Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, solar panels need cleaning. The best time to clean panels is after the rains end, and then quarterly for most systems. Systems with steeper slopes will require less maintenance because dirt and debris has a harder time collecting.

Throughout the winter dirt and debris are washed from panels, but it also accumulates on the edges and begins to build up. It is most important to clean after the winter rains because this build up eventually covers part of the solar cells, causing a shading effect.

To clean the panels use filtered water (a spa filter can work well), and a soft brush to gently loosen the debris from the edges. We recommend a brush that is connected to a hose, which allows brushing and washing at the same time. While cleaning the panels is an ideal time to visually inspect and insure they are in good condition.

A few don'ts

• Do not use a pressure washer, as it can break the seals between the glass and the panel
• Do not use harsh chemicals, as they can break down the rubber gasket seal
• Do not use anything that will scratch the glass. Scratches cause shading and potentially lead to cracking.

For those who do not want to clean their own panels, Synergy recommends a quarterly service from North Coast Solar Clean. David Moore can be reached at 707-829-3471 or visit http://northcoastsolarclean.com/.

Clean panels produce more energy. Keeping them clean, wheather you do it yourself or use a professional service, will pay off in the long run.

Very little. The maintenance requirements are mainly to keep the solar panels and inverter fan vents clean.

The fan area on inverters needs to be kept clean. Use a slightly damp rag to remove any buildup.

Click on the FAQ above "Do I need to clean my solar panels, and how often?" for recommendations on cleaning the solar panels.

The CSI is a state program offered to promote solar in California, and to offset the need for Peak Power Plants during the high demand for electricity in the summer months. The CSI pays incentives, through a decreasing tiered structure, that is reduced as more solar is installed. As anticipated, as more solar systems are installed, the cost of solar panels is coming down as efficiency of production increases. As part of our contract signing, Synergy will prepare the rebate paper work, and file it for the customer to reserve the rebate for up to one year. The rebate amount is not guaranteed until; the rebate reservation letter is received from the CSI. Once the system is installed, Synergy will prepare the required Incentive Claim paperwork to be signed by the customer, and will process this paperwork. The rebate is given to the customer in the form of a check, usually about 6 weeks after the completion of installation. Synergy also offers to finance this rebate at no cost to the solar customer, who will pay less for the system and assign the rebate check to Synergy. The CSI program is only available to systems that are tied to the grid.

Rates schedules with PG&E are almost all set up with different rates during the winter and summer. While most traditional rate schedules charge a flat fee per kilowatt (usually commercial) or a tiered schedule (usually residential), monthly charges are figured out by how many kilowatts are used for the entire month. An NEM rate schedule from PG&E also considers what time of day energy is being used. PG&E charges more, or credits more based on the demand for electricity. Demand is usually the highest during summer days, when air conditioning units, office equipment and machinery are at their highest usage. This peak time offers a benefit to most solar customers, since this is when the solar system is “Over Producing”, often allowing for significant credits to be accumulated during these summer months.

With a grid-tie solar system installed, how you use electricity does not need to change. All appliances, lights, power tools and other electrical devices work as they always have. If a solar customer has selected a net energy metering (NEM) rate schedule they may, at their option, use less electricity during the summer months, in the afternoon to maximize their “peak credits” during this time frame. PG&E offers NEM customers a high credit amount during these peak periods. Some suggestions would be to do landscape watering, dish washing, laundry, etc in the morning when the cost of energy for NEM customers is less expensive.

Most customers who chose a grid intertie system select a net energy metering rate schedule with PG&E. The biggest changes customers experience are main electrical costs will go to an annualized billing, and a second monthly statement will be received. See our Solar & PG&E webpage for a more detailed explanation.

The entire costs of installing a photovoltaic solar system can receive the 30% federal tax credit. It can be calculated as the system cost, less the state rebate times 30%. The final invoice showing the system cost is all that is usually need for an accountant. The credit is currently slated to run through 2016. If a credit cannot be used entirely in one year, it can be rolled forward into future years. The above description is the usual policy, but it is highly recommend you speak to your accountant to verify your specific situation.

Often other costs can also be included in the credit. For ground mount systems this can include, land clearing and running new electrical lines. In selective roof mount systems, solar laminates that adhere directly to the roof can allow for the roof to be included in this credit. For all systems, the electrical components, new sub-panels, and meter-main upgrades required by solar can qualify. The above description is the usual policy, but it is highly recommend you speak to your accountant to verify your specific situation.

DC, or direct current, is the type of energy produce by solar panels and battery chargers. Batteries store DC power for later electrical use. DC energy only flows in one direction. To use DC power in most homes we need an inverter to convert this energy to AC power - see below.

AC energy, or alternating current, is the type of energy we use in most homes and businesses. Unlike DC energy, AC energy periodically reverses direction.

In a grid-tie system the inverter converts the DC energy produced by solar panels to AC energy most of us use in our homes and businesses. In a power outage, inverters cycle, no longer pushing energy out to the grid to protect line men fixing the outage. In an off grid system, the inverter may also manage the charge controlling of the batteries and integrate to other producers, like wind and hydro systems.

Yes, Photovoltaic solar is dependent on light, and will still produce in the fog or rain, but at a lower level. Shading from trees, chimney', power poles, etc, is taken into consideration during the design, and new technology's allow ways to minimize this shading on production.

A solar system on average adds about 3-4 pounds per square foot to the weight of a roof. Most roofs are designed to easily handle this increased weight.

Most residential systems I work with have a 7-10 year payback. The issues that lead to this variance are current electrical usage, rate schedule from PG&E, roof or ground mount, and installation ease. Usually a customer paying over $100 per year, can install solar and have a positive cash flow when you consider the rebates and credits available.