SOLAR FAQs
Do I need batteries?
The decision of whether or not to include batteries in your solar system depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are a few factors to consider:
Energy Independence: If you want to have a backup power supply during grid outages or aim for greater energy independence, batteries can store excess energy generated by your solar panels for use when the sun is not shining.
Time-of-Use Optimization: If your utility company has time-of-use (TOU) rates, batteries can help you save money by storing solar energy during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower and using it during peak hours when rates are higher.
Off-Grid Capability: If you live in a remote area without access to the utility grid, batteries are essential for storing solar energy and providing electricity when sunlight is limited.
Excess Energy Utilization: Without batteries, any excess energy generated by your solar panels that is not immediately consumed is typically fed back into the grid. With batteries, you can store and utilize that excess energy instead of sending it back, maximizing your self-consumption and potential savings.
System Cost: Adding batteries to your solar system increases the upfront cost. You should evaluate whether the benefits of having batteries, such as backup power or increased self-consumption, justify the additional expense.
If you consult with us, we can assess your specific needs and help you determine whether incorporating batteries into your solar system is the right choice for you.
How old can my roof be to go solar?
If your roof has less than 2 years of life expectancy remaining, we recommend consulting with your roofer.
How does solar work?
Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Here's a simplified explanation of how solar energy is harnessed:
Solar Panels: Solar panels, also known as solar modules, are made up of multiple solar cells. These cells are typically composed of silicon, a semiconductor material. When sunlight hits the solar panels, the photons (particles of light) excite the electrons in the silicon atoms, creating a flow of electricity.
Direct Current (DC) Electricity: The electricity generated by the solar panels is in the form of direct current (DC), which is a type of electricity that flows in one direction. However, most household appliances and the electrical grid operate on alternating current (AC).
Inverter: To convert the DC electricity from the solar panels into AC electricity, an inverter is used. The inverter converts the DC electricity into the AC electricity that can be used to power your home or fed back into the electrical grid.
Electrical Loads: The AC electricity produced by the inverter can be used to power various electrical loads in your home, such as lights, appliances, and electronics. By utilizing solar power, you can offset your reliance on electricity from the grid, potentially reducing your energy costs and environmental impact.
Net Metering (Grid-Tied Systems): In grid-tied solar systems, any excess electricity generated by your solar panels that is not immediately consumed is fed back into the electrical grid. This surplus electricity is credited to your utility bill, potentially resulting in lower energy costs. During times when your solar panels are not producing enough electricity (e.g., at night), you can draw power from the grid.
It's worth noting that solar power systems may also include other components, such as a mounting structure to support the solar panels, wiring, monitoring systems, and batteries for energy storage in cases where backup power or off-grid capability is desired.
Overall, solar power harnesses renewable energy from the sun to generate electricity, providing a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.
What’s a solar lease or solar PPA?
Solar Lease: A solar lease is an arrangement where a third-party solar provider installs and owns a solar system on your property. You agree to lease the system and make regular lease payments to the provider for using the system. The provider is responsible for system maintenance, repairs, and monitoring.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A power purchase agreement is an agreement between you and a solar provider where they install and own the solar system on your property. Instead of leasing the system, you agree to purchase the electricity generated by the system at a predetermined rate, typically lower than your utility's electricity rate. The provider is responsible for system maintenance, repairs, and monitoring.
Here are a few common concerns associated with solar leases and PPAs:
Limited Financial Benefits: With solar leases and PPAs, the financial benefits may be limited compared to owning a solar system outright. While you may see some reduction in electricity costs, the long-term savings potential may be lower compared to owning the system and benefiting from the full value of the energy generated.
Lack of System Ownership: Under a solar lease or PPA, you do not own the solar system. This means you do not benefit from any potential increase in property value resulting from the installation of solar panels. Additionally, you may not have control over system maintenance or modifications.
Contractual Obligations: Solar lease and PPA agreements typically have long-term contracts, often spanning 10 to 25 years. If you decide to sell your property before the contract term ends, it may be challenging to transfer the agreement to the new property owner. This can potentially limit your flexibility.
Limited Provider Choices: The options for solar lease and PPA providers may be more limited compared to the choices available for purchasing a solar system. This can restrict your ability to find the most competitive terms, pricing, or customer service.
Financing Alternatives: Depending on your financial situation, there may be other financing alternatives available that provide greater long-term benefits. Exploring options such as solar loans, cash purchases, or other financing programs can offer more control, ownership, and potential savings over time.
It is always recommended to thoroughly research and compare the various solar financing options available to determine which best aligns with your specific financial goals, preferences, and circumstances. Consulting with reputable solar installers, financial advisors, or energy professionals can also provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Do you provide any type of financing?
Yes! Loans are available. Contact us for more details.
What happens when its cloudy or raining at night?
When it is cloudy or raining, and especially during nighttime, the amount of sunlight available for solar panels to generate electricity is significantly reduced or absent. Here's what typically happens in such conditions:
Reduced Solar Generation: Cloudy or overcast conditions result in reduced solar irradiance, which affects the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels. As a result, the solar panels generate less electricity compared to clear, sunny days. The extent of the reduction depends on the density of the cloud cover.
Dependency on the Grid: When solar panels produce less electricity due to cloudy or rainy weather or during nighttime, your energy needs are primarily met by the electrical grid. In such situations, your electrical supply seamlessly switches from solar power to grid power to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Net Metering (Grid-Tied Systems): If you have a grid-tied solar system with net metering, excess energy generated by your solar panels during sunnier periods is typically fed back into the grid, earning you credits. These credits can be utilized when your solar system is not generating enough electricity, such as during cloudy days or nighttime, allowing you to draw power from the grid without incurring additional costs.
Battery Storage (If Applicable): If your solar system is equipped with battery storage, any excess energy generated by your solar panels during sunny periods can be stored in the batteries. This stored energy can then be used during periods of low solar generation, such as cloudy days or nighttime. Batteries provide a means to store and utilize solar energy even when the sun isn't shining.
In summary, during cloudy or rainy weather or nighttime, your solar panels generate less electricity, and your energy consumption is primarily fulfilled by the electrical grid. Net metering and battery storage can help optimize the use of solar energy and minimize reliance on the grid during periods of reduced solar generation.
How long does it take to install solar on my home?
The installation timeline for solar panels on a home can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the installation, the size of the system, the availability of equipment, and the scheduling of the installation team. Generally, the installation process follows these steps:
Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with a solar installer. During this stage, your energy needs, site assessment, and system design are discussed. The installer may also evaluate your roof's suitability for solar and determine the best placement for the panels.
Permits and Paperwork: Once you decide to proceed with the installation, the solar installer will handle the necessary permits and paperwork required by local authorities and utility companies. This step can vary in duration depending on your location and the efficiency of the permitting process.
Equipment Procurement: After the necessary approvals are obtained, the solar installer will procure the solar panels, inverters, mounting equipment, and other components required for your system. The time required for equipment procurement depends on factors such as supplier availability and shipping times.
Installation and Wiring: The installation team will schedule a date for the installation to take place. They will mount the solar panels on your roof or any other suitable location, install the wiring to connect the panels to your electrical system, and set up the inverters and monitoring equipment.
Inspections and Utility Connection: Following the installation, the system will undergo inspections by local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Once inspections are passed, the utility company will install a new meter or reconfigure your existing meter to allow for net metering or interconnection with the electrical grid.
The entire process, from initial consultation to utility connection, can typically take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. It's advisable to consult with your chosen solar installer to get a more accurate estimate of the installation timeline based on your specific circumstances.
What rebates and incentives are available?
Here are some rebates and incentives specifically available for solar energy systems in California:
California Solar Initiative (CSI): The CSI offers cash rebates for residential and commercial solar installations. The rebate amount varies based on the system size and performance. The program is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and is available for customers of investor-owned utilities in the state.
Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP): The SGIP provides incentives for the installation of energy storage systems, including solar battery storage. It offers rebates based on the kilowatt-hour capacity of the storage system. The program encourages the integration of renewable energy with storage to enhance grid reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Property Tax Exemption: California offers a property tax exemption for the additional value of a solar energy system. This means that the added value to your property from installing solar panels will not be subject to increased property taxes.
Net Energy Metering (NEM): California's NEM program allows solar system owners to receive credits for excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. These credits can offset future electricity consumption, resulting in lower electricity bills.
California Solar Initiative Thermal Program (CSI-Thermal): CSI-Thermal provides incentives for solar water heating systems. It offers cash rebates for qualifying residential, commercial, and industrial solar water heating installations.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Although not specific to California, the Federal ITC applies nationwide and allows homeowners and businesses to claim a tax credit for a percentage of the cost of their solar system. The ITC provides a 30% tax credit for residential and commercial solar installations.
The Inflation Reduction Act has restored and extended the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in California. With this development, the ITC has been reinstated to 30% and the timeline for taking advantage of this tax credit has been extended for an additional 10 years until 2032.
Furthermore, the expansion of the ITC to include solar+storage equipment expenses is another positive development. Now, energy storage devices with a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt hours or greater, including stand-alone storage systems, are eligible for the ITC. This expansion acknowledges the growing importance of energy storage in maximizing the benefits of solar installations.
Given the complexities of tax laws and regulations, it's always advisable to consult with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or tax professional to fully understand the implications and requirements of the Solar ITC. A CPA can provide personalized guidance and ensure that you take full advantage of the available incentives while complying with all applicable tax regulations.
By consulting with a CPA, you can gain a clear understanding of the specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and documentation needed to claim the Solar ITC for your solar and energy storage system. They can help you navigate the tax landscape and maximize the financial benefits of your solar investment while ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.
What happens to my unused energy?
When you generate more electricity from your solar panels than you consume, the excess energy typically goes back into the electrical grid. Here's how the process of handling unused energy, often referred to as net metering, generally works:
Net Metering: If your solar system is connected to the electrical grid, a bi-directional meter (net meter) is installed. This meter measures both the electricity you consume from the grid and the excess electricity you send back to the grid.
Energy Credit: When your solar system produces more electricity than you currently need, the excess energy is fed back into the grid. In return, you receive energy credits on your utility bill. These credits represent the value of the excess electricity you contributed to the grid.
Offsetting Future Consumption: The energy credits you accumulate can be used to offset your future electricity consumption. During periods when your solar system is not generating enough electricity (such as at night or on cloudy days), you can draw energy from the grid and utilize the credits you earned to reduce or eliminate the cost of that electricity.
Annual Settlement: Depending on the specific net metering policy in your area, there may be an annual settlement period. At the end of this period (typically once a year), any remaining energy credits are reconciled. In some cases, you may receive payment or a reduced rate for the excess credits, while in other cases, they may be carried forward to the following year.
It's important to note that net metering policies and regulations can vary by location and utility company. The specific rules and benefits associated with net metering, such as the credit rate and carryover period, can differ. It's recommended to check with your local utility company or consult with a solar professional to understand the net metering policies and arrangements applicable to your situation.
Overall, net metering allows you to make the most of your solar energy system by ensuring that your excess electricity contributes to the grid and offsets your future energy consumption, providing potential cost savings and environmental benefits.
What’s an SREC?
SREC stands for Solar Renewable Energy Certificate. It is a type of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) or "Green tag" that represents the environmental benefits associated with electricity generated from a solar facility. Here are a few key points about SRECs:
Environmental Attributes: SRECs represent the environmental attributes of electricity generated by a solar facility, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the use of clean, renewable energy sources. Each SREC is a tradable instrument that certifies the production of a certain amount of solar energy.
Certification and Registration: To receive SRECs, a solar facility must go through a certification and registration process. The system's production and generation data are verified to ensure compliance with specific standards and requirements. Once certified and registered, the solar facility is eligible to generate and sell SRECs.
Tradable and Monetizable: SRECs can be bought and sold on the open market. They provide a way for solar facility owners to monetize the environmental benefits of their clean energy generation. SRECs are typically purchased by utilities, power suppliers, or entities that have renewable energy obligations or goals.
Compliance and Renewable Energy Targets: SRECs play a significant role in supporting compliance with renewable energy targets and mandates. Utility companies and other obligated entities may use SRECs to demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy generation and meet regulatory requirements.
It's important to note that SREC programs and regulations can vary by state or region. The availability, value, and trading mechanisms for SRECs depend on the specific market conditions and policies in place. If you are considering solar energy or participating in SREC programs, it's advisable to consult with local authorities, energy market experts, or solar professionals to understand the specific details and requirements in your area.
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