Frequently Asked Questions—Residential

Will solar electric power work at my home?

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 your roof is oriented to the southeast or southwest, it may be a desirable site depending on roof angle and shading.

Is solar a good investment?

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

Can I finance the purchase of a solar energy system?

Solar energy systems are often financed as part of a home equity loan as the interest on the loan is tax deductible. Additionally, some states offer low interest loans to assist with system acquisition.

Will I have power in a black out?

If we have incorporated a battery back-up solution into your system, you will be able to run critical items from that stored battery power. Otherwise, when utility power is disrupted, your solar electric system will automatically turn off as required for safety reasons by all utilities.

Can a solar electric system power my entire home?

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 my 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 much electricity will a photovoltaic (PV) system produce?

A 5 kW PV system located in the Northeast will produce approximately 6,200 kilowatts of electricity a year. On average this is about 500 kilowatt hours a month. This would be approximately 62% of the average house, which uses about 800 kilowatts a month.

What is the right system size for my house?

The size of the solar electric system has less to do with the physical size of your house and more with your actual electricity consumption. Since people in similar sized homes have varying levels of electrical usage levels, we size the system based on your consumption level, roof size and budget. Solar Works has many predefined systems that we frequently install that help to make the decision process much easier for you.

How is the power stored?

Unless a battery storage system is incorporated into your system, the electricity is not stored. Any electricity that you produce is either used by your household at that time or the power flows back out to grid while spinning your 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 your incentives for the state in which you reside. Your personal Solar Works quote will contain this detailed information.

How much space does a system require?

A typical 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.

What if I sell my home before the system has paid itself back?

When you sell your home, you should be able to request a premium for your home as it will have lower operating costs than a comparable non-solar home. In fact, banks are beginning to provide larger mortgages on energy efficient homes because of their lower monthly cost of operation.

Can I sell power back to my 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 live 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% up to a $2000 maximum per system. This amount will come directly off your tax bill.

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

A 5 kW of photovoltaic capacity 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 my roof be in?

PV systems are designed for a 25+ year lifetime. You would want to have a relatively new (less than 8 years) underlying roof so that the system wouldn’t need to be removed for roof repairs at a future date.

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 your 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 you desire to do so.

Why should I choose Solar Works Inc.?

Our experience of 25+ years and expertise is unequaled in the industry. Better design equates to better system performance which provides you with a better return on your investment.
Importantly, your system comes with a 5 year warranty from the installing company. It is best to work with a company committed to the long term solar market should your system need support in the future.
Our size of operations allows us to work with the manufacturers of the best equipment in the market. More efficient equipment works harder for you to produce more energy.
Customer service and satisfaction is a hallmark of Solar Works. We pride ourselves on being responsive and flexible to our customers needs.

How do I purchase a system?

Estimate—Complete the Residential Customer Information Form found under the “Get Started” tab on our web site, www.solarworksinc.com or call us 800-339-7804 x 314. A photo of your site, roof size and monthly electricity use will help. We will send you a preliminary system design and estimate of the cost.
Site Visit—Next, we’ll schedule a site visit during which we determine your exact system specifications. We’ll discuss our contract and request an initial deposit.
Installation—Typically we will be on-site for 2 to 3 days until your system is installed. We then manage the inspection process for you until the system is commissioned.

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.