Question 1

How does solar energy work?

Accepted Answer

How do panels turn solar energy into electricity?
Solar panels convert the infinite energy from the sun into electricity—even on cloudy days. Unlike power generated by fossil fuels, solar energy does not create noise, air, or water pollution. Solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity throughout the day. Since most homes in the United States run on alternating current (AC) electricity, the DC electricity generated by solar panels is then converted into AC electricity through inverters. You can use the converted electricity to power your home. Any excess energy you produce will be contributed back to the grid and can become a credit on your next energy bill.
How do the PV cells work?
PV cells allow particles of light, which are called photons, to knock electrons free from atoms. This process generates electricity, a form of power you can use just about anywhere.
Will my house still be connected to the grid?
When you go solar, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all the electricity you may need. This also allows you to be compensated for providing power to the grid when you are producing more electricity than you need.

Question 2

What are the benefits of solar?

Accepted Answer

What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
By reducing the electricity you get from the grid, solar lowers your bill. How much you can save depends on the electric rates in your area. There may also be significant incentives for installing solar at your home.
What are the environmental and health benefits of solar energy?
Solar is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy. By switching to solar, you reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change. Solar also reduces the presence of harmful air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, which may cause serious health problems. Ultimately, by going solar, you are contributing to a cleaner and healthier community.
How will I be compensated for my solar energy?
With solar, your home can go from being an energy consumer to being an energy producer. Electric utilities will credit your bill for the power your home produces using solar panels. You’ll only pay for electricity if you use more than what your solar panels generate during that billing cycle. Any excess electricity you produce that month becomes a credit on your next electricity bill (though you may still have to pay other charges and fees).

Question 3

What is the best location for my solar array?

Accepted Answer

South-facing solar panels will receive the best level of production, however, solar electric systems facing west or east will also work if that is the best option for your roof. If your roof is not the optimal place for your solar, systems can also be mounted on the ground.

Question 4

What incentives are available to help pay for my solar system?

Accepted Answer

The federal government offers a 30% federal tax credit to any individual or business that installs a solar system. This can be taken all at once or spread out over five years. In addition to this, some utility companies offer cash rebates for installing solar systems.
If your home or business is located in Illinois we can do a custom assessment and estimate your additional savings through the Illinois Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) program and other programs you may be eligible for.

Question 5

What happens if I need my roof replaced?

Accepted Answer

Sun Solar is mindful of the roof we are installing on and will not proceed with installation if the roof is within 5 years of needing to be replaced. In the case that you have solar and your roof needs to be replaced, the solar panels will have to be removed and reinstalled. Once you have panels installed on your roof, the panels themselves will actually shield that section of shingles from the sun and other destructive elements, helping to extend the life of the shingles!

Question 6

How many panels will I need for my home?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your home’s energy needs. Sun Solar will work with you to assess those needs. We start by asking you to provide us your usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) for the past year.  We'll also discuss future plans that could affect your usage. We will use that information and assess your home or building’s sun exposure, the size and slope of your roof, available roof space, and other factors to determine the how big your system will need to be.

Question 7

How do I pay for my solar project?

Accepted Answer

We work with multiple solar lenders and can tailor fit the right financing for your situation.  The best part of financing through a solar lender is there's 0% down plus payments do not start until after the system is installed.

By paying cash, you can get an upfront lower cost and start seeing a quicker return on investment. Paying cash allows you to avoid a solar payment and say goodbye to rising electric rates for all of the electricity your solar produces for life.

Sun Solar also offers a Smarthome program to go solar without a large up-front investment by leasing a solar system and making low monthly payments. This plan will also not affect your debt-to-income ratio.

Question 8

What if I'm on a fixed income and cannot use the 30% tax credit?

Accepted Answer

Our Smarthome plan is perfect for you! The bank uses the tax credit for you then rewards you with low monthly payments plus none due for the first 12 months.

Question 9

How long do solar panels last?

Accepted Answer

We absolutely guarantee the entire system for 30 years. The estimated operational lifespan of a PV module is about 30-35 years, although some may produce power much longer.  However some have been in service for over 50 years.  Here's a good link to some end of life information.

https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/end-life-management-solar-photovoltaics

Question 10

How many solar panels do I need?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on your usage in kilowatt hours (kWh) over the course of the year.  Proper sizing to each home's needs assures the most return on your investment in solar.  We will ask about future needs such as adding to the family, shop equipment, hot tubs, pools, etc. in order to size the system properly.  Sometimes you just run out of roof space which can limit the amount solar can offset your electric needs.  If there is room on the property then you could consider a ground mounted system.

Question 11

Where can I learn more?

Accepted Answer

For information on Sun Solar residential: https://ussunsolar.com/go-solar/solar-for-your-home/ (https://ussunsolar.com/go-solar/solar-for-your-home/)

For information on Sun Solar commercial:  https://ussunsolar.com/go-solar/solar-for-your-business/ (https://ussunsolar.com/go-solar/solar-for-your-business/)

For information on tax incentives:  https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics (https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics)

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