FAQ

Why invest in solar energy?

A solar power system is one of the best business investments you can make, turning highly variable energy costs into a low, predictable operating expense. Partnering with ESI, an industry leader in commercial solar power systems, your business will produce and consume clean, affordable energy for decades to come.

Going solar qualifies your business for limited-time rebates and tax credits can save up to 50% on your installation costs.

Why should I borrow money to pay for solar?

You have to pay your electric bills. You are already essentially financing an indefinite, variable rate loan from your utility company. Installing a solar power system allows you to refinance this loan at a fixed rate and term, pay less every month, and have your loan payments go towards ownership of a valuable asset.

Solar power is a low-risk, high-return investment that is very competitive with other types of investments (stocks, bonds, and property). Solar power systems usually yield an initial return on investment of 7-11%. As utility rates increase your return will also increase

How long do photovoltaic (PV) systems last?

A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well will operate for more than 20 years. The basic PV module has no moving parts and can last more than 30 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system is by having it installed and maintained properly.

Experience has shown that most problems occur because of poor or sloppy system installation. Failed connections, insufficient wire size, components not rated for dc application, and so on, are the main culprits. The next most common cause of problems is the failure of the electronic parts in the balance of systems (BOS): the controller, inverter, and protection components.

Will solar work in my location?

Solar is universal and will work virtually anywhere, however some locations are better than others. Having said that, Germany, the world-leader in solar deployment, receives significantly less sunlight per day than the majority of the United States. Click here to view a Solar Radiance Map courtesy of the Solar Energy Industries Association.

How can I find out if going solar is right for me?

The best way to find out if solar is right for you is to request a free solar evaluation via our contact page, and we will provide you with a proposal that factors in your budget requirements, the property’s sun exposure and orientation, and your last 12 months of electric consumption.

Is a solar array expensive to maintain?

Not at all. With no moving parts and a natural slope, they are extremely low-maintenance.

What is net metering?

Net metering is a policy that allows homeowners to receive the full retail value for the electricity that their solar energy system produces. The term net metering refers to the method of accounting for the photovoltaic (PV) system’s electricity production. Net metering allows PV systems owners to use any excess electricity they produce to offset their electric bill. As the homeowner’s PV system produces electricity, the kilowatts are first used for any electric appliances in the home. If the PV system produces more electricity than the homeowner needs, the extra kilowatts are fed into the utility grid.

Q: What happens when it snows. Will my solar panels still work?

A: Yes. Sunlight will penetrate a thin layer of snow and the snow will usually melt fairly quickly off of solar panels. If you have had a heavy snow you can help it along by using a squeegee on a pole to scrape off the surface layer of snow.

Q: If there is a power outage, will I still have power from my solar electric system?

A: That depends upon whether or not you are using a grid-tied system or an off-the-grid system using batteries. If you are using a grid-tied system you will lose power but could switch to a generator as a backup. If you are using an off-the-grid system or a hybrid system with batteries for storing your electricity then you won’t lose power. This is the main advantage of an off-the-grid approach.

Q: Does it make sense to install a solar system if we are moving in a couple of years?

A: Probably. Most real estate experts currently believe that given the concerns about energy costs a solar system will significantly raise a home’s value. One source, the Appraisal Journal, states that the value of your home is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual operating costs resulting from installed energy efficiency measures or energy generation systems. However, this very much depends upon the local market so you should probably confirm this with an experienced local real estate agent before making this decision if you know you are planning to sell in a relatively short period of time.

Q: What is the lifespan of the solar modules?

A: Most experts believe solar electric modules have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years and most manufacturers provide a warranty for this period. However, the truth is that we don’t really know for sure since most modern solar panels have not been in existence that long. Many experts believe the actual number could be much higher, possibly as much as 50 years. What is very clear is that solar modules are extremely durable and lose very little of their energy generating capacity over time. This is one of the reasons that they make sense as a long-term investment.

Q: When it is cloudy, will my solar electric system still work?

A: Yes. The solar electric system will continue to operate under fog or cloud cover but its output will be reduced. The solar electric system’s power output is relative to the “depth” of the cloud cover and how much light gets in.

Q: Can you put solar on a flat roof?

A: Yes. Most commercial solar electric systems are installed on flat roofs. The solar panels are usually mounted on “tilt-racks” which put the panels at the optimum angle and face them in the right direction.

Q: Are there any disadvantages to using solar energy?

A: Solar energy technologies often have a higher “first cost.” This means that a person is likely to pay more money up front to purchase and install a solar system. Still, in nearly all cases, the high initial cost is recovered through substantial fuel savings over the life of the product. Another disadvantage is that solar energy approaches do require some direct access to sunlight. If you live an a very shaded area and do not have the ability to remove trees or other impediments to sun access it may not be an option for you.

Q: Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?

Solar panels are very durable and most will last at least 25 years. Therefore, you definitely should consider the age of your roof before you install them. If your roof is more than 20 years old and in bad shape you will definitely want to consider replacing your roof before installing them. However, if your roof is in reasonably good shape go for it. In fact, adding the solar panels will actually reduce the wear and tear on your roof and make it last longer since the solar panels will block ultraviolet rays which can damage roof tiles and will help to keep snow and ice of your roof.

Do I need to clean the panels periodically?

A: In most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. However, if you are in a dusty area (very near a busy dirt road, very urban area, etc.) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels monthly. If necessary, a hose stream is usually sufficient for cleaning. Do not walk on or over the panels to clean them. Do not use metal, hard, or abrasive methods for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot.