Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a solar PV system?

• Hedge against rising energy costs: purchase 30 - 40 years of power in advance at today's costs
• Clean, renewable, and silent energy source: no emissions or greenhouse gases
• Add value and equity to your home
• Reduce your dependency on the grid
• Power when the grid is down, if you have a battery back-up system
• Offset CO2, NOX, SO4

How do I know if my site would be a good one for a solar PV system?

Here are some general criteria:

• Southern exposure is best
  
• Southeast and southwest are also viable. See PV System Performance Factors for details.
• Sun for at least 6 hours per day
• Open area clear of shading
• Roof must be in good condition, unless you are planning a pole mount, of course

How much should I budget for a solar PV system?

Here are some broad figures. The minimum budget for a PV system to generate electricity is about $12K. Battery back-up typically adds about $8K to the system. This figure can be even higher, depending on client needs and wants. The larger the system, the more cost effective it is from a price per watt standpoint. For example, a 1000 watt system is around $12k or $12/watt while a 6000 watt system is around $48K or $8/watt.