Best is a relative term and is difficult to apply to solar.  You could determine the “best” solar panel with regard to efficiency but this panel will typically not hold the “best,” overall value.  There are several different technologies currently being used to produce solar panels.  Some of these panels have a relative advantage under extreme heat and others have advantages with regard to partial shading issues.  Basically it depends on your specific situation.  If you would like to understand what solar panels best suit your needs, please contact an Adobe representative.

Solar panels can vary in size by both manufacturer and typically the average output of the solar panel.  A large majority of the solar panels currently on the market have an estimated DC output of 165- 180 watts under optimal conditions.  These panels are roughly 3 feet x 5 feet in size.

In Colorado there are several utility providers currently offering rebate programs which may save you up to 60% of the cost of your installed solar electric system.  For a full list of current programs being offered throughout Colorado visit: http://www.dsireusa.org/

How can I learn more about the Xcel Solar Rewards rebate program?\
Xcel may change their rebate at anytime.  To get the most current information with regard to Xcel’s rebate program please visit their website at: http://www.xcelenergy.com/solar

4 kW (STC) is an average size for a solar electric system.  A system of this size would require a sunny area of approximately 350 square feet. 

If you produce a net surplus of electricity, the utility is usually required to pay you for the excess power you produced.  If at the end of the year have generated a net surplus of electricity, your utility provider will compensate you for your surplus electricity at their wholesale rate which is commonly 30-40% below that of the retail rate.

The most favorable direction for fixed location solar array is south, but it may not be as important as you would think.  In many cases southeast and southwest facing system can produce more that 90% of optimum generation. 

Most single panels have an operating voltage between 20 and 60 volts, depending on the model type. When the solar panels are wired together in series strings they typically have open circuit voltage between 200 & 400 volts.

We take care of all of the paperwork for you!  We will obtain and complete nearly all  of  the paperwork associated with your system.  We will pull all necessary building permits, and complete all paperwork associated with the Xcel Solar Rebate.  The only thing that you’ll need to do is file the correct form with your taxes so that you can collect the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit.

A solar power system can be installed on a large variety of roofing surfaces: composite shingle, flat composite, tar and gravel, cement tile, or metal.  On thing you will also want to take into consideration is the age of your roof.  Remember that a solar power system may last for 40 years, and replacing your roof will require removing your system.  The orientation of your roof is also important. Although South facing roofs offer the most annual production, east and west facing roofs may also offer adequate production. Finally, you will want to accurately understand any current or future shading issues that may occur on your roof.

Non-profits who would like to install solar power but are not able to take advantage of the tax credits may want to find third-party financing. Using this arrangement a party other than the contractor and non-profit will purchase the system and make use of the tax credits. The 3rd party can then pass on charges for the produced power to the non-profit. After the system has been depreciated the third-party can sell the system to the non-profit at a discount. In many situations this can turn into a very good return on investment for both parties.

Yes. Over the course of its 30-year lifetime, a solar electric system can be a great investment. It is a low-risk, high-return investment that is very competitive with other types of investments (stocks, bonds, and property). Adobe Solar can look at your specific situation and calculate an estimated financial return.

Your system will directly reduce your demand on existing coal powered plants currently providing a large majority of Colorado’s electricity.  

According to The Appraisal Journal, Evidence of Rational Market Evaluations for Home Efficiency, a $1 decrease in your annual energy bills results in a $20 increase in your property value. Using this valuation if your solar powered system saves your $500 a year on your utility bill, your home’s value will increase by roughly $10,000.

Provided you have enough physical space, you can install a photovoltaic system that will produce as much electricity you need or more!  Adobe has installed systems that are currently providing up to 150% of the current household needs.

Any excess solar electricity produced will go back into the grid running your meter backwards. If you produce a net surplus of electricity, the utility may pay you for the excess power you produced, but it will only be at the wholesale rate which is 30-40% lower than retail rate.

If your home has a heat pump, the solar system will provide power to it.  However, using electricity to create heat is very consumptive and will require a significantly larger solar power system.  We suggest taking steps to improve your home’s efficiency before investing in a solar power system, especially when it comes to using it to generate heat.

You can determine how much electrical usage from your utility bill or by calling your electric utility. It is very helpful to understand your last 12 months of electric usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). Your electric utility can provide you with this information over the phone.  If you are a customer of Xcel Energy you can obtain this information by calling: 1(800) 895-4999

Solar panel and mounting equipment add very little relative weight to your roof. In most cases the solar power system will add less than 4 lbs per square foot of load to the roof. Virtually all modern structures are designed to support loads far greater than this. In very rare cases, older homes may require some structural work prior to installing a system.

Property secured loans usually offer the best terms and lowest interest rates when investing in a solar system. If you are in the process of refinancing a commercial property, you should consider the purchase of a solar power system.

Capital equipment loans have become a popular method for financing solar power systems. There are many banks and institutions who grant capital equipment loans. The loan terms will depend heavily on your lender and credit rating. Third-party financing is also an option.