FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

In the case of grid-tied systems, Georgia Power is there as a backup and sizing is based on energy consumption. In the ideal situation we design a system which will offset 100% of your annual consumption. However we can design a system which will offset 5% and up. A system sizing approach is usually based on a combination of consumption, available roof area with good solar exposure and project budget. On average 10-40 solar panels.

Off-grid systems are storing their energy in batteries to supply essential loads. Here is it critical that the power system is properly sized to provide an adequate amount of power throughout the year – sizing calculations are based on the expected power usage of the load, ie. camp, cottage, lighting system etc.

PV systems are typically rated in terms of kilowatts (kW). Basically, this number is the addition of the rated power output of all the panels in the system. A 1 kilowatt system under full sun will produce approximately 1000 watts. With the Net Metering Program most systems installed currently are as large as possible (roof size).

In Georgia a kilowatt of installed PV array will produce 1000-1300 kilowatt hours of electricity. By comparison, a typical family in US is using 10,000 kilowatt hours per year. For the typical family, 1 kW will produce 10% of their power usage.

The following installation cost guidelines include labour, all hardware, permits and equipment required to connect your roof mounted PV system to the grid for a Net metering program:

2.5 KW (10 solar panels) @ 10 500 $

5 KW (20 solar panels) @ 15 000 $

10 KW (40 solar panels) @ 26 000 $

The cost per watt drops as the system size increases because the same infrastructure costs (labor, connection equipment, inverter etc) apply to even the smallest systems. PV systems are generally more cost effective with larger arrays.

Generally speaking yes, however this should be planned for and discussed during the site assessment/consultation process. There are certain sizes that one can expand within depending on the inverter approach being used in the system.

That depends on your system. Most grid-tied systems have no batteries included and will not provide power when the grid is de-energized. This comes from the utilities requirement that independent power producers be unable to send dangerous voltage out onto the grid which could be a hazard to line workers.
For those concerned about blackouts, a grid tied system can be designed to include batteries, example: Tesla Power Wall, and transfer switching to isolate the home from the grid and draw power temporarily from the battery bank. A battery bank will add about 20-30% to the cost of the system.

Standard PV panels intended for grid-tied applications is 250 watts. These panels are approximately 3′ x 5′ in size and weigh approximately 42lb each.

10 panels = 150 square feet

20 panels = 300 square feet

40 panels = 600 square feet

of roof space for flush mounted systems (not tilted up off surface).

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Photovoltaic panels are sensitive to orientation and site conditions. The optimum compass orientation (called azimuth) is true South, with SE to SW being perfectly acceptable – moving East or West drops power production further (by roughly 20%).

The best tilt angle for the solar panels is approximately 30 degrees for all year production. Shadows greater than 1-2 inches are of concern. Shadows at a site can be managed with string layout design or a micro-inverter or maximizer strategy that isolates the shading effect.

The electricity production will drop dramatically or even stop. This is why we always estimate production on an annual basis. 

There is no production at night. You will be using the grid as usual. No action is required on your end. Everything is fully automated.

The array will have to be removed and reinstalled after the roof is redone. This would require about 0.5-1 day to remove and 1-2 days to replace – no disruption to the home’s electricity would be required. A removal due to re-roofing would cost up to $1500.

Absolutely! Ground racking solutions will be used. Please contact us for more details.

A small off grid cottage type system operating at low voltage can be self-installed with appropriate electrical skills, caution and preparation.

To have your system connected to the grid, Master electrician is necessary.

Please consider this:

No workmanship warranty will be issued. (We provide 2 years)

In case of failure of any components you will have to contact directly manufacturer.

No liability insurance (contractor`s side) will be protecting your house.

You will need to apply for all necessary permits on your own. (We apply for all the permits on your behalf). Only qualified personnel should connect a high voltage PV system to the grid.

Simple answer is no, however you can save and savings can go up to 100% of your consumption. Please contact us for custom savings analysis for your house

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