Frequently Asked Questions
Will my roof support the weight of all that equipment?
Is there an increased risk for fire?
What if it snows/ ices heavily?
How much of my electric bill will be eliminated with a Solar Solution?
Will the Energy Co. still come out to my house if I have problems?
Who will come out to fix/repair the Solar Solution, and for how long?
Can my roof be repaired after the equipment is installed?
What are the costs for upkeep / repair of a Solar Solution?
How do I know the Solar Solution is performing optimally?
How can I track my savings?
Will my taxes go up if I install a Solar Solution?
Will the re-sale property value of my home go up or down?
Q: Will my roof support the weight of all that equipment?
A: At the time of your home purchase, it was approved as meeting Uniform Construction Code (UCC) guidelines and specifications (to hold >75 lbs/square foot). Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels for residential installation have been designed to be compliant with these building codes. A PV system will be well supported on roofs that meet code (PV system adds <3lbs/square foot) to a roof load. If you’re unsure about your roof still meeting code due to age or other conditions – Solar Home Energy Solutions can help you with a building engineer’s analysis
Q: Is there an increased risk for fire?
A: A professionally installed and inspected PV system poses minimal increased risk for fire. All materials and equipment used in the installation are UCC and NEC (building codes) approved. Annual inspection and services will keep risks low. If there are circumstances that damage or affect your roof or panels, your should contact your PV installer for an inspection (to be safe).
Q: What if it snows/ ices heavily?
A: Accumulation of snowfall or ice will diminish the system’s output if the panels are covered. You will notice however, that the solar panels are located on the sunnier side of your roof and that snow and ice will melt fastest in this area. Bottom line, you don’t need to do a thing if they are covered in snow or ice. PV systems work well in sunlight (whether it is hot or freezing). Once the snow and ice melt or blow off the panels, they will start to generate electricity.
Q: How much of my electric bill will be eliminated with a Solar Solution?
A: The amount that your electric bill can be reduced depends on many factors. Your ability to manage your use of electricity (the “load”) is important. If your house’s “load” is 7 kWh AC, and your PV system has an AC output of 7 kWh – then your electric bill will be very little (less than $100/year). If your house’s “load is 12 kWh AC and your system’s AC output is 6 kWh, your expectations should be for an electric bill reduction by ˝ of the previous year’s.
Remember that if you add electrical devices (more televisions, computers, freezers, room additions, etc.,) that increase your “load” after installing a PV system – you will be using more electricity.
Q: Will the Energy company still come out to my house if I have problems?
A: Your local energy company will remain the same. They will continue to provide electrical and other forms of energy you purchase now. (Just less amounts of it). Your local electricity provider (PSE&G, Atlantic Electric, etc) will be able to “turn off” the Solar PV power coming into your home from the disconnect switch near your meter in the event that they need to perform work at, or near your home.
Q: Who will come out to fix/repair the Solar Solution, and for how long?
A: A PV installation from Solar Home Energy Solutions has a 5 year service warranty. Solar Home Energy Solutions offers an annual service agreement after 5 years and includes the annual service in the NJREC Program Manager service. See our Annual Service Contract for details. Much of the related equipment has multi-year replacement warranties. The actual solar PV panels have a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty for optimal output.
Q: Can my roof be repaired after the equipment is installed?
A: PV panels can be removed for service of the system and your roof. If need be, the entire system can be removed from the roof. If you need to replace or have work done on your roof – do so before adding a PV system. If you already have a PV system installed and need a new roof, contact the PV installer (or Solar Home Energy Solutions), before roof repair work is begun.
Q: What are the costs for upkeep / repair of a Solar Solution?
A: Once professionally installed, the system should be “upkeep free” for several years. Systems can perform for 5 years and more with little maintenance. Circumstances that could develop over time include diminished output from the system due to overgrowth (shading), loosened connections from freezing weather and hot weather. Additionally, damage caused by accidents or nature, failure of equipment due to defects, pollution and other deposits on the panels may also lower the output from its designed performance. For specific maintenance service or repairs, see our Annual Service Contract.
Q: How do I know the Solar Solution is performing optimally?
A: Solar Home Energy Solutions designs PV systems to meet your expectations. The system can be monitored by you daily, monthly or annually for performance. Performance measures can be assessed through installed equipment, your existing electric meter, as well as your monthly energy bill. Solar Home Solutions will be a partner in the first year to ensure the system is operating per design and expectations.
Q: How can I track my savings?
A: The monthly bill you will continue to receive from your current energy provider can track your savings. You can track the monthly kWh and charges “billed” to you by your utility versus the same month of the previous year, and you can use the system’s inverters to display the monthly PV system AC generation. If your utility company raises their electric rates (meaning you would pay more for the same amount of electricity) – you have saved more!
Q: Will my taxes go up if I install a Solar Solution?
A: To date, no Florida, California, Arizona, or New Jersey local government appraisers department has assessed a residential solar PV installation (PV systems have been out west for over 10 years). Many states provide for tax incentives for investment in renewable energy.
Q: Will the re-sale property value of my home go up or down?
A: Real Estate appraisals related to a homes’ value increasing as a result of energy reducing devices (windows, Energy Star appliances, insulation, etc.,) have been published. These enhanced values have been linked to solar PV “added value”. At this time little information is available on the re-sale of homes with PV system because of the newness of the technology.
Moorestown, NJ • (856) 255 - 5727
