Solar Investment, How PV Panels are made.

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SOLAR POWER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. What is the difference between solar panels (power) and solar hot water?
Solar panels take light from the sun and make electricity. Solar hot water systems take heat from the sun and heat water.

• Heat from the sun heats the water.

• Light from the sun turns on the lights.

Q. How does solar power work?

Solar power systems convert the suns energy into direct current (d.c.) electricity. An inverter then converts this direct current to alternating current (a.c.), to make it compatible with grid electricity.

Q. Why use solar power?

• It is quiet, clean and reduces electricity bills. (Especially as electricity prices increase)
• PV technology is mature, robust and reliable. It has no moving parts.
• No fossil fuel or fuel supply chain needed. The impacts of fossil fuel power stations such as greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution.
• It can add value to your house.
• It is modular, systems can be as small as a pocket calculator and large megawatt PV systems with enough power to supply several thousand homes.
• Off-grid systems can supply power anywhere on the planet that receives sunlight. ....Also in Space. Solar panels power the space station, and all the telecommunication satellites.
• PV modules are recyclable at the end of their life span. PV modules from the 1960's are still producing up to 88% of their original power.
• PV systems stem the tide of the rising energy rates that are sure to increase.

Q. If I have solar panels, does that mean I will not have electricity when it is dark, cloudy or raining?
Solar panels do need some light to produce electricity. However, on foggy days in the bay area solar panels produce about 70% of normal electrical production. Ever get sunburned on a cloudy day?

Q.  Will my solar panels make power during blackouts/power surges?
If you have a grid-connected system your power will go out in a blackout, as your system inverter automatically disconnects the electricity supply to prevent electrocution. This is done for safety so there is no possibility of a line worker getting injured working on a grid line in your area because they knew the power was shut off at the station.

Q.  How reflective are solar panels?
Solar panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible to generate the maximum amount of electricity. Therefore the materials typically have no or low reflectivity.

INSTALLING A PV SYSTEM

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Q.  How many solar panels do I need to run my house?
This depends on how much power you use and what fits into your budget. It is a good idea to do a home energy audit first before you price out solar. There are many things you can do to reduce your demand without changing your lifestyle. The average American home consumes about 7,800 kWh of electricity each year.  However, you do not need to install enough panels to power the whole house if you live on grid. You could, for instance, buy as many panels as you can afford adding to your already existing supply later. If you choose to have a back-up battery option or choose to live completely off-grid, You current and future energy demands need to be discussed and figured into the equation. We will have to look closely at your peak kW demand.

A good rule of thumb is 10W per square foot. 500 square feet of roof should be able to product 5,000 watts of power or 5kWH average. 

Q. Do I need permission from my electrical company before I install solar panels?
Yes. Rebates, connection and metering arrangements need to be arranged before the installation, but after the agreement is signed.

Q.  Do I need home building insurance to install?
No, but as with all major household purchases, make sure that you solar power system is included. Talk to your insurance agent.

Q. How long will the panels last?
Panel modules are guaranteed for 25 years from most manufactures. Inverters only last about 15 years. There are PV panels from the 1960's that are still producing 88% of their original power.

Q.  If I move home, can I take the solar panels with me?
No. Unless you have made some type of special agreement, the solar system is part of the property the same as an addition would be. 

Q.  Are solar panels made in America?
The silicon used to make the solar panels is imported, but there are a few solar panels manufactured and assembled in America. Solar cell's require clean room technology similar to computer chips. Right now, China is adding the most clean rooms to manufacture solar in the world.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Q. Is solar power more expensive that conventional electricity?
Right now, at the current electrical rates, the payback on solar power in California after all the rebates is in the neighborhood of 11 years.  As electricity goes up, that number will decrease.

Q. How much does it cost?
A solar power system can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $45,000. The cost depends on the technology you choose, the size, your roof, and what extras you get. A 1 kW grid-connected system typically costs around $7,000 after rebates. A 5kW system would be around $35,000. It makes sense to make your home more energy efficient so you will need fewer solar panels. If connected to the grid, you only need to buy what you can afford or what you can fit on your roof.

Q.  Is it more expensive to fit an old house than buying a system for a new house?
The cost would be about the same if the roofs were the same shape. If your shingles are worn and curled at the bottom, we would recommend reroofing your house when you install the solar modules. That allows for the module supports to be blended into your new roof and makes it easier to flash. 

Q.  If I make more energy that I use, do I get money from my electricity retailer?
Not right now. The best you can currently do is to -0- out your energy bill. However, there is legislation in Sacramento now that supports removing the current new metering agreements and will allow your home or business to become a solar farm selling back to the utility company. We would recommend you contact your California state senator and tell him or her you support such a law.

MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY

Q.  Will solar panels damage my roof structure?
Your roof has been designed to carry a lot of weight and most roofs will hold panels without need for reinforcement. A certified solar professional will design your solar power system to take account of the roof structure. Solar panels are placed over the top of any roof penetrations, and all penetrations will be be waterproofed so the roof will not leak.

Q.  Are they easily maintained?
Yes. Solar panels are designed so that they need little maintenance. Dust typically reduces output by 5% but since solar panels are sloped, the rain keeps them clean. You will just need to hose them down after long periods of little rain.

Q.  Will my solar panels survive a hailstorm?
Yes. Solar panels are made of tough laminated glass and are generally indestructible.

Q.  What is the environmental cost of making solar panels?
Making solar cells from silicon does use some toxic chemicals. However these are all contained and re-used, unlike the air pollution created by burning coal. Disposal can also be controlled.