Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy
Q. How do solar panels work?
A. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy by turning photons from the sun into DC current. The DC current then is converted into AC current when a grid system is installed. An inverter is needed to convert DC current to AC current. Once the DC current is converted, it will flow into your fuse box, providing your home or business with electric current.
Q. Do solar panels work when it's cloudy or very cold (like our Michigan winters)?
A. Solar panels work best when it's cold as cold weather allows for better current conversion than hot and very sunny weather. And on very cloudy days there is still sunlight and plenty of it to keep your solar panels working!
Q. What happens if I have excess power? Can I really sell the extra power back to my electric company?
A. Yes! Michigan passed the true Net Metering Law in 2008 which means that your electric company MUST accept any extra electricity that is produced into your grid. When you produce more power than you can consume your meter will read this and you will only be charged for you net consumption of power.
Q: How long will it take to make my money back on a solar investment?
A. Each year, since 2004, Michigan has seen an electric power cost increase of over 8% per year. On top of this the EPA is penalizing energy companies that use coal, which will mean increased energy rates for the State of Michigan. Solar panels have an average of over 8% annual return on investment. It typically takes 6-8 years to see a return on investment, and after that the power that your solar panels generate is free power!
Q: Where is the best place for a solar panel set up?
A: The best location is one that is very open with southern exposure and very little to no shade.
Q: How long will it take to have my solar panels installed?
A: This process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks as we need time to visit your home/business to inspect the potential site. We then work with an engineer to design the best plan for your location. Once a plan is agreed upon we then need to order the panels which can take 4-6 weeks to arrive. The actual installation will only take a few days.
A. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy by turning photons from the sun into DC current. The DC current then is converted into AC current when a grid system is installed. An inverter is needed to convert DC current to AC current. Once the DC current is converted, it will flow into your fuse box, providing your home or business with electric current.
Q. Do solar panels work when it's cloudy or very cold (like our Michigan winters)?
A. Solar panels work best when it's cold as cold weather allows for better current conversion than hot and very sunny weather. And on very cloudy days there is still sunlight and plenty of it to keep your solar panels working!
Q. What happens if I have excess power? Can I really sell the extra power back to my electric company?
A. Yes! Michigan passed the true Net Metering Law in 2008 which means that your electric company MUST accept any extra electricity that is produced into your grid. When you produce more power than you can consume your meter will read this and you will only be charged for you net consumption of power.
Q: How long will it take to make my money back on a solar investment?
A. Each year, since 2004, Michigan has seen an electric power cost increase of over 8% per year. On top of this the EPA is penalizing energy companies that use coal, which will mean increased energy rates for the State of Michigan. Solar panels have an average of over 8% annual return on investment. It typically takes 6-8 years to see a return on investment, and after that the power that your solar panels generate is free power!
Q: Where is the best place for a solar panel set up?
A: The best location is one that is very open with southern exposure and very little to no shade.
Q: How long will it take to have my solar panels installed?
A: This process typically takes 3 to 4 weeks as we need time to visit your home/business to inspect the potential site. We then work with an engineer to design the best plan for your location. Once a plan is agreed upon we then need to order the panels which can take 4-6 weeks to arrive. The actual installation will only take a few days.
