I want a solar electric installation for my home or business. What’s the next step?
Please review the questions below, then complete the "Solar Inquiry" and we’ll contact you to schedule a time to meet.
Do you have a roof or ground space that is south-facing and gets direct sunlight? Even small amounts of shade from trees can significantly reduce energy output from the panels. New inverter technology can help overcome some shading challenges, but if a roof is not an option and you still are interested, an alternative is a ground mounted system.
If you would like to install the system on a roof, what is the roof's condition? These systems are designed for 25 year lifespan and may extend the life of the roof below the system. However, a roof that is near the end of its life and will need to be replaced in the next 5-10 years, this work should be replaced prior to an installation. Clean Currents Solar can remove and reinstall a system if a roof needs to be replaced, however there would be an extra charge for this procedure.
What is your time frame? If you are in an existing home and considering to install within the next 3 months, please let us know so we can you information quickly. If you are building a new home, make sure that you take into account not only roof direction, but design for wiring and installation. Planning for a solar installation during the building process will save you time and money, and Clean Currents Solar provide support for this.
What is your goal? Ideally, a solar panel installation would offset your entire electricity usage and bring your bill down to zero. However, it is important to find the right balance between site constraints, budget considerations and environmental concerns. Even a small (2-4KW) system will make an impact for the envrionment and for your power bill on a hot summer day!
What is your budget, both short-term and long-term? There are upfront costs that need to be addressed upon installation. Incentives do reduce the total cost tremendously, however they are not immediate. It is important to understand that a solar installation is a significant investment, requiring upfront payment from the owner or an alternative financing arrangement.
How does using solar energy help the environment?
Answer: By adding a solar power system to your home or business, you will reduce the amount of electricity from coming from the grid, which is produced overwhelming by coal, natural gas and oil burning generators. Clean Currents also offers 100% wind power contracts to further reduce the demand for these carbon emitting generation sources. For every 1000 kilowatt hours of solar or wind power produced, nearly 1400 pounds of carbon dioxide is offset!
How much money can a solar PV or Thermal system save me?
Answer: The amount of money you can save you depends on the amount electricity or hot water consumed, the site conditions and orientation of installation location, and the size system you install. The purchase of a system needs to considered with a medium-term and long-term mindset. There are three main factors to take into account: incentives, energy produced, and renewable energy certificates produced. When combined, the typical payback period for a solar PV installation is between 5-10 years and between 3-6 years for thermal installation. Since energy rates from the public utility are a key factor in the value of the energy produced, it is important to factor in price increases. Wholesale energy pricing, the price at which a utility or supplier purchases energy, has gone up nearly 6% per year over the last 5 years. Though there will be fluctuations, unless there is dramatic change in demand, prices will continue to increase.
Are there incentives from the government for onsite generation?
Answer: Yes, there are significant government incentives for solar PV, solar thermal (hot water) and small wind systems. Solar PV electric systems have the greatest incentives in place that can save you up to 2/3 or more on installation costs! These include federal income tax credits as well as state grants and county property tax incentives and renewable energy certificates purchasing. The Clean Currents Solar team will help you obtain the maximum incentives possible for your installation.
How can a solar energy system increase the value of my home?
Answer: A study performed by ICF Consulting determined that that a $1 decrease in annual energy bills amounts to roughly a $20 increase in property value. This is tied to an increase in monthly affordability and increases in mortgage qualifications. Additionally, new selection criteria are taking hold on realtor listing services that call out homes with solar or other energy efficiency systems.
How can I finance a solar energy system installation?
Answer: Homeowners can finance a solar installation with loans that are typically payable over a ten to twenty-five year period, similar to a home equity loan, or by refinancing their existing mortgages. For those buying or building new homes, the cost of the solar system can be added to your mortgage. There are several options for businesses, depending upon their cash balances and credit scores. Commercial loans, tied to property or equipment, third-party financing, upfront lease programs are typically the first method. For those with excellent credit scores and audited financial statements, a business owner may decide to enter into a Power Purchase Arrangement, or "PPA." In this case, a business agrees to pay a third-party financier for energy produced from the solar installation at a fixed rate for a finite time period. In exchange, the financier will pay for the system as well as for all installation and maintenance costs.
What is installation process timeframe?
Answer: The average contract sign to installation timeframe is about six weeks. Unforeseen delays due to panel availability, permitting processes and any extra engineering of site work are discussed with the owner as they arise. The physical installation of residential systems is typically one to two days. Commercial solar electric systems require more time to install. Clean Currents Solar will ensure that the installation process is as smooth and clear to the owner as possible.
How does a solar panel make electricity?
Answer: Sunlight generates electricity when its photons come into contact with the conducting materials within a photovoltaic cell. The “photoelectric” reaction creates a direct electric current (DC) which is converted by an inverter to an alternating current (AC), the form of energy used by homes and businesses. This inverter is hooked up to the main power box and runs the electricity into the home in the same manner as power from the utility.
Are the modules durable?
Answer: Solar modules have been designed and tested to last and withstand inclement weather, even 120 mile/hour hail storms! Panels sold by Clean Currents Solar come with 25 year factory warranties, are are capable of lasting well beyond the warranty expiration. When installed on an angle, panels do not even need to be cleaned regularly, as rain water will naturally do the job. However, in the case of significant snow, they will need to be cleaned off to perform to their fullest potential.
How does solar power production get influenced by weather?
Answer: Solar electric systems work best on clear, sunny days and will naturally not generate as much electricity on cloudy or foggy days. Grid-tied systems, the standard model for solar installations, are incorporated with utility service. On cloudy days, your home or business will operate on more or even complete utility power (unless a backup power generator is installed). Your home or business will still lose power during power outages, even if the sun is out. The inverter is designed to automatically turn off the current from the solar array in order to protect any utility workers trying to restore power to you and your neighbors. System production estimates take into account a certain amount of weather related reductions, based upon over 30 years of historical weather data.
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