancing at the metering system from time to time. Most of our customers clean their panels regularly for maximum efficiency. In some areas, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. However, if you are in a dusty area (urban areas, very near a busy dirt road, etc.) you should see a performance gain from cleaning the panels monthly or possibly more often. Usually, a hose stream is sufficient for cleaning. Do not walk on or over the panels to clean them. Do not use metal, hard, or abrasive methods for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot; as you may crack the glass. Other than that... keep smiling every time you see the sun and knowing it is working for you all day long. The inverters and related wiring require no maintenance.
How much solar electric power do I need to power my home?
Each home is different, and the amount of electricity you use is very dependent upon your lifestyle, how your home was built, and your appliances. As part of our services, we work with you to reduce your electrical consumption in easy ways. Ideally, your Sunscape Solar PV Solar Electric System will be designed to eliminate your electric bill. Restrictions however, on budget, space or sunlight exposure will affect overall savings potential. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
How much roof area do these systems take?
Typically, we need 100 square feet for every kilowatt of photovoltaic system required in a location such as Los Angeles, California. Solar Systems also need South, West or East facing roofs that are not shaded between 9am and 5pm. Our solar power systems can be flush or tilt mounted and uses light to generate power, not heat. One of the main side benefits of a photovoltaic system is that the solar power system shades your roof and reduces your air conditioning load by 10% or more saving you even more money.
Do the solar panels need to be mounted on my roof?
Panels are often mounted on the roof, but can also be mounted on the ground. Ground mounts are great if the house is shaded, or if dormers or other obstructions limit available space on the roof.
Do the panels need to face south?
South is always best, but panels installed facing east or west can still generate a very high percentage of possible power. It is usually more effective (and more attractive) to install the panels in the same plane as the roof direction, rather than build an awkward mount to angle them. The CA rebate is discounted on systems not installed in the optimum direction and angle.
What happens if the panels get covered by snow?
Solar electric panels need sunshine to generate power. While some sun does make it through several inches of snow, little electricity is generated when the panels are covered with anything. Most power is made during clear sunny days. Our estimates take that into account.
Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
Solar panels will last many years (30+). Because of this, we want the roof to be in decent condition, as it does not make sense to remove and reinstall the panels after only a few years. However, after the panels are in place, they will greatly reduce the wear on the roof by blocking ultraviolet rays, keeping most snow and ice off the roof, and keeping anything from hitting the roof. Most installations do not require a new roof prior to PV installation. We will check the condition before installation.
What happens if the panels are shaded?
PV panels should be installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce the output. Our designs and installations also seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through selection of the proper equipment and good engineering.
Are the panels fragile?
No. While the panels are made of tempered glass, it is quite strong. They pass hail tests, and are regularly installed in Arctic and Antarctic conditions. However, cleaning them with cold water on a hot day is not a good idea!
Does a solar electrical system have enough power to run all my major appliances?
A solar electrical system is connected to your electrical main and is designed to offset most power usage within your home or building—this includes most major appliances but not air conditioning or pool pumps!
Will my property taxes go up if I install a solar energy system?
In California, your home or business value cannot be re-appraised by the City/County Assessor's Office for solar related property improvements. Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
Are there tax credits or any other incentives to go solar?
There are many incentives for purchasing solar. These vary from state-to-state. The SCE residential utility rebate is currently paying $1.90 per watt of total installed system power but is slated to drop soon so act now! There is also a federal tax credit of 30% of the total installed price for any residential or commercial solar PV system. This tax credit is good through 2016. The Federal (MACRS) and State accelerated depreciation deductions can also significantly reduce the final cost of a system used for commercial applications. It depends upon where you live. Some municipally owned utilities have established their own programs and some credit unions and banks have special loan rates. We offer excellent financing through Clean Power Finance, a dedicated solar energy financing company. For a comprehensive list of incentives, rules and regulations affecting solar energy, check with the database of incentives.
Some other common incentives include:
Clean electric generation
Stable electric cost
Backup power for utility outage (only with battery backup)
Fight climate change / global warming
Reduce dependence on foreign oil
Take care of my children's world
Create safe and secure electricity supply
Political statement for a renewable energy future
Strongly dislike buying electricity from the utility
Feeling of empowerment
Remote site with no electric service (only with battery backup)
Sending electricity back to the utility (net metering) is cool
Solar energy just makes sense
Much higher resale value for my property without increase in taxes
Call or e-mail us for a free on-site evaluation.
If I sell my property, what effect does PV have on the sale price?
Energy conservation and renewable generation adds value to a home. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000.00 saved per year, $20,000.00 is added to a home's value. Solar energy can be one of the best home or business improvement investments you make. Also, many of the loans on our Sunscape Solar PV Solar systems can be assumable.
Why is there such a variation in prices?
Although any solar component that qualifies for the CEC rebate must meet certain minimum criteria, there are wide variations in the way PV modules are manufactured and assembled. Some of the modules recently entering the American market are made in China and are less expensive than better European or American brands. Sunscape Solar proudly offers the best American-made components possible!
How much will I save?
The savings will depend on the size of your solar system and the amount of electricity you would normally have consumed. A 2kW PV system which is replacing electricity at 30 cents a kWh might save $1,125.00 per year. Rates in California are increasing dramatically so savings will also increase proportionally. The highest tier in SCE territory has reached 42 cents per kilowatt hour.
Can I install the PV Electric System myself?
Possibly, but only if you have a high-tolerance for the government paperwork process, a state solar contractors license, extensive electrical systems experience and are not afraid to put numerous holes in your roof and walls. Like all specialized jobs, there are very good reasons to hire a qualified and experienced company like Sunscape Solar that does the job quickly, safely and economically.
How long does it take for a PV system to pay for itself?
It is more instructive to think of solar as an investment that yields an annual return, much as a bank savings account provides interest. A Sunscape Solar PV Solar system will generate savings that would equal 7% to 18% per year at today's electric rates. This savings is not taxed as is interest from a bank account. Thus you would have to find a bank account yielding 14% to 28% to equal the return on a PV solar electric system. The fact is, if you want to use electricity, you will be paying somebody!
You may prefer to pay the utility bill forever, or you may choose to become your own utility with PV solar system, instead. For more information on payback, please go to our page "The Economics of Renewable Energy."
How long does it take to install a PV system?
Typical residential systems take from 2 to 5 days to install once all of the paperwork, site-analysis, system design, plans and permits are completed. Systems mounted on the ground and systems with batteries are much more complex and may take longer. Most of this time is spent outside your house, so there is little disturbance to you. Commercial systems take several weeks to over a month to install once all of the plans and permits have been approved, depending upon size and type of installation.
What about licenses, permits and building codes?
Sunscape Solar takes care of all licenses and permits and assists with HOA approvals, all included in the original contract price. Your system must pass both local building and national electric code requirements. Sunscape Solar is an experienced, licensed and bonded California contractor, with hundreds of completed installations.
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What do I do next if I want to see about getting a system on my house?
First, get a twelve-month history of your electric bills together or contact your utility company’s web site and request a twelve-month history via e-mail. Then, perform an online energy audit to see how much money you can save by making simple and ordinary changes like changing to fluorescent light bulbs, etc. Then call or e-mail the history to us for a free on-site evaluation.
How does the whole process work to get started?
Once we review and analyze your current monthly electricity usage and bills, we talk about your needs based upon your budget and how much savings you would like to receive from solar power, we visit your California home or business, determine structural qualifications, placement, etc., and then we make a system recommendation. It’s that simple! Give us a call at 877-676-5277 or e-mail us and we will spend some time with you and set up a FREE on-site evaluation and feasibility study. We are located in the Inland Empire of Southern California. The next thing you know you might be the first "PV Pioneer" in your neighborhood.