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Solar Electricity
Photovoltaic Frequently Asked Questions What does the
word “Photovoltaic” (PV) mean?
Photo means light and voltaic (volt) means electricity.
How do you connect solar panels to my home?
PV systems produce Direct Current. That electricity is
converted to household Alternating Current with an
inverter.
Do I need batteries?
Batteries are most commonly used in remote locations
without any utility power. Batteries are also be used as
back up for a home in the event of a power outage. But
they are not absolutely necessary. Without batteries any
excess electricity that you produce can be “sold” back
to your electricity provider and then you will use that
power after the sun goes down.
How long will my system last?
Many solar panels have 20 year warranties. The expected
life of PV panels is 20-30 years. The inverters
generally carry a 5-10 year warranty. Inverters can be
expected to last between 10-15 years.
What incentives are available?
There are many, and fortunately more almost every week.
The best place to go is the Database of State Incentives
for Renewable Energy. http://www.dsireusa.org/
My region is prone to high winds, such as hurricanes.
Is PV safe for my area?
Yes. Advanced Green Technologies received the first
Notice of Acceptance for a PV panel from Miami-Dade
County. Their testing is considered to be the strictest
for wind-load requirements. To receive this, the product
must be able to withstand winds in excess of 146 mph.
How do building integrated PV systems work?
Building Integrated PV (BIPV) is an application where
the solar panel is adhered directly to the roofing
material and becomes a part of the roofing system.
What types of roofing materials can the Flexlight (PVL)
PV Laminates be adhered to?
They are sized to fit in the pans between the seams of a
standing seam metal roof. But they can also be applied
to a roof that has been covered with a single ply
membrane such as TPO and EPDM. There are a few other
situations such as a concrete roof where PVL’s can be
applied. Please contact us to discuss your situation.
What is a solar tracker?
These are generally pole mounted systems that follow the
sun’s path during the day and through the different
seasons to capture the maximum amount of sun.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is an arrangement with the utility company
that allows the customer to run the electric meter
backwards when they are generating more power than they
are consuming. When a net metering customer uses more
power than is being produced, the meter runs forward
normally. At the end of the billing period the customer
is only billed for the net power they consumed. If their
systems makes more electricity than is consumed, in a
given billing period they will be credited or paid for
the excess powered produced.
Will PV add value to my home?
Solar electric systems increase property value by
decreasing utility operating costs. According to the
Appraisal Journal (Nevin, Rick et al, “Evidence of
Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency,”
Oct 1998, a home’s value is increased by $20,000 for
every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from
energy efficiency.
How old can my roof be to install PV?
Ideally it should be new, or at least have enough to
survive as long as your panels. This would mean that
your roof should have 20 to 30 years of life left, your
installer or a roofer can make this assessment.
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