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

A: A Solar PV system produces electricity during cloudy weather and periods of reduced sunlight during winter months, although the total power per day will be reduced. Even on cloudy days, PV systems often supply more power than the user requires. Any extra power is sold to LIPA through “net-metering” and is credited your account, providing free electric when you need it.

 

Q: Will my solar electric system operate when my utility has an outage?
A: For safety reasons, the solar electric system must stop producing power when the LIPA’s electric grid is not supplying power. When LIPA power is available, the inverter will automatically resume supplying power from the solar panels. Battery backup systems are available and allow you to continue producing and using electricity from your solar array during a power outage.

 

Q: Is Long Island a good place for solar energy?
A: Yes, surprisingly good. In fact, Long Island has many days with few or no clouds. Long Island receives about 70% of the solar energy received in sunny San Diego.

 

Q: How do I know how much electricity my system produces?
A: To know how much electricity your grid-connected (note: is this term needed?) solar energy system produces, a remote sensor is installed to measure the output of your solar panels and monitor system performance. Remote sensors and internet monitoring are part of all SunPower installations from Energy by Choice.

 

Q: What happens if my system produces more electricity than I am using?
A: Any excess electricity flows back to the LIPA power grid out over your existing electric lines. Your electric meter will turn backwards! LIPA credits you at your high retail rate for providing the extra power. When the sun sets or your demand increases your meter will spin forward again. 37 states now allow consumers to sell their excess power through this system called Net Metering.

 

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. A SHW system uses 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 much power does a PV System store?
A :A PV system generates, but does not store power. However, since you sell your excess power to LIPA, you store credits with LIPA that offset your electric bill. This system is called Net Metering. If backup power is required when power from LIPA and Solar PV panels is unavailable, storage battery systems can be installed.

 

Economics

Q: How do I sell excess electricity to LIPA?; What is NET METERING?
A: Thanks to New York State's "net metering" law, homeowners can use solar power to literally turn back their electric meter and sell excess power back to LIPA. Without solar PV panels, your electric meter spins forward when electricity flows from LIPA into your home. With solar panels, whenever you produce more power than you are using, the excess power flows back to the utility's electric grid system, spinning your electric meter backwards! At the end of the month, you are billed only for net consumption - the power you receive from LIPA minus the power you send back to LIPA. The excess power you produce is carried over to the following month (like rollover cell phone minutes).

 

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 technical factors, including average and peak power needs, panel and inverter efficiency, roof orientation and shading. LIPA incentives and tax credits can significantly reduce the cost.

 

Q: Does the installation of a PV system on my roof help or hurt my home’s value?
A:According to the Appraisal Institute’s “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 long will my solar modules last?

A: Most photovoltaic module manufacturers warranty their modules for power production for 20 to 25 years.

 

Q: Is a PV system 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. System designers prepare the plans to ensure that PV panel will have no negative impact on your home’s ability to withstand hurricane winds and that the PV system will survive any storm that your home survives.

 

Getting Started

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. 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: Do I need to be concerned with the condition of my existing roof?
A: A PV system can be installed on any roof in good condition. 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.

 

Q: How does shade affect my PV system?
A: Proper placement of your Photovoltaic (PV) system is critical to the success of the PV system’s 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. Shading can include trees, chimneys, TV antennas / satellite dishes, dormers and plumbing vents. Energy by Choice will conduct a state-of-the-art shade analysis to determine the best location of the system.

 

Q: Are permits required?
A: Most towns require a permit for a solar electric installation. Energy by Choice will advise and assist in obtaining any necessary permits.

 

Q: I’m concerned about the appearance of the panels on my roof.
A: PV panels and supports that are complementary to the roof color and architecture are available. 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 will recommend the system that offers the best balance of function and style that fits your budget. Click to view examples of solar panels on Long Island homes.