How-Solar-Works
A Residential Solar Energy System is a simple way to protect the environment, and realize immediate financial benefits. Very simply, your system consists of five basic components:
1 -Solar Modules:
• Mounted on the roof top of your residence in clear view of the sun
• The sunlight is directly converted into DC power through solar cells
2 -Solar Inverter:
• Converts DC power produced from the solar modules, into usable AC power
• AC power is the same type of electricity provided by your local utility
3- Breaker Panel:
• Before the AC power reaches your home, it is received by the electrical service panel
• Electricity is then distributed as needed to your home
4- Utility Meter:
• The utility meter measures the amount of electricity provided to your home by your local utility
• The electricity produced by your solar energy system offsets the measurement (essentially the meter spins in reverse)
5 – Utility Grid:
• The utility grid is controlled by your electric company and it provides electricity automatically when needed “on demand”
• During the day, excess solar production provides energy offset credit; during the night power is readily available from the grid for your home.
How many batteries do I need?
How does it hold up to hail?
How do I clean them?
How long will they last?
Where I live doesn’t have enough sunshine!
What is a SREC?
Can I install the system now and then get the funding?
Isn’t the technology going to get better?
Why install it now when the price will come down in years to come?
Although pricing is continuing to go down, so are the rebates and incentives. As goals are met at the state and utility level, we expect to continue to see a decline. With that being said, you have more of an advantage to take the incentives today and begin saving on your utilities.
What type of funding can I receive?
Why do I have to wait so long for the process of an application?
Unfortunately, this is a piece that is out of everyone’s control. Whether you are waiting for a State Rebate or a Utility grant, when you turn in your application there is a process that your application will need to go through for all the necessary steps for approval. There are estimates of timelines for this that we can share with you, but nothing is guaranteed.
How much does it cost?
Each and every project is custom designed depending on the installation and the facility. A typical roof mount to a custom installation can range from $3.50 – $8.00 per watt with everything included.