Q. Does it really save money to have a solar-electric system installed on my house?
A. Absolutely. Simply do the math. The payback takes about six to seven years, and after that you benefit from FREE electricity. Think of it this way... you'd be paying the electric bill for those six or seven years anyway, so instead, pay off your solar-electric system, and never pay another bill after that again. And, that doesn't take into account LIPA rate increases, which have averaged about 7% per year. And, a solar electric system adds value to your house. It will be an immediate hit with buyers.
Q. Is it really affordable?
A. Again, absolutely. There's no added expense to you. Remember, you will be paying for it with dollars that you would be paying out anyway. In other words, you will pay for the system with dollars that you would otherwise be using to pay your electric bill. Better than that, once it's paid off, you save money with FREE ELECTRICITY thereafter.
Q. How large a solar-electric system does my house need?
A. Your house is different from every other house, and so is your electricity usage, and a professional solar project manager needs to evaluate the particular site in terms of usage, roof area and slope, shading, and so on. Looking at an average home, however, based on 2009 LIPA rates, each kW produced by a solar-electric system provides roughty $30 worth of electricity. That would mean for an average monlhly electric bill of $240 (at 2009 rates), an 8 kW system would be needed to cover the annual electrical usage. But, no home is average. A Built Well Solar project manager needs to review your usage to determine exactly how large a system you home needs. The review is part of our free consultation process.
Q. How many solar panels does an average house need?
A. The size and type of panels dictate how many are needed. The number of panels will be based on optimizing the configuration of the solar arrays for the particular roof. For example, some homes have one south-facing roof with fairly regular dimensions while others have varied levels that face east and west as well as south. A Built Well Solar project manager provides a free consultation to evaluate the best, most efficient solar array you’re your particular site.
Q.Does LIPA credit me for any solar power I don't use?
A. Yes, an excess solar energy generated on over the course of a year is bought back by LIPA. Every time you generate more power than you use, the extra amount goes to the grid, and your meter turns backwards, in a process called "net metering" which credits you over time. You don't really make money on the excess, however. The best choice is to "size" the solar-electric system to meet your needs, not to exceed them because the electricity is bought back from LIPA at a wholesale rate, not the retail rate consumers pay.
Q. How long will a system last? Are there any warrantees?
A. Typically, a system lasts at least 25 years on average, and can operate decades longer. Some solar panels used on satellites have lasted 40 or more years. Manufacturers' warrantees are typically 20 to 25 years on the solar panel modules and 10 years on the inverters. In addition, Built Well Solar provides a free 5-year installation warranty, with extended warrantees available.
Since it has no moving parts, a quality PV system that is properly installed by the experienced contractors at Built Well Solar requires virtually no service or maintenance. It is designed to endure extreme outdoor temperatures and high winds, and is resistant to moisture and salt in the atmosphere.
Q. How long does it take to have a solar-electric system installed?
A. In general, it takes anywhere from four to six months on average from the signing of the contract and assignment of the LIPA rebate application to completed installation of the solar electricity system on your home or business site. Our Built Well Solar specialist will explain the process to you when you complete your LIPA rebate application. We take care of every step of the process, making it easy -- like a walk in the sunshine you might say.
After we help you apply for the LIPA rebate, several weeks pass for the letter to come in the mail that verifies that you will be awarded a cash rebate once the system is installed -- Built Well Solar waits for the LIPA rebate, you don't have to. We take care of everything, so you don’t have to concern yourself with any paperwork details or go out of pocket for the thousands of dollars in cash rebate money.
From there, the process involves engineering evaluations and requirements, zoning regulations, issuance of required town or other permits, ordering of the particular size and type of solar panels for the site (these are not off-the-shelf items and there have been increased demands lately which sometimes delay deliveries). Also, fair weather is needed for the installation itself which takes about 3 to 5 days on site, depending upon the size of the system and the height and design of the roof or roofs.
Again, the good news is Built Well Solar takes care of the entire process for you.
Q. Will my system work during a blackout?
A. No. The system is grid-tied, which means that electrical current feeds back to the grid through regular power lines. As a result, power is automatically shut off from your solar site to the lines if a blackout or other outage occurs, so that utility workers fixing service are not electrocuted by live current coming from just your house on the block. No battery backup is provided with our systems. Batteries can be pricey and last only about 5 to 10 years, so we have yet to recommend them to a customer. We would consider ordering a battery backup system for a customer as an add-on in an area where blackouts occur frequently, or assisting with looking into a possible diverter to a generator, if a customer wishes.
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