how solar works
frequently asked questions about solar power
How are solar power systems installed?
What is the life expectancy of a solar power system?
What is "grid-tied" and how does it work?
What size should my system be?
How much do solar power systems cost?
Do solar power systems require a lot of maintenance?
how are solar power systems installed?
There are several different methods for mounting solar power systems. Systems can be mounted on the ground, on the roof, or even as a carport. New designs for flat roofs have no penetrations, so you don't have to worry about roof leaks after the addition of the solar power system.
Check out our System Types page for more information >>
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what is the life expectancy of a solar power system?
Solar installations come complete with a minimum 20-year performance warranty on the solar (photovoltaic) modules, which are the heart of the system. The system design and materials have a better than 30-year life expectancy, so it is important to have a good roof life. Manufacturer and workmanship warranties are provided with the solar power system.
There are numerous manufacturers of solar equipment worldwide, but to qualify for most rebates the equipment has to be approved and listed to ensure the quality and integrity of the system. The administrators of the rebate programs are the stewards and watchdogs; they ensure that equipment supplied to customers on rebated projects is tested and approved equipment, and that the rebate money is spent wisely.
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what is "grid-tied" and how does it work?
Most solar power systems are "grid-tied." There are no batteries on grid-tied solar power systems--the system simply connects to the existing electrical system. (See diagram below.)
The solar power system provides electricity first, and the power grid supplements the system. When the solar power system generates more electricity than is being used, this electricity is fed back into the power grid and the meter spins backwards. If the solar array is generating less than is being used, the power grid supplies the additional electricity. All of this happens automatically and seamlessly.
frequently asked questions about solar power
How are solar power systems installed?
What is the life expectancy of a solar power system?
What is "grid-tied" and how does it work?
What size should my system be?
How much do solar power systems cost?
Do solar power systems require a lot of maintenance?
how are solar power systems installed?
There are several different methods for mounting solar power systems. Systems can be mounted on the ground, on the roof, or even as a carport. New designs for flat roofs have no penetrations, so you don't have to worry about roof leaks after the addition of the solar power system.
Check out our System Types page for more information >>
Back to Top
what is the life expectancy of a solar power system?
Solar installations come complete with a minimum 20-year performance warranty on the solar (photovoltaic) modules, which are the heart of the system. The system design and materials have a better than 30-year life expectancy, so it is important to have a good roof life. Manufacturer and workmanship warranties are provided with the solar power system.
There are numerous manufacturers of solar equipment worldwide, but to qualify for most rebates the equipment has to be approved and listed to ensure the quality and integrity of the system. The administrators of the rebate programs are the stewards and watchdogs; they ensure that equipment supplied to customers on rebated projects is tested and approved equipment, and that the rebate money is spent wisely.
Back To Top
what is "grid-tied" and how does it work?
Most solar power systems are "grid-tied." There are no batteries on grid-tied solar power systems--the system simply connects to the existing electrical system. (See diagram below.)
The solar power system provides electricity first, and the power grid supplements the system. When the solar power system generates more electricity than is being used, this electricity is fed back into the power grid and the meter spins backwards. If the solar array is generating less than is being used, the power grid supplies the additional electricity. All of this happens automatically and seamlessly.
Back to Top
what size should my system be?
A solar power system can be any size to suit the customer's goals or budget. It is not necessary to install a solar array that will zero your electric bill. Often there is limited roof space compared to the amount of electricity being used over a twelve month period. Systems are often sized to simply reduce an electricity bill; this provides you with a smaller electricity bill and protection against the future inflation of electricity prices.
A solar power system is sized and designed based on the present and predicted future use of electric demand, and is based on kilowatt hours (kWh) consumed during a one year period. Solar does not produce much electricity on overcast days, so seasonal variations are taken into account when estimating the benefits. Established databases (such as PVWatts) are used to determine the forecast (in kWh) that can be generated by a solar power system in a particular location, and at a specific building orientation.
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how much do solar power systems cost?
The cost of an installed system depends on the size of the system. The time it takes to 'pay back' the investment depends on the level and availability of rebates, the method of financing, and the tax incentives offered in your particular region.
Solar power systems generate electricity year-round, but are particularly valuable during peak periods of summer sunshine, when they are performing at high levels. It is during this time of year that you are charged the highest rates for electricity, so a solar power system will save you even more money on your electric bill-especially when your meter is spinning backwards!
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do solar power systems require a lot of maintenance?
A solar power system is clean, reliable, and has no moving parts so it is virtually maintenance-free. Seasonal cleaning of the array may be required (depending on the location), but for the most part rain will wash away any dust that builds-up on the solar panels. Additionally, all of the major components of solar power systems come with warranties.
what size should my system be?
A solar power system can be any size to suit the customer's goals or budget. It is not necessary to install a solar array that will zero your electric bill. Often there is limited roof space compared to the amount of electricity being used over a twelve month period. Systems are often sized to simply reduce an electricity bill; this provides you with a smaller electricity bill and protection against the future inflation of electricity prices.
A solar power system is sized and designed based on the present and predicted future use of electric demand, and is based on kilowatt hours (kWh) consumed during a one year period. Solar does not produce much electricity on overcast days, so seasonal variations are taken into account when estimating the benefits. Established databases (such as PVWatts) are used to determine the forecast (in kWh) that can be generated by a solar power system in a particular location, and at a specific building orientation.
Back to Top
how much do solar power systems cost?
The cost of an installed system depends on the size of the system. The time it takes to 'pay back' the investment depends on the level and availability of rebates, the method of financing, and the tax incentives offered in your particular region.
Solar power systems generate electricity year-round, but are particularly valuable during peak periods of summer sunshine, when they are performing at high levels. It is during this time of year that you are charged the highest rates for electricity, so a solar power system will save you even more money on your electric bill-especially when your meter is spinning backwards!
Back to Top
do solar power systems require a lot of maintenance?
A solar power system is clean, reliable, and has no moving parts so it is virtually maintenance-free. Seasonal cleaning of the array may be required (depending on the location), but for the most part rain will wash away any dust that builds-up on the solar panels. Additionally, all of the major components of solar power systems come with warranties.
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