FAQ

How does it work?

Photovoltaic cells are comprised of a semiconductor material such as silicon. Added to the silicon are the elements phosphorous and boron which create conductivity within the cell and activate the movement of electrons. The electrons move across the cell when activated by the sunlight's energy into the electrical circuit hooked up to the solar panel.

Solar panels are often mounted on a roof and wired into a building via an inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) energy generated through the solar panels into alternating current (AC), the most common type of current used to power buildings in the USA.

Are solar energy systems low maintenance?

Today’s solar energy systems have few moving parts and can operate silently and dependably with warranties of up to 25 years. The systems run automatically and efficiently with electronic controllers.

Will solar work on my roof?

Solar works best on roofs with southern exposure, though east or west-oriented roofs may be suitable as well. For optimum performance, there should be little or no shading on the system from adjacent trees or buildings. Remember, locations with no shading in the winter may be shaded by spring and summer foliage.

Solar energy systems can be installed in a number of ways, on many styles of roofs or on the ground. We will work with you to decide what works for your house or facility and to determine that your planned installation meets local building codes.

Do panels store energy from the sun?

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.

What can a solar system power in my property?

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.

How long does it take to install?

It takes 2-3 days for our qualified installers to install a typical residential system. With rebate paperwork, utility interconnection agreements, permits etc., typical turnaround time is 4-8 weeks. A commercial solar electric system will depend on the system magnitude, location, and other variables.

How long will my solar system last?

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.  .

What is the payback?

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.

Are there still rebates and tax credits?

Yes, there are state rebates in various states but the rebate amounts per watt are always going down.  The federal government currently offers a 30% tax credit the first year of purchasing a solar system.  For more information about your state rebate program, go to http://www.dsireusa.org/.

What is net-metering?

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. PECO currently uses a two-meter system.

Is snow covering the panels going to reduce production?

Yes, snow covering the panels will drastically reduce their output. 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.

What happens if there's a utility power outage?

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.