Frequently
Asked Questions
Going solar is a big step and many people have a lot of questions and concerns up front. Check out our FAQ's for the most common questions that we are asked and put your mind at ease. Of course if we still haven't answered your questions, we are only an email or phone call away.
How long will my solar panels last?
Our solar panels come with a 25 year manufacturer's warranty but they should provide worry-free service for much longer. The truth of the matter is that we don't know how long solar panels will really last because the ones installed over 25 years ago are still in operation.
Is there any maintenance involved?
Since there are no moving parts in a typical solar module or collector, there is very little maintenance to be performed. The primary concern is to keep them free of dirt or debris that can accumulate over time. Usually this just involves cleaning with a garden hose during prolonged periods of no rain.
Will the installation process compromise the integrity of my roof?
The racking systems supporting solar modules have surprisingly few legs in contact with the roof structure. The mounting systems we use comply with the specifications noted in the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) manual. This guideline details the “best practices” for installing on tile roofs. In essence, legs are installed in accordance with the same flashing details as the plumbing vents and roof vents that are already present on your roof.
What if my roof needs replacing?
Rather than laying directly on the roof, solar modules are supported on a racking system several inches above it. They are easily removed and re-installed to coincide with any roofing upgrades. However, since solar modules are an electrical producing device, only trained solar professionals should handle this type of work.
Will the solar panels still produce electricity if it is cloudy? What about at night?
While the amount of power produced will vary depending on daily conditions, your solar panels will always produce electricity in the day time. At night, the production is suspended but remember, excess power produced during the day will actually run your meter backwards.
Is there a limit to how much power I can sell back to the power company?
In a typical grid-tied system, the energy you produce will appear as a kWh credit on your bill. This is known as “net – metering”. These kWh credits are carried from month to month throughout the calendar year.
How much hot water will my solar water heater produce? What if I need more hot water?
Your solar thermal system will produce hot water on a continuous basis. Just as with a conventional system, you still have a hot water tank, only it cycles through the panels on the roof using the sun’s rays to heat it. If the water in the tank falls below a preset temperature, and the solar collectors can not keep up, the tank’s back-up electrical or gas system will take over. This would generally happen only during very high evening usage.
Don't I need a large bank of batteries to store the electricity and aren't these harmful to the environment when disposed of?
This is one of the greatest misconceptions. Systems designed to be completely off the grid required a large battery bank to store excess power. Disposal of these batteries are definitely harmful to the environment and are expensive to replace. At AES, we recommend the utility grid-tied system. This eliminates the need for battery storage since excess power is sent back to the utility company as a credit against your utility bill. Grid-tied systems also don't have the same kind of maintenance costs and environmental risk factors associated with off-the-grid systems.