1. How does a solar system work?

A solar electric system, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) system, uses solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity.  The panels produce direct-current (DC) electricity, which must then be converted to alternating-current (AC) power — the type used in your home.  An inverter (or a series of panel-mounted microinverters) is used to convert from DC to AC power.  Almost all solar systems are “grid-tied”.  When you produce more electricity than you use at any given time, you put that electricity back onto the power grid and generally obtain a credit for the power you provide.

2. How can I tell if my house is a good fit for solar?

A home with an uncluttered south-facing roof and little or no shade is ideal. Somewhat shaded roofs and east- and west-facing roofs also are viable, but have a lower annual output for the same size solar system. A qualified solar installer can perform an analysis of your roof and suggest your best options.

3. Does having solar on my roof mean I am “off the grid” and not connected to my local power company?

No. Having solar on your roof does not generally mean you are “off the grid”. The great majority of solar systems are “grid-tied” systems, allowing a homeowner to use the electrical grid when needed.  For example, you can often put excess electricity onto the grid during the day when the sun’s shining and draw power back from the grid at night.  

Battery backup systems can be installed along with solar as a way for homeowners to deal with temporary power outages. Although it adds to the cost of the system, batteries can provide power to critical appliances such as refrigerators and computers.  Battery systems can even be sized large enough to power all of a house’s electrical loads for multiple days, but that’s generally cost prohibitive for the great majority of homeowners.

4. Do solar systems work in a power outage?

In general, if your grid-connected solar system doesn’t have battery storage, your system will shut off in the event of an outage. This is to prevent emergency responders and electric utility personnel from being injured by electricity that is being fed back into the grid from solar systems.

5. What happens at night or on cloudy days? Where does my electricity come from?

At night and on very cloudy days, a solar system goes dormant. During these times you will get power from the grid.

6. Will my roof leak?

Solar mounting systems rely on the same leak-resistant technologies and installation principles as other roof features such as vents and exhaust fans.  Ask your solar installer how your system will be mounted and how any roof penetrations will be sealed.

7. Does my roofing material impact my ability to get solar?

The solar industry has created mounting methods and equipment for most of the commonly used roofing materials. Some materials (such as standing seam metal) are generally easier to install solar on, and others (such as slate) present more of a challenge and may involve a higher installation cost.

8. What happens to the solar hardware when I sell my home?

Because they are designed for a specific location, solar systems almost always stay with the home on which they are initially installed.  The cost to remove and reinstall a system on a different home is very high.  Solar homes typically have a higher resale value because they have lower monthly energy costs.

9. Can I heat my pool with my solar electric system?

An electrically driven heat pump (powered by solar electricity) can be used for pool heating, but another solar technology normally used to heat a pool is called solar thermal heating.  This warms the water directly in solar thermal panels facing the sun.  This approach is different from solar photovoltaic technology which generates electricity.

10. Can I provide hot water (for showers, etc.) with my solar electric panels?

Two key solar technologies are available for providing hot water for a home. Solar thermal (not solar photovoltaic) heating involves running a fluid through a particular type of solar thermal panel. This is a more-direct way to use solar for water heating, but is generally expensive and prone to leakage and other maintenance problems. The other approach involves producing electricity in solar electric panels and then using this electricity for water heating.  You can use a highly efficient heat pump water heater (HPWH) or a conventional electric water heater.

1. How much do solar systems cost?

System costs vary by size and technology. A typical roof-mounted system normally ranges between €1.1 –  €1.8 per Watt before any incentives.  For a 6.5 kilowatt (6.5 kW, or 6,500 Watt) solar system, costs generally range between €8,000 and €10,000 before any subsidies.  Various subsidies are available at the state, regional, and municipal levels that can reduce the cost of installing a solar system. Under certain circumstances you can also get a refund of the VAT on your solar system.

2. What is a feed-in tariff?

A feed-in tariff is the price that you receive for the electricity that you put onto the electrical grid.  This happens when your system is generating more power than you’re using at any particular time. Feed-in tariff rates are substantially lower than the price that you pay when taking electricity from the grid.  Accordingly, the economics of solar are much better if you can use (during the day) a high percentage of the solar energy that you generate, as opposed to sending it back onto the grid.  

3. What is my up-front cost? What costs might I face later on related to the solar system?

Costs vary greatly depending on whether you purchase the system or take out a loan for it. If you purchase the system, you’ll pay the cost of the system up front and also be responsible for any future maintenance. With a loan, you’ll generally pay little or nothing up front for the system, pay back the loan with a monthly payment, and be responsible for any maintenance. If you can afford it, the economics of the direct-purchase approach are generally the most favorable.

4. Who benefits most from solar power?

The most cost-effective installations are in homes with larger electric bills, a large fraction of electricity use during the day (when the sun is shining), and unshaded roof space facing generally south.  But households without these characteristics can also find the economics of solar to be compelling. Homeowners sometimes install solar as a way to benefit the environment, rather than for pure economic reasons.

5. How does solar impact my property value?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them.

6. What is the likely payback period (in years) for my solar investment?

Payback time is determined by many factors, most importantly the up-front cost of your system, the feed-in-tariff rate, the size of your average electricity bill, and your electricity-usage patterns. A household can often see a return on investment between 8 to 12 years from a solar investment.  

7. After getting solar, what is the fee for removal & replacement of the solar panels if I need to reroof?

If your roof needs to be replaced during the life of your solar system, a professional will need to uninstall and reinstall the part of the system that is on the roof. Before installing solar, you should carefully consider the condition of your roof since the cost for this service can run into a substantial cost.

1. Are solar electric systems reliable?

Yes. Solar systems consist of various components, but the key ones are the solar panels and the inverter(s).  While the energy generated by a solar panel degrades a small amount each year, they are generally guaranteed to operate for 25 years.  The reliability of an inverter depends on the type.  Microinverters are quite reliable and can be expected to last for 25 years.  Central inverters, however, are less reliable and can be expected to require replacement before the end of the 25-year expected life of a solar system.

2. How long are solar inverters guaranteed for?

Central inverters (also called string inverters) generally come with a 10- to 12-year warranty, but many manufacturers offer extensions to 20 years for an extra fee. Microinverters generally come with a 25-year warranty.

3. What maintenance do I need to do on my solar panels?

Rinsing or washing the panels a few times a year will help keep the system operating at its best. Washing can be done with a simple garden hose and should be done early in the morning before the panels get hot. There is a very small chance that spraying cold water on hot solar panels can cause damage.

1. What size solar energy system should I get?

The best size for your solar energy system will depend on a variety of factors, including how much electricity you use on an annual basis, when you use the electricity, the amount of shade that falls on your roof, the electricity price you pay, the price you get for the power you put onto the grid, etc. It’s best to obtain estimates from several solar installers who can perform more-detailed analyses for your situation.

2. If I have an old roof, do I need to replace it before installing solar?

If your roof has less than 15 years of life left, you should seriously consider reroofing prior to installing solar. This is because it can be costly to remove and reinstall the system’s panels and roof mounting hardware if you need to reroof after going solar. A roofer or solar professional can help you determine the amount of life left on your roof. Solar installers can generally coordinate with your roofer if you wish to have solar installed at the same time as you reroof.

3. How long is the install time?

While it can take well over a month or two to plan and contract for a solar installation, an actual solar installation is typically completed within a day or two. Installations need to comply with all applicable regulations, but the processes for permitting and grid interconnection are straightforward. 

1. Are incentives available for rooftop solar?

One incentive available is the feed-in-tariff program through which you can be paid for the excess power that you put onto the electrical grid.  Under certain circumstances you can also get a refund of the VAT on your solar system.  Various other subsidies are available at the state, regional, and municipal levels that can reduce the cost of installing a solar system.