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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is solar energy?
A: A solar energy system creates usable power from
sunshine. There are two basic kinds of systems: Photovoltaic or PV uses sunlight
to generate electricity. It’s the same technology found on pocket calculators,
just on a larger scale. PV systems can be designed to generate the majority of
the electricity used in your home, or just a portion of it. Thermal
solar uses
sunlight to heat water; typically this is used for a home’s hot-water supply.
A well-designed thermal system can be extremely effective, and provide most of
the hot water used in your home.
Q: Does solar work only on sunny days?
A: Solar systems work even when it’s
cloudy. Naturally, cloud cover reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching
the panels, but the system will produce some electricity and/or heat on all but
the most overcast days.
Q: How does solar electricity work?
A: This technology is called “photovoltaic” or
PV. Sunlight hitting silicon cells in a module generates a DC, direct current.
This current goes to an inverter in the house, which turns it into household
AC, alternating current. Grid-connected systems are linked to the regular electrical
grid, and reduce the amount of current the house draws from the power company.
Off-grid PV systems are completely independent of the power company. They require
extensive battery backup and are more complex to install and run.
Q: Will a solar PV system give me electricity if there’s a power
outage?
A: That depends on the kind of system you have. Grid-tied systems, those
without batteries, will automatically shut down if the power goes out, for safety
reasons. This prevents power from entering the grid and causing injury to maintenance
crews. Only PV systems with battery back-up will provide electricity if the power
goes out.
Q: What happens at night or when the sun does not shine?
A: Since solar requires
sunlight to produce electricity, you will receive electricity from your utility
at night or when the sun does not shine.
Q: What is the best time of the year for solar?
A: In the Phoenix, Arizona
area the best month for solar is May because of the temperature and the amount
of sunlight. Solar systems generate more electricity in cooler temperatures.
Winter days produce more power, however there are fewer hours of sunlight.
Q: How do solar thermal systems work?
A: Fluid running through a solar collector
is heated by sunlight hitting the collector. This heated fluid circulates through
a storage tank, where it transfers its heat to the water in the tank. The storage
tank is part of the regular water supply replacing the conventional water heater.
The solar fluid never touches the water. Our unique third-generation system design
handles this process very efficiently, for quieter operation, better output,
peace of mind, and much less maintenance than conventional thermal systems.
Q: Is solar power for everybody?
A: Anybody who has a good site can benefit
from a solar energy system. Once you get it installed, the power is free.
Q: What’s the best place to mount solar panels?
A: Direct sunlight is
the most important factor. For most people that means mounting the system on
the roof. Refer to the Installations section to view pictures of some of the
solar power systems installed by Carslon Solar Technologies.
Q: What regular maintenance do I need to do?
A: PV systems are inherently
very low-maintenance, requiring the system owner only to wash the solar modules
down with water when they get dirty so light can get through. Conventional thermal
solar systems require regular venting, but our third generation solar thermal
systems don’t even need that.
Q: How long will my system last?
A: If properly installed, it should last
over 40 years. Our manufacturer guarantees the PV modules will produce 80% of
the power they did the first year for 25 years, and our thermal collectors for
10 years. For additional information see our warranty section.
Q: What technical knowledge do I need?
A: Basically none. We’re always
glad to supply any technical information you might want, but you definitely don’t
have to become an expert. Most people enjoy monitoring their system to see what
it’s doing, and we provide very convenient ways of doing this, but the
fact is our systems run just fine all by themselves.
Q: How will a solar energy system affect my home’s resale value?
A: Studies show that most Americans would pay more for a home with a solar system
already installed. Studies have concluded that for every dollar saved annually
in energy costs, that will add 20 dollars to the value of your home.
Q: Does a solar system increase my Arizona property tax?
A: Solar systems
are exempt from Arizona property taxes and are not included in the valuation
of your home for tax purposes.
Q: Are solar energy systems vulnerable to weather?
A: Our modules and collectors
have tempered safety glass set deep into heavy-duty frames, and our mounting
system is extraordinarily robust. Properly installed systems are at least as
strong as the roof they are mounted on, if not stronger.
Q: How much does a solar energy system cost?
A: It is impossible to give a
simple answer, since this depends on the size of your system, home layout, and
other variables. Certainly the cost has gone down dramatically in recent years,
and now there are tax credits, utility rebates and other incentives. Take a look
at our Solar Calculator to get an estimate
of how much a system would cost you.
Q: What size system do I need?
A: The size system will be determined by how
much electricity you use, your goals and objectives and the space available for
the system and its orientation to the sun.
Q: How much roof space is required for solar?
A: 1 kilowatt requires approximately
100 square feet of roof space. An average 5 kilowatt system would require about
500 square feet. Larger space is required for a flat roof due to shading created
by the tilted modules.
Q: How long is the installation process?
A: The actual installation of a photovoltaic
solar system in Arizona takes two to three days. The entire process, including
design, permitting and inspections will take 90 to 120 days from the day you
purchase your system. Please refer to our "What
to expect" section
for further information.
Q: How does electricity buyback work?
A: This is called “net metering” and
is available from many utility companies. If you generate more electricity than
you use, the excess goes back to your utility company, spinning the meter backward
and giving you a credit for the electricity your PV system generated.
Q: Where can I find out about federal and state incentives?
A: The US Department
of Energy (www.dsireusa.org) has a database of federal and state incentives for
renewable energy. Our Solar Calculator has some of this information built in
for the state of Arizona.
Q: Can a Home Owners Association prevent me from installing solar on my home?
A: Arizona law protects individual homeowners’ private property rights
to solar access by dissolving any local covenant, restriction or condition attached
to a property deed that restricts the use of solar energy. Senate Bill 1254,
enacted in July 2007, stipulates that a homeowners association may not prohibit
the installation or use of solar-energy devices (panels and associated devices).
An association may, however, adopt reasonable rules regarding the placement of
a solar device if those rules do not prevent the installation of the device,
impair the functioning of the device, restrict its use, or adversely affect the
cost or efficiency of the device. The bill also grants reasonable attorney fees
to any party who substantially prevails in litigation against an association’s
board of directors.
Q: What does it cost to obtain a quote for a solar system?
A: We offer a free
site evaluation to home owners.
