Solar PV - Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity can Solar PV panels produce ?
How much roof area does Solar PV system ?
Does it have to go on my roof? ?
What size system do I need?
What happens if there is a power cut?
Can I run power to my whole house?
What happens at night/in winter/on cloudy or rainy days ?
How does net-metering work?
Will I ever have to pay another electric rate increase if I buy this system ?
How much is the Cash Rebate? / How much is the State Tax Credit? ?
Is solar energy safe?
What happens if there is a power outage?
What maintenance and cleaning do the systems Need ?
How much does a solar system cost ?
Are tax incentives available?

Note :- PV = Photovoltaics

How much electricity can Solar PV panels produce ?  

The size of a Solar PV panel is measured according to the number of electrical units it can produce under ideal conditions.The smallest system size usually installed on a domestic property is 1 kilowatt peak (kWp). This means that under optimum conditions, a PV system will produce 1000 watts at any given time.

What happens at night/in winter/on cloudy or rainy days ?   

Technological advances mean that to power a Solar System, you only need daylight – not sunlight. This means that you can still generate electricity, even on a cloudy day. If during the day you generate more electricity than you need, this excess will flow out of your home and back in to the main electricity grid. Although Solar PV panels will tend to generate more electricity on bright days than when it’s overcast, your Solar System will still generate electricity even on a cloudy day.
 
How does net-metering work?    

With a grid-tied (Sol-Gen) solar electric system you still have your “line-coming-in” from the utility, just like before, only now you also have a “line-out” to send your extra electricity back to the utility grid.

Net Metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from the utility and the electricity you generate with your solar electric system. When you are making more electricity than you are using, like typical summer days, your extra electricity automatically gets metered back out (sold) to the utility grid. You receive credit for this power at the same rate they sell it to you. Net Metering allows you to use the electric utility grid like a bank account. You can put electricity into it that you don’t use immediately and you can withdraw the same amount later on at no net cost to you.

The Net-metering billing system is a 12-month billing cycle. Because you make more in the summer, and less in the winter, they allow you to credit your summer months into your winter months.

At no time will the utility actually write you a check, net-metering requires the utilities to credit you for “up to the amount that you use.” The idea is to get a system that just meets your needs and avoid paying any electric bill at all.
 
Will I ever have to pay another electric rate increase if I buy this system?    

If you opt to purchase a solar electric system that covers your entire electricity usage, you won't ever have to pay for power again. Investing in a solar electric power system is like buying insurance against future rate hikes, you’ll never get another electric rate increase for the next 30 years, you become your own power company, you’ve bought the generator, now the fuel (sunshine) is free!
 

How much is the Cash Rebate? / How much is the State Tax Credit?

The California Cash Rebate is for $2,500 per kilowatt. There is also a Federal tax credit of $2,000 for residential systems available. Therefore, for a 4kW system the rebate would be $10,000. The net cost after the rebate and tax credit is $24,000. The best part is that now you are all set to start selling your extra power back to the utility company at the same rate they sell it to you.
 

Is solar energy safe ?

Solar panels are completely safe. The glass doesn’t conduct energy so you can’t be hurt or electrocuted by touching them – even when they are installed and connected. The installation process is the same as for our normal roof tiles and the necessary precautions are taken by our trades people when working on roofs. The final connection and commissioning of your Solar PV system is undertaken by an accredited Electrician to ensure the highest degree of safety and quality service.
 

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What happens if there is a power outtage?

Solar PV systems are grid connected, which means that if there is a power outtage, your system will automatically be switched off. This is designed as a safety measure to protect individuals who may be working on restoring the power supply from any electricity that might flow back into the grid from your system.If you have a battery back up system, the power will remain working.
 

What maintenance and cleaning do the systems need?         

Solar PV panels have no moving parts, are completely silent in operation and require no maintenance. Most of the time rain will keep the modules clean, however if you have pesky birds in the area you may need to clean them with a hose from time to time!
 

How much does a solar system cost?        

The cost will obviously depend on what size system you wish to install. However, Solar is actually far more economical over the long term than buying your power from the utility. After the state rebates and tax credits, if you finance the system over it’s warranty period, the monthly cost of solar can run about the same as your current electric bill. The big advantage is that this cost will never increase, while the cost of electricity from the utility has increased at an average rate of 6% per year over the last 30 years. Solar is a great investment for the long term. Sun Enerygy Systems consultants can help design a system for you that fits both your budget and roofing requirements.

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Are tax incentives available? 

A Federal solar tax credit and a very generous California State Cash Rebate have made investing in Sol-Gen™ solar electric power system from Solar Depot more financially attractive than ever. The California Public Utility Commission presently offers a cash rebate, which covers 25-35% of the installed system cost. Additionally, there is a 30% Federal Tax Credit for all solar systems installed between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008. The credit is capped at $2,000 for residential applications.

The financial incentives available for solar are significant, however, the funds are limited and are available on a “first come, first served” basis. This is the perfect time to guarantee your energy security for the future by taking advantage of these generous financial incentives and locking in your reservation today.

*This table shows the savings that can be expected over the years from a 3 kW grid-tied system. As you can see, the cost-savings from a Sol-Gen™ system can be tremendous.