What is a solar photovoltaic system?
Why should I use PV?
Is my home or office a good place for a PV system?
What is net metering?
What are the warranties and life expectancy of Solar PV?
Is there any system maintenance required?
Do the panels need to be mounted on my roof?
What size system do I need?
Does my system need batteries?
How much does it cost?
What is a solar photovoltaic system?
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system uses silicon solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity. Solar Electricity is the same kind of electricity that you receive from your electric company.
Why should I use PV?
- A Solar PV electric system is an excellent hedge against future rising energy costs.
- Solar PV is a proven technology backed by 25-year manufacturer’s warranty for power output. PV panels have been producing power in the field for over 40 years.
- A solar electric system adds value to any home and pays for itself without increasing your property taxes. It is estimated that real estate value increases $20 for every $1 saved in utility costs.
- Incentive rebates from the state of Maryland significantly reduce the final price.
- State and Federal tax credits also help reduce your initial investment. (incentive link this is a section not yet written)
- With no moving parts, Solar PV systems operate unattended and require virtually no maintenance.
- The earth receives more energy from the sun in just one hour than the world uses in an entire year.
- Solar PV is an environmentally responsible technology. During operation they create no pollution and generate no waste.
Is my home or office a good place for a PV system?
PV system needs unobstructed access to the sun for most of the day throughout the year. In our area, the sun is always in the southern half of the sky. Pointing the PV array south will give you the best performance, although east and west orientations may also work. Energy Elements LLC can also install ground mount and pole mount systems that can accommodate a range of site locations. There is no charge for our site surveys so if you are unsure feel free to contact us.
What is net metering?
Net metering is a metering and billing agreement between utilities and their customers, which facilitates the connection of small, renewable energy-generating systems to the power grid. Electricity produced by the renewable energy system can flow directly into the utility grid, spinning the existing electricity meter backwards. When you are making more electricity than you are using, like typical summer days, your extra electricity automatically gets metered back out (sold) to the utility grid. You receive credit for this power at the same rate they sell it to you. This allows the owner of the PV system to generate excess power during the day and use it at night without the need for batteries.
What are the warranties and life expectancy of Solar PV?
We use PV panels that carry a 25 year power warranty from the manufacturer. Invertors have warranties up to 10 years. PV systems have been proven to operate for 40 years or longer.
Is there any system maintenance required?
PV systems require very little maintenance. After the installation is complete, Energy Elements staff will show you how the system works and how to check to see that it is operating correctly. If you are not a do-it-yourself type, Energy Elements LLC also offers an optional maintenance contract.
Do the panels need to be mounted on my roof?
No. We can also install ground mount and pole mount PV systems. Energy Elements PV systems are custom designed so our system recommendations will provide the optimal solar performance in a location that best suits your needs.
What size system do I need?
The size of your PV system depends on several factors including roof space and how much electricity you use. As a starting point, we will calculate your average measured kWh (kilowatt hour) usage and match a system to your historical demand. We will also provide you with an estimated cost savings analysis on your electricity bill prior to installation of your PV system. Sometimes system size will be limited by available, acceptable space. Energy Elements LLC will determine available space during a complimentary on-site evaluation. If your budget does not support a system of this size, we will design a system that meets your budget. Since PV systems are modular, you can start small and add on as you want. Add-ons are separately eligible for a rebates and incentives at both the state and federal level.
Does my system need batteries?
No. Grid-tied PV systems are connected directly to the existing electricity grid so the grid acts as your power storage medium through the process of net-metering (link to net-metering question). If you do not have access to the electricity grid, you will need batteries if you plan to use the system at night.
How much does it cost?
A PV system is a home improvement upgrade not an appliance, therefore the cost will vary. Energy Elements custom designs systems based on individual needs and requirements. For a grid tied PV system, approximate $8 - $10 per installed watt. This would be the gross cost of the system before incentives and tax credits. Your costs depend on your system's configuration, your equipment options, and other factors.
