Q: How does your Solar Electric System Work?
A: Solar Electric Systems take advantage of the particles of sunlight (photons) which hit your roof using layers of semiconductors to convert them into electrons of direct current. Micro-inverters located on the back of every panel convert the electrons of direct current into alternating current that can be used to power your home. Any generation of excess electricity is sent back into the grid, making the meter run backwards.
Q: How will Solar affect my property value?
A: Solar Systems affect property values in two ways, both positive. First, the US Department of Energy states that property value increases at a 20:1 ratio for energy savings. So, if you have a solar electric system that produces $500 a year in utility savings, you have increased your property value by $10,000.
Second, the system itself has a market value. Like any other home improvement, the market value of the installed product is added to the home’s property value. The good news is that, unlike any other home improvement, the additional value of a solar system is not taxable. In addition, the NREL estimates that homes with solar home improvements sell 20% faster and for 17% more than their non-solar equivalents.
Q: How is the solar energy stored?
A: In grid-tied systems, solar energy is not stored at all. You’re solar system is an energy-production system for your home. During the daylight hours, your solar system is producing energy- any excess energy that your home does not use during that time is sent directly into the utility grid. This is called “turning your meter backwards.” By selling your excess energy production to the utility company, you are building credits to use against your energy usage (and bill) during the times when the sun isn’t out.
Q: What is the payback period for solar electric systems?
A: American Sentry Solar Electric Systems typically pay for themselves in 3-10 years, depending on system size and home location. Payback for solar electric systems comes in three forms:
- Utility Savings
- Government Incentives
- and SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits).
Your utility savings come from the energy your solar system produces for your use in your home, as well as from the credits your system generates by turning the meter backwards and selling excess energy production to your utility company.
Currently, the Federal government will pay 30% of the total cost of a solar installation. Depending on your state and county of residence, many other financial incentives may be available to you as well.
Additionally, SRECs greatly accelerate the payback period for solar systems. Though the value of SRECs varies by state, they all represent a considerable amount of money. A credit is generated yearly for each kilowatt hour of capacity in a given system. So a 2.1 kwh system will generate 2 SRECs; a 4.2 kwh system will generate 4 SRECs, etc. SRECs are what make solar an investment rather than just a money-saving product. Your SRECs will continue to come to you even after your system is paid off, meaning that your solar system is actively working to not only save you money, but to make you money as well.
For more information on SRECs, take a look at this article.
Q: How will a Solar Hot Water System affect my property value?
A: Solar Systems affect property values in two ways, both positive. First, the US Department of Energy states that property value increases at a 20:1 ratio for energy savings. So, if you have a solar electric system that produces $500 a year in utility savings, you have increased your property value by $10,000.
Second, the system itself has a market value. Like any other home improvement, the market value of the installed product is added to the home’s property value. The good news is that, unlike any other home improvement, the additional value of a solar system is not taxable.
In addition, the NREL estimates that homes with solar home improvements sell 20% faster and for 17% more than their non-solar equivalents. All in all, an American Sentry Solar Hot Water System is one of the best property value-increasing home investments you can make.
Q: Will the solar collectors still work when it is cloudy?
A: Yes, solar hot water collectors will continue to work on cloudy days. Although you will get the best performance out of your system on a sunny day, the solar collectors do not need direct sunlight because they can absorb diffused solar radiation to heat the glycol. The solar collectors will constantly be providing you with hot water unless there is a prolonged period of rain or heavy snow. When situations like this arise, the solar hot water tank’s highly efficient back-up will automatically kick on for that short period of time.
Q: Won’t there be better technology around in 10 years?
A: Possibly. Like all existing technologies, advancements will come in the future. However, with solar water heating systems, the technology will not be radically altered. Propylene glycol heating systems are already very efficient, and extremely cost-effective. The real question is whether or not there will be tax incentives for solar systems in ten years.
The Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit is slated to expire in 2016, and state and local incentives have dropped dramatically since they were first offered. In 2009, for example, the Maryland Solar Energy Grant was $3,000. At the end of 2010, it is currently $1,500. The technology may be more advanced in the future, but the financial benefits of solar will be greatly reduced… which means that now is the best time to make your solar investment.
Q: What is the payback period for solar hot water systems?
A: Generally, American Sentry Solar Water Heating Systems pay for themselves in 3-7 years. The payback period fluctuates because of variables such as average utility bill, amount of financial incentives (dependent upon state and county of residence), and the home’s hot water usage. After the system has paid for itself through savings and tax incentives, it will continue to save approximately 20% of utility expenditure for the life of the system, which is 25 years or more.
Q: What kind of maintenance is needed?
A: American Sentry Solar Water Heating Systems require very little maintenance. As long as the panels are not obstructed by a solid object, they will to continue to operate efficiently. As the system contains no moving parts, mechanical maintenance is not needed. However, to keep the system running at maximum efficiency, the propylene glycol (the heat transfer medium) should be replaced every five years.
Q: How much space do I need?
A: Solar Hot Water heating systems do not require as much space as you may think. For residential homes, you will only need between 1 and 3 solar collectors. Other than that, the only space taken up in your home is for the actual hot water heating tank. In some cases, we will replace your current hot water tank, so the new tank will not take up any more space than you’re already using.
