Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions we are often asked concerning adding solar to your home. If you don't see an answer to your question, be sure to contact us. We'll be glad to discuss your solar options in depth.

Do the panels need to face south?
What happens if the panels are shaded?
How does the power get stored?
Do I need batteries with the system?
What happens when the utility has a power outage?
Are the panels fragile?
How much space does the system need?
How much solar electric power do I need to power my home?
How much power does the system produce?
How long does it take to install a solar energy system?
Do the panels need to be mounted on my roof?
Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
How long will the system last?
What is Net Metering?
Are there incentives for buying solar electricity?
If I sell my property, what effect does solar have on the sale price?
Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
What happens if the panels get covered by snow?
Should I wait for the technology to improve?

 

Do the panels need to face south?
South is best, but panels installed facing southeast or southwest 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. Ground mounting is another option.

What happens if the panels are shaded?
PV panels should be installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every day, ideally from 9AM- 3PM. Even small amounts of shade can very 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. SHW collectors are more tolerant of shade than PV panels.

How does the power get stored?
In a Clean Power, 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, deep cycle batteries and other equipment are added to the system to provide power during a blackout. Solar Hot Water (SHW) systems store heat in a tank on site..

Do I need batteries with the system?
Batteries are only required if you want backup power when the utility is out of service or you have no utility service. Without batteries, a PV system has no way to store power. In a grid tied system, the utility acts as your “battery” by supplying your required power when it exceeds the production by the solar array.

What happens when the utility has a power outage?
Most PV systems are “clean power” grid tie systems, without batteries. These systems do not generate power when the utility is out for safety reasons. If backup power is desired, a battery system is used to power critical leads in a dedicated sub panel.

Are the panels fragile?
No. While the panels are made of tempered glass, they’re quite strong. They pass rigorous tests including hail tests, and PV panels are regularly installed in desert and marine environments.

How much space does the system need?
For example, a 2 KWP array which produces about 2400 kWh/year requires approximately 170 square feet. Since photovoltaic (PV) systems are modular they can be installed in increments if planned right. A Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) system is typically 40 - 64 square feet.

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 recommend simple steps you can take to reduce your electrical consumption. If you review your last electric bill you will see how much power (kilowatt hours) your household is consuming.

How much power does the system produce?
Systems come in all sizes, and produce as much or as little power as required. Most systems produce a portion of the home's required power, leaving room for additional conservation or generation in the future. SHW systems typically provide 50-75% of your hot water needs.

How long does it take to install a solar energy system?
Typical residential systems take from 2 to 5 days to install. Systems mounted on the ground and systems with batteries are more complex, and may take longer. Most of this time is spent outside your house, so there is little disturbance to you. Commercial systems may take several weeks to install, depending upon size and type of installation.

Do the 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. Solar Source’s parent company, the Melanson Company is an experienced roofing company and will insure the integrity of your roof/solar integration.

Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
Solar panels will last for decades, with warranties of 25 years. 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 and keeping most snow and ice off the roof.

How long will the system last?
Solar systems are built to last for decades. The PV panels have a 25 year power warranty from the manufacturer. Inverters can have warranties of 10 years or more. The SHW system collectors have a 10 year warranty and tanks are from 6-10 years.

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 during the day and ‘sell it’ to the utility.

Are there incentives for buying solar electricity?
There are many incentives for purchasing solar. Some common incentives include:

Economic:
Federal Tax credits are currently 30% of the system cost, details can be provided.
Individual states offer incentives as do some utilities, see www.dsireusa.org
Reduced electrical costs and a secure source
Stable energy costs, electric costs are inflating at a rate of about 5%/year.
Higher resale value for your property

Social:
Take action on climate change
Clean “green” electric generation
Locally produced energy just makes sense

Political:
A step toward energy independence
A statement for a renewable energy future

Survival:
Backup power for utility outage
Remote site with no electric service

If I sell my property, what effect does solar 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 improvement investments you make.

Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
In this part of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels on your solar installation. However, if you are in a dusty area (very near a busy dirt road, very urban area, etc.) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels. If necessary, a hose stream is usually 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.

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. Our annual production estimates take that into account. The steeper the angle the faster snow sheds. Snow can be removed with a plastic edged roof rake.

Should I wait for the technology to improve?
In the case of solar hot water there is little likelihood of a dramatic breakthrough and the costs of copper, glass and aluminum put upward price pressure on these systems. In the last 20 years costs have gone up and the only development, evacuated tubes are not proving to be a better (or cheaper) collector. For PV while there will continue to be improvements and breakthroughs the dominant technology for decades- silicon (one of the most abundant raw materials on the planet) crystalline cells, has continued to get better and cheaper. Thin films using silicon and other often exotic materials have gained market share but still suffer an efficiency penalty requiring more area so they must become significantly cheaper to be competitive. The reality is that by waiting for a breakthrough the savings in energy grow each year as energy costs increase and CO2 are postponed. The cost savings would have to be dramatic to make it worthwhile since the CO2 savings would not be recoverable and it will likely take several years after the breakthrough discovery for widespread commercial availability. So proven, reliable technology with a great return on investment now, or a possible breakthrough that might be as reliable sometime in the future, what are you waiting for?