Solar Energy
Solar Energy is one of the best ways to save energy and money. This list answers many of the common questions people have before making the decision to install solar panels.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 1. Why should I invest in a solar photovoltaic system now?
The incentives have never been better than now: New York Subsidies lower the cost of monthly electricity and the Federal Tax Credit is 30% of the total cost of the system.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 2. How is the price of oil tied to the cost of electricity?
The US uses many fuel burning plants to generate electricity.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 3. How does a Photovoltaic system work?
Photons from the sun's rays are captured by the solar cells and turned into electrons, which creates DC voltage. The DC voltage is inverted to standard AC voltage.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 4. How much does a photovoltaic system cost, generally?
Before tax credits and rebates: between $30,000 and $60,000 for an average size system. After the incentives the final cost could be as low as $8,000.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 5. How much money will I save on my electricity bill?
Between 50% and 90% depending on how much is invested in the system (there will always be a charge for the utility company to read the meter).
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 6. Does my house have to face South?
No, solar panels can be mounted facing within 20º of South even if the house is facing East or West.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 7. Does a photovoltaic system have to meet building codes?
Yes, both the New York City and Kings County require building permits to install solar panels.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 8. How long does it take to install a system?
One to two weeks depending on the size of the system.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 9. How do I maintain my photovoltaic system?
The modules will collect dust after a period of time, so hosing them off every four to six months is necessary. The inverter have a dust screen on the cooling fans, so it is also necessary to blow the dust out of them every six months.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 10. How do I know if my system is working?
There is a monitoring system that comes with all solar panels, it will provide the status of the system.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 11. How long does a system last?
The modules can last more than 40 years. The inverter will last between 15 and 18 years.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 12. Will the system work on cloudy days?
Yes, but the production may vary depending on the thickness of the clouds.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 13. What are photovoltaic cells?
Silicon wafers that absorb photons from the sun's rays.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 14. What is an inverter?
It is a transformer that changes the DC voltage to standard household AC voltage.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 15. What is a photovoltaic module?
A module isa group of photovoltaic cells tied together in a series until enough voltage and wattage is reached.
h1(cf-museo700 em1_4 color-black). 3. I've heard that solar is more wasteful than efficient since it costs so much to produce materials?
That was true in the past, but in recent years with new technology, the production costs have come down enough to make it a viable energy source.
