Frequently
Asked Questions
Solar power is still new for
a lot of people and there are many
questions that you may have when
considering such an investment
but we can help answer those questions
so you can make the right choice
in switching to solar energy.
Q:
Do the solar panels store
energy for night
time?
A: Yes, the electricity
generated by your system is used
directly by your property
when it is produced. Any power
generated in excess of your home's
requirements is sent out to the
utility grid, spinning your meter
backwards. This gives you an economic
credit that is used to buy back
the utility's power at night, or
any other time that your home's
electricity demand is greater than
your system's production.
Q: What items in my property
are powered by the system?
A: The electricity generated
by your system will be used to
power any and all devices and appliances
plugged into your home's electrical
service. Solar systems are to offset
the total sum of your electricity
usage.
Q: How long does it take
to install?
A: Depends on how large of system
is required. An average house can
be installed in 30 days, once permits
are issued.
Q: What is an inverter?
A: An inverter converts the DC
(direct current) power produced
by solar panels to common household
AC (alternating current) power.
Q: My roof gets sun for
most of the day; that would be
enough for a solar system, right?
A: It may or may not be enough
to make a solar electric installation
cost-effective, even though your
roof gets sun for most of the day. On
a site evaluation CGE will be able
to determine this for you. If there
is not full sun, year-round, it
may take longer for the system
to pay for itself, which would
decrease the return on your investment. Removing
or trimming trees around your property
can help with better access to
sunlight.
Q: How long will my solar system last?
A: Most solar panels come with
a 25 year power
output guarantee and are expected
to last at least twice that long. The
power output guarantee on the solar
panels is provided by the manufacturer
of the panels and states that at
the end of the 25th year, the solar
panel will still produce a minimum
of 80% of the original power output.
Q: If I move can I take my solar system?
A:
Yes,
you
can
take
your
solar
electric
system
with
you,
but
it’s
best if you leave it on the original house because it increases the resale
value of a home.
Q: What is the optimum angle for a
solar system?
A: Equal to the latitude.
Q:
Will the panels create a glare that
can disrupt planes flight path?
A: No. Our panels have a glare resistant tempered glass cover
that minimizes reflected light.
REBATES
AND TAX CREDITS
Q:
What is the current rebate
amount?
A: Please see the “Incentives” page
for the most recent rebates.
Q: Who fills out my rebate
forms?
A: CGE takes
care of your rebate forms,
every step of the way.
Q: How much is the federal tax credit?
A: As
of January 1, 2009 the
federal government will
provide a 30% tax credit
for the cost of your system.
Q: How long will the reservation
process take?
A: The
Program Administrators
are striving to take
fewer than 30 days
to confirm reservation
requests.
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