FAQs

• About how much money will a solar electric system save me?
• How can I finance a solar energy system installation?
• What happens to my solar power generation during a cloudy day or at night?
• Where would my solar system go? How much space do I need?
• How long does the installation process take?
• What can the electricity from a solar panel system power?
• Are the solar panels durable?
• Do I need to worry about the weight of the system on my roof? Will anything have to be done before installation to support the weight?
• Are there government incentives for going solar?
• Is solar energy right for me?
• What is net metering?
• How will a solar energy system increase the value of my home?
• How does sunlight generate electricity?
• How does using solar energy help the environment?
• You've convinced me – I want a solar electric system to power my home or business. What's the next step?

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About how much money will a solar electric system save me?

• The amount of money that your solar electric system can save you depends on the size and number of your photovoltaic modules and the specific geographic conditions of your site. Remember: sunlight will always be free, and so your solar panels will be able to supply you with electricity for the cost of their installation over the next 25+ years. You can learn more by submitting a request for a free solar evaluation.

How can I finance a solar energy system installation?

• Homeowners can finance a solar energy installation with loans or may choose to pay for their solar electric systems by refinancing their mortgages. For those buying or building new homes, the cost of the solar electric system can be added to your mortgage. For commercial or business-owners, the solution to PV system financing is typically a Power Purchase Arrangement (PPA) . In this case, a business agrees to pay a third-party for energy at a fixed rate for a finite time period. In exchange, the third-party will pay for the system as well as for all installation and maintenance costs. Other financing options available to commercial solar energy users are property secured loans, capital equipment loans, equipment secured loans, and third-party financing.

What happens to my solar power generation during a cloudy day or at night?

• During a cloudy or bad weather days, your system will get some sun exposure to produce energy; however, it would not be able to produce as much energy as a sunny day because of the reduction in light exposure. Your solar system will not produce electricity at night as your system needs sunlight to produce energy. As Standard Solar installs grid-tied systems, your power will come from the grid at night just as it does without a solar installation. If you are concerned about being off-grid during the night, we would be happy to consult with you on possible battery backup solutions.

Where would my solar system go? How much space do I need?

• The amount of space you need and the specific location of the solar array will depend on several factors. It's possible for Standard Solar to install the solar electric system on either your roof or open ground space, as long as the area is unshaded. The amount of space the array(s) will take up depends on what space is available and your particular energy needs.

How long does the installation process take?

• The time it takes to install the average residential system is one to two days. Commercial solar electric systems often require more time to install given the size and complexity of the system(s).

What can the electricity from a solar panel system power?

• A grid-tied solar electric system is designed to offset the total amount of electricity consumed in your home or building, rather than a single device. In essence, your Standard Solar solar electric system will supply you with energy in the same way the utility grid currently supplies you with energy, only now your energy will be clean and more cost effective!

Are the solar panels durable?

• Solar modules are extremely durable: they typically come with a 25 year guarantee and are designed to withstand severe weather of all types. They are even guaranteed to endure ¾ inch hail stones moving at 120 miles an hour without fail.Most solar electric systems outlast their 25 year guarantee, even functioning beyond the 40 year mark.Typically, panels do not even need to be cleaned regularly; in most places it rains regularly enough to keep the panels functioning properly.

Do I need to worry about the weight of the system on my roof? Will anything have to be done before installation to support the weight?

• Photovoltaic panels are light-weight and can be supported by almost any type of roof. Typically, a home's roof in good condition will not need any additional support or reinforcement before a solar installation.

Are there government incentives for going solar?

• Yes, there are significant government incentives for going solar that can help make solar more affordable for you! These include federal income tax incentives, possible state grants and county property tax incentives, net metering, and Renewable Energy Credits. Visit our incentive page for more information on your state and ask your Standard Solar Expert for more details.

Is solar energy right for me?

• The time is right to install a solar electric system in your home or business: federal and state governments are providing significant incentives to those who do, and it's a great way to avoid mounting utilities costs that are predicted to rise even further. Even a small solar system lowers your energy bill and your carbon footprint. Standard Solar, your solar partner, will help you find out! Visit our home locator and get our solar discussion started!

What is net metering?

• Net metering occurs when your solar electric panels are generating more energy than your home needs at any given moment. Excess energy is fed back into the power grid, which means that you are selling electricity to the utility company. The credit that you generate is then used to offset your power bill.

How will a solar energy system increase the value of my home?

• Installing a solar energy system will increase the value of your home or business because you are adding technology to the property that will not only provide clean energy, but will also lock in electrical costs for the life of the system (typically 25+ years!). A study performed by ICF Consulting determined that a $1 decrease in annual energy bills amounts to roughly a $20 increase in property value. A recent study on solar electric homes in California by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) concluded that homes with solar sold, on average, 20% faster and were 17% more likely to sell than homes without solar electric systems. This trend is being seen across the nation as energy costs are becoming increasingly important to prospective homebuyers.

How does sunlight generate electricity?

• Sunlight generates electricity when it hits a photovoltaic cell. There is a "photoelectric" reaction in which light energy from the sun (photons) hits semi conducting materials that cause the photons to lose an electron. This creates a direct electric current which is converted by an inverter to an alternating current that can power your home.
  See how it all happens on our How It Works video!

How does using solar energy help the environment?

• By adding a solar energy system, you will reduce demand for electricity from traditional, nonrenewable resources. With a solar energy system, you not only use clean energy, you put that power back on the electrical grid for others to use when your system is producing more energy than you are using!

You've convinced me – I want a solar electric system to power my home or business. What's the next step?

• You're ready for a consultation and estimate! Please click the Solar Evaluation link and let's get your solar process started!