303.339.0308 | info@adobesolar.com
Adobe Solar is takes pride in delivering consistent quality and exceptional service. The section below provides a list of Frequently Asked Questions that we have provided to help answer common questions about solar electric systems. If you cannot find the answer you are looking below we encourage you to contact us
Mar
11
2010
Solar Gardens Bill (HB 1342) May Kill Colorado’s Local Solar…
Colorado Rep Levy is proposing a “solar gardens,“ bill (HB1342)…
Mar
01
2010
Colorado Solar Rebate Soon to Fall!
Xcel Energy is quickly approaching its 5th solar rebate reduction…
FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions.
- How does solar electricity work?
- What does the inverter do?
- How much roof space is needed to power my home?
- What happens to the solar electricity I don’t use?
- What happens at night or on a cloudy day?
- Do I need batteries?
- What does the inverter do?
- What is the best solar panel?
- What size is a solar panel?
- What rebates and incentives are currently available in Colorado?
- How can I learn more about the Xcel Solar Rewards rebate program?
- What is the average size of a solar electric system?
- Can I use the square footage of my home or business to determine the cost of a solar electric system?
- What is "net-metering?"
- What direction should the solar system face?
- Are solar panels strong enough to withstand hail and severe weather?
- What is the voltage of a solar panel?
- What happens to a solar electric system when the utility power goes out?
- Who takes care of all the paperwork associated with the solar electric system?
- Will solar work on my roof?
- How can Non-Profit Organizations take advantage of current tax credits?
- Is solar electricity cost-effective?
- How does solar electricity help the environment?
- Does a solar electric system affect the value of my property?
- Is it possible to eliminate my utility bill with solar?
- Will my solar electric system provide heating?
- What is solar thermal?
- How much electricity do I use?
- Can my roof support the weight of the solar electric system?
- How can I finance a commercial solar electric system?
How does solar electricity work?
Sunlight strikes the solar panels releasing electrons from their silicon semiconductors. The flow of these electrons makes up the DC power that will ultimately be converted into AC power and utilized in your home or building.
back to top »What does the inverter do?
Solar panels produce electricity as DC (direct current.) The inverter is responsible for efficiently converting this electricity to AC (alternating current) power so that it can be used to operate common appliances and equipment.
back to top »How much roof space is needed to power my home?
A quick way to get an estimate of the roof space needed is to assume 100 sq. ft. per every kilowatt (kW) of electricity the system produces. An average sized solar electric system on a home will require approximately 300-500 square feet.
back to top »What happens to the solar electricity I don’t use?
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.
back to top »What happens at night or on a cloudy day?
Your solar electric system cannot produce electricity without direct or diffused sunlight. On cloudy days and at nighttime, you will draw electricity from the grid.
back to top »Do I need batteries?
If you are tied into the public utility grid you don’t need batteries. Essentially your utility company acts as a form of backup capacity. Batteries may be necessary if you need power during blackouts or if you are not connected to the utility grid.
back to top »What does the inverter do?
Solar panels produce electricity as DC (direct current.) The inverter is responsible for efficiently converting this electricity to AC (alternating current) power so that it can be used to operate common appliances and equipment.
back to top »What is the best solar panel?
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.
back to top »What size is a solar panel?
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.
back to top »What rebates and incentives are currently available in Colorado?
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/
back to top »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
back to top »What is the average size of a solar electric system?
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.
back to top »Can I use the square footage of my home or business to determine the cost of a solar electric system?
Some solar professionals suggest it will costs roughly $10 per square foot to supply 100% of your electrical needs. However, at Adobe we have found this measure to be inaccurate in many cases. To determine the actual cost of your system we perform a detailed site evaluation.
back to top »What is "net-metering?"
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.
back to top »What direction should the solar system face?
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.
back to top »Are solar panels strong enough to withstand hail and severe weather?
All of the solar panels that we sell are rated to withstand 125mph wind conditions and can withstand the impact of ¾” hail stones at 60 mph. Racking designs are then engineered to match local wind and snow requirements.
back to top »What is the voltage of a solar panel?
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.
back to top »What happens to a solar electric system when the utility power goes out?
According to UL listing requirements grid tied solar electric inverters must shut down when the utility power drops below or above a pre-set voltage range. This means that if you have a grid-tied system, when the utility grid goes down, your solar system will shut down. If you want your system to function when the utility grid goes down, we can design a system to include batteries and / or a generator to provide a backup source. If outages are of particular concern to you let your salesperson know and he/she will help you better understand your options and the associated benefits that different strategies will bring.
back to top »Who takes care of all the paperwork associated with the solar electric system?
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.
back to top »Will solar work on my roof?
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.
back to top »How can Non-Profit Organizations take advantage of current tax credits?
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.
back to top »Is solar electricity cost-effective?
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.
back to top »How does solar electricity help the environment?
Your system will directly reduce your demand on existing coal powered plants currently providing a large majority of Colorado’s electricity.
back to top »Does a solar electric system affect the value of my property?
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.
back to top »Is it possible to eliminate my utility bill with solar?
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.
back to top »Will my solar electric system provide heating?
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.
back to top »What is solar thermal?
Solar thermal is commonly referred to as solar hot water. These systems usually provide hot water radiant floor heating or domestic hot water use. Solar thermal installations typically involve the placement of solar collectors on the roof or ground. These collectors include an liquid filled piping system. As the liquid runs through the pipes it is heated by the sun. Adobe solar does not currently install this type of solar system.
back to top »How much electricity do I use?
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
back to top »Can my roof support the weight of the solar electric system?
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.
back to top »How can I finance a commercial solar electric 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.
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