Solar FAQs
General Questions
How do you claim the solar tax credit in California?
To claim the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), all you need to do is complete an additional form when you file your income taxes: Form 5696. The worksheet helps you figure out how much of the credit you can claim this year.
Will solar work on any house?
No, but it works in many locations. You need an unobstructed south, southeast or southwest facing roof top, with limited shade on area where the solar panels will be installed. Alternatively, you can mount the system on the ground.
Does it have to go on my roof?
No. While roofs are usually good locations because they are high enough to be above any shading from tree, and many times they are facing south, there are many different mounting options for these systems. Detached structures, garages, covered patios, trellises, and ground mounts are a few other installation options.
What kind of financing is available?
The best financing packages for these systems are available as secured loans, in which you take out a 2nd mortgage on your home get fixed long term rates. We can put you in contact with a bank that can provide you with details on the financing package they offer for a solar system loan.
What type of incentives are available for solar?
Nationwide, there is a one-time Federal Tax Credit of 30% offered to anyone who installs a solar system.
Solar Electric
What size system do I need?
A solar electric system designed by Precision Solar can easily produce all the electricity you need for your home. They come in many different sizes, and we have a system that just the right size to meet your needs. We typically go back and look at your old electric bills to see how many kilowatt-hours per month you have been using. Based on your usage, we can recommend a system that meets your electric load.
How much space does it take on my roof?
Solar electric power systems take approximately 100 sq ft of surface area (collector area) per 1 kilowatt of generating capacity. Therefore the average 4-kilowatt system we were talking about would require about 400 sq ft of area of good southern exposure.
Do I need to buy a system that will eliminate my electric bill?
No. Many people buy systems that only eliminate part of their electric bill. The utilities have adopted a rate structure that increases the cost of electricity as you use more of it. Many people choose a system that will only eliminate the most expensive electricity. This increases the return on your investment.
Will the utility company send me a check if I produce more power than I use?
No. However, if you produce more power than you use in any given month, the utility will bank that electricity and you can draw down that electricity credit for up to one year.
Will I ever have to pay another electric rate increase if I buy this system?
If you opt to purchase a solar electric system that covers your entire electricity usage, you won’t ever have to pay for power again. Investing in a solar electric power system is like buying insurance against future rate hikes; you’ll never get another electric rate increase for the next 30 years and you become your own power company. You’ve bought the PV system, now the fuel (sunshine) is free!
How do I get credit from the utility company for solar electricity I produce?
With a grid-tied solar electric system you still have your “line-coming-in” from the utility, just like before, only now you also have a “line-out” to send your extra electricity back to the utility grid. The Net-Metering law (in place in several States), requires the local utility company to credit you for the amount of solar electricity your system produces and feeds into the grid.
The utility meter measures the difference between the electricity you buy from the utility and the electricity you generate with your solar electric system. When you are making more electricity than you are using, like typical summer days, your extra electricity automatically gets metered back out (sold) to the utility grid. You receive credit for this power at the same rate they sell it to you. Net Metering allows you to use the electric utility grid like a bank account. You can put electricity into it that you don’t use immediately and you can withdraw the same amount later on at no net cost to you.
The Net-Metering billing system is a 12-month billing cycle. Because you make more in the summer, and less in the winter, they allow you to credit your summer months into your winter months. At no time will the utility actually write you a check, net-metering requires the utilities to credit you for up to the amount that you use. The idea is to get a system that just meets your needs and avoid paying any electric bill at all.
Solar Pool Heating & Spa
Why should I install a solar pool heating system?
Installing a solar pool heating system will give you the most cost effective and environmentally safe way to heat your swimming pool and spa. Solar pool heating can give you an extended season for recreational use of your pool. Having a home or business in Southern California provides the perfect climate and opportunity to benefit from the free, year round, power of the sun.
Will a solar pool heating system save money?
If your pool is heated using natural gas through the normal swim season, switching to a solar pool heating system can pay for itself in 2-3 years.
If the pool does not have a gas heater, solar will not really “save” money, BUT the pool temperature will increase and it will be much more inviting. Give us a call and we will give you an estimate on the solar pool heater cost.
A swimming pool represents a sizable investment. With a solar pool heater you can extend your swim seaso. We can provide a free consulation about your solar pool heater installation and the maintenance costs involved. A solar pool heating system will assure that the pool is used and enjoyed much more year round.
How does a solar pool heating system work?
A solar pool heating system will work together with your current filtration system. Pool water is pumped through the existing filter and then through thermal collection panels which are positioned in a sunny location. The water cycling through the panels absorbs the heat generated from the sun and then circulates it back into the pool. The temperature is monitored and regulated using sensors to keep the pool at the desired comfort level.
How long will solar pool heating panels last?
On average, solar pool heating panels should hold up for 20 years and sometimes longer. In fact, AMECO installed solar pool systems in the late 1970s and early 1980s that are still functioning today.
How do I purchase a solar pool heating system or get information?
Contact us today to schedule a free analysis and discover how a Precision Solar pool heating system can help you!
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