Fun Facts About Solar Energy
After exploring our FAQs, dive into the interesting fun facts about solar energy we've compiled to enhance your solar knowledge.
Have Questions? Here’s Where to Find Your Answers!!
Commonly Asked
Why should I install a battery?
Batteries provide stored energy to designated appliances/outlets in the event of a power outage or blackout (backup). In addition, the battery can be programmed to minimize the amount of electricity you pull from the grid during peak hours when utility rates are high (self-consumption).
I would like to go solar, but I need a new roof. What do you recommend?
Given that systems last 25 to 30+ years, we recommend having the roof repaired/remodeled along with going solar. Our roofing subcontractor coordinates with the install team to preserve the roof & solar panel warranties. Typically roof warranties are 10-12 years depending on subcontractor used. After the solar panels are installed, your roof is covered where the roof penetrations are made and 3ft surrounding your system for an additional 10 years.
Will my solar panel system be covered under my homeowners’ insurance?
Yes, the cost of the ENTIRE solar panel system is covered.
Does the solar energy system come with a warranty?
Yes, if purchased, there’s a 25-year manufactures’ warranty on the solar power system and a 10-year workmanship warranty that covers all workmanship defects related to installed work only. With a PPA, the installers maintain ownership of the panels during your agreement which also has a 20-year manufactures’ warranty throughout the lifetime of the PPA agreement.
What about my Homeowner’s Association?
The California Solar Rights Act restricts HOA’s from prohibiting solar to homeowners. We’ll work with your HOA on your behalf before, during, and after the entire installation process and provide them with whichever documents they require for a timely approval of your system. If need be, we can attend HOA meetings when you’re not available where your property(s) exists.
What happens at the end of the 20-25 year PPA?
You have many options: (1) have the equipment removed at no cost to you (2) purchase the system at fair market value (3) renew for two five (5) year terms (4) upgrade to a new system with a new contract (5) have the equipment removed at no cost to you after two five-year terms expire.
How long will my installation take?
Typical residential systems take 2-3 days to install, however, the size and complexity of the project will require more time. Permitting and city inspections make the overall project last approximately 8-12 weeks depending on your city, state, and installation size.
Which states do you operate in?
Currently our installers cover AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, MA, MD, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, and VT. More to be added soon!!
Will there be a lien put on my home?
No. A UCC-1 will be filed however that is applied to the solar panel system only and NOT the property. So, if ever an unfortunate reason that may fall upon you and missed payments accrue, the solar loan lender would come remove the solar panel system only.
25 years is a long time from now. What if utility rates don’t go up?
Rates will undoubtedly rise for the next 25 years+ due to 3 factors: 1) Maintenance; when transmission lines or the grid goes down, they require repair, paid for by consumers. 2) Growth; when new home/buildings are constructed transmission lines need to be extended, also paid for by consumers. 3) Cost of Fuel; extracting finite resources is expensive so consequently energy costs will continue to rise as they are depleted.
Will my system produce power if there is a black out?
No, due to safety concerns for utility workers, your system will automatically shut off during a blackout or power outage so long that you are connected to your utility provider (grid-tied). If you wish to have appliances running during a power outage (off-grid); let us know and we’ll assess whether battery backup is practical for you in your city or state.
Will my system produce power if there’s cloud cover or if it’s raining?
Yes, but very little production on an overcast day; during this time, you draw on overproduction credits (net-metering) or from energy stored in a battery when the sun was shining down on a clear day. Yet if the sun is shining through the clouds even when it’s raining your panels are still producing power.
Are we able to add more panels if needed?
Yes. We can add more panels to your existing system. After a full 12 months of system production, we’ll analyze your usage to determine exactly how many more panels are needed.
Will my panels work under snow cover?
Manufacturers design solar panels to withhold 20 to 40 pounds of weight per square foot, so snow generally isn’t heavy enough to be a risk. During manufacturing, all solar panels undergo pressure tests that assess quality and durability. Solar panels and the supporting equipment ratings vary to withstand temperature extremes within any environment.
Commercial & Industrial
What does a commercial or industrial solar installation look like?
There are many installation options for commercial solar projects, including various factory roofs, solar carports in & above parking lots, or large ground-mounted arrays. Commercial and industrial solar systems often include intricate racking systems to elevate and tilt the panels.
Why should C&I properties install a battery?
Batteries provide stored energy to designated equipment/outlets in the event of a power outage or blackout (backup). In addition, the battery can be programmed to minimize the amount of electricity you pull from the grid during peak hours when utility rates are high (self-consumption).
What type of solar panel is best for commercial use?
Commercial and industrial-scale installations use two primary types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. They are often larger than residential panels used by homeowners. Large-scale commercial solar installations often use 96-cell or greater solar panels, meaning each panel is comprised of 96 or more individual solar photovoltaic cells.
Is commercial solar profitable?
The average business will save $5,063 or more on electricity costs annually with commercial solar. If your business reinvests this money towards other business expenses, commercial solar is very profitable.
Multifamily Housing
What are the benefits of solar + high-performance building for renters?
More efficient buildings help renters avoid extra heating and cooling costs, and if paired with solar, those savings increase even more when electricity is factored into rent. Occupants also benefit from a more comfortable and healthy living space.
How much does solar cost for a multifamily project?
The cost of a multifamily solar project can vary depending on many factors like available roof space, your annual usage, the utility’s policies around solar, your energy goals, and more.
Do multifamily units install solar+battery?
Yes. Batteries provide stored energy to designated common area and/or emergency outlets in the event of a power outage or blackout (backup). In addition, the battery can be programmed to minimize the amount of electricity pulled from the grid during peak hours when utility rates are high (self-consumption).
How to finance multifamily solar projects?
Similar to residential & commercial solar, there are several ways to finance a project such as cash payment milestones, solar loan from banks/lenders/credit unions/green banks, $0 money down PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) and various others.
How much solar power do you need for a multifamily project?
For multifamily and mixed-used buildings, we typically see a 30-90% electricity offset. We’ll conduct a comprehensive needs analysis on each location and assess roof structure stability, how many meters available, energy offset goals, your building’s usage & structural history and several other factors.
Will I benefit from solar if I have tenants?
Most definitely!!! Here’s how; as the owner, your financed solar system cost $500/mo for 25 years. You have 5 tenants all paying ~$200/mo annually. Now that their electricity bill has been eliminated, you can raise their rents by $100 each, paying off the loan with no costs to you. Raising the rent by $150 would pay off the loan even faster – your choice. It’s a win-win for you and your tenants!!
Nonprofit / Municipalities
Why haven’t more nonprofits taken advantage of solar?
Traditionally, nonprofits resisted going solar because as tax-exempt organizations, they were not able to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit, which makes solar projects much more affordable. Thankfully, direct pay for nonprofits became a reality through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allowing all nonprofits to receive tax credits.
Do nonprofits install solar+battery?
Yes. Batteries provide stored energy to designated appliances, common area or emergency outlets in the event of a power outage or blackout (backup). In addition, the battery can be programmed to minimize the amount of electricity pulled from the grid during peak hours when utility rates are high (self-consumption).
How much solar power is required for a nonprofit project?
For various nonprofit buildings, we typically see a 30-90% electricity offset. We’ll conduct a comprehensive needs analysis on each location and assess roof structure stability, energy offset goals, your building’s usage & structural history as well as several other factors.
Can a non-profit, faith-based organization, or government entity benefit from going solar?
Absolutely; now that the Inflation Reduction Act passed, these organizations are now able to receive the full 30% federal tax credit, significantly reduce their electricity bill and realize HUGE savings over the lifetime of the system. Avoiding high demand charges when utilizing solar energy + battery storage lowers operational expenses leaving money available for expansion or growth that would otherwise be spent on utility costs.
Financially Related
What is the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC)?
Home/business owners, multifamily unit developers/owners and nonprofits receive a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the upfront cost of solar; including battery backup. It’s a credit, not a deduction, meaning if your project costs $100,000, the ITC reduces the amount owed to the federal government in taxes by $30,000. Consultation with your tax professional is always recommended.
When do I receive the Investment Tax Credit?
The 30% Investment Tax Credit does not arrive as an actual check. The credit comes in the form of a tax refund from the government. It is claimed on your tax return in the year that the system was installed. Furthermore, you can carry forward unused solar tax credits until you use them.
What is Direct Pay (Elective Pay)?
Allows qualifying tax-exempt entities to receive a direct payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in lieu of a tax credit. Similar to for-profit companies, state/local governments, nonprofits, rural electric cooperatives, houses of worship, schools, and tribal entities will be eligible for tax incentives of between 30 and 70 percent of the project's total cost – depending on the project's location and how much of the hardware content is produced domestically.
How much does solar cost?
Initial deposits are optional, otherwise, there are No up-front costs or fees. We take care of all permitting and installation costs. Additionally, all performance & system analysis reports, as well as site measurements are included.
How long do I pay for solar?
You lock in lower, fixed and predictable monthly payments for 8, 12, 15, 20 or 25 years (your choice). As opposed to the never-ending adjustable utility rates from your utility company that historically increases at an average of 4-12% annually (no choice).
Another company is offering us a lease; what’s the difference between a solar lease and a power purchase agreement (PPA)?
With a solar lease, you pay a fixed amount every month for your solar panel system regardless of how much energy your system produces. Through a PPA, you pay a fixed rate in kWh’s for the electricity your system produces which is lower than your current utility rate. This often comes with a 2.99% per year escalator fee.
What if I want to sell my property and move?
That won't be a problem. If you purchased the system, all you would do is roll the remaining balance into the selling price. Your property value increases due to the savings that adds up month after month and year after year, passing those savings on to the new property owner. Only now they don't have an electricity bill to pay just the fees and taxes charged from the utility company.
Will I receive two bills?
Yes, you will receive a fixed solar bill with an end date for your solar panel system and the other from your utility company that has been significantly reduced. Due to taxes & fees from your utility company such as transmission, generation, distribution, and meter service; these charges on your electric bill cannot be eliminated by solar.
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Fun Facts About Solar Energy
Every hour, the amount of power from the sun that strikes the Earth is more than what the entire world consumes in a year.
One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts (that’s 10 – 100 watt light bulbs).
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts used for one hour. For example, a 100-watt light bulb operating for ten hours would use one kilowatt-hour
Solar modules produce electricity even on cloudy days and perform best under cooler temperatures.
A typical silicon cell solar module will have a productive warrantied life in excess of 25 years but may produce electricity for over 50 years.
The first practical solar cell was created by Bell Laboratories in 1954. It only produced 1 Watt of energy.
Production of 1 kilowatt of solar energy is equivalent to burning 170 pounds of coal which releases 300 pounds of carbon dioxide. This is comparable to preventing 15 gallons of gas from ever being used.
We hope that you found interest in some of these uncommonly known fun facts about solar energy. If you still have questions and/or haven’t found the answer(s) you were looking for, schedule a 1-on-1 consult and one of our qualified solar energy experts will reach out to you.
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