Are you
thinking about generating your own electricity? Here are some Frequently
Asked Questions that can help you decide if investing in a solar
electric system is right for you.
1.What
is a solar electric or photovoltaic system?
2.Why should
I consider buying a PV system?
3.Do I have a
good site for PV?
4.What should
the size of my PV system be?
5.How much mounting
space do I need?
6.Are there any special features I should consider?
7.Am I eligible
for a rebate?
8.Are there any
financing programs available?
9. What do I need
to know about connecting my PV system to the grid?
10.What
is Net Metering?
1.What
is a solar electric or photovoltaic system?
Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems use the sun's energy
to make electricity. PV technology produces direct current electricity
by collecting electrons freed by the interaction between sunlight
and the semiconductor materials in a PV cell. 
2.Why should I consider buying a PV system?
A PV system reduces or eliminates the amount of electricity you
purchase from your utility or electric service provider. A PV system
can save you money on your electricity bill and act as a hedge against
future price increases. The electricity generated by your PV system
is clean, renewable and reliable. You help your community by reducing
the load on the utility grid and you can provide additional electricity
for the grid when you generate more than you use during the day,
when electricity demand is highest.
3.Do I have a good site for PV?
Your site must have clear, unobstructed access to the sun. Buildings,
trees or other vegetation should not shade your site. South-facing
roof exposure is best, but roofs facing east and west may be OK.
If a rooftop is not available, your PV system can also be mounted
on the ground.
4.What should the size of my PV system be?
You can match the size of your system to your electricity needs
and budget. The average household in California uses about 6,500
kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. If your usage is typical of the average
household, a system in the 3 to 4 kilowatt (kW) range would be adequate
to meet most of your electricity needs.
To estimate the best system size for your home or business, examine
your electricity usage for the last 12 months and apply this easy
formula.
Annual 1 kW System System
Usage Output4 Capacity
6,500 kWh - 1750 kWh = 3.71 kW % rt 2 9
A system with a capacity of 1 kW can produce about 1750 kWh per
year. Divide your annual electricity usage (in kWh per year) by
1750 kWh to get the system size (capacity in kilowatts) that would
meet most of your electricity needs. If you want your PV system
to meet half of your electricity needs, then you should size it
to meet half of your annual electrical usage. Or you can offset
only a small portion of your electricity bill with a single PV panel.
If you size your system larger than your average electricity needs,
for example to meet your highest electricity needs on summer afternoons,
your system would generate more electricity than you could use during
the rest of the year.
5.How much mounting space do I need?
A small PV system can
use as little as 50 square feet. A larger system, to meet the needs
of a typical household, would use between 300 to 600 square feet.
As a rule of thumb, 100 square feet of PV area produces 1 kilowatt
of electricity.
6.Are there any special features I should consider?
An inverter is needed
to change the direct current (DC) power from the solar panels into
alternating current (AC) electricity to power your electrical devices
and to be compatible with the electric grid. Batteries can provide
back-up power for your home or business in case of grid outages,
but they also increase your costs.
How much does a PV system cost?
Although many factors
affect the cost, an average PV system costs from $9 to $10 dollars
a watt, including installation, or $18,000 to $20,000 for a 2 kW
system.
Are there any incentives or rebates available?
YES! The California Energy Commission's Emerging Renewables Program
offers cash rebates on eligible PV systems. To find out what the
current rebate level is, please contact the Energy Commission
7. Am I eligible
for a rebate?
If you live in the electricity
service territory of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern
California Edison Company, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company,
you are eligible for the Emerging Renewables Program rebate. Either
you or your system retailer can apply for the rebate.
8.Are there any
financing programs available?
Yes, The best way to finance a PV system for your home is through
a mortgage loan that includes a primary mortgage, second mortgage
or home equity loan secured by your property. If mortgage financing
is not available, look for other sources such as conventional bank
loans. Please call 562-431-4014 for more information.
9. What do I
need to know about connecting my PV system to the grid?
You will need to enter into an Interconnection Agreement with your
utility. This agreement addresses the terms and conditions under
which your system will be safely connected to the grid. The agreement
also specifies the metering arrangements (called Net Metering).
Net Metering allows you to "bank" any surplus electricity
your system generates on the electric grid.
Excess electricity might
be generated during the day when your system produces more electricity
than you need. Your meter would simply run backwards to record the
amount of electricity banked on the grid. You can use an equal amount
of electricity later without incurring any additional cost. If you
use more electricity from the grid than you have banked, your utility
will charge you annually for the difference.
10.What is Net
Metering?
Net Metering
measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your
utility and the electricity you generate using your own solar or
wind generating system. Your meter keeps track of this "net"
difference as you generate electricity and take electricity from
the electricity transmission grid. When you generate more than you
use, your electric meter spins backward!
