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Gain More Insight: Common Questions About Solar Panels Answered
Q
Is My Home Ready for Solar Power?
A
If you're considering solar for your property, several factors must be evaluated to determine the feasibility of the system. To assess whether your home is solar-ready, the smartest thing to do is to contact us. We'll schedule an appointment for a comprehensive energy assessment that is convenient for you. Our team of experts will evaluate all aspects of your property to estimate the potential solar energy output and provide you with a clear understanding of the value and feasibility of your investment.
Q
What is the lifespan of solar panels?
A
At 4Clean Energy Solar NJ, we ensure that our installed solar panels and other components have a lifespan of at least 25 years. We offer a warranty that covers the panels, inverter system, and other parts. In case of any breakdown or damage to the system within the warranty period, we'll be ready to come and fix it for you.
With advancements in technology, today's household solar systems are becoming more durable and reliable. Our latest components have undergone expert testing and are expected to last even longer than their original warranty period, up to five to ten years more. So, you can be assured that your investment in solar energy will provide you with long-lasting benefits.
With advancements in technology, today's household solar systems are becoming more durable and reliable. Our latest components have undergone expert testing and are expected to last even longer than their original warranty period, up to five to ten years more. So, you can be assured that your investment in solar energy will provide you with long-lasting benefits.
Q
What is the duration of a solar panel installation process?
A
On the scheduled day, our team will arrive at your home with all the necessary equipment to install your new solar panels. Most of the installation work takes place outdoors, but we will need to enter the building briefly to access the electrical panel and complete the connections.
We take great pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the spaces we work in, and we clean up as we go to ensure that your home remains in the same pristine condition as when we arrived.
The duration of the installation process depends on the size and scope of your project. It can be completed in as little as half a day or as long as two days. To provide you with an accurate timeline, we offer precise estimates based on the size of the job. You can trust us to complete the installation process efficiently and with the utmost care for your property.
We take great pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the spaces we work in, and we clean up as we go to ensure that your home remains in the same pristine condition as when we arrived.
The duration of the installation process depends on the size and scope of your project. It can be completed in as little as half a day or as long as two days. To provide you with an accurate timeline, we offer precise estimates based on the size of the job. You can trust us to complete the installation process efficiently and with the utmost care for your property.
Q
How often do I need to maintain my solar panels?
A
Solar energy systems for homes provide clean and reliable electricity with minimal maintenance required. Since modern systems have no moving parts and are designed to avoid any potential issues, they are highly reliable. However, cleaning becomes an issue every three to five years as dust and organic debris can accumulate on the surface of solar panels. Regular cleaning will ensure that your solar panels continue to generate energy at the expected level based on our initial energy assessment.
We offer maintenance contracts that cover the cleaning and upkeep of your solar panels, as well as the detection of any faults or damage. With our team taking care of your solar panels, you can relax and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy without worrying about the maintenance. When it comes to home renovations, installing a solar energy system is one of the most low-maintenance options available.
We offer maintenance contracts that cover the cleaning and upkeep of your solar panels, as well as the detection of any faults or damage. With our team taking care of your solar panels, you can relax and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy without worrying about the maintenance. When it comes to home renovations, installing a solar energy system is one of the most low-maintenance options available.
Q
Will I receive an electricity bill if I switch to solar panels?
A
Yes, you will still receive an electric bill after installing solar panels. However, your bill will significantly reduce compared to what you're used to seeing.
To estimate how much energy your home can generate from solar, we conduct a thorough energy analysis. This will give you a clear idea of your monthly energy production and potential savings before proceeding with the installation.
After your solar array is installed and net metering is in place, any excess energy you generate will be stored in a "credit bank." This credit can then be used to reduce future utility costs. If you produce more energy than you consume in a given month, your only cost will be the standard monthly hookup fee, which is typically around $12 to $15.
During months when your consumption exceeds your production, your credit will be applied to your bill first, resulting in significantly lower expenses than before you installed solar.
To estimate how much energy your home can generate from solar, we conduct a thorough energy analysis. This will give you a clear idea of your monthly energy production and potential savings before proceeding with the installation.
After your solar array is installed and net metering is in place, any excess energy you generate will be stored in a "credit bank." This credit can then be used to reduce future utility costs. If you produce more energy than you consume in a given month, your only cost will be the standard monthly hookup fee, which is typically around $12 to $15.
During months when your consumption exceeds your production, your credit will be applied to your bill first, resulting in significantly lower expenses than before you installed solar.
Q
What occurs during a power outage?
A
When the grid goes down, a traditional solar panel system will also shut down for safety reasons. During a blackout, the grid must be protected from incoming energy sources, which means that your home will stop exporting power. This is necessary to ensure the safety of machinery and any workers who may be involved in restoring power.
Even with solar panels, you will lose power during a blackout like the rest of the grid. Although major blackouts are rare, they can still occur.
Localized power outages can also be problematic, even without a major blackout. If you want to ensure continuous power during maintenance periods or short blackouts, you should consider the following scenario.
Even with solar panels, you will lose power during a blackout like the rest of the grid. Although major blackouts are rare, they can still occur.
Localized power outages can also be problematic, even without a major blackout. If you want to ensure continuous power during maintenance periods or short blackouts, you should consider the following scenario.
Q
Is it possible to live off-grid with the help of smart solar solutions?
A
As a homeowner, you understand the value of solar panels in terms of cost savings and environmental benefits. But can smart solar solutions allow you to live off-grid?
It's important to note that even with smart solar solutions, your home will still be connected to the grid. The solar panels on your roof alone may not generate enough power all year round, and at present, battery backups aren't advanced enough to power a family home for a prolonged period of time.
However, through net metering, you can accumulate credits on your energy bill during the peak solar output months, which can be used to offset the power you draw from the grid during the off-season. This way, you can still reap the benefits of solar energy while remaining connected to the grid for reliable power.
It's important to note that even with smart solar solutions, your home will still be connected to the grid. The solar panels on your roof alone may not generate enough power all year round, and at present, battery backups aren't advanced enough to power a family home for a prolonged period of time.
However, through net metering, you can accumulate credits on your energy bill during the peak solar output months, which can be used to offset the power you draw from the grid during the off-season. This way, you can still reap the benefits of solar energy while remaining connected to the grid for reliable power.
Q
How do solar panels affect the value of my home?
A
Investing in solar panels can significantly increase the value of your home. This is not just an opinion, but backed by numerous studies in the real estate industry. On average, homes with solar panels sold for 4.1% to 4.5% more than those without solar panels in the United States. This premium can be attributed to the high electricity bills that many homeowners face.
When potential buyers look at a home with solar panels, they see two benefits: they won't have to pay for the installation of the system, and they can enjoy low electricity costs by generating most or all of their energy from the sun. Therefore, your investment in green energy not only benefits you, but also adds value to your property, making it an attractive selling point if you decide to sell your home.
When potential buyers look at a home with solar panels, they see two benefits: they won't have to pay for the installation of the system, and they can enjoy low electricity costs by generating most or all of their energy from the sun. Therefore, your investment in green energy not only benefits you, but also adds value to your property, making it an attractive selling point if you decide to sell your home.
Q
Can you explain what solar net metering means?
A
When designing a solar energy system for your home, we take into account several factors such as the size of your residence, available roof space, roof orientation, nearby obstructions, and shading from adjacent structures or trees. Using advanced technology like satellite images, drones, and software, we can accurately predict how much energy your home will produce throughout the year.
However, solar energy production is not consistent throughout the year. In winter, the days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, resulting in lower productivity. Conversely, in summer, there is ample sunlight and longer daylight hours, but your energy consumption is likely to be higher, so you may end up using all or most of the energy your panels generate.
To account for these fluctuations in energy demand and production, we utilize a system called net metering, which allows you to feed any excess energy you produce back into the grid and receive credits on your energy bill. These credits can then be used to offset any energy you consume from the grid when your solar panels are not producing enough energy to meet your needs.
However, solar energy production is not consistent throughout the year. In winter, the days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, resulting in lower productivity. Conversely, in summer, there is ample sunlight and longer daylight hours, but your energy consumption is likely to be higher, so you may end up using all or most of the energy your panels generate.
To account for these fluctuations in energy demand and production, we utilize a system called net metering, which allows you to feed any excess energy you produce back into the grid and receive credits on your energy bill. These credits can then be used to offset any energy you consume from the grid when your solar panels are not producing enough energy to meet your needs.
Q
Can you provide information on the price of solar panels?
A
The price of a solar panel is determined by several factors such as its capacity, the technology used for manufacturing, the model or variant, the quality, the manufacturer, and the brand. Other components of the solar system are also priced based on similar criteria.
Q
What is the proper way to clean solar panels?
A
Maintaining the cleanliness of your solar panels is crucial to ensure they function at optimal efficiency. Start by rinsing the panels with clean water to remove any loose debris. Next, use a soft scrubber and soapy water from a bucket or mixing sprayer to gently clean the surface of the panels.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your solar panels every six months. There are various professional panel cleaners available in the market, or you can choose to use automated cleaners that can be programmed to clean the panels as needed. For regular cleaning, you can use a garden hose to wash the face of the panels in the early morning or evening, but avoid spraying cold water onto hot panels as it could cause cracking.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your solar panels every six months. There are various professional panel cleaners available in the market, or you can choose to use automated cleaners that can be programmed to clean the panels as needed. For regular cleaning, you can use a garden hose to wash the face of the panels in the early morning or evening, but avoid spraying cold water onto hot panels as it could cause cracking.
Q
Can you tell me more about the maintenance required for your solar panel system
A
Solar power systems typically require minimal maintenance. Rain can remove most of the pollen and dust that settle on your solar panels.
If your system is located under trees, you may need to regularly prune branches to prevent damage from falling limbs and increase energy output. During snowy winters, homeowners may need to shovel snow from their roofs to maximize winter energy output, but they should avoid using metal or other hard surfaces that could damage the solar panels. Instead, specialized tools designed for solar panels should be used.
If your system is located under trees, you may need to regularly prune branches to prevent damage from falling limbs and increase energy output. During snowy winters, homeowners may need to shovel snow from their roofs to maximize winter energy output, but they should avoid using metal or other hard surfaces that could damage the solar panels. Instead, specialized tools designed for solar panels should be used.