Home Solar FAQs
If you are considering a home solar panel system, you probably have some questions. Some of the more common ones are below. For any additional questions, please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide answers.
Q: How many solar panels will I need?
A:Sun-Wind Solutions will help you determine your system size and the number of solar panels you will need based on the following criteria:
- Your current annual consumption.
- Your future goals and needs.
- Availability and quality of space where panels will be located, including:
- Dimensions of usable area(s).
- Roof angle
- Shading / Obstructions.
- Compass orientation
Q: How much does a home solar panel installation cost?
A: It depends on size and difficulty of your project. Under typical conditions, a solar installation will produce a significant return on your investment and will pay for itself early-on in the system’s expected useful life. The four main categories that factor into the gross cost of a system are:
- System Size / Hardware cost
- Site conditions – the easiness or difficulty associated with the construction
- Quality and capacity of your current electrical service
- Incentives and rebates that offset these costs.
Q: What solar rebates and incentives are available to Connecticut residents and how do I take advantage of them?
A: Connecticut residents are eligible for the following:
- The CT Green Bank offers an up-front rebate based on size and efficiency of your system.
- Net of the CGB rebate, you can take a 30% federal tax credit (Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit) on the remaining balance.
- Plus, your solar array eliminates all or some of your current electricity bill
Sun-Wind Solutions will make all arrangements to apply for and secure your CT Green Bank rebate. Your tax advisor, with our assistance if necessary, will secure your federal renewable energy tax credit.
Solar site evaluations are always free of charge, and with no obligations on your part. Call us today and we’ll get started on a personalized and comprehensive assessment showing the pros and cons of going solar.
Q: How much maintenance is required?
A: Solar panels are generally maintenance-free. If excessive dirt builds up, a light cleaning can be done on an as-needed basis. Except under extreme conditions, an on-going maintenance program is really not necessary.
Q: How does “grid-tied” and “net-metering” work?
A: Grid-tied means you are still connected to your local utility company which allows you to take advantage of net-metering. At times your solar system may produce an amount of electricity in excess of your current on-site needs. Net Metering allows this excess production to be “sold” back to your local electricity provider. Conversely, when you require an amount of electricity in excess of what is being produced by your system, your needs will be supplemented through the purchase of electricity from your provider. A revenue grade meter records all on the “ins” and “outs” and none of your array production goes to waste.
Q: Will my solar array provide backup power should there be an interruption from my utility provider?
A: A typical solar system, where grid connection is available and service interruptions are infrequent and not long-lasting, will be grid-tied and net-metered as described in the previous question. That benefit comes with the following limitation. For safety reasons, all grid-tied solar systems shut down when service is interrupted. This is done so your system is not supplying the grid when utility workers are performing maintenance and repairs. When service is restored, your system will automatically resume production. If you would like to have power during a service interruption, there are options and we can design a system that can achieve that goal.
Q: How will the installation of a solar array affect the value of my property?
A: Every watt of solar power adds $4 to the value of your home!
Research sponsored by the Department of Energy shows that buyers are willing to pay more for homes with rooftop solar panels. According to a study conducted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in January 2015, buyers were willing to pay a premium of four additional dollars per watt of solar power. The study can be found here – Homebuyers Will Pay Premium for Solar Homes
The More You Know:
Financing Options: The Good, Better, and Best
The solar industry has developed various ways to market and sell solar panel systems to businesses and homeowners. While there are many great options available, we know from our experience that consumers don’t always get what they are promised. Some of our clients have shared their difficult experience dealing with larger national “out-of-the-box” solar providers. That’s where we are different.
As solar consultants, our primary focus is working with your business to design a system that makes sense for your situation; maximizing your return on investment and saving you real dollars.