Frequently Asked Questions
What are the financial incentives for installing solar or wind generation electricity?
The financial incentives for renewable energy vary from state-to-state. The most common incentives include:
- State and federal tax credits, rebates and financial incentives
- Reducing and stabilizing energy costs
- Providing backup power for a utility outage
- Generating energy credit by sending electricity back to the utility company (Net Metering)
- Increased property value
Solar PV
Solar Thermal
Wind Generation
Solar PV
How much power does a Solar PV system produce?
Solar PV systems come in many sizes. CES will analyze your energy needs and recommend a suitable power system.
How much solar energy do I need to power my home?
Every home is different, and the amount of electricity use is often dependent on your lifestyle, how your home was built, and the appliances you use. CES will recommend a suitable clean energy solution and offer simply ways to help you reduce your electrical consumption.
How much space does a Solar PV system need?
It depends on the size of your system. 1 KW system may need 120 square feet.
How long does it take to install a Solar PV system?
Most residential systems can be installed in 1 to 3 days. Some more complex systems may take longer, including those mounted on the ground and systems with batteries. Most of the installation takes place outside your house, with little disturbance to you. Commercial systems may take several weeks or over a month to install, depending upon the size and type of installation.
Will the panels need to face south?
Facing south is recommended, but panels installed facing east or west can generate a very high percentage of potential power. CES Solar PV panels are designed for flexible installation in the same plane as the roof direction so they are aesthetically pleasing, efficient to install, and do not require building an awkward mount to angle them.
Do Solar PV panels need to be mounted on the roof?
Solar PV panels are most often mounted on the roof, but may also be mounted on the ground. Ground mounts are recommended if the house is shaded or if obstructions, such as dormers, limit available space on the roof.
Are Solar PV panels fragile?
No. Solar PV panels are made of very strong tempered glass and are regularly installed in Arctic and Antarctic conditions.
Can solar power work in commercial buildings?
Solar energy can be installed anywhere electricity is used, including office buildings, retail buildings, schools, and government facilities.
Will I need batteries with the Solar PV system?
Batteries are required in an Energy Storage System to provide a backup power supply. Without batteries, the system will not store power and will continue to rely on the utility company for times when there is no sunlight.
How will the solar power be stored?
CES offers Energy Storage Systems that capture clean energy in a deep-cycle battery system. Alternatively, power is not stored in a non-battery system, but sent to the utility company's "grid" for energy credits.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is the ability to receive energy credit for excess solar energy you generate that is sent back to your utility company. Energy credits vary in each state. Net Metering allows residential and business customers to generate excess solar power during the day and use it at night, without the need for an energy storage system.
What happens if the panels get covered by snow?
Solar PV panels require sunlight to generate power. While some sun will penetrate several inches of snow, little electricity is generated when the panels are covered. Most power is generated during clear sunny days. CES will estimate solar power benefits based on typical weather in your region.
Will I need to install a new roof before Solar PV panels can be installed?
Most times, a new roof is not required prior to Solar PV installation. Solar panels will last over 25 years and greatly reduce wear on the roof by blocking ultraviolet rays, keeping snow and ice from accumulating on the roof, and preventing anything from hitting the roof. In rare cases, when a roof is in particularly poor condition, CES may recommend replacing the roof to prevent the need to remove and reinstall the panels after only a few years.
What happens if Solar PV panels are in the shade?
CES installs Solar PV panels in areas where they will get significant shade-free sun every day. Shade can significantly reduce the energy output, however our equipment is designed to minimize the impact of shade.
Will I need to clean the Solar PV panels?
Most CES customers do not clean their panels. In most regions of the country, rainfall is sufficient to clean the panels. However, if you are in a very dusty area, such as a busy dirt road or very urban area, you may see improved performance from cleaning the panels monthly. If necessary, clean the panels with streaming water from a garden hose. Never walk on or over the panels to clean them. Never use metal, hard, or abrasive cleaning methods. Do not spray water on solar panels when they are very hot.
How long will a Solar PV system last?
Solar PV panels have a 20-year power manufacturer's warranty, but will typically last over 25 years with very little degradation in performance.
How does Solar PV technology affect the value of my home or commercial property?
Installing renewable energy solutions can increase the value of your property.
Solar Thermal
Can a Solar Thermal system be used in place of a traditional gas or electric heating system?
A Solar Thermal system must be used in conjunction with a traditional gas or electric heating system to ensure efficiency of the system.
Will a Solar Thermal system produce hot water in the winter and on cloudy days?
High quality units can efficiently absorb diffuse solar radiation present in cloudy conditions and are unaffected by wind. They also have the same performance in similar light conditions summer and winter.
Will a solar collector system work with my existing hot water system?
Most solar collector systems may be used by connecting a solar conversion value to your existing water tank.
What happens if a solar tube is broken?
The Solar Thermal tubes are very strong and rarely break. However, they can easily be replaced.
How long will the solar collection system last?
Solar Thermal systems have a life expectancy of over 20 years and a manufacturer's warranty of 10 years.
Do Solar Thermal systems require maintenance?
An annual assessment of the solar collection system is recommended, however, the system does not require maintenance by the homeowner.
Wind Generation
What is a wind generator?
A wind generator is a term used to describe a wind-electric turbine that converts kinetic energy in the wind into clean renewable energy. Click here to learn more about the technology.
Are there different types of wind generators?
Yes, there are two designs - vertical and horizontal - coming in varying sizes appropriate for residential, commercial or wind generation farms. Click here to learn more about the technology.
How much electricity might one wind turbine generate?
Size and wattage can vary depending on your needs, ranging from a small 20 W system for a science project to over 2.5 MW systems used in a wind generation farm. The typical size for residential and commercial use would range from 500 W to 10 kW systems, but can be larger depending on the requirements needed.
How much electricity does the average household consume?
The average household in the US consumes about 10,000 kWh of electricity in a year.
What happens to excess electricity generated by a wind turbine?
The wind turbine is connected to the local electric utility company's grid system and excess power is sent to the grid for potential energy credits through Net Metering.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions on Concentrating Solar Power, Photovoltaics, Solar Heating and Solar Lighting on the U.S. Department of Energy website: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Find the answers to frequently asked questions on Wind Generation on the American Wind Energy Associate website.
