| Frequently Asked Questions |
1. What happens if the sun doesn't shine?
2. What does a typical PV system look like?
3. Is my home right for a PV system?
4. Can my home accommodate a PV system?
5. Do I need to be concerned with the condition of the existing roof?
6. How much electricity does a PV system make?
7. How Do I Become A Solar Contractor?
1. What happens if the sun doesn't shine?
Your PV system will continue to produce electricity during cloudy weather, although the total amount produced will be less.
2. What does a typical PV system look like?
A typical PV panel consists of solar cells connected electrically to form a module that can measure two to four feet wide and four to six feet long. Some solar modules look just like traditional roof shingles. Our solar roofing kit can mesh in with any roof type. Many interconnected PV modules are called an array. Another typical feature of a PV system is an inverter, which changes the electricity produced by the PV system from dc to ac, the type of electricity used in your home or workplace.
3. Is my home right for a PV system?
A PV system needs unobstructed access to the sun's rays for most or all of the day throughout the year. PV panels are relatively unaffected by changing weather. In fact, PV cells typically work better at colder temperatures. PV modules are angled to catch the sun, not snow, so any snow that does collect melts quickly. To maximize the energy production of photovoltaic electricity, PV systems are installed on a southern exposed roof and mounted parallel with the roof at a 30 to 40 degree roof pitch with no shading. However, roofs that face east or west may also be acceptable. PV panels should have their surfaces exposed to the sun's rays for most or all of the day, with minimal or no shadows from trees, chimneys or roofs.
4. Can my home accommodate a PV system?
The amount of space needed by a PV system is based on the output of the PV system and the type of PV system installed. Most small systems require as little as 100 square feet (for a small "starter" system) and up to as much as 1,000 square feet for larger systems. A typical 1-kilowatt (kW) system should occupy approximately 100 square feet. If your location limits the physical size of your system, you may want to install a system that uses more efficient PV modules. Greater efficiency means that the module produces more electricity from a smaller area.
5. Do I need to be concerned with the condition of the existing roof?
Our solar roofing kit PV system can be installed on any well-structured roof such as asphalt, slate, tile, cedar metal, concrete, etc. If your roof is older and needs to be replaced in the very near future, you may want to replace it at the time the PV system is installed to avoid the future cost of removing and reinstalling your PV system.
6. How much electricity does a PV system make?
Ask lots of questions including if installing the system when the replacing an old roof would reduce the cost and provide for a better installation. Make sure you understand the total cost of installing a system and how much energy you can expect to generate from a specific sized system. A good contractor will want you to have a clear expectation of what percentage of your yearly energy needs you should expect from your PV system.
There are several good programs available on the web where you or your contractor can calculate your estimated energy output from your proposed PV system. Two such sources you may want check out are the Clean Power Estimator and PV Watts Performance Calculator.
Within an existing home, installing solar photovoltaic makes sense when you plan to renovate especially when re-roofing. Installation can be simplified for either pipe or wire runs to the existing meter location to make it easier to meet program rules. If you are refinancing or taking a second mortgage for your renovation, most likely the solar photovoltaic system cost can be included in your loan.
7. How Do I Become A Solar Contractor?
Talk to your local building department and learn about what the local codes are pertaining to solar roof tops. Go to Reed Construction Data to learn more.
If you do not already have a relationship with an electrical contractor, you will need to make one. Tying the solar kit into the grid requires an electrical permit. Get familiar with how to file paperwork for the rebates and federal tax credits in your state. Go to www.dsireusa.org to learn more.
Become familiar with how to design a solar system on roof tops. Read more find out!
Learn everything you can about solar roofing. There are numerous seminars and classes going on throughout the country on a regular basis. Go to Solar Living Institute for more information.
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