Solar Power - Frequently Asked Questions

A Solar Power Station is an integrated solar electricity production station. Simply put – a solar power system converts the sun’s energy into the electrical energy used to power modern society.

The systems are primarily made up of solar panels which are connected together to produce substantial amounts of electricity. These solar panels are mounted on racking that secures and positions them on our client’s roofs or ground. An inverter is positioned near our client’s breaker box, and the solar electricity passes through the inverter which converts it from direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity which is commonly used in the USA.

 Solar Stations range in size, depending on the client’s energy demand and available real estate, and can cover areas as small as 10,000 square feet and as large as multiple football fields. Our Solar Systems are continuously connected to the utility grid to ensure the client always has a source of electricity even when the sun is not shining.

Costs will vary depending on the size of the system that you choose to install. A representative can give you a free quote.  Financing is also available.

Solar panels are long-lived devices – made with solid-state technology that has no moving parts, discharges no emissions, and requires no fuel inputs. Solar panels that were made in the 1970’s are still in operation today. Current industry standard warranties for solar panels are 25 years.

Solar panels are made up of many photovoltaic (PV) cells and produce electricity through a physical process known as the ‘photovoltaic effect’. When sunlight strikes the PV cells, the solar energy pushes an electron into an excited state. This electron is then channeled along a metal path which collects many electrons from PV cells into the electricity stream that enters your building. Solar electricity is created in a state known as direct current (DC) and has to be passed through an inverter before use by Soltage clients. The inverter conditions the electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity that is identical to that supplied by the utility grid.

 

Yes – solar electricity is produced by capturing a range of the sun’s energy – including the ultraviolet light that strikes the earth (and the panels) during cloudy days. If you can get sunburn on a cloudy day, a Solar System can produce electricity.

In the same way that the sun’s energy can penetrate clouds, it can pass through thin layers of snow. The dark color of solar panels absorbs light and heats up quickly – effectively melting a light snow cover. This effect, alongside an approximate 10 degree angling of the panels, allows for rapid melting and gravity feed removal of the snow. In cases of extremely heavy snowfall (exceeding 2 feet in a 24 hour period) snow removal is necessary.

Most installed systems do not come with any battery storage themselves but with to  “net metering” rules – when we are producing more electricity than your facility consumes, such as on weekends and holidays, your meter will spin backwards and those electrons will be credited to your account for future use. Essentially this allows us to use the grid as a highly efficient battery –with no additional equipment needs.

There are times – at night, during heavy energy demand, or during a cloudy day – where your Solar System will not provide 100% of the energy needed to power your institution. At those times the additional needed electricity is simply drawn from the utility grid under your existing energy supply relationship.

No. Solar panels will actually help extend the life of your roof by keeping the sun’s destructive UV rays from reaching the roof‘s surface. Solar arrays also increase a roof’s existing R factor, which rates how much insulation a material provides. This means that the Solar Panels will help keep the building cooler in summer and warmer in the winter.

You will have access to the solar electricity production data as well and be able to view the solar generation on your structure at any time.  Your contractor will walk you through how to monitor the status of your system.

Your contractor will assist you in completing all the necessary paperwork.

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