Q: How does Net Metering work?

A: Thanks to New York State's "net metering" law, enacted in 1997, New York residents can now use solar power to literally turn back their electric meter, and sell excess energy production back to the utility.
Your electric meter spins forward when electricity is flowing from LIPA into your home. The meter spins backward when power is flowing from your home back to the utility. That is, on days when you make more than you are using, the excess energy flows back to the utility's electric grid system, which turns your electric meter backwards. At the end of the month, you are billed only for net consumption - the amount of electricity consumed less the amount of electricity distributed back to LIPA's grid.

Q: What are the differences between module manufacturers?

A:First and foremost is the technical characteristics of the modules themselves. Not all modules are created equally. Some make modules that are better suited for remote, off grid uses. Some like Sharp have focused their entire business model on Residential Grid Tie installations. The second difference is experienced by the consumer as availability. Few manufacturers have stepped up production the way Sharp has. Over the last five years Sharp has increased their manufacturing capability by over 500%. Sharp is now the leading producer of Photovoltaic modules in the world. The third difference is in the warranty and the reliability of being able to benefit from the warranty, if necessary. There are numerous overseas panel manufacturers hitting the market without a developed US presence. Be sure when considering which manufacturer to purchase that you understand the warranty and how to access it’s benefits.

Q: I hear there is a photovoltaic shortage. What’s that all about?

A:Until recently, the market for refined silicon was sized to meet the needs of the “chip industry”. Over the last five years the rush to install Photovoltaic systems has increased demand for refined silicon beyond the existing capacity of the marketplace and the silicon refineries were reluctant to invest in more capacity. However the demand for solar modules and hence the need for refined silicon has been sustained and the refineries are responding with more refinery production capacity. It has been a rough couple of years, but we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. It is prudent to exercise caution when ordering modules as availability is still somewhat restricted.

Q: Can I use solar electricity to make hot water or to heat my house/office?

A: It is much cheaper to use a Solar Water Heater (SWH) to utilize thermal solar energy for water heating (hot water or space heating). SWH use collectors that are connected to a (hot water) storage tank and produce hot water with a high efficiency. Solar electric systems consist of solar panels (sometimes called PV modules) which produce electricity, which can be used to make hot water, but at much higher cost.

Q: How long will my system last (expected lifetime)

A:If you buy a solar electricity system now you will probably be able to use it the next 25 to 35 years. Most suppliers provide warrantee of 25 years for their solar panels. However, the first systems are already over 20 years in use and are still producing electricity. Energy by Choice guarantees all components for a minimum of 5 years and some components up to 10 years, with modules guaranteed to 25 years.

Q: Doesn't it take a lot of energy to produce solar system?

A:It certainly costs energy to produce (and mount) a solar panel. Research has shown that after approximately 2 to 5 years the electricity produced by a solar panel equals the energy that was necessary to produce it. This is called the energy pay-back time. Normally, solar panels have a life of 25 years or more.

Q: How do I know how much electricity my system produces?

A:If you want to know how much electricity your grid connected solar energy system produces you can have Energy by Choice, LTD put in an extra remote sensor to measure the output of your solar panels. All inverters installed by Energy by Choice have a read out at the inverter which is often mounted in a location that you don't visit often. Remote sensors and internet monitoring are available.

Q: How can I save energy?

A:Saving energy and especially electricity starts by using your appliances energy efficient, so switch them off when not using them. Other hints for energy efficiency:
- Don't forget to switch off the lights when you leave a room.
- Opt for energy saving lamps (so called compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's)).
- Buy only energy efficient appliances (refrigerator, TV set).
- Actively use timers for lights and equipment that are often left on for no other reason that you forgot to turn them off.

Q: Will my solar electric system operate when my utility has an outage?

A: The normal solar electric system must stop producing power when the electric grid is down for safety reasons. When grid power starts up again, the inverter will continue to provide power automatically. Battery backup systems are available and allow you to continue producing and using electricity from you solar array during a power outage.

Q: What happens if the sun doesn't shine?

A:Your PV system will continue to produce electricity during cloudy weather and winter, although the total amount will be reduced. Power will automatically be provided through LIPA at night or during inclement weather.

Q: How does shading affect my PV system?

A: Proper placement of your Photo Voltaic (PV) system is critical to the success of the PV systems output. Having even one cell in a PV module in the shade, especially during the best sun hours of the day, can decrease the output for the entire module and possibly the entire system. LIPA has stringent requirements relating to how much shade is acceptable. Contact Energy by Choice to arrange a detailed site evaluation.

Since the shaded cell is not producing any moving electrons, it acts like an open circuit to the entire string. In earlier photovoltaics, this would reverse the power flow and the module would change from power producer to power consumer. Many modules manufactured today have safety features to avoid this.

When looking to place your PV system, please watch for any type of shading. Shading can include trees, chimneys, TV antennas / satellite dishes, dormers of the house, plumbing, vents, etc.

Q: Is PV hurricane proof?

A:All PV systems are designed to comply with local building codes. Attachments to the roof are made by deep bolting to the rafters, and an engineer or architect will prepare the plans and analysis to ensure that PV will have no negative impact on your homes ability to withstand hurricane winds and that the PV system will survive any storm that your home survives.

Q: Is the Northeast a good place for solar energy?

A:Yes, surprisingly good. In fact, we receive about 70% of the solar energy received in sunny San Diego because we have a coastal weather pattern.

Q: Do I need to be concerned with the condition of my existing roof?

A:A PV system can be installed on any well-structured roof. Typically asphalt shingles are easiest to work with, while slate is the most difficult. If your roof is older and needs to be replaced in the very near future, you may want to replace it at the time the PV system is installed to avoid the future cost of removing and reinstalling your PV system. PV systems are also available that integrate PV cells into the roofing materials themselves. This allows the roof itself to act as the PV collecting device and serves as an excellent option when replacing a roof or designing and/or building anew home. One benefit of an integrated PV system is its ability to offset the cost of roofing materials.

Q: I’ve seen some unattractive solar electric installations. Do they need to be so ugly?

A:Absolutely not. Modules can be purchased that are complimentary to the roof color and support systems are available that provide a nice aesthetic. The key to a good looking installation is a balance between the shape of the solar module field and the shape of the roof surface that supports the system. Energy by Choice views every project as an opportunity to match your sense of aesthetics with your budget and will endeavor to satisfy all your requirements, while at the same time offering choices.

Q: Does the installation of a PV system on my roof help or hurt my homes value?

A:According to the Appraisal Institutes “The Appraisal Journal” of October 1998, the substitution of renewable energy systems for purchased utility services will raise the value of your property by a multiple of twenty times a dollar of avoided utility cost per year. In short, if your PV system makes $1000 of electricity per year, your homes value increases by $20,000. To read the report go to:http://www.ongrid.net/AppraisalJournalPVValue10.98.pdf

Q: How much space will I need on my roof or in my yard for a solar system?

A:Each 1,000 watts (1 Kilowatt) of solar modules occupies about 100 square feet and produces about 1150 Kwhrs per year. So a 5,000 watt (5 Kilowatt) system needs an area of 20 feet by 25 feet (500 square feet) and a commercial 50 KW system needs an area of about 5,000 square feet.

Q: How long will my solar modules last?

A:Most solar modules have performance warranties of 25 years, and are expected to last at least 30 years. Inverters carry five or ten year warranties but are expected to last at least 20 years because they are fully electronic, and have essentially no moving parts.

Q: How much does a PV system cost?

A: The total cost of a PV system includes the PV system and installation. Your PV system's cost will depend on a number of factors, including system size and the energy efficiency of your home, whether the home is under construction and whether the PV is integrated into the roof or mounted on top of an existing roof. The cost also varies depending on the PV system rating, size, manufacturer, height from the ground, etc. A 5-kilowatt system that will substantially offset the energy needs of many conventional homes may cost $7 to $8 per watt (before rebates and incentives). These prices of course, are just rough estimates, and your costs will depend on your system's configuration, your equipment options and other factors. After taking in to account rebates of $2 to $3/watt which at the current annual rate of utility cost increases should take 7 to 9 years to pay for itself.

Q: How much power does a PV System store?

A:On Long Island where the utility electrical grid is readily available, the typical PV system uses the grid as it’s storage. For example if your system makes 100KWH more power than you need on a given day, it is sent to the utility grid as a deposit much the same as you deposit money in the bank. When you need it back (as in the night) you take it back at no effective cost, just like withdrawing money from your bank account. However, if back up power is a concern, battery banks can be designed and installed to work in conjunction with your PV system.

Q: What happens if my system produces more electricity than I am using at that moment?

A:The excess electric flows back out over your existing electric lines and spins your meter backwards. You earn a credit at your high retail rate until the sun goes down and your meter spins forward again. The law allowing homeowners to spin their meter backwards, called Net Metering, is the law in 37 states.