Solar Electric Answers
How do Solar Panels generate electricity?
Solar Panels are made of Silicon. When sunlight is absorbed by the Silicon, it releases electrons. When released, those electrons only have one place they want to go; ground. The solar panel and associated wiring direct those free-wheeling electrons to the route to ground that will generate power for you. Power that you can use in your home or to sell back to the utility for other buildings to use.
If it's cloudy, will my panels still make electricity?
I'm afraid not. The Silicon only releases electrons when absorbing sunlight. There are cloudy days where there is still some ambient light around and your panels will make some electric then, just not as much as a clear, sunny day.
Will my Solar Panels act as a backup if the utility power goes out?
No. Your system is designed to work along with your utility. If the system detects that there is no power available from the grid, it shuts down. This is a code requirement that protects the utility lineman from shock hazards that would be created from a system sending power into the grid without their knowledge.
How long will a Solar Power system last?
Most panel manufacturers warranty their modules for 20 or 25 years. That's a long warranty. Although there are not many systems in the US that have been around that long, there's known to be systems in California approaching 40 years and still running strong.
Do I need a new roof before I get solar?
Your roof needs to be in good condition simply because you don't want to incur the cost of removing the solar to replace the roof. Generally, if the roof is less than 12 years old, it should be OK. Solar panels can actually extend the life of the roof because it won't get as hot.
What happens when it snows?
The panels won't produce any electricity when covered with snow. In our area, the typical snowstorm is usually followed by a bright, sunny day. That sun will melt the snow quickly and your panels will be making power in no time.
I have a lot of trees, can I still get solar?
You can, but we might have to fire up the chainsaw! When we speak to you about Solar, we'll pull up a satellite map of your property. That will show us if shading is a major problem or not. You should also know that having Solar electric is the equivalent of planting acres of trees, so don't sweat over cutting down one or two.
What kind of maintenance does a Solar electric system require?
Solar electric systems require very little maintenance. In our area, normal rainfall cycles do a good job of keeping the panels clean. During very dry periods, it is a good idea to hose them off with a garden hose (just don't do it when it's very sunny out). I good rule to live by is that if you have a lot of dust or pollen on your car, there's likely just as much on your panels and you should hose them off.
What are the benefits to owning a Solar electric system?
There are many. Typically, you can greatly reduce your electric bill or even eliminate it altogether. Combine that with the Federal Investment Tax Credit and the Solar Renewable Energy Credit program and the costs are reduced to the point where your system can pay a rate of return much higher than the stock market or bank deposits. Lastly, it helps the environment - every Solar electric system installed is like planting acres of trees.
How do I know that my system is working?
Solar electric systems don't make noise and have no moving parts so it is definitely hard to tell. Typically, when you first have your system installed, you'll spend a lot of time watching your electric meter spin backwards. You'll realize that every time the kids leave the lights on, the meter spins backwards slower. The kids will likely despise your newfound obsession for energy conservation. Once the newness wears off, you'll stop watching the meter and you'll think about it less and less. Lot's of people don't realize they are having a problem with their system until they receive their (too high) electric bill. Fortunately, every system Nogginhaus installs is monitored so the instant there's a reduction in performance we'll be there to fix it.
I live in a townhome, can I still get solar?
Yes. New Jersey's Solar Access Laws prohibit homeowner associations from preventing solar installations on roofs that are not community property.
Solar Thermal Answers
How does Solar Thermal work?
It's simple really. think about the last time you washed your car. The garden hose was laying outside in the sun. You turned on the water, gave the nozzle a squeeze and the water coming out was blazing hot. Solar thermal uses the same principle.
What can I do with Solar Thermal?
We can do a lot more than just provide your hot water. In fact, it would be a shame not to. The typical solar thermal system makes so much energy in the summertime that it is done its hot water making by 11:00 in the morning. There are some creative things we can do with all that energy. We can heat swimming pools, we can run an air conditioning unit, we can even use it to generate electricity.
How much energy can I save with a Solar Thermal system?
Heating water makes up 20-30% of the average home's annual energy use. A quality system today will provide 50-80% of the home's hot water needs -- for free, using the sun's energy. That's a savings of 10-25% off of your entire annual energy bill. With solar, the more hot water you use, the more you save - so go ahead; take that long, hot shower!
