Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my historical energy usage important?
To correctly size and design your system based on your historical usage patterns. If the system is too small you may not realize the full advantage of having a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation system. And if it is too large you will overproduce electricity and not be paid for it. (See "Can I make money from the utility company by going solar?" below)
Why doesn't everyone go solar?
It is a large payoff when you consider all of the Benefits, however it is also a significant investment that not everyone is willing to or able to make.
Also, if you are not a homeowner it is not as easy to take advantage of a Solar PV system.
Should I Wait to Invest in Solar? Aren't Prices Going to Drop for Solar?
Waiting does not appear to be a good strategy. In 2000 to 2008 the cost for PV systems has declined only 2%. This typically does not even come close to the savings you would have realized by operating a Solar PV system during that time. Also, it does not seem likely that prices will drop anytime soon. Especially when you consider the economic theory of supply and demand. The demand for solar is rapidly picking up speed because of many threats to our nation's energy supplies. And although the supply of solar components is increasing, it does not seem to be offsetting the increase in demand. The proof of this has been seen in shortages of solar panels.
Although we hear all sorts of urban legends about some "new, incredible solar technology" that's just around the corner, we have not found any that are real.
Will my meter run backwards?
Yes, it can. Anytime your Solar PV system is producing more electricity than you are using, the meter will run backwards. This usually happens when full sun is hitting your solar panels in the middle of the day and little electricity is being used. (See also Net Metering)
Can I make money from the utility company by going solar?
No. It is important to understand that the utility company will not buy back more electricity than you use in a year. If you produce more than you use in a year the utility company will not pay for it. For this reason it is important to size your system properly. It is ok to produce more than you use over a short period of time but over the course of a full year it should balance out. If you produce extra electricity, it goes onto your account as a cash value, but is not carried forward from year-to-year.
On January 1, 2011 this is going to change for California solar electricity. However, the rate that the utility company will pay has not been determined nor have the details of this program. It is likely that it will be a wholesale rate (I have seen a "SRAC" or short run avoided cost rate proposed). This is probably not anywhere near your full Tier 3 or 4 retail rate. In fact, it is likely to be below even Tier 1 and 2 rates and so installing a larger system than is needed is unlikely to be a good financial strategy. That is unless you will be using more electricity in the future because of something like a new pool, air conditioning, plug-in electric vehicle (PEV), or family member(s).
What is EPBB vs PBI?
These are both incentives that the state pays you for installing Solar PV systems. EPBB stands for Expected Performance Based Buyout and PBI stands for Performance Based Incentive. EPBB is a state incentive that pays out a lump sum of money based on how your Solar PV system is expected to perform. PBI is a state incentive that pays out a monthly incentive for five years based on how your Solar PV system is actually performing. In most cases the EPBB works better, however it can depend on your personal preferences and specific situation.
Where will my Solar Photovoltaic system be installed?
The solar panels are usually installed on your roof. However, if your have enough space they can be mounted on poles or the ground. Or they can be mounted on many patio covers. It really goes case-by-case specific to your needs.
The inverter(s) are typically installed near your circuit breaker panel or underneath the solar panels in the case of micro inverters.
All this will be included in our design recommendations.
Do trees (or any shading object) have any impact on a Photovoltaic System?
Yes, any object that may shade your solar panels throughout the year will reduce the performance of your solar panels. This is usually caused by trees but can also be from chimneys, roof vents, roof protrusions, or anything else that creates shade on the solar panels.
We will analyze any shade issues for you as part of our design recommendations.
If you have trees that you do not want trimmed or removed and they will shade the installed location of your solar panels then Solar PV may not be a good fit for you. However, in many cases there is a workaround to this problem.
