In the past decade Solar technology has gone mainstream.  Reliable, maintenance free, noise free, and with nothing to program, solar energy systems are one of the easiest to own appliances in your home. 

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

How does a solar PV system work?



The photovoltaic (PV) modules on your roof convert sunlight into electricity. PV solar systems utilize panels made of silicon, which react to sunlight. Through this photovoltaic process, the system generates (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is routed from the panels to a device (called an inverter) which converts the electricity into normal (AC) electricty for use in the home. Click here for video.

Why should I invest in a solar electric system now?
There are many good reasons to invest now and begin reaping the benefits.

• Solar energy systems are actually an investment that pays interest, through tax credits and reduced electric bills.
• Generate your own electricity and become energy independent. Invest in a solar electric system and generate your own electricity from sunlight; a clean, silent, renewable energy source with no emissions.
• Enjoy long-term solar life expectancy. With PV panels' 20-year warranty and an estimate lifespan of 40+ years, your solar system will shelter you from rising electric rates for many years to come.

How do I sell electricity back to the utility company?
Most states have laws that provide for 'Net metering' to take place. This means when you are generating more electricity than you are using, the power goes back out onto the utility grid - causing your meter to spin backwards!  Then when you are using more electricity than the system in generating (at night) the meter spins normally.  All this happens automatically, every day. 

In order to sign up for net metering, the utility will have you sign a standard contract that allows you to become a 'power generator'.  Home Star Solar will take care of this for you.  When the utility company reads your meter at the end of each month it will simply display a much lower usage.


What happens if there is a black out?
In the event of a black out, your system is designed to shut off.  This is required by your utility company so that their technicians can safely repair the main utility lines.  If you want backup power during a blackout, we can propose a battery backup solution that works with your solar panels and is safe for the utility workers.  Solar energy systems are also compatible with backup generators.


Do I need a battery back-up?
No. Solar PV systems connect directly to your power panel. On sunny days, your solar electric system sends surplus energy to the grid for a credit to your utility bill. The utility provides the power at night and on a rainy day, and you tap into the credit your solar system earned on sunny days -- no batteries are needed.


What does solar-generated electricity do for the environment?
Using solar energy to replace the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources can prevent the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Your system will reduce the demand on existing fossil-fuel power plants, thereby helping to reduce pollutants and global-warming CO₂ emissions.


How much does a solar electric system cost?
System costs are based on the size of the system. Leasing eliminates the upfront costs allowing you to save from day 1. Purchased systems offer a great payback (>8%) with investments starting about $5,000.  Please contact us for a free analysis and cost estimate based on your specific situation and needs. 


Does my house or business have to face south?
No. South-facing systems are ideal, but southeast or southwest orientations can be used with minimal loss of production.  Direct East and West roofs can be used with about 15% less power produced annually.


Can I make additions to my solar system if I add on to my home or business?
Yes. Additional modules and inverters can be added to your system.  The primary limit is the roof or ground space available for mounting the panels. Addiontally, some utilities offer rebates every year. Thereby, helping you to expand your system to 100% renewable energy.

Will you be putting holes in my roof?
Yes, but don't be alarmed.  Every installation is completed with industry standard flashing and specially designed brackets.  When installed by trained and experienced roofers, the installation is no different than the many other penetrations (vents, chimneys, etc) found on most roofs.


Can my roof support the weight of the solar array?
Solar panels and mounting equipment add very little load to your roof (~3 psf). The bigger concern when we design your system is with lifting caused by wind.  Therefore, solar panel racking is mounted directly to the rafters of the house using specially engineered brackets and lag bolts rated for 100+ mph winds.  In older homes it's common for us to reinforce the roof structure to meet and exceed modern building codes.


What kind of permits do I need?
We take care of them for you.  Home Star Solar obtains all necessary building and electrical permits, plus utility interconnect agreements for each system.  Home Star Solar ensures the installation is done properly and meets all state and local code requirements.  We will also assist with filing for rebates and grants.


How long does the typical system take to install?
The longest part of the process is securing the permits and incentives after signing the sales contract, this is typically 4-6 weeks.  Once that part is complete, the typical residential system only takes one to three days to install. 


Is solar electricity right for my home or business?
Most likely, yes. With continually rising electric rates, solar electricity is right for almost every home or business. If you would like to know if solar electricity can help you, contact us today for a free site evaluation, it includes all the costs, benefits, and financial analysis for you to decide if solar is right for you.


Are there rebates or financial incentives available?
Yes. Incentives vary depending on your location and whether you're a business owner or residential user.  When leasing the incentives go to the finance company, reducing your monthly lease payment below your utility cost and saving you money.  When buying the typical incentives add up to 50-70% of the system cost.  For example, it's common for a large $30,000 residential system to cost $12,000 after all the incentives.  Call us and we can provide a complete detailed analysis of costs and savings.  

Is solar electricity reliable?
It is very reliable. Consider a few of the following:

• Solar electric systems contain no moving parts-- the entire system is solid state electronics
• Solar electric systems need very little maintenance. Simply keeping the modules free from dirt by letting the rain rinse them or by occasional hosing them off is really all that's needed.
• Solar PV modules come with a 20 year warranty.

Why is the Federal government promoting solar electricity?
Because it is a clean, abundant energy source that frees us from burning dirty coal. Since the 1970's, the Federal government has encouraged the development of the solar electric industry, to curb our consumption of coal. While coal is wasteful and ultimately harmful to the environment, the sun represents a clean and virtually infinite source of energy.  Solar is a local power source that reduces the need for new high power transmission towers and lines that are expensive, ugly, and consume public land.   Finally, the current movement to solar power and other renewable energy forms also advances our nation's energy independence.

How do we get started?
Simply give us a call.  Home Star Solar will visit your home and perform a site inspection.  No obligations and no cost.  We will put together a proposal that will provide you with the information you need to decide if solar is right for you.  Easy, Beautiful, Smart!  Contact us to get started.