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Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
How does a solar PV system work?
The photovoltaic (PV) modules convert sunlight into electricity. PV solar systems utilize modular panels made of silicon, which react directly to sunlight. Through this photovoltaic process, the system generates Direct Current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity is routed from the panels to an inverter which converts the electricity into Alternating Current (AC) for use in the home. Why should I invest in a Yes! Solar Solutions™ solar electric system now? There are many good reasons to invest now and begin reaping the benefits.
What does solar-generated electricity do for the environment? The EPA says, "Using solar energy to replace the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources can prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere." Your system will reduce the demand on existing fossil-fuel power plants, thereby helping to reduce pollutants and global-warming CO2 emissions. Do I need a battery back-up? No. Yes! Solar Solutions™ solar PV systems connect directly to your local utility grid. On sunny days, your Yes! solar electric system sends surplus energy to the grid for credit to your utility bill. The utility provides the power at night and on a rainy day, and you tap into the credit your solar system earned on sunny days -- no batteries are needed. How much does a solar electric system cost? System costs are based on the size of the system. Keep in mind that each system is sized to the unique annual energy needs of each customer. Systems are designed to replace the total amount of electricity you use annually. Site-specific elements (such as consumption patterns and electric rate schedules) and financial incentives (for which you may not qualify) will affect your total system investment. Please contact Yes! for a free analysis and cost estimate based on your specific situation and needs. Does my house or business have to face south? No. South-facing systems are ideal, but southeast or south-southwest orientations can be used with minimal loss of production. Can I make additions to my Yes! solar system if I add on to my home or business? Yes. Additional modules can be added to your system up to the load limit of your inverter. Inverters can be added to expand the system. How do I sell electricity back to the utility company? Most regions across the U.S. allow for net metering to take place. Under a net metering option, the excess electricity generated by your solar system is distributed back out to the utility's power grid through you home's electric meter. This causes the meter to spin backwards and generate credits that will appear on your electricity usage statements and related invoices. When the net metering option is in place, the entire process is automatic once your system has been interconnected by your electric utility company. It is the surplus energy created by a properly designed system that will cancel out all, or a portion, of your electricity expense, depending on the goals you set for your system. Can my roof support the weight of the solar array? Yes. Solar panel and mounting equipment add very little load to your roof. In most cases the solar power system will add less than 4 lb per sq. ft. of load. Virtually all modern construction is designed to support loads far greater than this. Some older buildings may require some structural work prior to installing a system. However, this is a very rare exception. What kind of permits do I need? We take care of them for you. As a provider of a turnkey systems, Yes! Solar SolutionsTM obtains all necessary building and electrical permits for each system. As a licensed contractor, Yes! ensures the installation is done properly and meets all state and local code requirements. How do we get started? It's as easy as one, two, three. First, Yes! inspects your home or business. Next, we evaluate a year's worth of electric bills to create a profile of annual energy needs. Second, we design a system tailored to your requirements, and present the design in a proposal. Third, once you approve the design, we execute a contract and get the wheels in motion, initiating the required paperwork for local building permits and your rebates. How long does the typical system take to install? Installation time depends in the size of the system. The typical residential system takes less than one week to complete. Is solar electricity right for my home or business? Most likely, yes. With continually rising electric rates, solar electricity is right for almost every home or business. If you own your home and would like to know if solar electricity can help you, contact us today for a free site evaluation and cost-benefit analysis. Are there rebates or financial incentives available? Yes. Incentives vary depending on your geographical location whether you're a small business owner or residential user.
It is very reliable. While the photovoltaic effect was discovered in the 1800's, solar electric systems have been used by the space program since 1954. The technology has continually advanced to become very reliable. Consider a few of the following:
Why is the Federal government promoting solar electricity? Because it is clean, abundant energy source that frees us from fossil fuel dependency. Since the 1970's, the Federal government has encouraged the development of the solar electric industry, to curb our consumption of fossil fuels. While fossil fuels are finite, wasteful and ultimately harmful to the environment, the sun represents a clean and virtually infinite source of energy. Finally, the current movement to solar power and other renewable energy forms also advances our nation's energy independence
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