Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar Power
1. Q. Where I live there are a lot of cloudy days. Should I even consider solar energy power
?
A. Yes. With very few exceptions, you can use solar energy can be captured even when it's cloudy. You may be in an area where it takes more photovoltaic (PV) panels, or they may need to be arranged differently, but there just aren't very many locations where clouds can keep the sun from providing enough energy to either run as a stand-alone power system, or to supplement an existing one.
2. Q. Can I afford solar power?
A. Solar power is still a little higher than fossil fuel (oil, gas, coal) in most places, but when you factor in the incentives...federal and state tax credits, rebates, net metering, escalating power bills for other sources, the question soon will be "How can I not afford solar?"
3. Q. What's the difference between a solar power system and a solar hot water system?
A. A solar hot water system is essentially a radiant hot water heater that uses the heat of the sun to warm water for use in your home. A solar power system is an array of photovoltaic cells, or other method (parabolic troughs & others) of collecting the sun's energy and then converting it into electricity that is used and stored to provide energy for heating, cooling and power sources for lights and other needs.
4. Q. What maintenance do solar power systems require?
A. Very little. You'll need to keep your collectors...photovoltaic (PV) panels, or whatever other collection system you have, free of debris, leaves and heavy snow. And that's just about it.
5. Q. What about financing for solar power systems?
A. Yes. It falls into the same arena as most other home improvement projects that are eligible for home equity loans. Check with your financial institution before you sign up, but since solar power systems add value to your real estate, most lenders are happy to help...assuming you have good credit of course.
6. Q. Will I need a solar professional to assist me?
A. That's up to you. You can certainly proceed without one, especially if you're willing to do a lot of research and develop a plan before you start. Often, though, having a professional pays big dividends in the end. They already know the mistakes you're most likely to make, and can help you avoid them. Be sure to look for someone who's been in the business for awhile and has a good reputation.
7. Q. Should I get multiple bids?
A. Several bids are almost always the best option. Not only can multiple bidders help you find the best price, they can also provide you with different installation options. Once you've made your selection of who to use, set realistic expectations on how long the work will take, and agree on exactly what you're going to end up with. This can help to get your project completed when you want it done, and at the cost you are willing to pay.
8. Q. Will my photovoltaic (PV) system take up my whole roof?
A. Probably not unless you're installing a really large solar power system. It takes about 100-200 square feet of area for a 1000 watt system, (which is the size of an average bedroom), so once you've determined your wattage requirements, you can see how much roof space you'll require.
9. Q. What is net metering?
A. Usually, it means money in your pocket. Your local utility (in an on-the-grid system) installs an additional meter to track the energy you produce from your system and your usage throughout the day. When you produce more than you use, that excess goes back into the utility power grid to provide energy for others, and your utility account gets a credit, or an offset against any power you may use from the utility grid.
10. Q. Will global warming really be affected if I decide to get a solar energy system?
A. Everyone who quits using coal, gas or oil to provide power to their home makes a difference. Since the average American produces 53,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, everything each individual does to reduce their carbon footprint makes a difference. Every person who converts to solar energy to fill their power needs sets an example for their neighbors...or any stranger walking by. Yes. One person can make a difference.
by: Timothy Peters.
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