Solar Electrical Systems Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I have enough sunlight for a solar system?
A: There is often a misperception that strong sunlight is need for a solar electrical system to work. In fact, there is enough sunlight to make solar energy systems useful and effective nearly everywhere in the United States, including homes in New England.
A photovoltaic (PV) solar system needs unobstructed access to the sun's rays- not the sun’s heat- for most or all of the day. Climate is not really a concern, because PV systems are relatively unaffected by severe weather. In fact, some PV modules actually work better in colder weather. Most PV modules are angled to catch the sun's rays, so any snow that collects on them usually melts quickly.
Even hail won't harm most PV systems. Most homes have adequate roof space for a PV system, but you will have to size your system first to discover how much space is required. If you don't have adequate roof space, look at other options such as integrating the system into a wall or putting the system in the backyard. You could also use the system to cover a porch or patio in the backyard or mount the system on the roof or wall of a garage.
Q: Do I need to have a south-facing roof to install a solar electrical system?
A: A south-facing roof area is optimal, but solar electric panels can be mounted on west- or east- facing roofs and still produce better than 90 percent of the power of a true south roof mounting.
Q: Do your solar systems make hot water?
A: No. People often confuse our products with solar thermal panels that involve water circulating through tubes to be heated by the sun for swimming pool water heating. Our solar modules convert sunlight into electric current to operate appliances, motors, pumps and other devices.
Q: Will a system produce enough energy to cover all my electricity needs?
A: While we are happy to provide you with a system that supplies 100 percent of your energy needs it is important to understand that a solar electric system does not need to provide all of the electricity you need to be of great value. A small system that displaces an average of one-quarter to one-half of your average demand will still substantially reduce your electric bill.
Q: What other options do I have if the system cannot be mounted on my roof?
A: If a roof-mounted system proves impractical, a ground-mount, trellis or pergola application may be an option.
Q: Will the weight of a solar electrical system be too much for my roof?
A: No, solar modules are very lightweight. The combined weight of the rails and solar modules is only 3 lbs per square foot.
Q: What is net metering?
A: Net metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your utility and the electricity you produce with your solar energy system. Under net metering, any excess electricity produced by your solar energy system is delivered back into the utility grid, effectively spinning your meter backwards. Your meter spins forward when your solar energy system is not producing all of the electricity you are currently using. Your electric meter keeps track of this net difference as you generate electricity and take electricity from the utility grid. Net metering is now required by law in Massachusetts.
Q: Does it make sense to install a solar system if we are moving in a couple of years?
A: Yes. Most real estate experts currently believe that given the concerns about energy costs a solar system significantly raises a home's value. A study by HUD and the EPA found that the value of your home is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual operating costs resulting from installed energy generation systems like solar.
Q: What is the lifespan of the solar modules?
A: Most experts believe solar electric modules have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years. However, the truth is that we don't really know for sure since most modern solar panels have not been in existence that long. Many experts believe the actual number could be much higher, possibly as much as 50 years. What is very clear is that solar modules are extremely durable, have no moving parts, and lose very little of their energy generating capacity over time. This is one of the reasons that they make sense as a long-term investment.
Have a solar question that hasn't been answered?
Email your questions to info@solarenergysense.com
17 Chase Road, Falmouth, MA 02540
