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Why do solar today and not wait for newer technology? Is it really more affordable today than in the future? Will the costs of electricity really increase? But the outlay of money for solar seems so high? Is there any maintenance for a solar system? What is the warranty for the system? How long does it take to install a solar system? How much of a rebate will I get? Will I have power when the utility power goes out? Will the utility send a refund check if I produce more power than I use?
Why do solar today and not wait for newer technology? You will always hear of new advancements in solar panel/photovoltaic research. These advancements discussed in science journals and newspapers can take many years to reach the marketplace. Technology will always improve and change and become more efficient but today’s product will give you the same benefit and at a lower price due to the financial incentives available today. Is it really more affordable today than in the future? Yes. Today there are tax free cash rebates available mandated by the California State Solar Initiative. The rebate system is based on tiered pricing. The rebate levels decline as more people switch to solar energy. One can receive several thousand dollars more in rebates from one tier to the next. Also, when the rebate money has been exhausted, there is no certainty that the program will continue. Further, the 30% federal tax credit is mandated through 2016. Will the costs of electricity really increase? Historically, the costs of electricity has risen about 6% annually and there is every indication that it will continue to do so. In 2009, DWP implemented a 4-month tier system over the summer months which yields a higher rate to the consumer. All utilities are mandated by the state to expand the use of renewable energy by 2020 or incur high penalties. Although environmentally sound, this will most certainly create higher rates to the customers. But the outlay of money for solar seems so high? Solar should be thought of as an investment. The typical solar system will pay for itself within 5-10 years. Once your system has paid for itself, you have $0 invested in your system, and a percentage ranging upwards to 100% of your electrical bill eliminated. Over time, you have a significant rate of return on that initial investment, averaging 15%-25%. Is there any maintenance for a solar system? There are no moving parts to the panels so nothing needs to be replaced but it is recommended to clean the panels quarterly, every 2 months in the summertime. There are companies that will come to clean the panels. There are also cleaning systems that can be purchased and installed that continuously clean your panels. Or you can simply clean them yourself with a hose and a light mopping if needed. What is the warranty for the system? Most panels have a warranty of 20- 25 years but last much longer. There are Sharp panels that have been producing solar electric power for over 50 years already. The new mini inverters carry a 15 year warranty and should last as long as the panels. How long does it take to install a solar system? It depends on the size of the system and the existing roof. Small systems usually take up to a week whereas a 10kW system could take up to 2 weeks. Our solar systems cost between $2-$3 per watt installed after all the incentives. The exact system costs will depend upon the ease of the installation and roof access. How much of a rebate will I get? It depends on your system size, how efficient it is (for example trees shading the roof decrease the efficiency) and when you receive your reservation for the rebate. As more people install solar, the rebates decrease in amount. Today with DWP you could receive 40%-50% of your gross cost for the system. Will I have power when the utility power goes out? Not unless you have a backup battery or if you are completely off the grid. Will the utility send a refund check if I produce more power than I use? Effective in 2010, SCE will pay you if you produce more power than you use over a 12 month period of time. Currently, DWP does not offer any money back if your net metering produces more power than you use.
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