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FAQ's |
- How much space does the system need?
- Do the panels need to be mounted on my roof?
- Do the panels need to face south?
- Are the panels fragile?
- How much solar electric power do I need to power my home?
- How much power does the system produce?
- How long will the system last?
- Do I need batteries with the system?
- 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?
- Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
- Does solar work for commercial buildings?
- How long does it take to install a PV system?
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1.How much space does the system need?
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. |
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2.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.
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3.Do the panels need
to face south?
South is best, but panels installed facing east or west 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. |
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4.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. |
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5.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. |
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6.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. |
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7.How long will the
system last?
The solar panels have a 25 year power warranty from the manufacturer.
This is longer than almost anything else you can buy. The rest of
the system has a 5 year warranty in most areas. Inverters can have
warranties up to 10 years. |
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8.Do I need batteries
with the system?
Batteries are only required if you want backup power when the utility
is out of service. Without batteries, the system has no way to store
power, and for safety reasons cannot produce power without the utility
in operation. |
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9.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. |
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10.Do I need to
install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
Solar panels will last many years (over 25). 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. |
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11.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 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. |
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12.Do I need to
clean the panels periodically?
Most of our customers do not clean their panels. In most areas of
the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. 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
monthly. 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. |
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13.Does solar work
for commercial buildings?
We have installed solar on office buildings, retail buildings, schools,
and government facilities. Anywhere electricity is used can use
solar electricity. |
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14.How long does
it take to install a PV 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 take several
weeks to over a month to install, depending upon size and type of
installation. |
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