|
|
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ Categories:
PV Solar Systems
Water Heater
Systems
Pool Heater Systems
Energy Questions
|
|
|
|
PV Solar Systems
Water Heater Systems
Pool Heater Systems
Energy Questions
|
|
|
|
PV
Solar Systems |
|
How do solar photovoltaic
cells work?
In layperson terms, photovoltaic cells are
comprised of semiconductor materials such as silicon. Added to the
silicon are the elements phosphorous and boron which create conductivity
within the cell and activate the movement of electrons. The electrons
move across the cell when activated by the sunlight's energy into the
electrical circuit hooked up to the solar panel.
Back to Top
|
How does a photovoltaic solar
system work?
Photovoltaic panels are mounted in a location
where they will collect an optimum amount of sunlight (usually
south-facing) throughout the day. Sunlight hits the panels and frees
electrons which produce electricity. This power is transferred from
those panels into your home, eliminating the need to buy electricity
from the power company.
Back to Top
|
What is a solar concentrator?
Solar concentrators use mirrors and tracking
systems to direct even more sunlight to the solar panel, thereby
creating even more energy. Like using a magnifying glass on a sunny
day, more of the sun's rays are collected in one area. In addition,
tracking systems turn the modules to follow the sun throughout the day.
This allows the panels to make even more power than a traditional PV
module can. Currently, solar concentrators are not approved for our
wind standards in most Florida counties.
Back to Top
|
Do I need battery backup for
my solar panels?
Probably not. A backup battery bank can add
as much as 25% in cost to a residential solar PV system. It's not
necessarily more efficient either. A same-sized solar array will yield
about 7-10% less energy if it is battery-tied rather than grid-tied.
Back to Top
|
How many panels do I need?
That depends upon the amount of energy you
want to produce and the size of your roof and the wattage rating of the
modules used in your arrray. Your solar installer will work with you to
determine the number of panels that will optimize the space you have and
the amount of power your household needs.
Back to Top
|
Can PV panels be placed on a
barrel-tile roof?
Yes, absolutely, although it takes a little
more time and work. Installers will be absolutely certain as with all
installations that there is no leakage and that the grid system is
fastened to withstand 150 mph winds.
Back to Top
|
What if my roof is too small?
No problem! Solar modules are manufactured
at many different ratings allowing for the optimum use of limited space.
Solar arrays may be mounted on the ground if there are limitations with
roofing and space is available on the ground. Our project manager will
be able to help you with this during a free site survey.
Back to Top
|
What happens if a hurricane
comes through my area?
Solar power installations must comply with
all local building code requirements. A solar installation is rated to
withstand winds up to 150 mph. Most likely, your roof will blow off
your house before the solar system will.
Back to Top
|
What if I don't have a good
south-facing roof?
Solar PV modules are very effective when
located on a roof facing an easterly or westerly direction as well as a
south-facing roof.
Back to Top
|
Do I need a battery back-up
for my solar energy system?
Some people want a battery back-up for their
solar energy system, but batteries are often hard to maintain and can be
quite expensive. Many find that simply buying a generator gives them
the security they need for power outages. Others simple wait for the
power to come back on after a storm or outage.
Back to Top
|
What if my neighbor's trees
shade my roof so that the sun cannot reach my solar panels for large
parts of the day?
Florida laws are very favorable toward
maximizing efficiency for solar collectors. You probably won't remain
on friendly terms with your neighbor if you force him to cut down the
trees that shade your solar panels (and the law would be on your side to
do so), so suggest first that he might want to see if trimming them
back would do the trick.
Back to Top
|
What if my homeowner's
association prohibits the installation of solar modules on my roof?
It is against the law for a homeowner's
association to prohibit anyone from placing a solar energy system on his
roof. They may, however, specify where said system will be installed as
long as it still obtains a maximum of solar exposure. For example, if
all things are equal, it might specify that your solar system be placed
on the back of your home on the east-facing roof rather than the front
west-facing roof since the amount of exposure to the sun would be
relatively equal. According to the law, it could not require you to
place it on the north-facing roof rather than the one facing the south
since the amount of sunlight reaching it would be greatly reduced.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
Water Heater Systems |
|
Why do I need a separate
solar water heating system on my home?
After heating and cooling, a homeowner's
biggest power expenditure is for hot water. Up to 30% of a home's
electricity is used to heat water to a certain temperature and maintain
it there throughout the day and night. By simply buying and installing a
solar water heater, the homeowner will realize immediate savings.
Back to Top
|
What is the difference
between an open and closed system?
An open system literally runs your home's
water through the solar system to collect heat during the sunlight
hours. A closed system uses propolyne glycol within the system to
circulate from the roof to the water tank and back again, collecting
heat and transferring it to the water in the tank. Closed systems are
often installed in areas where freezing is a problem.
Back to Top
|
How hot does the water in the
system get?
Most installations will require an anti-scald
valve to reduce the temperature of your household water to between 120
and 140 degrees. Due to the high efficiency of the solar collector on
the roof, temperatures exceeding 180 degrees are possible. In the event
that your water is not hot enough, your regular water heating system
will make sure that your water is hot enough for your use.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pool
Heater Systems |
|
How can I save pool energy
costs in addition to installing a solar pool heating system?
Good question! Did you know that running your
pool pump eight hours a day adds about $40 per month to your electric
bill? Installing a couple of solar panels to provide electricity to
your pump will offset this cost.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
Energy
Questions |
|
What is solar energy?
Solar energy takes advantage of the sun's
rays to generate heat or electricity. It is an infinitely renewable
resource and unique for its ability to generate energy in a quiet,
clean, and consistent manner.
Back to Top
|
Will I need a building permit
to install a solar energy system to my home?
Yes. You'll need to obtain building permits
to install a solar energy system of any kind. Building, electrical, and
plumbing codes also apply. Residential solar power systems do not use
"radical" bilding techniques, and most jurisdictions have building codes
that fully embrace solar energy technology. Solar professionals will
roll the price for permits into their cost estimate.
Back to Top
|
How much maintenance do solar
energy panels require?
Solar photovoltaic panels require little
maintenance -- no need to wash or dust. It is, however, important to
place panels where they will remain clear of shade and debris. Thus,
you will have to wipe them off if too much snow or leaves fall on them.
Solar hot water collection arrays don't need much attention either. It
does help to peridically use a window wash brush, biodegradable soap,
and water to clean the tubes.
Back to Top
|
Can I use a financing system?
Yes. Consider using a home equity loan for
the purchase and installation costs of a solar energy system to take
full advantage of tax deductions. Solar energy systems are viewed as a
major home energy savings upgrade, and there are financial tools out
there that reward you for your efforts. Remember, installing a solar
energy system is comparable to any other upgrade you might do to your
home, such as installing a new deck or remodeling a kitchen.
Back to Top
|
What can I do to reduce
energy costs in my home besides installing a solar energy system?
Turn the thermostat in your hot water tank to
120 degrees. Start using energy-saving settings on your appliances;
replace older appliances with EnergyStar appliances. Replace
incandescent light bulbs with compact flourescents (CFLs). Clean or
replace filters on air conditioners and heat pumps regularly. This is a
good way to start!
Back to Top
|
How can I save on hot water
usage?
Showers account for an average of 37% of the
hot water used in homes. Purchase low-flow showerheads and faucets for
your home and take shorter showers. Repair leaky faucets. Take showers
rather than baths. You use 15-25 gallons of water for a bath and less
than 10 gallons for a five-minute shower.
Back to Top
|
Why don't more people use
wind energy here in Florida?
Florida's conditions are much more conducive
to creating power through solar installations rather than windmills.
The reason is simple. Year-round, we have much more sunlight on a
steady basis than we have wind. While a wind generator will produce
electricity here, you will generally create much more with a solar
energy system.
Back to Top
|
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the measure of the
amount of carbon dioxide that goes into the atmosphere as you go about
your daily life. People who are take measures to cut their energy usage
doing things such as driving a hybrid car, using EnergyStar appliances,
and turning off lights they are not using create a smaller carbon
footprint than those who do not worry about such things. Since carbon
dioxide is the man-made global warming greenhouse gas, reducing the
amount we produce will have important implications for us now and in the
future.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|