California Solar Electric
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much solar electric power will I need to power my home?
It varies by the amount of electricity you use. The amount of panels installed is dependent upon your lifestyle, appliances, and how your home is built. Our renewable energy consultants are experts in designing the most effective system for reducing your electrical consumption.
2. Does solar work for commercial buildings?
We have installed solar on office buildings, retail buildings and schools with much success. Anywhere electricity is used can use solar electricity.
3. How much power will the system produce?
Systems come in all sizes, and can be designed to produce as much or as little power as needed. Many systems produce a portion of the home's required power, leaving room for future additional panels and conservation.
4. Do the PV panels have to be mounted on my roof?
Panels are often mounted on the roof, but can also be mounted on the ground. If the roof is overly shaded or has many skylights or other obstructions that limit available space, thenground mounts are a great option.
5. Do the panels have to face south?
Facing the panels south is ideal, but panels installed facing east or west still generate a very high percentage of power. It is usually more effective and attractive to install the panels in the same plane as the roof direction.
6. How much space does a system require?
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.
7. Are the panels durable?
Yes, even though they may seem fragile, as they are made of tempered glass, they are very strong. They pass intense hail tests and can withstand temperature drops and spikes and have high impact resistance.
8. How long will the system last?
The photovoltaic modules carry a 25-year manufacturer warranty. We offer a 10 year warranty on installation and inverters. Theses warranties are longer than almost anything else you can purchase.
9. What happens if the panels are shaded?
We make sure that PV panels are installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can very significantly reduce the output. We use the most up to date technology to predict shade in the various seasons and take into account tree growth.
10. How long does it take to install a PV system?
Typical systems take from 1 to 5 days to install. Typically, systems are installed in 2-3 days, but since every job is custom, times may vary. The crew is as quiet and non-intrusive as possible, so there is little disturbance to you. Some larger commercial systems may take longer, depending on the size and type of installation.
11. Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
Most of our customers do not clean their panels and are still happy with their output. However in an area where there is little rain, dust and pollen can create a film over the panels that does indeed reduce the amount of energy generated. If necessary, using a hose to spray off dust monthly can increase efficiency. Do not spray panels when they are very hot. You should not walk on or over panels to clean them or use any abrasive methods for cleaning.
12. Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
Photovoltaic modules (solar panels) will last for over 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 installed, they will greatly reduce the wear on the roof by blocking UV rays and keeping anything from hitting the roof. Most of our installations do not require a new roof prior to PV installation.
13. What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is the regulatory ability to get credit for electricity you generate with your solar modules and send backwards through your utility meter. Basically net metering allows you to generate excess power during the day, and then use it at night without needing batteries. Since it is a 12-month agreement, it also works summer to winter; when you use more energy than you generate, you use credits that were built up when you were generating more than you used.
14. If I sell my property, what effect does PV have on the sale price?
Adding solar to your home is one of the only ways you can increase your property value without increasing your property taxes. Recent 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 most effective home improvement investments you make.
15. Are there financial incentives for buying solar electricity?
There are many incentives for purchasing solar. In California, there are rebate incentives and tax advantages, which our renewable energy consultants and rebate specialist can explain in detail. Other financial incentives include not having to pay for the ever increasing electricity costs, higher resale value of home, tax write-offs for businesses, back-up power for utility shortage, etc. This is all in addition to the mitigation of global climate change by reducing greenhouse gases, reducing our depency on non-renewable energy sources and the associated environmental impacts with extraction, while taking care of our children’s future.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions! |
Email us info@californiasolarelectric.com or call 805-640-7903, 201 Bryant St. Suite 10, Ojai, Ca. 