Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why should I use photovoltaics (PV)?

A: For a growing number of users, PV is the clear choice. You should definitely consider using a PV system if it operates better and costs less than the alternatives. The cost of energy produced by PV systems continues to drop. However, kilowatt-hour for kilowatt-hour, and depending on where you live, PV energy still usually costs more than energy from your local utility. Also, the initial cost of PV equipment is higher than that of an engine generator. But there are many applications for which a PV system is the most cost-effective long-term option, such as for power in remote areas.

The number of installed PV systems increases each year because their many advantages make them the best option overall. Consider the following issues:

• Site Access - A well-designed PV system will operate unattended and requires minimum periodic maintenance. The savings in labor costs and travel expenses can be significant.
• Modularity - A PV system can be designed for easy expansion. If your power demand could increase in future years, the ease and cost of increasing the PV power supply should be considered.
• Fuel Supply - Supplying conventional fuel to the site and storing it can be much more expensive than the fuel itself. Solar energy is delivered free of charge!
• Environment - PV systems create no pollution and generate no waste products when operating.
  Maintenance - Any energy system requires maintenance, but experience shows that PV systems require less maintenance than other alternatives.
• Durability - Most of today's PV modules are based on a proven technology that has experienced little degradation in more than 15 years of operation.
• Cost - For many applications, the advantages of PV systems offset their relatively high initial cost.

System designers know that every decision made during the design of a PV system affects the cost. If the system is oversized because the design was based on unrealistic requirements, the initial cost is unnecessarily high. If less durable parts are specified, maintenance and replacement costs will increase. The overall system life-cycle cost (LCC) estimates can easily double if inappropriate choices are made during system design. Don't let unrealistic specifications or poor assumptions create unreasonable cost estimates and keep you from using this clean power source. As you size your PV system, be realistic and flexible, and select an experienced designer to assist you.

Q: How is a solar electric system designed, installed, and maintained?

A: You could install a photovoltaic (PV) or solar electric system yourself. But to avoid complications or injury, you will probably want to hire a reputable professional contractor with experience in installing solar systems. PV systems have few moving parts, so they require little maintenance. The components are designed to meet strict dependability and durability standards so they can stand up to the elements. However, they are fairly sophisticated electric systems, so installation usually requires the knowledge and experience of a licensed electrical equipment contractor.

Although the initial cost for a PV system can be relatively high, by taking advantage of available financing, a complete system will pay for itself in a short time. Many PV panels have a life expectancy of 30 years or more! And many utilities are realizing that reduced utility-generated electricity demand is one of the benefits of PV systems, and some offer incentives to building owners to install PV.

Q: How much does a solar energy system cost, and how much will I save on utility bills ?

A: Unfortunately, there is no single or simple answer. But a solar rebate and other incentives can reduce the cost of a PV system. This cost depends on a number of factors, such as whether it is a stand-alone system or is integrated into the building design, the size of the system, and the particular system manufacturer, retailer, and installer. For solar water heaters and space heaters, you also have to consider the price of the fuel used to back up the system. In most cases, you would have to add the cost of natural gas or electricity to get a more accurate estimate of how much you can expect to pay for a solar energy system.

It is also difficult to say how much you will save with a solar energy system, because savings depend on how much you pay your utility for electricity or natural gas, and how much your utility will pay you for any excess power that you generate with your solar system.

Q: What is net metering? Is net metering available where I live and work ?

A: Net metering is a policy that allows homeowners to receive the full retail value for the electricity that their solar energy system produces. The term net metering refers to the method of accounting for the photovoltaic (PV) system's electricity production. Net metering allows homeowners with PV systems to use any excess electricity they produce to offset their electric bill. As the homeowner's PV system produces electricity, the kilowatts are first used for any electric appliances in the home. If the PV system produces more electricity than the homeowner needs, the extra kilowatts are fed into the utility grid.

Currently, more than 30 states have metering programs across the United States.

Q: What is the energy payback period for photovoltaics (PV) ?

A: Typically, the energy payback time (i.e., the time it takes for a PV system to generate the same amount of energy that it took to manufacture the system) for PV systems is 2 to 5 years. Since a well-designed and maintained PV system will operate for more than 20 years, and a system without moving parts will operate for close to 30 years, PV systems produce far more energy over their useful life than we use to manufacture them.