Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Power and Solar systems
Q: How does a residential Solar system generate electricity?
A: A Solar system generates clean natural solar electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) modules which turn the sun's light energy directly into electric energy. See "How Solar Works" for more information.
Q: How do I use the electricity from my Solar system?
A: The electricity generated by an Solar system purchased from Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. works just like the electricity delivered by your local utility. After passing through a component called an inverter, the direct current (DC) electricity generated by photovoltaic panels is converted to alternating current (AC), the type of electricity that you normally access through the outlets in your home or business facility.
Q: Will a Solar system produce enough solar energy to handle all my home electricity needs?
A: Providing you have enough roof or ground space and depending on your family’s electrical consumption, a Solar system purchased from Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. can be appropriately sized to meet all of your ordinary electricity needs, but in most cases it is not necessary for a system to cover all of your needs in order to be cost-effective. For instance, if your utility charges are based on a tiered rate structure, you pay an incrementally higher rate for each Kilo-Watt Hour (kWh) that you use; in this case, simply eliminating the most expensive portion of your consumption has a noticeable effect on your monthly utility bill. For Time-of-Use metered systems the benefit can be even greater provided your system produces more power than you use during the On-Peak hours of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. You can contact us to allow us to help you in deciding what size system is best for your home by calling: 951-2966-9644.
Q: How much electricity will my Solar system produce?
A: The amount of electricity generated by an Solar system purchased from Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. is dependent upon several factors, primarily site compatibility and your local geographic and environmental conditions. However, in optimal conditions your Solar system is designed to produce its rated quantity of electricity.
Q: Will my home still need a utility provider? Do I need to be connected to the grid?
A: Yes, you will still need to be connected to the grid through your local utility. While you generate the bulk of your own electricity during the peak hours of daylight and demand, your utility will seamlessly take over and continue to supply your electricity at night and on very cloudy days.
Q: How safe is an Solar system?
A: Since solar systems are generally mounted in a low or no-traffic area, are virtually maintenance free, and have no moving parts, they are very safe. Your Solar system carries all electrical certifications, including Underwriters Laboratory (UL listed) and IEC. Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. can refer a professional, qualified, and licensed electrical contractor to install your system to your satisfaction. Please remember, as with any electrical appliance, you should always use proper care when handling Solar system components.
Q: How durable is an Solar system?
A: Your Solar system is very durable. We only supply the finest solar PV modules. All Solar modules supplied by Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. have passed a standard battery of tests and are built to withstand winds of up to 125 miles per hour and 1 inch hail. The inverters, racking, wiring and hardware supplied through Pacific Sun Technologies, Inc. are all top quality products as well.
Q: How long does an Solar system last?
A: The heart of an Solar system is the high quality solar PV module made to typically last for more than 30 years.
Q: What is the warranty on an Solar system?
A: All Solar modules carry the manufacturers’ limited warranty covering them ordinarily for up to 25 years. PV Powered, Inc inverters carry the manufacturer’s limited warranty covering them for 10 years. The installation of the system is warranted for 10 years by the installation company.
Q: What happens at night?
A: Since solar or PV technology requires sunlight to produce electricity, your system will not produce electricity during the dark hours of the night. Your local utility will continue to supply your electricity at night.
Q: What happens on cloudy days?
A: Since solar or PV technology requires sunlight to produce electricity, the bulk of your electricity production will take place in sunny conditions. Output is directly proportionate to the amount of sunlight available at any given moment, so systems can generate 50 — 70% of their typical output under bright overcast conditions but production will continue to diminish as less light reaches the surface of the solar modules.
Q: In what temperatures will an Solar system operate?
A: An Solar system will operate efficiently in temperatures ranging from -13 to 122 degrees F (-25 to 50 degrees C). Since PV modules are electronic devices that generate electricity directly from light, not heat, solar panels actually work better in cooler temperatures.
Q: What is Net Metering?
A: Net metering is a result of regulations that obligate utilities to allow excess energy generated by solar PV systems to be sent to the grid, thus spinning the meter backward. This arrangement allows all electricity produced by your Solar system to be used to offset your utility bill. When your Solar system produces more electricity than you consume, your meter will spin backward.
Q: What government incentives are available that will lower the price of an Solar system? Who will help me apply for the available incentives?
A: There are many different financial incentives available for solar electric systems both residential and commercial. The California Solar Initiative offers a one time payment based on the expected performance of your system or a monthly payment over five years based on the actual performance of your system. We will assist you in determining which incentive is best for you, prepare all the paperwork and provide further information to you on the availability of any additional incentives.
Q: What happens during a power outage?
A: Your Solar system is designed to shut down during a power outage to prevent possible injury to those working to restore power.
Q: What size system is right for my home?
A: The size you choose is a trade off between the amount of money you want to invest and the amount of electricity you want to produce. A typical US home uses approximately 13,000 kWh per year. You can ask your utility provider or you can look at your old electricity bill to calculate how much electricity your home typically uses. But remember, you do not need to cover all your electricity needs with a Solar system to save money and add value to your home. Under the tiered rate structure used by most utilities, the solar electricity generated by an Solar system can remove you from a higher charge bracket.
Q: Will an Solar system work at my home?
A: To have solar panels installed on your roof, you must first own a home that has enough roof space, free from obstructions and not shaded during the key sun hours of the day. Southern or Southwestern orientations are ideal but West facing roofs can still capture over 80% of the power of a true south-facing roof. Both flat roofs and tilted roofs are fine. Ground mounted systems are also available. You also will need to have adequate space available on your electrical breaker panel.
Q: How much does an Solar system cost?
A: Generally, the total cost for purchasing the Solar system is based on the size of system you require, the financial incentives that are available in your area, and the specific details of the layout of your home. As a general "guesstimate" you will find that most reputable solar system providers will quote you about $8.00 Per Watt at this time (July 2009). Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. makes it easy and affordable for you to own a Solar system and enjoy energy independence, while saving the environment. Our solar consultants can give you a price estimate based on your particular circumstances.
Q: How do I purchase an Solar system?
A: An Solar system can be purchased by simply calling Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. at 1 951-296-9644 or emailing us at: office@pacificsuntech.com.
Q: Can I increase the size of an Solar system at a later date?
A: Yes, provided you have the available space at your home.
Q: Will I need approval from my homeowners association for a residential Solar system?
A: Normally you will need approval from your architectural committee (consult your CC&R’s and Association By-Laws). However, in the State of California any covenant or restriction that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable as a matter of law. California Civil Code §714. See:California’s Solar Rights Act
A Review of the Statutes and Relevant Cases - Authored by
Scott Anders
Kevin Grigsby
Carolyn Adi Kuduk
January 2007
Energy Policy Initiatives Center
University of San Diego School of Law
Q: Can I add battery back-up at a later date?
A: If you start out with a system that utilizes battery backup, it is easy to add more. However, if you start without any backup, it will be rather expensive to add batteries due to the high cost of adding a different type of inverter. Systems without battery-backup use a different inverter than those with battery backup. For more information on solar battery back up, call Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. at 1 951-296-9644.
Q: How long will it take to install?
A: It typically takes 2 - 3 days for the professional installation of an Solar system. Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. will suggest a reputable and professional installer that will complete the job to your satisfaction. Pacific Sun Technologies™, Inc. will assist you from the purchase of your system to the flick of the switch that turns it on.
Q: What about the environment?
A: An Solar system uses no fuel and produces no pollutants. Our smallest systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions as effectively as planting a grove of 50 mature trees.
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