Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy
How much will I save on my power bill each month?
This all depends on your current electricity needs and the size of the system that is installed. Our goal is to bring your electric bill down to ZERO! We recommend setting up a FREE evaluation on site with one of our system design consultants! Call 303-574-0032 to get started!
What is the difference between photovoltaic solar and solar hot water systems?
Photovoltaic solar arrays capture the energy from the sun to produce electricity, whereas, solar hot water systems take the energy from the sun to heat water for domestic use, hot tubs, or a radiant heating system. Photovoltaic solar is also known as solar electric and PV for short!
What kind of maintenance will be required?
Virtually ZERO! Solar Electric has NO moving parts! Worried about dirt? Most panels have self cleaning glass effect and are tilted at an angle enough to clean themselves with natural moisture occurrences. During snow fall the panels will be pitched at an angle, as well as extremely hot from the sun’s rays, so that the snow will either melt away or slide right off!
Will I need to get special insurance for the solar array?
Typically, your current homeowner's insurance policy will cover the electric utility requirements.
Will a building permit need to be pulled?
Yes, however, Denver Solar and Wind will take responsibility for pulling the permit with the corresponding building permit office. The cost of the permit is included in the contract price.
What is the estimated payback time for purchasing a solar array?
This depends on the size of the system, efficiency of house and utility rebates in your area! We like to think of it as a guaranteed payback! You are investing on the sun rising and setting!
Next month, is my electric bill still going to come in the mail?
YES! Remember you will pay your power bill FOREVER unless you do something about it! Thanks to local and federal incentives there has never been a better time to install a solar electric system! STOP RENTING YOUR POWER AND START OWNING IT!
How long will the installation process take?
For an average residential system, our installation teams usually finish installing in two days time, start to finish. From sale to final installation, the process can take as little as two weeks and up to 30 days depending on weather and scope of work.
Will I need any special hardware other than what I purchase from you?
Probably not. Everything that you need to produce your own power will be included in the sale. To produce your own energy you need three things: solar panels, inverters, and a net meter. All three components are connected and work together to bring the power into your home.
What is a net meter?
A net meter records the power that is being produced by your solar array as well as the power that you use from the utility provider. It looks almost identical to your existing meter, however, it spins both forwards and backwards to record the power produced and the power used.
Do I need to purchase batteries to store the power?
Not anymore. Unless you are anticipating the utility company's power to completely shut down, the net meter is essentially your battery. It records how much power your system is producing and until you use more energy than you're producing, you will never use energy from the utility provider.
How much space do I need on my roof?
Again, this all depends on your energy needs. A 5kW system would need 21 solar panels and each solar panel is approximately 16 square feet. Therefore, a 5kW system would need approximately 350 square feet of roof space.
How many solar panels will I need?
Depending on your energy needs, every home is different. Our system design specialists can determine very quickly how much space you have and how many panels you need for your home's energy needs.
Will a solar array work on my home?
There are three components that must all work together to produce the most efficient solar array system. One, you need good south-facing roof space, although your home will still work without facing south. Two, your roof needs to be free from trees or other buildings that may shade your array. And three, your roof must be pitched anywhere from 0-degrees to 55-degrees.
Where can I learn more about solar energy?
There are many informational websites where you can learn more about solar. Click here for a list of renewable energy links and resources. And, of course, you can call Denver Solar and Wind, right now, at 303-574-0032, or come visit us!