Is Solar right for your home?
How is a Renergy
Solar
system
better than a competitor?
Renergy uses all UL listed material and
products. This will give you piece of mind because a solar electric
system is a long term investment as is your home or property. We
also do not use non name brand imported materials. This can avoid
warranty issues.
How much space does the
system need?
A typical system requires about 7 to 8 square feet for each dollar
of your electric bill. This figure varies depending upon your
electric rates.
Do the
panels need to be mounted on my roof?
Panels are often mounted on the roof, but can also be mounted on the
ground. Ground mounts are great if the house is shaded, or if
dormers or other obstructions limit available space on the roof.
Do the
panels need to face south?
South is best, but panels installed facing east or west still
generate a very high percentage of possible power. It is usually
more effective (and more attractive) to install the panels in the
same plane as the roof direction, rather than build an awkward mount
to angle them.
Are
the panels fragile?
No. While the panels are made of tempered glass, it is quite strong.
They pass hail tests, and are regularly installed in Arctic and
Antarctic conditions.
How much
solar
electric power do I need to power
my home?
Each home is different, and the amount of
electricity you use is very dependent upon your lifestyle, how your
home was built, and your appliances. As part of our services, we
work with you to reduce your electrical consumption in easy ways.
How
much power does the system produce?
Systems come in all sizes, and produce as much or as little power as
required. Many systems produce a portion of the home's required
power, leaving room for additional conservation or generation in the
future.
How
long will the system last?
The solar panels have a 25 year power warranty from the
manufacturer. This is longer than almost anything else you can buy.
The rest of the system has a 5 year warranty in most areas. Our
Inverters have warranties up to 10 years.
What happens when the utility has a power
outage?
Most systems we sell are “clean power” systems,
without batteries. These systems do not generate power when the
utility is out, even if it is sunny. If backup power is desired, a
battery system can be added. This increases the complexity and cost.
Most people find that what they want is Clean Power, and find that
the very occasional outage does not bother them, so they do not
purchase the battery option.
Do
I need batteries
with the system?
Batteries are only required if you want backup power when the
utility is out of service. Without batteries, the system has no way
to store power, and for safety reasons cannot produce power without
the utility in operation.
What is
Net Metering?
Net Metering is the regulatory ability to get credit for electricity
you generate with solar energy and send backwards through your
utility meter. Exact provisions vary with each state, but the effect
is to allow you to generate excess power during the day, and use it
at night, without needing batteries.
How
does the power get stored?
In a Clean Power, non-battery system, power is not stored. It is
either used immediately in the house, or sent backwards through the
meter, creating a credit. If storage is needed, large batteries and
other equipment are added to the system.
What
happens if the panels get covered by snow?
Solar electric panels need sunshine to generate power. While some
sun does make it through several inches of snow, little electricity
is generated when the panels are covered. However, due to the
reflective nature & dark color of most solar panels, snow will melt
off more quickly than your roof alone. Our estimates take this all
into account.
Do I
need to install a new roof before the
solar panels are installed?
Solar panels will last many years (over 25). Because of this, we
want the roof to be in decent condition, as it does not make sense
to remove and reinstall the panels after only a few years. However,
after the panels are in place, they will greatly reduce the wear on
the roof by blocking ultraviolet rays, keeping most snow and ice off
the roof, and keeping anything from hitting the roof. Most
installations do not require a new roof prior to PV installation.
What
happens if the panels are shaded?
PV panels should be installed in areas where they get significant
shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can
significantly reduce system output. Our designs and installations
also seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through
selection of the proper equipment and good engineering.
Do I
need to clean the panels periodically?
Our customers do not clean their panels. In most areas of the
country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. Our systems
are maintenance free.
Are there financial incentives for buying solar
electricity?
There are many incentives for purchasing solar. These vary from
state-to-state. Some common incentives include:
- Free Clean electric generation from
the Sun
- Sending electricity back to the
utility (net metering)
- Generate SREC’s (Solar renewable
energy credits)
- Fix your electric costs
- Fight climate change / global
warming
- Take care of future generations
world
- Be part of a secure electricity
supply
- Higher resale value for my property
- Individual states, including NJ, NY,
CT, MA, DE, RI, ME (limited), PA (limited), MD (limited), have
some form of funding to decrease the upfront cost of solar
electric photovoltaic systems. Please contact us for more
details.
- Solar energy just makes sense
Does
solar work
for commercial buildings?
We have installed solar on office buildings, retail buildings,
schools, and government facilities. Anywhere electricity is used can
use solar electricity.
If I sell my property,
what effect does solar
have on the sale price?
Energy conservation and renewable generation adds value to a home.
Surveys have shown that for every $1,000.00 saved per year,
$20,000.00 is added to a home's value. Solar energy can be one of
the best home improvement investments you make.
How long
does it take to install a solar
system?
Typical residential systems take from 2 to 5 days to install.
Systems mounted on the ground and systems with batteries are more
complex, and may take longer. Most of this time is spent outside
your house, so there is little disturbance to you. Commercial
systems take several weeks to months to install, depending upon size
and type of installation.
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