ltaic FAQ
1. What is "PV"? PV is short for photovoltaics (photo=light, voltaics=electricity). PV is a semiconductor-based technology used to convert light energy into direct current (dc) electricity, using no moving parts, consuming no conventional fuels, and creating no pollution.
2. How long has PV been around? The photovoltaic effect was first recognized by Edmund Bacquerel, in France, in 1839. Scientists made solar cells of selenium in the 1880s. And, modern PV technologies were developed at Bell Labs and RCA Labs in the mid 1950s.
Buying Decision FAQ
1. Will this heat my hot water? No. We sell solar electric (Photovoltaic) systems, that provide electricity for you home. If you are interested in a Thermal Solar system to heat hot water, please contact us and we will recommend someone to help.
2. How does it store electricity so I can use it after the sun goes down? The most basic Siemens Earthsafe solar system is what is known as a "Grid-Tie Only" system. There are no batteries. Excess electricity produced by the solar panels, will be directed back to the local utility grid, spinning your existing meter backwards in the process. You will receive credit for any power that you "sell" to the utility company. This is what is known as Net Metering.
3. What happens during a rolling blackout? With a Grid-Tie Only solar system, the inverter will automatically shut itself off within a few milliseconds of a blackout, to avoid the potential of a dangerous "brown-out" in your home and to prevent back feeding the grid.
4. What can I do to keep power during a blackout? If you are interested in a solar system that will continue to power your home during a blackout, we do sell battery-backed solar systems.
5. If I install a grid-tied system now, can I put battery-backed system onto it later? Yes, battery-backed and grid-tied only systems use the same solar panels; The difference being the inverter and the addition of batteries.
6. How do I determine what size of system I need? For starters, any size solar system will make in impact on your yearly power consumption. The bigger the system, the bigger the impact. To figure out how much of an impact, find the total number of Kilowatt-hours you used in the last 12 months. If an entire year's worth of bills are not available, annualize your average daily consumption. We have found the average home in the Bay Area to use about 8,000 KW hours a year. A 1 KW solar system, will generate an average of 2000 KW hours in a year. Therefore, 1 KW will provide about 25% of an average household's yearly power consumption.
7. What happens when I need to re-roof? In most situations, the PV panels can be easily removed and reinstalled. This is a common obstacle for roofers. If the roof is a tar and gravel design, it may be possible to simply tilt the panels up and re-tar and gravel.
8. How much weight does the system add to the roof? The system weighs 2.5 pounds per square foot (A 1KW system is 120 square feet).
9. How can I tell if my building is suitable for Photovoltaic Panels? Several aspects will need to be evaluated to determine if your home is a good solar site, such as orientation, space available, shadows on the space available and your current electricity usage. The best site will be one with adequate south-facing roofs that have no shade. Variations on that will cut into the productivity of the system.
10. What costs are involved? Costs involved are the cost of the PV hardware, installation (or at least an electrician's sign-off if self-installing), electrical building permit, conduit, miscellaneous wiring. For an up to date price quote, please fill out our contact sheet or call us at (650) 327-7220.
Installation FAQ
1. Can I install the system by myself? Yes. The Schott Sunroof PV system was designed as a homeowner kit. The average mechanically inclined homeowner can install a 1 KW system in a day and a half. You will still need an electrician to sign off the final wiring into your main circuit box.
2. Does Palo Alto Hardware do the installation? Palo Alto Hardware has a recommended list of installers. We are very selective about who we recommend as an installer.
3. Can the edges, which are aluminum, be painted to match my dark roof? Yes.
4. Am I going to need a frame or stilts for it to stand off from the roof? Metal tile, cement tile, ceramic tile, and some commercial roofs will need a custom designed rack to hold the panels off of the delicate roofing material. Most other roofing materials (tar and gravel, shake, shingle, composite tile) will not need any special mounting material.
Building Permit FAQ
1. How do I get an electrical building permit? You will need three sets of the blueprints and plans for the Solar System. Additionally, you will need a roof sketch to show placement of the panels. You can then go to your local city or county building department and apply for an electrical building permit.
2. What if I don't have architectural drawings for my roof? We can have professional drawings made that will be sufficient to apply for your building permit.
3. Why doesn't Palo Alto Hardware get the building permit? Only a licensed contractor or the homeowner can apply for a permit. We recommend that the homeowner apply.
4. How long does it take to get a building permit? Depending on the city, any where from 10 minutes to 10 days. Ask your local building department.
5. Once I place an order, how long will it take to get the system installed and running? Once you have paid a deposit we will order your hardware. After you have received your permit, you will be scheduled for an installation, usually within a week to ten days.
Utility Bill Reduction FAQ
1. Will my meter go backwards? If the solar system is producing more electricity then your home is using at a given moment, your existing meter will spin backwards.
2. Will the utility pay me for the Kilowatt-hours I give them? Most utility departments will not pay you, but rather offer you credit for the Kilowatt-hours you generate.
3. If PG&E is bankrupt, will I get my Rebate? The California Energy Commission, not PG&E, pays for the rebate.
4. How long does it take to get the check from the C.E.C? Most refund checks are sent within a couple weeks of the final sign-off.
Current House Wiring FAQ
1. How does it connect to my house? The solar system is wired into your existing breaker box via a 15-amp breaker.
2. What do I need to look for in my Breaker Box? You will need at least one blank switch for every 2 Kilowatts installed.
3. How much space do I need for the inverter? Where will it go? What color is it? The inverter is weather tight, silent, and can be painted. It measures 22" tall, 7" wide and 6" deep.
Roof & Site FAQ
1. How much space do I need on my roof? The Schott Sunroof system needs 125 square feet for the 1.2 KW size, 160 square feet for the 1.6 KW size, and 240 square feet for the 2.5 KW size.
2. What about all those pipes sticking up from my roof? Do I have to plan the panels around them? In most cases, yes. But, generally, it is not a problem.
3. I am adding a second story onto my house, what should I have the contractor do to make the installation of the PV panels easier? Installing the necessary wiring for a PV system during an addition may make installation easier. We are happy to work with contractors or roofers to make any installation go smoother.
4. What type of roofs can PV be installed on? PV can be installed on any roofing material. However, ceramic, cement, and metal tile will increase the installation cost.
5. How does it mount to the roof? The Earthsafe system comes complete with a mounting system that mounts into your roof's rafters.
6. I just re-roofed, what do I need to do to keep the roofer's warranty? We will coordinate and work with your roofer in order to keep your warranty.
7. How much weight does the PV system add to the roof? The Schott Sunroof system weighs 3.4 pounds per square foot.
Battery Backup FAQ
1. What is a battery-backed system and why would I want one? A battery-backed system allows for off-grid operation. A battery-backed system is necessary to operate during a black-out, or if you are installing a system not connected to a utility.