Solar: Frequently Asked Questions
Ecological Systems
732-681-5296 fax 732-681-5482
How can I afford a residential solar electric system?
Many people finance their solar along with state and federal incentives. Financing options include both secured and unsecured loans, Power Purchase Lease Agreements (PPL) and in house financing programs. A system pays for itself many times over during its expected life. Ask us for a detailed cost analysis for your home.
Are government incentives available for solar?
Yes. State rebates in New Jersey and federal income tax credits are available to promote the installation of renewable energy equipment, which can cut the cost of your system in half or more, saving you thousands of dollars. Many of these incentives are on a first-come, first-served basis and will lessen as time goes by. Now is a great time to apply for your rebate.
What is photovoltaic's (solar electricity), or "PV"?
Photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric technologies work by capturing light energy and converting it to electricity.
How long do PV systems last ?
A PV system will operate for more than 30 years. The basic PV module (interconnected, enclosed panel of PV cells) has no moving parts and is warrantee'd for 25 years.
What are the components of a PV system?
PV modules (groups of PV cells), which are commonly called PV panels; inverters for a utility-grid-connected system and when alternating current (ac) rather than direct current (dc) is required; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework. For an off-grid or stand-alone system a charge regulator or controller and one or more batteries are required.
What is net metering?
Excess electricity produced by your solar energy system is delivered back into the utility grid, effectively spinning your meter backwards. Your meter spins forward when your solar energy system is not producing all of the electricity you are currently using. Your electric meter keeps track of this net difference as you generate electricity and take electricity to and from the utility grid.
How does a residential solar electric system work?
Solar cells in the modules convert sunlight directly into DC power. An inverter converts this DC power into AC power that can be used in your home. The system is interconnected with your utility. During the day, if your solar system produces more electricity than your home is using, you will be credited for the excess power generated and returned to the grid. Your utility provides power as usual if your electricity demand exceeds that produced by your solar system.
How much electricity does a PV system generate?
In most areas of the US, we can install enough solar panels to eliminate the electric bill of a home. The average home requires about 500 square feet (usually on the roof) to accomplish that.
What do the terms on-grid, grid-connected, grid-tied and off-grid mean?
On-grid, grid-connected or grid-tied means connected to the utility electrical grid. Off-grid refers to systems that are not connected to the utility electrical grid.
How do I know if a residential solar electric system would work on my home?
Solar electric power works for most homes. Systems can be engineered to work with most roofing materials, in most locations where direct sunlight is available, in almost every region of the nation. A sunny place on your roof about 120 square feet and up to 1,000 square feet for larger systems is required. A south-facing roof area is optimal, but solar panels can be mounted on west- or east- facing roofs and still produce better than 90 percent of the power of a true south roof mounting.
Will my system work on cloudy days?
Yes, though they produce less electricity. Under a light overcast sky, panels might produce about half as much as under full sun.
How can I tell how my system is performing?
These systems have meters that tell how much electricity you generate and use, and send power back to the utility grid. And your bill also is much lower.
How big are the panels?
They vary in size. Most modules are about 3 feet by 4 feet or 5 ft long by 21⁄2 ft wide, with other variations.
What happens during a power outage?
There are two types of solar residential systems. One type of system powers your home during daylight hours, but does not provide power in an outage, even on a sunny day. A battery backup system would provide power to your home’s critical loads during an outage, day or night. Part of the power produced by a solar system during the day is used to charge batteries, which can provide power at night.
What if I need a new roof?
This is an ideal situation for installing solar at the same time. If you have solar and need to replace the roof several years later, the solar panels can be removed and replaced on the new roof.
Is my roof strong enough to handle the additional weight of the solar panels?
In our experience, that is not a problem. Solar panels weigh about 4 lbs per square foot and roofs in New Jersey are required to be rated for 40 pounds or more per square foot. Additionally, snow will slide off solar panels more readily than off shingled roofs.
What about shade?
Shading from trees reduces the output of a system. Trees may require pruning.
How many solar panels do I need to produce enough electricity to run my house?
That depends on your electrical usage. We can tell you by looking at your electric bill.
Can the modules withstand high winds and hail?
The panels are supported by our mounting system that has been tested to withstand 125 mph winds and work on every type of roofing material. Most modules can withstand one inch (2.5 cm) hailstones at 50 mph (80.5 kph).
What maintenance does the system require?
Solar systems last without problems. The rain in New Jersey is considered adequate to keep the panels clean.
Can I have a solar electric system on my house and still be connected to city power?
Yes, most systems are designed to interconnect with utility power.
How long will my solar power system last
Solar modules are tough, with no moving parts and have warranties of 20 to 25 years. They are expected to last much longer than the warranty. Most of the related system components should also last for many years without problems.
What other options do I have if the system cannot be mounted on my roof
A ground-mount, awning or carport may be an option.
Can I generate heat & hot water for my home with a residential solar electric system?
PV solar electric systems are designed to provide electricity to run your lights, appliances and other electric devices. Other solar technologies turn the sun’s light into heat or hot water instead of electricity.
Can I be totally independent from the utility?
Yes, if you have an optional battery back-up system installed. There is an additional charge for that type of system which requires extra components & batteries.
Do I need approval to install solar from my homeowners’ association?
If you belong to a homeowners’ association, consult your covenants for details. Many states prohibit homeowners’ associations from restricting solar devices. Permits are required.
Will a system produce enough energy to cover all my electricity needs?
Many homeowners eliminate their electric bill with solar. Even a smaller system that provides one-quarter to one half of your average electricity bill reduces your bill and provides a great value as a financial investment and reduces pollution. It’s best to start with an energy audit.
If you do the recommended energy efficiency upgrades, you’ll reduce your electricity loads and require a smaller solar system. You could use the excess solar energy to charge your future electric vehicle
Ask about our free solar rebate application for our Energy Efficiency customers.