faq's

What size of a system do I need for my house? Electricity production is directly proportional to system size for solar electric systems. It is possible for solar energy to meet 100 percent of the energy needs of a typical home on an ANNUAL basis. However, typical customers offset 30-50% of their energy. If you would like to offset a certain percentage of your utility bill, we can look at your past electric bills and accurately design a system to cover your needs. System sizes are usually determined by available roof space and financial factors.

Are there ways to help pay for solar electric systems? Many people wrap up the cost of the solar electric system in their home loan.  There are also low interest loans available for conservation/renewable energy projects. Call us for more information about additional financing options.

What if I am building a new home, and may want solar in the future? Many folks are having their homes “pre-wired” for solar during the building stage.  This provides an opportunity to install the system when you are ready! Many builders/developers are also going this route.  If you are in the process of designing a new home, we will come out to your home at the rough-in electrical stage to run conduit and pre-wire for solar. The conduit will run along the framing from the roof down to where your balance of systems* will be installed, (usually in the garage). This way, all wires are hidden in the walls when the install is complete! *The "balance of systems" is composed of the inverter, solar meter, and the disconnects.

What steps should I take to evaluate if solar is right for me?
1 – Estimate how much energy you use by gathering your electric bills from the past year.
2 – Determine what site might be the best location. Solar works best on south-facing roofs, but east/west oriented roofs at low angles are also suitable. There should be little or no shading from trees, chimneys, etc.
3 – Determine if there are other energy conservation steps you can take within your home or business that will make the solar system more effective.
4 – Fill out our Self Site Survey form and return to us.
5 - We will set up a site survey appointment with you and draft a preliminary quote.

What else do I need to know when I invest in a solar electric system? Solar electric panels will be mounted on your roof, and wires run through conduit to your breaker panel and utility meter.  Here, we will mount a DC disconnect, inverter, AC disconnect and a solar kWh meter. This equipment can be mounted either inside or outside, and will take up about a 15 square feet (3' x 5' area).

How do I know if solar would work on my house? Solar works best on south-facing roofs, though east or west oriented roofs are also suitable. There should be no or little shading from trees, buildings, etc. Optimal orientation in Central Oregon is 36 degrees tilt and oriented to true south (197 magnetic).

What are the benefits of solar? Other than economic benefits, the environmental benefits of renewable energy are both immediate and long term.

• Empower yourself by stabilizing your energy costs and increasing self-reliance
• Hedge against rapidly rising electrical rates
Strengthen energy security & long term affordability
•  5kW system's benefits are equal to planting 30 acres of trees or not driving 237,000 miles or removing 190,000 lbs. of CO2 from the atmosphere

What happens with electrical outages? By law, any grid tied solar electric system must shut down until utility power returns. When grid power goes out, the inverter will automatically shut off. When the grid power is re-established, the inverter should automatically turn back on after it has synced itself with the utility grid.

Will my system work on cloudy days? Yes, though they produce less electricity. 

How long does it take to install the system? For a typical residential system, it can take about three days to install the PV panels and Balance of Systems equipment. It can take an additional 7-10 business days for the utility to install the bi-directional meter.You can turn your system on after the utility company has installed the bi-directional meter and all inspections have passed.

What if I need a new roof or I am building a new house? This is the ideal situation for installing solar. Before laying the roof, we can coordinate with your roofer and install flashable mounting brackets that provide the highest level of protection from leakage.

Can the solar panels withstand high winds and hail? The panels are supported by high quality stainless steel and aluminum racking systems designed and mounted based on American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE) wind load provisions. All solar panels are tested to UL-1703 standards and are capable of withstanding one inch (2.5cm) hailstones at 50MPH.

How can I tell if me system is performing? We provide a utility grade solar kWh meter with the system. Located next to your inverter, this meter tracks the cumulative electricity produced by your PV system. It counts the amount of kWh BEFORE your house uses any of the solar electricity and before you sell any excess back to the utility. 

Do I need approval from my homeowners association? Some homeowners association have rules regarding the installation of anything on your roof or grounds. If you belong to a homeowners association, contact them or call us and we'll give you the appropriate documentation to submit for a review.

Will adding solar increase the value of my home? A study funded by the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, along with the EPA, found that a solar electric system can add $20 of home value for every $1 of annual energy savings.