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Can I heat my pool with this?

Yes, you can heat your pool with it. Some people like to use solar hot water to heat their hot tubs and Jacuzzis as well.

Can I use battery backup to get off the grid?

Using battery backup is not a good plan. Adding a battery bank to your solar array rather than attaching it to the grid will add up to 25% to the cost of your system. As an added insult, having a batter-tied solar array will also reduce the energy production of your system by 7 – 10%. While it would be nice to be able to separate completely from the grid, the current systems are not cost effective enough.

Can solar power heat my home?

Yes. Solar energy is used to heat water that is connected to your home's radiant floor heating. Radiant floor heat is considered to be one of the most comfortable ways ever invented to heat your home. There is nothing better on a cold winter's day than getting out of bed and standing on a heated floor, or better yet, getting out of your shower. Having experienced both traditional and radiant floor heating, 100% of those surveyed preferred the radiant floor heating for comfort and affordability.

Do I need to get a professional installer? Why?

While there are a lot of very skilled do-it-yourselfers out there, having a professional and skilled installer will prevent any mistakes in terms of size, installation, and the type of system you may require. Your solar professional understands that solar and conventional electrical and plumbing systems work side by side; they know what can go wrong. Your solar professional is also up to date on the National Electric Code (NEC) Article 690, which establishes the solar electric building standards. This code tells you exactly what the requirements are for designing a safe system that is reliable and meets code.

How big a system do I need?

It is not possible to give a standard answer here. Your solar professional will evaluate the energy consumption of your home, how much space you have available, and make a determination on the size based on those numbers.

How can I pay for this?

Aside from selling your first-born son, most people look at taking out a home equity loan. Installing a solar power system adds value to your home, just as adding a deck or a pool would. Keep in mind that you will qualify for a federal tax deduction when you install a solar system.

How do Solar photovoltaic cells work?

Photovoltaic cells are made of silicon, which is a semiconductor material. Phosphorous and boron are added to the silicon in order to enhance conductivity inside of the cells which activates the electrons and gets them in an excited state. When electrons are activated in this way they move across the cell into the circuit that is hooked up to the panel and brings electricity into your home.

How long does it take to install?

The planning and calculations on size determinations will take the greatest amount of time. The actual installation should take no more than a couple of days.

How much space is needed?

For the average home in average conditions, you can plan on one square foot providing 10 watts of power. If you're looking to install a 1000 watt system, you will need between 100 and 200 square feet of space for an effective installation.

How much will a solar system cost?

You can plan to spend about $10,000 per Kw system. For example a 2 Kw system will cost about $20,000. This includes all installation components and labor. Once you have installed your system, you will be eligible for certain tax breaks, and this reduces the cost considerably.

How much will I save on my utility bills?

This all depends on how much energy you consume on a monthly basis and how efficient your appliances are. You will pay for far less energy during the summer months because of the length of our sunlight hours. This will likely help you to save for your winter-time bills when the days are shorter and likely more cloudy. A conservative estimate, however is that you will save over 50% on your electric bill, and some homes have been shown to save over 65% when they use efficient electrical appliances and use lower energy light bulbs.

What about maintenance?

Solar photovoltaic panels are a dream to maintain. You don't have to clean or dust them. You will have to be vigilant about trees growing and shading your system, and you will have to keep physical debris off of them like snow and leaves.

What else do I need to know?

Your typical homeowners' insurance will cover any necessary requirements made by the utility company. You may need to sign an interconnection agreement with them when you receive the “net meter”.

What is a solar hot water system? How is it different from a solar photovoltaic system?

A solar hot water system uses the energy from the sun to heat water for your home. This water can be used for bathing, washing, and cleaning. It can also be used as hot water for radiant heating, which is one of the most comfortable ways to heat your home and considered to be very energy efficient. Using hot water for radiant heating can save approximately 40% of your home heating costs. Some people like to heat their pools using a solar hot water system, allowing them to swim for many more months of the year.

A solar hot water system heats water, whereas a solar photovoltaic system converts the energy of the sun to usable electric energy.

What is Solar Energy?

Solar energy harnesses the energy from the rays of the sun and turns it into usable energy. The beauty of solar power is that it is an infinitely renewable energy source, something that is important in the face of our current energy crunch. It is quiet, clean, and reliable.

What is the difference between panels and integrated solar products?

Solar panels are installed onto structures that are already built. Integrated solar products are used in new construction or if an extensive remodel of an existing structure is being considered. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops of homes and office buildings or erected on posts so that they can track the movement of the sun.

What other components will be needed to tie to the grid?

In addition to the actual photo-voltaic cells themselves, you will also need an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) from the cells into alternating current (AC) which is what your home uses. You will need a “net meter”, which is similar to your current electric meter, but this has the advantage that this meter spins both backwards and forwards. This records the power that you use, and the power that you produce. Hence the name, “net” meter. You'll only pay the “net” amount to the power company, and in some cases they may be crediting you!

What permits and permissions will I need?

Every location is subject to local zoning laws and ordinances. You will have to make sure you do not violate any laws, and that you obtain any necessary permits prior to beginning your solar panel project. Typically, however, the solar professional in your area is very aware of these laws and concerns and will be able to help you manage all of these details.

What would keep me from installing solar?

While most homes and businesses would benefit from installing photovoltaic solar panels, there are a few situations where it may not be worthwhile.

-> If the roof of your home is mostly in the shade, you will lose up to 80% of the efficiency of your system. Even shading just the lower tier of the cell will cost you in energy.

-> You will get the very best energy production if you can mount the solar panels on a mostly southern exposure to maximize the effectiveness of collecting energy from the sun. If you're not sure, get a solar expert out there to advise you as to the best approach.

-> If the pitch of your roof is greater than 60 degrees, you may not be able to accommodate solar panels. All others are considered to be excellent choices.

-> If you are subject to very heavy snow pack that you would not be able to remove will severely reduce your system's effectiveness.

-> High winds on a regular basis could dislodge your solar panels.

-> Excessive salt spray can damage your solar panels.

When is the payback for a solar installation?

This is a little difficult to estimate here. What your solar professional will do is determine how much power you are currently using, then determine the size of unit you should install, calculate it's output, and then give you a net difference. This will help you to evaluate the cost of the initial purchase and installation and how long it will take to regain that money. Don't forget to take into account all of the federal, state, and local tax credits that you will qualify for.