Where do the solar panels go on my home?
Most people we talk to are interested in a rooftop solar energy system. If the same is true for you, the solar panels would be installed on the south-facing portion of your roof. Don’t have south-facing exposure? That’s OK: a qualified solar installer can discuss other options, like installing the solar panels facing southwest or southeast. Some homeowners opt for a ground-mounted system, which can work just as well -- or better -- than a solar roof system.
How many solar panels do I need?
The size of your solar home energy system will depend on a number of factors: how much electricity throughout the year; how much usable roof space you have; and your budget. To take a simplified example, a mid-size residential system of, say, 4.2 kilowatts (kW) might be made up of 20 solar panels. Here’s the math: 20 panels x 210 watts/panel = 4200 watts or 4.2 kW. If you want a bigger system, you could install bigger solar panels, more solar panels, or both.
How long do solar panels last?
The short answer is: a long time. Solar panels are typically warrantied to produce at least 80 percent of their listed power rating for 20 or 25 years. In practice, a solar panel’s useful life may be longer still. According to some industry pros, like Andy Black, some solar panels that were manufactured 40 years ago are still generating power at 80 percent of their original listed capacity.
How do I apply for solar rebates and other incentives?
If your state or utility has a solar rebate program, our local solar installation partners will know the ins and outs of the application process like the back of their hand. They’ll answer any rebate-related questions for you when they provide a solar quote -- and typically they are the ones who handle any paper work associated with the solar rebate application process. As for the 30-percent federal solar tax credit, it’s best to check with your tax professional.
I have an old roof -- can I still install solar panels?
Generally speaking, the newer the roof, the better. This is because you don’t want to install solar panels now only to, three years down the line, pay to have them taken down in order to repair or replace the roof underneath. If you’re already planning on re-roofing this year, it probably makes sense to coordinate this upgrade with the solar installation project.
What about batteries?
Most solar energy systems installed today do NOT come with batteries. There are a number of reasons for this: batteries make the solar system cost more; typically batteries typically periodic maintenance in order to achieve optimal performance; and some energy is lost whenever energy is stored and, after, released from batteries. What’s more, days-long power outages are a fairly rare event in most parts of the country -- so, for most of us, a backup power supply isn’t a must have. In sum, most homeowner opt to forgo the added hassle, cost and inefficiency of batteries and instead install grid-tied systems that send any excess solar power to the electric grid.
The rule of thumb is that you need roughly 100 square feet to install 1 kilowatt (kW) of solar panels. This means that the average residential solar panel system of 5 kW would require 500 square feet of space. A qualified installer can help you design, size and site a solar energy system that’s right for your home and electricity usage.
What happens if the power goes out?
Most residential solar energy systems are connected to the electric grid -- or “grid-tied” -- so that you can “sell” extra electricity back to the utility via net metering. But it’s dangerous to send electricity onto power lines that may be damaged, say, from a recent storm. Live wires are also a hazard to utility technicians who are sent to work on the power lines. As a result, solar home energy systems are designed to automatically shut off in the case of a power failure. If power outages are a big concern, the most cost-effective solution is usually a backup generator.
Solar Homes: Frequently Asked Questions |
