Do the solar panels need to be mounted on my roof?
Panels are often mounted on the roof, but can also be mounted on the ground. Ground mounts are great if your house is shaded, or if roof obstructions limit available space on your roof.
Do the panels need to face south?
South is best, but panels installed facing east or west can still provide a great deal of power for you. The best way to determine what makes sense for you is to have one of our solar professionals come out to your home. Contact us today to schedule a solar evaluation
How large of a system do I need to power my home?
Each home or application is different, and the amount of electricity you use is very dependent upon your lifestyle, how your home was built, and your appliances. When you contact us for a solar evaluation we will help you identify how much electricity you use and customize a system that makes sense for your particular needs,
How long will the system last?
The solar panels have a 25-year power warranty from the manufacturer but they can last up to 50 or more years. What else have you ever purchased for your home with that kind of warranty? The other major components (inverters, mounting system) generally have a 10 year manufacturer's warranty.
What happens when the utility has a power outage?
All of the systems we sell are "clean power" systems, without batteries. For safety reasons, these systems do not generate power when the utility is out, even if it is sunny. The majority of our customers experience very infrequent power outages making clean power the most practical and cost effective option for them.
Do I need batteries with the system?
No, most of our solar systems are connected to the utility grid providing you with a secure and reliable source of energy day and night. The electrical grid becomes your battery for storage.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering allows you to send any power that you are not currently using back into the grid, physically turning your meter backwards so you get credit for every kilowatt hour generated by your system the effect is to allow you to generate excess power during the day, and use it at night.
Do I need to clean the panels periodically?
Most of our customers do not clean their panels. In most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean your panels. However, if you are in a dusty or dry urban area you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels as needed. If necessary, a hose stream is usually sufficient for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot.
Does solar power work for commercial buildings?
Yes, solar works very well for commercial buildings. We install solar on office buildings, retail buildings, schools, and government facilities, airports - anywhere electricity is used, solar electricity can is beneficial.
If I sell my property, what effect does PV have on the sale price?
Energy conservation and renewable generation adds value to a home. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000.00 saved per year, $20,000.00 is added to a home's value. Solar energy can be one of the best home improvement investments you make.
What Milholland Electric Inc does for their customers during the Go Solar process:
1. Complete online reservation request for rebate to hold rebate until signed
form is turned into CSI
2. Process all paper work for CSI and SDG&E for customer this includes:
CSI reservation request form
Authorization For CSI to receive customer information from SDG&E
Residential energy efficiency disclosure
SDG&E net metering agreement
SDG&E Interconnection application
3. Set appointment with owner to sign all paperwork for CSI & SDG&E and complete a construction walk
through at site
4. Complete construction drawings for permit submittal this includes:
Site Plan
Electrical One line drawing
Specification sheets on solar panels, inverters, and racking
5. Submit construction drawings for permit request
6. order materials and schedule job.
7. Install System
8. Inspection by City or County
9. Inspection by SDG&E
10. System start up by Milholland ELectric Inc
11. System verification for performance output. This is performed by Milholland
Electric and spot checked by CSI
12. Process rebate request forms and obtain customer signature on forms and mail
to CSI
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