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Q. Why should I Go Solar?
A. There are several reasons to go solar, including the following:
- Tremendously reliable, solar systems are proficient in producing clean energy from the sun for up to 25 years.
- Solar finance experts suggest that every 1,000 Watts of power from photovoltaic (PV) – a form of solar energy – panels contribute $20,000 to the resale value of your home.
- By using solar to power your home, you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
- Incentives have reached the ultimate high in California, and will decline as more systems are installed. Get the best incentive you can — Go Solar now!
Q. How much money will I save on my electric bill?
A. The potential savings from a solar system can be incredible depending on a number of factors, including your current utility rate structure, the size of the solar system installed and the amount of sunshine your system is exposed to. Give Kianga Solar a call today and we can design a system to meet your needs.
Q. Will my solar panels work if it is a cloudy day?
A. Yes, solar modules produce electricity on cloudy days, it is just less electricity. A cloudy day provides sufficient diffuse light by which the panel will produce electricity. Optimum electrical production occurs with bright and sunny weather conditions. Under a light overcast, the modules might produce about half as much as under full sun, ranging down to as little as five to ten percent under a dark overcast day.
Q. What size solar system do I need?
A. Several components will influence the size of the solar system your home will require. The first step in sizing your solar system is to determine your existing electricity needs. It would be beneficial to conduct an energy efficiency survey of your home or business prior to determining the size of the system — by installing energy efficient measures, you will require less energy and could save thousands of dollars on panels.
Q. Must I go on a time-of-use (TOU) rate as a condition of California Solar Initiative? Will this cost me more?
A. California Solar Initiative applicants are not currently required to take service on TOU rates unless otherwise required by other terms of their service. However, many customers benefit from TOU rates because mid-day solar generation creates electricity during peak periods. Therefore, customers receive a Net Energy Metering bill credit at the higher peak price. After the solar system installation, customers should work with their solar installer and utility to determine what rate is optimal for their unique situation.
Q. After my California Solar Initiative-funded solar system is installed, will I be “off-grid”?
A. No. The California Solar Initiative Program only offers incentives for grid-tied solar systems. When a system produces more power than the customer is utilizing, the excess flows into the grid. During times when the site load is greater than the system’s generation, often at night, the customer draws power from the grid. Thus, consumers that install solar systems under the California Solar Initiative Program remain connected to the utility grid.
Q. Do I need a battery backup for my solar electric generating system?
A. A battery backup for your solar system is unnecessary when your system is connected to your utility’s electric grid. As previously mentioned, the grid acts as a backup during times when your system is not producing electricity, for example, at night and on exceptionally cloudy days.
Q. What happens during a power outage?
A. For safety reasons, your solar electric system is designed to shutdown immediately.
Q. Can my city, homeowners association or neighbor prohibit me from installing a solar system on my roof?
A. No. The California Solar Rights Act, enacted in 1978, limits the ability of codes, covenants and restrictions to inhibit solar installations.
Q. Does the power produced by the solar system differ from the utility power? Will it hurt my home appliances or business equipment?
A. No, there is no difference between the electricity generated by your solar system and that provided by your local utility. The solar system connects directly to your utility panel or circuit breaker box, so it interfaces seamlessly with your utility power.
Q. Does a solar PV system have to meet local building codes?
A. Yes. Kianga Solar will obtain a permit from the city or county building department. You may also be required to obtain HOA approval for your PV system as well. Kianga Solar will take care of all the necessary paperwork for you
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