Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about How Does Solar Work?… and the Frequently Given Answers that we provide about leases, billing, performance and more.
How does the Skytech Solar Select® Lease Work?
The Skytech Solar Select Lease makes it possible for you to use solar panels to convert to clean renewable energy for little or no money down. Skytech Solar will handle all of the permits, manage the installation of your solar power, maintain and monitor your solar panel systems, then guarantee the performance of the systems for the life of your lease. You simply make a low fixed payment to gosolar with Skytech Solar and begin saving from day one on your solar cells.
How does the Prepaid Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) work?
The Skytech Solar Select Lease and the Pre-Paid PPA are very similar for your solar panels. The area you live in and the utility company you work with will determine which one is offered for your solar panel systems. Both offer fully warrantied, maintenance-free, solar power electric systems with power production guarantees. The primary difference is that with a solar panels systems lease, you pay by the month and with the PPA you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh). The pre-paid agreement estimates the amount of power your solar panels system will produce in kilowatt hours over the course of 20 years, which allows you to specifically purchase that solar power in advance, so you have no payments to make for your solar electricity over the next two decades.
What if my system underproduces?
We are so confident in the professional experience of our solar power electrical engineers, and the quality of our solar cells equipment that we guarantee every solar panel system in writing. That means that if your system doesn’t produce exactly what we state on your lease, we will refund you the difference. It’s that simple.
How does billing work?
Every month, you will receive a statement from Skytech Solar for your solar panels. Thanks to our automatic bill pay options, you’ll never have to worry about sending in a payment. Since you’ll still be getting some of your energy from your local utility company, you’ll continue to receive a bill from them, but it will be based on your lower usage. However, if you choose to pre-pay your agreement, then you will no longer receive a bill for the full term of your solar cells lease.
How long is the agreement? Can I buy the system if I want?
Both the Lease and PPA agreement are for 20 years. And yes, if you’d like to buy your solar panel system, you’ll have buyout options starting in the 7th year, for the amount specified in your lease agreement.
What is my system isn’t working?
We’ll take care of any maintenance or repair issues that come up on your solar panel systems. As part of our performance guarantee, we continually monitor the performance of the system 24/7. In addition, we service and maintain the solar power system at no cost to you for the entire length of your agreement. If there are any problems caused by normal wear and tear with the solar power system, we’ll repair or replace it… at no cost to you.
How do I know if a solar panel system roof is a good fit for me?
If you have a monthly electric bill of $150 or more and a solid, south facing roof, a solar power system can be an excellent option for you.
Will solar panels work on my type of roof?
Skytech Solar offers solar panels and solar tiles that are integrated into your roof, so we can design an aesthetically pleasing solar array for almost any roofing surface.
Will solar power work if my roof is old?
Skytech Solar cannot put solar panel systems on a roof that’s older than 15 years. However, if you’re considering a re-roof, this is an incredibly smart time to add solar for little or no additional dollars from Skytech Solar.
What happens if I eventually sell my home?
Skytech Solar wants you to know that you have a few options for your solar power system.First, you can either transfer the agreement to the new owner because he/she will most likely want to continue enjoying the many benefits of solar as a “green” addition to home’s value. Assuming the new owner can meet our credit requirements, the remaining lease payments simply get transferred over to them. Second, at any time beginning in the 7th year of your agreement, you can purchase the system outright and pass on the investment to the buyer by including it in your home’s selling price.
What happens at the end of the agreement?
You can either purchase the system, you can decide to extend your agreement for more years, or you can simply ask us to remove the system at that time.
How does my relationship with my utility company change when I’ve hired Skytech Solar?
In some ways, nothing changes. You’ll still be connected to your utility grid and maintain your relationship with your current local utility company. On days when your residential or business solar system produces more electricity than you’re using, your utility will automatically credit your account. At night, and on days when your home uses more electricity than your system is producing, through Net Metering, you’ll use up those credits and draw electricity from the grid. This occurs automatically in the background while you continue to use all of your electrical appliances as you always have. You’ll also still have a bill from your utility company, but you’ll smile when you see it’s much smaller.
If the power goes out, will my home’s or business’s solar panel system keep producing electricity?
No. For safety reasons, your home’s or company’s solar power system will automatically shut off if the power goes out. This protects utility workers who might be working on power lines during an outage from being exposed to live electricity.
Will my home be connected to the grid?
All Skytech Solar homes and businesses are tied into the grid, so you’ll stay connected to it. The only way to “get off the grid” is to install a battery back-up system. Typically, a battery back-up costs a lot of money and it also involves a great deal of maintenance. The benefit to staying connected to the grid is to take advantage of Net Metering to the grid earn positive credits when you generate more solar power than you use.
Why is the grid like a bank?
The grid is like a bank where you store energy credits. At night, when your system isn’t producing electricity and you need to turn off any electrical device, you’re simply pulling out these credits from that grid.
Will the utility company pay me for the kilowatt-hours I lend to the grid?
Most utilities will offer you credit for the kilowatt-hours you generate through your solar panel systems, allowing you to retrieve them when you need them. Many utilities will settle your bill on an annual basis, but will never write you a check. Therefore, it’s not advisable to size your system to generate an annual surplus of electricity.
How much weight does the solar panel system add to my roof?
A typical Skytech Solar system weighs about 3 pounds per square foot. A 1-kilowatt system requires
approximately 100 square feet of surface area. The weight density of the solar panels is similar to the weight of common asphalt shingle roofing material and can be used on almost any roofing surface.
Will my system work on cloudy, foggy or rainy days?
The amount of solar power your system generates is a direct result of sunlight. So it will typically produce less energy when the weather is cloudy, foggy or rainy, but it will still produce some. Think of it this way: if you can still get sunburn on a cloudy day (and that’s happened to just about all of us), you can still produce solar.
Do I need to clean my solar roof panels periodically?
Yes, occasional cleaning may be needed. In most areas of the country, there is typically sufficient rain to clean the panels so they can optimize the sunlight hitting them and convert it to electricity. However, if you are in a dusty area, you may see a slight performance gain from cleaning the panels once a month. If necessary, a quick rinse from a hose is usually sufficient for cleaning.
What happens if the panels are shaded?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels should be installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every single day. Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce the solar panel output. Because of the wiring design of a PV module, all of the individual PV cells must receive full sunlight for the module to work properly. If any portion of the module is shaded, the entire power output — even those sections still exposed to sunlight – can be lowered. Skytech Solar’s designs and installations seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through selection of the proper solar panel equipment and proper engineering.
Can the solar panel modules withstand high winds and hail?
The solar cell panels are supported by roofer-designed mounting systems that have been tested to withstand 100 mph winds and can work on almost every type of roofing material. Most modules can withstand one inch (2.5 cm) hailstones at 50 mph. That’s why they’re regularly installed in Arctic and Antarctic conditions. The face of the panels is made of tempered glass, which are quite strong like your car’s windshield. Skytech Solar’s solar panel system designers are experts in properly designing systems to withstand high winds.
Finally, how long will my solar system last?
PV modules are proven to last for decades. The oldest terrestrial modules are now nearly 45 years old and still going strong, so they can last for much longer than you’d typically own your own. Most full-size modules carry 25-year warranties, reflecting their manufacturers’ faith in their durability. Skytech Solar can confidently expect solar panel systems to last in excess of 30 years. In addition, inverters typically have a life cycle of 10 to 15 years.
If you happen to have any additional questions, please call Skytech Solar today at 415-826-2503.