• How big are the panels and what do they weigh?
  The size depends on the panel output. The size increases as the total output increases. Generally the panels are 39” x 66.5” and weigh about 50 pounds.

• What size system should I install?
  Most of our customers tell us after they have received their ROI they want to put up as much solar as possible to take advantage of the PA Sunshine Rebate’s cap of 200,000W DC (200kW System). Of course, it depends on what you can financially afford and on how much power you want to generate. It also depends on the available area you have to install the system. We will install any size system you want and will work with you to determine what size will work best for your application.

• How much energy will the system produce?
  We will calculate the approximate production that your system will produce after determining the size. Generally a 100kW system will produce an average of about 120000kWh (120 mWh/year equal to about 120 SRECs) per year.

• How much money will a solar system save me in utility bills?
  This will depend on the size of the system, i.e. at today’s average cost of $.117 cents per kWh for electricity from PPL, a 100kW Solar System will save approximately $14,000 per year in electricity. We will provide you with exact information after determining your system size.

• What incentives are available?
  The current rebates and incentives are truly unprecedented. The State of PA is offering up to a 35% rebate and a 15% tax credit, the Federal Government is offering a 30% tax credit and some utility companies are offering utility credits of up to $2/watt. There is more information about the incentives in the Rebate & Tax Credit Information Section.

• What type of panels do we use?
  We use the top rated industry panels including Canadian Solar and REC to assure you of maximum electricity production.

• What is the expected maintenance costs for the system?
  There are no expected, regular maintenance costs for a solar PV system. This is one of the benefits of a solar system as opposed to other renewable energy products such as wind turbines and high-efficiency heat pumps that have moving, mechanical parts that wear out. There are no moving, mechanical parts in a solar PV system because it is 100% electrical. The Solar Panels (called “Modules”) generally have a 25-year warranty; the inverters generally have a 10-year warranty.

• How long will it take to install the system?
  This depends on the size of the system and where we are mounting the panels. Generally it will take about one month to install a 100 kW system.

• What about wind, hail and snow damage?
  Canadian Solar and REC modules are built to withstand 122 mile per hour winds and they are able to withstand heavy snow and sizeable hail. More info can be found on REC and Canadian Solar’s websites (www.recsolar.com & www.canadiansolar.com).

• Do I need to insure my panels?
  Insurance is recommended for your system. Contact your insurance agent for further guidance. The technology is still new, so if you have trouble with your insurer, we will help you find another company that will insure your installation.

• What angle do the panels need to be mounted?
  The latitude in the Central PA area is about 40 degrees – to point directly at the sun during the spring and fall equinoxes, optimal tilt would dictate 40 degrees as well. However seasonal weather patterns have an effect on solar production; we have better overall weather in PA during the summer months so optimally, modules are mounted at a 30 degree tilt to take advantage of the sun angle as it is higher in the sky and the days are longer. Larger ground mounted PV systems can be tilted to the optimal 30 degrees to take advantage of the sun’s rays. Flat roof mounted systems are usually tilted on racks at 10 degrees so they don’t perform like “wings” and fly off the roof during heavy winds as the racking is ballasted only to eliminate roof penetrations.

• What direction do the panels need to be facing?
  The panels should ideally face directly south although they may be turned up to about 30 degrees off of south. The panels can be azimuth angle of 150 to 210.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC’s)
Generally speaking a 5k system will produce 6 SREC’s per year. A 10k system will produce about 12 SREC’s per year. You earn a SREC for every megawatt (1,000kW) that is produced from your system. Do not confuse SRECs with power that you've produced over what you've used. SRECs and power that you sell back to the grid are two distinctly different cash streams positively affecting payback and ROI of your Solar System. SREC’s are available for sale on the market to utility companies. Utility companies are required to sell renewable energy to their clients. They have a minimum % that they have to sell compared to their total sales. They either have to make their own renewable energy or buy from other generators. After your system is registered with the state, you become a generator off SREC’s. The weighted average for a SREC started in January of 2009 at $225.00 and was up to $397.05 in January of 2010.