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What are the financial benefits of solar energy?When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
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What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
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How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. Review Our guide to reading your electricity bill to find out exactly what to look for.
FAQ's
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How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most homes and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity in your house or send it back to the electric grid.
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Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.
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What happens if there is snow on solar panels?Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in snow they can’t produce electricity. Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean.
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Can I go off grid with solar panels?When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage, but it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for the majority of homeowners.
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Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
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Do solar panels work in a blackout?If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are certain inverters you can buy that provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.
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How much will solar panel maintenance cost?Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.
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Can I afford to go solar?If you can afford to pay your current electricity bills then you can definitely afford to go ahead with solar. With minimum investment you are able to save quite substantial on your electricity bill which can give you cushion to cover the cost of solar.
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Is my roof suitable for solar panels?North-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, in many cases there are workarounds if your home doesn’t have the ideal solar roof. all installation offers are based on images of your actual roof.
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What size solar energy system should I get?The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live. Take a look at your past electricity bills and compare offers from licensed, pre-screened solar installers to determine the best system size for your needs.
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Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. One of solar installers will be able to tell you whether to replace your roof before going solar.
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How long will my solar power system last?In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.
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How do I choose a solar installer?There are a few criteria that everyone should use when choosing a solar installer. Confirm that they are certified, licensed and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. Meet with your solar installer in person before you sign an agreement to ensure that you are comfortable working with them.
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How do I compare solar quotes?If you have multiple quotes from different solar installers, comparing them can be difficult. Not all solar installers use the same underlying assumptions and metrics when they provide equipment options to home owners. In the current Solar Market, you can make easy side-by-side comparisons to ensure that you understand the costs and benefits of each option.
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What are the different types of solar panels?The classifications are displayed on each panel data sheet and these are also provided along side every quote that is sent through to the customer to help them compare their options and choose the best solar panels for their needs.
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What are the different types of power inverters?Power inverters convert the electricity your panels produce from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power. There are three types of inverters: string/centralized inverters, microinverters, and power optimizers. Like solar panels, we have rated solar inverters on a five-tier scale, from Poor to Fair, through Good and Very Good, and ultimately up to Excellent.
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What happens during the solar power installation process?These quotes will include a variety of equipment choices with panels & inverter and reviews of the products recommended.
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Should I ask for a solar monitoring system for my solar panels?As per CEC guidelines, All inverters currently getting installed has to mandatory have WIFI monitoring facility available which can be utilized by the customer. You can simply ask your solar installer to help you setup the wifi for you to monitor the system online from any part of the world as long as it is connected with your home Internet/NBN connection.
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Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as solar-plus-storage, are increasingly popular, but can be pricey. Luckily, batteries are not necessary for most solar homeowners. As long as you are connected to the grid, your system does not need a battery: excess power goes back into the grid, and you can draw from the grid if you need more electricity than your panels can generate.