Residential Solar Energy FAQ | 
1. What are the solar energy advantages and disadvantages for my home?
Advantages of Home Solar Power Systems:
- Save money - From day one, solar power removes a portion of your electricity usage from the grid and your electric bill. In fact, a solar power system is most productive during the day and during seasons when usage is at its highest, so it's removing the most power from the grid just when your power company is charging its highest rate.
- Lock in the cost of your electricity for as long as 50 years -- There are many different factors from legislative and regulatory changes and restrictions to global price pressures on fossil fuels that have the potential to affect the price of your utility's electricity. When you invest in a solar power installation, you take a portion of your electricity usage away from the utility and bring it under your own control. Home solar power systems are extremely durable, lasting up to 50 years. And because maintenance of a solar power system is minimal, the future cost of your electricity is virtually the cost of your initial installation. You can relax knowing your power costs are behind you, independent of changes impacting the rest of the world.
- Pay for themselves - Because solar power generators last so long and have very low maintenance, they pay for themselves many times over. Depending on physical conditions, electricity prices, and tax and other incentives available at your location, a solar system may fully recoup its cost in as little as 6 years.
- Provide Reliable Power - Those homeowners with Off-Grid systems experience greatly improved reliability. Solar PV systems are rugged, made with time-tested technology under the most inhospitable environmental conditions. They are also simple with no moving parts, and as an integral part of your home, they have no exterior power lines to go down in a storm.
- Generate Power Noiselessly - Your solar panel installation has no moving parts, so there is no noise from spinning turbines or sliding pistons.
Disadvantages of Home Solar Power Systems:
- Up-front cost - However, there are many federal, state, and local government tax credits, rebates and incentives as well as financing programs that can reduce the up front cost to make it affordable for most homeowners.
- Off-Grid systems require an electrically conscious home - Most home Off-Grid systems are not going to be as robust an electrical source as the grid. This does not mean a change of lifestyle, but you will have to be smart about electrical usage and the choices you make such as choosing gas appliances, stove, hot water heater, and dryer over electric ones.
- Needs sunlight to produce power. Solar PV systems only produce power when the sun is shinning so you still need to supplement your system with grid power or you have to have a battery to store power for use at night and during cloudy weather.
2. How much will it cost for a residential solar system design and installation?
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are self contained and modular with relatively few standard components. The design is therefore mostly a matter of size, placement, and aesthetic choices. For a rough estimate, the average residential solar panel installation can range from $5 to $7 per watt depending on performance expectations, condition of existing wiring, aesthetic requirements, and other conditions at the site. Estimate a solar power system size and cost with our solar calculator.
Most often, the initial cost is not a barrier because there are many government, and utility incentives and rebates as well as financing options that, when combined with the power cost savings, make it affordable. Our experienced agents are trained to find the best, most cost effective solar power solution for you. Find out how affordable a solar PV system can be. Get started today by entering an information request to have a specialist call you.
3. What is the process the Eclipse Solar will follow from sales visit to final grant receipt?
Eclipse Solar's customer process is a complete turnkey system meaning that there is really no action or utility interface needed by you to make your solar system operational. Below is an outline of a typical solar evaluation and installation:
Preliminary evaluation and estimate
- After contacting us we will ask you a few brief questions to see what your ideas are and ask you for information such as name , address, phone number.
- We will ask you to send us a copy of your utility bill so we can size a solar system to meet your needs.
- We will then take a look at your home on a satellite image to get a very broad idea of whether your home qualifies for the installation of a solar system and from the satellite image estimate the size of the solar array that might fit on the roof.
- We will provide you with a ballpark cost of the estimated system to insure that the cost you had in mind agrees with the vision you had of a solar array on your home.
Detailed evaluation and firm quote
- If the preliminary evaluation meets with your expectations and you want a detailed quote, we will make an appointment to visit your home to take roof measurements, evaluate shading if any, look for obstacles that might have a negative impact on your system and to evaluate the adequacy of your electrical system to handle a solar array.
- During this visit, we will explain how the solar system operates, and what kind of payback period you can expect.
- We will work up a customized solar system plan using the products that will best suit your needs. We will provide you with a detailed quote within a couple of days that will tell you exactly what we will install and exactly what the price will be. There will be no surprise add-ons.
- We will answer any questions you have at this point.
Pre-installation activities
- Once you give us the go ahead, we will visit again to complete the necessary paperwork to get the ball rolling with your local utility and with the state grant program. Depending upon the state and the utility company involved, this step could take anywhere from two weeks to 12 weeks. If you choose, we can proceed with your project while the grant is being approved. In most cases, there will be no questions associated with your grant submittal.
- We obtain permission from your utility company to connect your solar system to the local power grid.
- There may be a small deposit required at this point or a fee for the application depending upon your state. The fees range anywhere from $100 to $300.
- Once the grant is approved, we will place an order for your product. A deposit of 70% of the system cost is required at this point. The product could take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to be delivered.
- We will also apply for any local electrical or building permits required by your community.
Installation
- When we receive your product, our project manager will contact you to arrange the installation schedule. We will require access to your home and the electrical panel during the installation process. We will also decide, with you, the best location to install the inverter and determine whether we are able to hook you up for Internet monitoring of your system. This usually requires that you have a router on the computer system in your home.
- The installation of the solar panels on your roof will typically take two weeks or less from start to finish.
Post Installation
- When the installation is complete, we will call for an electrical inspection by your local electrical inspector.
- When the electrical inspector approves the installation, your utility company will most likely have to install new metering to insure that you are set up to receive credit for the power you generate back into the grid. This could take as long as two weeks.
- We will complete all of the paperwork necessary for your utility interconnection and grant completion submittal at this time
- Final payment will also be due at this time.
- If you choose to have Eclipse Solar manage your Renewable Energy Certificates, there will be a few documents to be completed for that.
That's it. As you can see, we will guide you through the complete process.
4. What product brand does Eclipse Solar specify?
Eclipse is an independent company. We are technology and equipment neutral, meaning that we are not tied to any particular manufacturer and can select the product that is exactly right for you.
5. How long will the system last?
Solar power systems have no moving parts so they are virtually maintenance free, and the components have been tested under the harshest conditions. You can expect your system to last anywhere from 30 to 50 years without requiring major repairs.
6. What is the warranty on your installation?
We guarantee your solar panels for 25 years, your power inverter for 10 years, and our workmanship for 5 years
7. Is it possible to supply all of my power needs with a solar system?
In many cases, it is possible for a residential solar power system to replace all or nearly all of the power for a home that is optimized for energy efficiency. The main determining factor is whether you have enough space with sufficient hours of direct sun exposure. Eclipse Solar Professionals can analyze your site and power needs to determine how much of your power can affordably be replaced with solar.
8. How big of a system do I need?
A 5 kW system will meet nearly all of the power requirements of a home that has been optimized for energy efficiency with gas appliances and passive solar and ventilation design features. A typical residential system will be about 5kW and will require around 500 sq.ft. If you are serious about installing a solar power system for your home, you need to have professionals do an evaluation of your site. There's no substitute for experience when designing a system that will be right for you, and there are many considerations having to do with physical conditions as well as making sure you qualify for rebates and tax incentives. Get started today by entering an information request here to have a specialist call you.
9. Will the PV solar panels be hot to the touch?
The exposed top surface will be warm but not any hotter than any other black plastic surface that is outside exposed to the sun. The underside does not get hot as it is shaded and gets air circulation. In fact, because they're mounted in a raised rack, the panels create an umbrella effect shading your roof and keeping it cooler, also shading your home from harmful UV rays.
10. Do I need to clean the panels?
Most of the time, rain will wash the panels clean. However, dirt, bird droppings, leaves, and debris clinging to your solar panels will block sunlight and degrade your panels' efficiency, so periodic cleaning may be necessary. For cleaning, review the manufacturer's instructions, but you would clean most panels the same way you clean glass. Remove reachable leaves, sticks and other hard debris that might scratch the surface; then spray them with a hose to dislodge dirt. Next, mop with a plastic mounted sponge mop, water, and soap if needed, and rinse again with the hose.
11. How will weather affect my solar power system?
Cloudy weather can reduce power output by 20 to 30%. Snow cover can block it completely; however, the angled mounting decreases snow cover, and the dark color of the solar panels accelerates snow melt. In the summer, high temperatures can also degrade the efficiency of the solar cells which work optimally at around 70° F. These and other weather factors are taken into account when designing your system.
12. Will I still need power from my electric company?
Solar cell residential systems can be either completely Off-Grid or Grid-Tie. Most home owners want to keep their existing appliances and electrical system just as it is while making a significant reduction in their electric bill. If this is what you are looking for, the Grid-Tie type of system is ideal. You will not need to change your power consumption in any way and will not experience any changes in your electricity availability. In such systems, your solar panels and grid power work together to decrease your energy costs much like the electric and gasoline engines do in a hybrid automobile. Power from the grid and power from your home solar power system carry your electrical load seamlessly with grid power taking over as needed. You will still receive an electric bill from the power company, but it will make you smile.
If on the other hand, complete energy independence is what you're seeking, and there is sufficient space and sun exposure, you will be able to be completely independent of an electrical company with an Off-Grid system. Off-Grid systems for homes are more expensive and usually require some changes such as switching from electric to gas for major appliances (electric to gas stove, for instance) and downsizing from central air to strategically placed window units and passive cross-through ventilation. Solar power generated from photovoltaic cells in your panels will be stored in a large battery. Power will flow from the battery through an inverter to convert the power from DC to AC and then into your home's electrical system to supply you with power around the clock, day or night, rain or shine.
Whether you choose a Grid-Tie or Off-Grid system, Eclipse Solar Professionals can analyze your energy needs and design a system that will work best for you. Get started today by entering an information request here to have a specialist call you.
13. What way should my roof face for a roof mount?
Ideally, your roof should be facing true south. Fixed Panels on a roof facing within 40° of true south will still experience 90% or better efficiency, and east or west facing roofs can provide good mounting surfaces as well as long as other factors are favorable.
14. Do I have to mount the panels on my roof?
No. They don't have to be mounted on your home. They can be mounted next to the home on the ground or even on a pole equipped for tracking or adjustments.
15. Will I notice any difference in the performance of my electrical appliances?
There will be no difference between the electricity from your solar system and electricity from the grid. There is no need to change any of your equipment. All of your electrical equipment will operate the same as it always did with no change in performance.
16. How do solar photovoltaic (PV) systems work?
Most systems are of the Grid-Tie type. In such systems, solar and grid power work together in an integrated system to decrease your energy costs, much like the electric and gasoline engines do in a hybrid automobile. Power from the grid and power from your system carry your electrical load seamlessly, with grid power taking over as needed. Get more information about how solar energy works.
17. What is a Grid-Tie system?
Most systems are of the Grid-Tie type. In such systems, you remain connected to power from your utility company. Solar and grid power work together in an integrated system to decrease your energy costs much like the electric and gasoline engines do in a hybrid automobile. Power from the grid and power from your system carry your electrical load seamlessly with grid power taking over as needed.
18. Does a Grid-Tie system need a battery?
Many Grid-Tie systems do not use batteries to store the electricity. Excess power from your solar panels flows back into the grid coming right off the meter; you will actually see your meter dials turning backwards. This system of subtracting self-produced power directly from the meter is called "net metering" and usually gives you the best value for "selling" your power back to the electric utility. Systems without batteries also need less maintenance and cost less to install.
If, however, you want your system to be partly or fully self sustaining during black-outs and brown outs, a storage battery can be added to carry the load during such periods.
19. What is an Off-Grid system?
An Off-Grid system produces its entire electrical power needs on its own without any connection to electric company power lines. Solar power generated from the photovoltaic cells in your panels is stored in a large battery which will distribute uninterrupted power to your site around the clock. In addition to powering entire structures, these systems are ideal for use in powering water pumps, electric fences and signs. They can be used in remote locations or any location where running power lines is impractical or undesirable.
20. If I have a Grid-Tie system, will I lose power in a black out?
If your system employs a battery backup, you may not experience a power loss. Your system will disconnect from the grid and draw power from the batteries as long as your system's batteries have sufficient charge to carry the load. It all depends on the storage capacity of your system, the duration of the outage, and your electricity draw.
However, many Grid-Tie systems operate without a battery backup because batteries add cost and complexity to the system. In these systems, grid power and power from your solar panels work together to carry the electrical load. Excess power flows back through your meter subtracting from your usage. Because both the utility and your solar power system are sharing your facility's wiring, your system will shut off automatically whenever the grid loses power to prevent stray current from going out to the grid where it could cause injury or damage.
21. What residential solar energy financing options are available?
- Tax credits and rebates - In addition to tax incentives offered by state and local governments, the federal energy tax credit covers 30% of the cost of a solar electric system. In some cases, the combined savings on rebates from government and utility companies can pay for over 60% of your system installation. Check The Database of State Incentives (DSIRE) for rebates available in your area. The maze of incentives can be confusing. Fortunately, Eclipse Solar is an expert in tax incentives, rebates and credits and will discuss your site's qualifying factors as part of the initial proposal.
- Federal Energy Efficient Mortgage Program - The U.S. federal government insures loans for photovoltaic systems through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. These energy efficient mortgages (EEM)s allow more home owners to qualify for loans for renewable energy improvements while ensuring that lenders against default.
- Traditional financing - Bank financing can be a smart way to leverage your investment so that you get the benefits of solar with a minimum initial cash outlay. Solar power systems have been around long enough that banks recognize them as good investments. We work with you and your bank to show how the loan will result in a net increase to cash flow as a result of power cost savings.
22. What are Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)s?
As a solar power generator you are producing power from a renewable energy source -- the sun - which benefits the nation by reducing our reliance on non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. State governments quantify those benefits in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC)s with one megawatt hour of energy from a renewable source generator being worth one REC.
The RECs are part of an incentive program enacted by many states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, to encourage the development of renewable source energy suppliers. You can learn more about the Portfolio Standard and RECs in your state by clicking on the link to your state above and looking under "Rules, Regulations, and Policies". Under this program, each state enacted Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS)s which set the minimum percentage of a utility company's power that must be produced from renewable sources. Because there is not enough renewable source suppliers from which the utility companies can buy power directly, they are allowed to buy RECs on the wholesale electricity market to make up the difference needed to satisfy state requirements.
Although there is a ready market for RECs, in reality it is difficult for small producers to sell their RECs outright on the open market because generation can't be registered in units less than 1 REC. Therefore, most small producers sell their RECs through aggregators who combine the kilowatts hours of many small producers and register and sell these as RECs for a commission on the wholesale market. Eclipse Solar is a registered aggregator of Renewable Energy Certificates. We are capable of selling your RECs in other than your home state which may yield a higher price. We can also make arrangements for long term contracts to fix the value of your RECs.