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Progressive Power Solutions. |  |
Q: Can these systems be installed easily in an existing home?
A: Yes. Every home is different and requires a site survey by a qualified individual to determine the cost effectiveness and energy production possibilities.
Q: How long will my system last?
A: The panels in a solar power system come with a 25 year warranty, the inverter a five year warranty, the batteries are the exception, depending on the type and size chosen they may need replacing every five to twenty years. The practical life of the panels is fifty to eighty years.
Q: What is the benefit of having my system tied to the power companies transmission grid?
A: In some areas of the country, you will be able to sell any excess energy you produce to the power company. This will allow your system to pay for itself sooner.
Q: Can the system be sized by the square footage of my home?
A: No. Because some homes are more energy efficient than others and the amount of electricity consumed depends on the number of electrical appliances and your lifestyle. The best way to determine the size of the system you will need is to look at your monthly electric bill. The average home uses around 19 kilowatt hours per day.
Q: Do the panels have to be installed on the roof?
A: No. They could be installed on the ground or on a pole in the yard.
Q: I live in an area with protective covenants can I install a home power system?
A: That is a good question some planned communities will allow for a solar power system if installed properly others may not, asking the owners association is the only way to determine if this will be a problem. We would be happy to provide pictures and information to the association that will help them understand the benefits and appearance of a solar power system.
Q: Are there homes on which a solar power system cannot be installed?
A: Yes. A solar power system requires that the solar panels be in direct sunlight. If the home is shaded, by trees or other buildings, for a substantial part of the day, solar power would not be economically feasible.
Q: I think the panels are ugly, is there an alternative?
A: Yes There are solar shingles which look like conventional asphalt shingles. There are thin film panels which can be installed as a sky light or window. They produce power while allowing light into the home.
Q: Can producing your own power be dangerous?
A: Yes. There are dangerous voltages present in a home power system however, if the system is installed by qualified personnel these are not available to the homeowner. The battery bank, which contains both dangerous voltages and caustic chemicals, is kept locked and usually serviced by the installation company unless the homeowner feels comfortable and is trained to do so.
How long do solar panels last?
Almost all solar panels are guaranteed for 25 years from the manufactureres. However solar panels that were made 35 years ago are still going strong.
No one knows how long they will last for sure, estimated life is 50-80 years. 50-80 years is longer than most of us live in our homes.
Maintenance
Since the solar panels have no moving parts, they are almost maintenance free. Basically you keep them clean. Dust and bird droppings will decrease the efficiency, so a periodic washing is a good idea.
This is as easy as spraying them off with a hose, in the cool of the morning or the evening. Do not spray them off when they are hot, beacause it could break the glass.
