Solar panels are most effective in direct sunlight. However, if sunlight is reflected or partially blocked by clouds, the efficiency of the solar panels will decrease, but electricity will continue to be generated. Rain keeps panels running efficiently by cleaning off dirt and debris—so a rainy day once in a while isn’t all bad.
Solar PV systems have no moving parts. Systems can continue to produce clean energy for 40+ years.
Panels and optimizers are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for 25 years. Inverters are covered for 12 years, with an option to extend to 25 years at an additional cost. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 80% of their original production for 25 years.
Exact Solar does not lease solar energy systems. We feel that purchasing a solar energy system is in the best financial interest of most people. For a detailed explanation of the pros of purchasing, check out our blog and our video.
The cost of a solar energy system depends on many factors, including:
- Complexity of installation, slope of your roof, and the type of panels used.
- Your available, unshaded roof space. In the United States, roofs facing south receive the most direct sunlight. Alternatively, if you have a large, sunny yard, a ground-mounted system may be an option.
- The current energy usage in your home or business. Your current energy costs will affect your return on investment (ROI). The more energy you use, the larger system you’ll need to fully offset your energy use. Being conscious of turning off electronics and switching to energy efficient lighting and appliances is key.
- On average, in our geographic location, an 8kw system, or approximately 30 panels, will generate around 10,000 kwh/year and will cost between $24-$29,000 before the 30% federal tax credit is applied, or between $17-$20,000 after the tax credit.
This depends on many factors, including:
a. The electricity rates in your area. The rate that you’re paying the utility company for electricity also factors into your ROI. For example, electricity rates in New Jersey are among the highest in the country (14 cents/kW on average). Meanwhile, average electricity prices in Pennsylvania fall at 10.3 cents/kW. As a result, a solar energy system in New Jersey will produce greater savings than an identical system in Pennsylvania. It’s important to keep in mind that, regardless of where you live, electricity rates are only going to increase in the future.
b. State incentives can have a massive effect on how quickly a solar energy system will be paid off. See “What are SRECs?” below for further details.
The condition of your roof does not necessarily depend on its age. If debris from trees constantly falls on to your roof, it may be much more damaged than a roof that is free of debris. Typically, roofs that are not impacted by considerable falling debris are suitable for solar energy systems for up to 20 years. Exact Solar evaluates the condition of all roofs and makes any necessary recommendations.
Exact Solar uses flashings to cover penetrations in sloped roofs. The use of these flashings does not typically negate warranties on roofs. We can verify that your warranty will not be voided with the roof manufacturer.
We are currently about 8-10 weeks out for installations in Pennsylvania. This time is used to complete and submit all necessary paperwork with the state and the utility company. Weather conditions may affect this timeline. Installation averages three days, depending on the complexity of the system.
The 30 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC) has been renewed through 2019, with a slow decline in the following years. By filing an additional form with your federal taxes the year following completion of the installation, you will receive a tax credit equal to 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system. For example, if you’re system is completed in 2016, you will file for your return in 2017.
SRECs are a form of Renewable Energy Certificate. Many states have Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation that requires utilities to invest in renewable energy sources such as solar. In order to meet these requirements, utilities can buy SRECs. Home and business owners with solar PV systems earn one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs) generated by their system. These SRECs are then sold on a virtual market. There are many brokerages that can sell your SRECs for you. Exact Solar completes all necessary SREC paperwork with the state and assists customers in signing up with a broker and selling SRECs after installation is complete.
The value of SRECs varies from state to state. New Jersey’s SREC market is “closed,” meaning that New Jersey utility companies can only purchase SRECs from New Jersey home and business owners. This decreases the supply of SRECs, resulting in a high price. New Jersey SRECs have averaged $200-$250 in recent months.
Pennsylvania’s SREC market is “open,” meaning that Pennsylvania utility companies can purchase SRECs produced in any state. Supply is very high, making SREC prices lower. Pennsylvania SRECs have averaged $10-$20 in recent months.
Yes. In addition to a solar PV system, a battery backup system can be installed. Battery backup systems are used to power a home’s critical loads during a power outage. Critical loads may include sump pumps, wells, refrigerators, etc.