How Solar Works
What's the steps to getting started on obtaining my own system today?
Set up a "FREE" Consultation and Site Survey today:
- Get your electric bill
- >>>Click "Free Quote" tab<<<
- Fill in the fields
- >>>Click "Send"<<<
- We will contact you shortly :)
Are there credits or incentives offered for users of solar systems?
Answer: YES! There are Tax Credits for residential and commercial systems
- The Federal Government Tax Credit available is 30% of the entire cost of the entire system (no cap).
- The State of Hawaii Tax Credit available is 35% or $5,000 per system the lower amount for residential and capped at $500,000 for Commercial systems.
- These credits are applied after calculating your tax liability. Please consult your tax adviser to see how they apply to you.
How can I compensate long term rising energy costs?
Answer: The cost of electricity in Hawaii has and will continue to increase on average 6+% a year as it has over the last 18 years. By purchasing a Photo-Voltaic system you are now producing your own electricity eliminating the need to purchase power from the power grid.
If I sell my property, what effect does solar have on the sale price?
Answer: A Photo-Voltaic array install is listed as a "Home Improvement" and will increase your property value. On average for every $1,000.00 saved per year in utility costs, $20,000.00 is added to a home's value. This will give your home more value and not only allow you to be able to increase your selling price, it will be more attractive on the market as well as the new occupant will either not have an electric bill or be paying much less.
How much solar power do I need for my home?
Answer: Each home is different. The amount of electricity you use will vary depending on the energy efficiency of your lifestyle. How your home was built, as well as, the age and efficiency of your appliances, all impact how much electricity you use. Prior to installing a system, we will do an energy assessment and site survey to determine what is best for your specific circumstances.
Do I need batteries with the solar system?
Answer: No, Batteries are only required if you want to be off grid or back-up power for your home / business.
How do solar cells generate electricity?
Answer: Photovoltaic cells can be thought of as solar radiation collectors. PV catches photons from the Sun and pushes around electrons with them, this creates voltage/energy. This voltage is then transformed by an inverter from DC to AC and fed into the existing electrical system to be used in place of Utility supplied power.
Are the solar panels fragile?
Answer: No, they are strong. They pass hail tests, and are even used in Arctic conditions.
What is net-metering?
Answer: For owners of solar systems, net metering provides an opportunity to receive a credit for excess electricity produced and passed on to your local utility company, which then can be utilized at a later time. This means that if you are not at home or not operating your business, you are not consuming power the excess power will be sent back into the grid. When this happens your electric meter will spin backwards during the day. You are basically selling excess energy to the grid and will be paid in the form of credits from the Utility company.
How long will the system last?
Answer: Systems are known to last up to 40 yrs. with a decrease in production the longer they are used.
What does grid-tie mean?
Answer: This means that your solar system is connected to your local utility company. HECO (Oahu), HELCO (Big Island), MECO (Maui), or KUC (Kauai).
How long does it take to Install a PV system?
Answer: Typical residential systems take from 1 to 2 days to install. More complex systems, commercial systems, ground mounted systems and systems with batteries or meter upgrades may take longer.
What about storms? Will insurance cover my solar system?
Answer: Consult with your insurance company, however, it has been confirmed that when you purchase a solar system for your home or business, they are obligated to insure your system, just as they insure the rest of your household / items.
How long do solar systems take to pay for itself?
Answer: The amount of time varies by circumstances, however, Typically it's 3-5 years for Residential systems and 1-3 years for Commercial systems.
What is the optimum way for residential customers to invest in solar systems?
Answer: Everyones circumstances are different. We have Financing options that will fund the entire project and you to put no money down, $0.
Contact us Today to set up a FREE consultation, We can help figure out what works best for your specific circumstances.
Please contact us now, so we can start helping you Today!
- Get your electric bill
- >>>Click "Free Quote" tab<<<
- Fill in the fields
- >>>Click "Send"<<<
- We will contact you shortly :)