Solar Q & A
You have questions? We have answers!
Below are some of the more common questions we hear regarding solar system installations. If you have additional questions about all things solar, give us a call.
How much solar would be right for my home?
The size of the system depends on the usage of the household, not the square footage of the home. Your solar sales consultant will discuss this with you upon setting up a meeting. Once you provide your utility bills we will run the numbers to determine your optimum systems size.
Will we be the only house on the block with power when the utility power is off?
No, for a couple of reasons; batteries or fuel generators are required in order to have energy to draw from, and a safety requirement to turn off the solar system for the safety of the utility lineman working on the power lines to restore power.
What is a net meter?
The net meter keeps track of electricity generation and consumption, and as with everything else, it is now an electronic digital meter, different from the old horizontal rotating wheel.
How do I know when I'm generating more electricity than I'm using?
The "worm" as your utility person will tell you, are the small “underscores” under the digits of the meter display, they sweep from right to left (selling back to the utility) or from left to right (buying electricity from the utility).
Why are there so many boxes, switches and meters on the wall?
The switches are there to turn the power off to the inverter or meter for maintenance. This is also required by the National Electric code.
Is there any maintenance for a solar electric system?
The only maintenance that we recommended is cleaning the solar panels if they are visibly dirty. We recommend doing this on average once or twice a year, depending on your location and how dirty the panels are.
Now that I have solar, can I use more electric heaters in the winter?
Typically the system size is based on your past usage, not your future usage. This is something you will need to discuss with your solar consultant. After the system has been properly sized for both past and future usage, you can certainly use your electrical heaters more often.
Why would I want to shut off my solar system?
For the safety of anyone working on the roof.
Why would I buy one solar panel versus another?
Depends on a number of factors such as: efficiency, color, size, price, and made in USA versus China. Efficiency is important when there is not much roof space for the size of system needed.
How much solar (electric) do I need for my size of house?
Three things help determine the amount of solar; the average monthly kilo watt hours (kwh) used over a year’s time; the amount of roof space available; and your budget.
How do I know my solar system is working?
That's the beauty of a solar system, silently producing electricity. Several indicators will tell you this information, occasionally glance at your inverter or meter during the day, check your utility bill when you receive it in the mail, or look at the online monitoring system SonoMarin Solar & Electric has installed for you.
How do I know if a solar system is right for me?
A free visit from SonoMarin Solar & Electric will answer all your questions and provide you with a customized quote loaded with specific information for your investment.
What does photovoltaic mean?
Photo is light and voltaic are volts or electricity made from a chemical action.
How does the electricity from the solar system connect to the house and utility grid?
Through a circuit breaker in the main service panel. The electricity goes where it is needed, either the house or the grid.
How long will the installation take?
It depends on the size and the location of the project. Within a week of contract signing, we submit the permit to the local building department. Permit approval typically takes 1 day to 30 days depending on the office. We start your installation within two weeks of receiving the permit, and typically take 1 to 3 days to complete the installation.