• Are Solar Panels reliable?
• How many solar panels do I need?
• What is Renewable Energy?
• What are the advantages?
• What are the potential disadvantages?
• How much will it cost me?
• How much will I save annually?
• What kind of maintenance do I have to do?
• What kind of "Warranty" will I have if it breaks?
• Will it be an "eye-sore"?
• Will I have any problems with my HOA (Home Owner's Association) or city/town?

Technical Solar Questions

1. Why is the South side of my roof the best location for roof mounted Solar Panels?
2. What is Latitude and how does it affect my Solar Panels?
3. What is an Inverter, and why is it important?

 

Question: Are Solar Panels reliable?
Answer: Yes. Solar Panels have been around for decades and have been a tried and proven generator of electricity in many different industries and applications around the world. So long as there is sunlight available, the panels will produce electricity. Obviously the more light there is, the more electricity they will generate.

Question: How many solar panels do I need?
Answer: Every home and every situation is different. Your needs are unique and the Solar Energy System you get should be custom fitted to meet your specific needs.

Question: What is Renewable Energy?
Answer: Renewable Energy is a term that refers to any form of energy or rather the generation of energy that doesn't require the use of natural resources that cannot be readily replaced such as fossil fuels. For example, once we use fossil fuels in the form of gasoline, coal or oil, that product is gone and requires eons to create more. Solar, Wind and Geothermal energy on the other hand are all around us and can be continuously used without depleting any finite resources.

Question: What are the advantages?
Answer: The earth receives enough energy from the sun every 10 minutes to provide ample electricity for every person on earth for a full year. The Advantages are that this energy is free from the sun. Sure there is a cost to set up a solar system, but once that is paid, all the electricity they generate is absolutely FREE. Additionally, if there is ever a power outage or an increase of cost for the power that the power company, your solar energy continues to flow as if there's no end to it... and there isn't. Oh, and once the system is installed, there will never be an energy rate hike on solar energy from the sun.

Question: What are the potential disadvantages?
Answer: Solar energy is obviously received from sunlight. Therefore your solar panels will not produce electricity during the night and at times when the sun is shaded by clouds or trees their electrical output will be less then maximum. How much less then maximum depends on the amount of light they still receive. For example on an overcast day, the suns light still gets through, but not as much as there would be on a clear sunny day.

Question: How much will it cost me?
Answer: The cost is determined by a number of factors such as how many solar panels you purchase, where you mount the solar panels (roof top or somewhere else) what type of inverter you use, will you also use batteries or not and what other system additions will you need, or want? At Advancing the Green we do everything we can to make sure that you get the best price possible. Our competitors charge an average of $4.00 to $5.00 per Watt with some going as high as $9.00 per Watt. We have a number of solar options for you to choose from with some being less then $2.90 per Watt (call for Contractor & Green Partner discounts) which, a significant savings. Also note, that with this significantly decreased price, these panels still match or exceed the their high priced competition in quality, warranty and overall performance and module efficiency. To get a better idea of how much it will cost you and what's in it for you, click here.

Question: How much will I save annually?
Answer: The amount you will save on your electrical bill annually will depend on the number of solar panels you get, how they are arranged in relation to the sun, where you are located in the United States, how much you currently pay for your electricity and many other factors. However as an example, in Dallas, Texas a single 180 Watt solar panel can produce an average of up to 29 kWh of energy each month. So if you have 20 solar panels, that would provide you with approximately 580 kWh of energy monthly that you're not buying from the energy company. If you're paying around $0.10 per kWh then that will give you a monthly savings of around $58.00 with an annual savings of $696.00.

NOTE: All of these figures are only estimates. You're actual savings will for sure be more or less than what is stated above.

Question: What kind of maintenance do I have to do?
Answer: The solar panels themselves require very little maintenance to keep them working effectively. Since they require sunlight to create electricity, for optimal performance, it is recommended that you clean them every six months or as needed to keep the glass surface clean. However if you live in an area where there the dust or leaves can build up on the solar panels faster, you should clean them as often as needed. Solar panel manufacturers will provide maintenance instructions that you should always follow to insure that you maximize the performance of your solar system.

If your solar system also includes Batteries, you will need to maintain them in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Some batteries will need frequent refilling of fluids and various other maintenance procedures to keep them performing optimally. It is also important to note that batteries will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. How often they need to be replaced will determine on the battery, the maintenance and how it's used. Again, refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the battery.

Question: What kind of “Warranty” will I have if it breaks?
Answer: The manufacturers of each of the major components of the solar systems that we sell, such as solar panels, Batteries, Inverters, system monitors etc, each have a very nice manufacturers warranty. In our research, we have found their products and warranties to be excellent. However, if something should happen to product, or there is a defect of some type, you should immediately refer to the manufacturers warranty and follow the guidelines given for that product and contact the manufacturer directly.

NOTE: Advancing the Green™ is not liable nor does it warranty any product sold, or service rendered, nor is it responsible for a warranty claim, or the service of any warranty of products or services sold.

Question: Will it be an “eye-sore?”
Answer: Each system is engineered to be as visually appealing as well as for optimum efficiency and functionality. With that said, there are a few that will consider solar panels in any setting an eye-sore. But these people are a vast minority, and Solar energy systems are fast becoming not only accepted, but embraced as a standard feature on homes such as nice landscaping, a pool or a spa. So while some people say solar panels on a roof are an eye-sore, they are vastly out numbered by those who are proud of their panels and consider solar panels on their home to be attractive or "House Bling".

Question: Will I have any problems with my HOA (Home Owner's Association) or city/town?
Answer: While acceptance of Solar panels on and around homes is quickly gaining wide acceptance with cities and HOA's, there are still some that have not fully embrace it. You should always check with your HOA (Home Owners Association) and your city/town to find out what guidelines or requirements they might have. These are things that we will need to know about when you order so that our engineers can create the appropriate solution for your specific needs.