Frequently Asked Questions—Architects

Will solar electric power work at my client's location?

Yes, if you have a south-facing (or nearly south-facing) roof that is free of shade from 9 AM to 3 PM, you have a desirable site. If the roof is oriented to the southeast or southwest, it may be a desirable site depending on roof angle and shading.

Why Should I consider incorporating Solar Photovoltaic into a construction project?

Reduced Electric Bills—Minimize your client’s electric bills and protect them against future utility rate increases.

Green Building Sells—Environmentally conscious building and construction is one of the fastest growing segments of the construction industry. Not only does Solar Electric make financial sense for the owner but it differentiates your project to appeal to a rapidly growing segment of environmentally motivated buyers.

No Emissions—Electric utilities are one of the largest creators of carbon dioxide, one of the prime contributions to global warming.

Energy Independence—Solar electricity reduces the consumption of utility generated power and the foreign energy that generates it.

Increased Home Value—According to the Appraisal Journal of the National Appraiser’s Association, home values increase by $20 for every $1 in annual energy savings. Saving $100/month may also add $24,000 to the value of the home.

Energy Leadership—An investment in a solar electric system supports an industry that is developing an elegant solution to existing alternatives that have significant political, security and environmental consequences.

Why should I choose to work with Solar Works Inc.?

Our experience of 25+ years and almost 1000 installations has given us expertise is unequaled in the industry. We can assist you with your project and suggest solutions that we have implemented on other project.
Our size and breadth of operations allows us to work with the manufacturers of the best equipment in the market. We have relationships with manufacturers of a full range of solutions from the highest efficiency panels to solar slates, solar roof tiles and thin-film products. We are a solutions driven company not a product sales company.
Solar Works maintains a full Engineering Services department which allows us to provide both residential and commercial systems with appropriate electrical, weight and wind loading design. We are here to assist you through the project.
Customer service and satisfaction is a hallmark of Solar Works. We pride ourselves on being responsive and flexible to our customers needs.

Is solar a good investment?

Buying a solar system represents a one-time cost that will provide “free” electricity for 25 or more years. Your client will see immediate reductions to their monthly utility bill. The actual payback of your system will be determined by how much and how fast utility rates escalate since they will have avoided this cost with your solar system.

Can a solar electric system power the entire home or business?

It can; however, given cost factors and net metering rules, most people choose a system that produces a portion of the power that they use. Most customers aim to derive about 1/3 to 1/2 of their electricity from a PV system. Solar Works has the expertise to design an “off grid” home for 100% of your power should you desire it.

Can a solar PV system be used to heat a home?

A solar PV system produces electricity, not heat. The only way for it produce heat would be through an electric heater which would not be the most efficient use of your power.

How is the power stored?

Unless a battery storage system is incorporated into the system, the electricity is not stored. Any electricity that is produced is either used by the household at that time or the power flows back out to grid while spinning the meter backwards. Some homeowners that are subject to frequent power outages request a system that incorporates battery storage that power the household in the event of a utility outage.

How much does a photovoltaic (PV) system cost?

This amount varies considerably by state based on available incentives and rebates. Solar Works will design a system that maximizes the incentives for the state in which the project site is located.

How much space does a system require?

A typical residential system will take up about 300 sq. ft. (20 x 15) of roof space and approximately a 4ft. by 4ft. amount of wall space next to your electrical service panel for an inverter, meter and disconnect switch.

Can the homeowner sell power back to their utility?

Yes, through ‘net metering’ any excess electricity generated will spin your meter backwards which has the effect of selling your excess power to the utility at a full retail rate. On a monthly basis, you pay only the “net” of what power you used.

Are there tax credits and other financial incentives available?

Yes. Depending on the state that you are working in there are varying rebate and tax incentives available. Solar Works will assist you in maximizing incentive payments. Additionally, on January 1, 2006, the Federal Government increased the Investment Tax Credit to 30%.

What is the environmental benefit of installing a photovoltaic (PV) system?

A 5 kW photovoltaic residential system will avoid the release of 73 tons of carbon over a 25 year lifetime that would have occurred if had you purchased that power from your utility. This is the environmental equivalent of planting 682 trees.

Is there really enough sunshine in the Northeast?

Absolutely, there is plenty of sunshine; on average, we receive approximately 4.5 hours of direct sunlight a day. One factor that makes solar power make more sense here than in many other places in the US is that our power costs are significantly higher and state incentives are strong.

Do the panels need to face South?

South is the best orientation and will produce the most electricity for you. East and West orientations are possible as well. Solar Works will determine the energy output estimate for you based on 30 years of climate data.

What condition should the roof be in?

PV systems are designed for a 25+ year lifetime. The roof should have a similar life expectancy.

What roof surfaces do you install solar on?

The most typical residential installation is for solar panels to be mounted on rails that secured on top of asphalt shingles. In addition to this however, we frequently attach on top of standing seam roofs. Wood shingles and slate roofs present an additional challenge which we frequently address by using a different water-tight surface under the array and surrounding the array with the wood shingles or slate. This produces a very finished and integrated look while addressing the unique needs of wood or slate.

What happens when snow covers the PV panels?

After the storm, when the sun comes out, the solar radiation penetrates the snow and heats up the collector melting the snow from the bottom up. The melting at the surface of the collector allows the snow to slide off. Also, since the panels are usually mounted on an angle, the snow is able to slide off fairly easily.

What is a Renewable Energy Credit (REC)?

A Renewable Energy Credit is the value of the environmental attributes of the clean energy that the solar electric system will produce. These credits have an established value in an actively traded market for each state. Solar Works will assist you in capturing the market value of your RECs should your client desire to do so.

How do I purchase a system?

Estimate—Contact us at www.solarworksinc.com or call us 800-339-7804 x 314.

Site Visit—We’ll be in contact with you to determine your exact project needs.

How do I contact Solar Works?

You may contact us via email at info@solarworksinc.com, call us at 802.223.7804 ext 314, or toll free at 800.339.7804.