Find the answers to some of the more common questions about solar.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
About Solar
Solar panels have roughly 20 times less carbon footprint as the carbon output of a coal-burning electric producing power plant. Some feel that because of the manufacture and construction of solar panels there is a hidden carbon footprint. We must take into consideration that manufacturing processes are getting more efficient.
Energy consumption is basically how much electricity you use. Determine if you use enough energy to justify adding solar panels to your home. If your electric bills are very low, it probably is not worth installing a solar array.
Tin roofs generally last 40 to 70 years and shingled asphalt roofs roughly 20 years. Tin roofs have seams which allow panels to be attached with a clamp which is an easier and cheaper installation method, without drilling holes in your roof. Asphalt roofs require a simple standard penetrating mount that is easy to install. Flat roofs can have tilt up brackets to keep the panels at a 30-degree angle. Tile roofs can have solar installed but need more work to cut or remove tiles for the mounts.
You want to make sure your roof is new or close to new, so you do not have to remove the panels when our roofing material needs replacing.
This is where a solar calculator comes in handy. Your energy consumption or electric bill is what will help you determine if you use enough to go solar. On average if you look at your bill and see kWh or kilowatt-hours used is above 500 kWh per month you are most likely a good candidate for solar.
According to the EPA glass makes up about 75 percent of the panel; that along with copper wiring, aluminum frames and plastic junction boxes can be recycled. There are other components of a solar panel systems like inverters, scrap metals and batteries that can be recycled. Some pieces will end up in a land fill. Find out more.
First, check your manufacturer’s warranty. You may need to contact them if your panels go bad before their time. Depending on the quality solar panels can last 20 to 40 years. Be aware that the efficiency of solar panels decreases over the life of the panel by as much as 20% at roughly the 25-year mark.
Trees and tall objects that cast shadows on a roof minimize the effectiveness of solar panels. A clear unobstructed by shadows roof is best.
Yes, it does. That said, the pitch is not as important as a southerly direction. A roof pitch of 30 degrees is the most optimal.
South facing roofs will provide the best possible solar power output. It maximizes solar output, take advantage of net metering and the ability to use battery storage. With that said, your home may not face south but you can still go solar. Roofs with panels facing east to west produce approximately 15% less electricity; north facing roofs generate 30% less energy.
Should I Go solar?
Before you go solar there are some things to consider that are most important.
- Does your utility company allow a solar grid connection in your area?
Don’t assume your local utility will approve your grid connection. Before you start the process make sure you can connect your potential future system to their grid. Your solar installer should be able to tell you this but do not count on it. Check for yourself to be sure. - Do you use enough electricity for your potential system to be cost effective?
Do your homework. You need to know how much your home draws for appliances, lighting, electronics, and heating/air. Taking time to do this will ensure your system is properly sized for your home or business. You don’t want to over build or under build your system. Use a solar calculator to determine if you use enough electricity to make your system cost effective. An installer should be able to help you calculate what you will need. - Is your home or building energy efficient?
Make sure you have a home energy assessment to determine if your home or building is energy efficient before you go solar. If your property is not energy efficient you are using more energy and have higher utility bills. This creates a situation where you will over-buy and put in a larger solar system to compensate for the higher utility usage. When your home is energy-efficient you have confidence in knowing your solar system is built right for your home.The nonprofit, Energize Delaware has a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program to help you determine if your home is energy efficient. Call 877-524-1339 to schedule a home energy audit. The cost is $50 for the energy advisor to inspect your home and give you a detailed report of the positives and negatives of your homes energy consumption. - How do I choose the right contractor? First, get at least three quotes from potential installers. Research their years in business and experience. Ask them for recommendations from previous customers. Do an internet search and contact the Better Business Bureau to see if they are rated with them or have received negative reports. Make sure you get the final cost estimate in writing for your system to avoid surprises after installation.
Residents that are connected to the utility grid and install solar may be eligible to enroll in net metering. Net metering is a feature through which you can receive credits on your electric bill for excess solar energy generated by your system that is not used to
power your home. Receiving net metering credits on your electric bill could potentially lower your electric bill if your solar system generates more electricity than your home requires. You will need to contact your utility provider to confirm they offer net
metering before you enroll.
Simply put, no. Solar panels absorb solar radiation, they do not reflect.
Most solar panels are guaranteed to last between 25 and 30 years. If installed correctly, solar panels require little maintenance, making for an excellent return on investment. Inverters (converting Direct Current (DC) current to Alternating Current (AC) current can
last 20 years or longer.
That depends on whether you are connected to the grid. If it is, your system will shut down when the grid goes down. If your home is off grid with battery backup, or a generator, you will not be affected when the grid goes down.
Photovoltaic solar panels, composed of solar cells, can convert sunlight directly into electricity. A solar panel works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. Solar panels produce Direct Current (DC) electricity, but we use Alternating Current (AC) electricity in our homes and buildings. Solar installations include the installation of an inverter to convert the electricity from DC to AC.
Community Solar
Yes, land can be converted back to agricultural use when panels are removed from a field. Solar land leases generally run for 20 to 30 years. During that time the soil has an opportunity to rest and increase its biodiversity.
Studies have been done in communities around larger solar arrays and the respondents claim there was either no impact or a positive impact. The size of the array and distance from the array would make a difference to the homeowner. The condition of the land before the array was put in could have a very positive impact if the land was a brownfield or may cause negative feelings it if was highly fertile soil used for agricultural purposes.
A community solar project is a solar project whose electricity is shared by a community of people. A single community solar project can provide hundreds of homes and businesses with access to clean energy. To participate in community solar homeowners and businesses can purchase subscriptions to receive their electricity from a community solar project. For more information on community solar, please view our community solar page.
Financing
No, but as with any type of financing your credit rating is a factor. The 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, Energize Delaware, has several programs that help residents and businesses go solar. www.EnergizeDelaware.org The State of Delaware has a low-to-moderate income solar pilot program https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/climate-coastal-energy/renewable/lmi-solar-pilot-program/.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits, also known as SRECs, are credits generated by a solar system based on the electricity produced by the system. One SREC is generated for every megawatt hour (MWh), or 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), of electricity generated by a solar system. In order to sell your SRECs your solar system must be certified by the Delaware Public Service Commission. For information on the various programs you can sell your SRECs through please visit our SREC page.
If you choose to install solar in Delaware you can be eligible for grant programs and loan programs at the federal, state, and utility level. To figure out which incentive programs you qualify for please visit our Grants and Incentives page.
Agrivoltaics is a great way to encourage insects and bees. Planting pollinator gardens around the solar field give insects and bees a place to gather pollen and nectar and draws them across the surrounding local fields for increased pollination.
Animals have learned to co-live with humans in many ways. Solar fields may initially disrupt the habits of animals but in the long run the fields are left alone except for occasional mowing.
No more than rural development does. Most solar arrays are close to the ground and do not affect the bodies of water a migratory bird would use. There is no glare upwards from the solar panels to interrupt their flight.
If you own your solar system, contact your utility company so they know that solar panels are still on the home. Also, contact the solar installer and have the warranty transferred to the new owner’s name.
If you lease your panels, you can buy out the remainder of the lease before you sell your home or transfer the lease agreement to the new homeowner. Make sure when selling your home that the new owner will know about the additional leasing fees for the solar system.
Solar Installation Process
First, it is suggested to get a few quotes. Compare them and make sure you are comparing similar items and if you see differences, ask about them. Pay attention to the cost per watt. You can figure it out by taking the total system cost (minus any incentives) and divide by the solar system size to determine the cost per watt.
Make sure your system size and type of solar panels that will be installed are in the quote. That way you can do research on the quality of the panels. Pay attention to the long-term power generation of your panels; they vary from company to company.
Look at the warranty offered by your installer (labor) and manufacturer, the quality of your equipment and nail down your completed by installation date.
Get everything in writing. Make sure your salesperson has included everything you were promised in the terms of the contract.
There are two main things to consider when preparing your home for solar. Before installing solar panels, you will want to have your roof inspected by a professional to ensure that your roof is in good condition. Weatherizing your home can maximize the benefits of solar by making your home as energy efficient as possible. You may also want to update old appliances with ENERGY STAR® rated appliances.
When deciding whether solar is a good option for you and your property, there are several factors you should consider including the direction your roof faces, the tilt of your roof, the shading on your property, and the age of your roof. For more information
on whether your home or business are suitable for solar, please visit our Solar For Homes and Solar for Businesses page.
Installing solar is a major financial commitment and before you sign a contract with a solar installer, we recommend you compare three or more quotes before signing a contract. For more information, please visit our Consumer Protection page.
If you are interested in solar, this is a great place to start. You should begin by educating yourself on solar, reviewing your annual energy use, and exploring financing options. The Delaware Solar Timeline will give you information on the process of installing solar.
Weather
Yes, manufacturers recommend that panels are cleaned twice a year. If you live in a dry dusty area you may need to clean your solar panels more often. If you notice debris on your panels be sure to remove it to keep your panels functioning properly. Take care not to scratch your panels when cleaning.
All solar panels are built to withstand strong winds up to 2,400 pascals (the measurement unit solar panel are judged for wind resistance) or 140 mph.
Yes, if you want them to work effectively. To date there are no devices sold to clear off the snow.
Solar panels are tough. Check with the manufacturer of your panels for their hail impact test data. The NREL and office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy have tested the durability and resilience of panels under hail like conditions. They found that panels hold up very well.
Solar panels produce electricity when the sun is shining. They can produce power year-round – not just on the sunniest days of the year. However, inclement weather such as snow can affect solar production. You will need to clear snow off your solar panels in the
winter for them to have access to sunlight to produce electricity.