FAQ - Solar
Q. What size solar system do I need for my 3000 or (?) square foot home?
A. System size is determined by energy use, not necessarily by the size of the home. People consume based on life style, not houses. IPC's average installation is between 2-6Kw.
Q. What are the different government incentives for buying a system? Click here for more information.
Q. What is Solar Enegy? A. Solar Energy is radiated by the sun in the form of photons which are harnessed in many ways to provide Heat and Electricity to meet our everyday needs.
Q. What types of Solar Energy are best for me? A. Three types of solar energy generation are commonly in use today. Solar Heating (DHW), Solar Electric (PV). and Solar air heating (SolarsHeat). A combination of these systems can meet all your energy needs.
Q. What is Solar Heating & how does it work?
A. In DHW (domestic hot water) Solar Collectors absorb the suns heat during the day and store the heated water in solar storage tanks for use at night. this hot water can be used for bathing, washing, radiant floor heating, forced air heating, etc. Click here for more information.
Q. What is PV & how does it work?
A. PV stands for photovoltaic. A solar cell converts light to electricity. A solar cell is made of silicon, one of the most abundant elements on Earth. Computer chips are made of this same material. Basically, when light strikes the surface of a solar cell some of it is absorbed into the silicon. This light energy bumps the electrons loose and causes energy to flow. By packaging approximately 36 solar cells together a solar panel or a solar module is created. When you have more then one solar panel you create a solar array. Click here for more information.
Q. What about Air Heating? A. The SolarsHeat panels are attached to an exterior south facing wall, heating the adjoining room air. Keeping around 900 sq. ft. at a comfortable temperature on the coldest days. Click here for more information.
Q. What is the return on my investment?
A. We typically calculate 20 plus years without anticipated future
cost of energy. When all Incentives are taken, and one guesses at what
energy costs will be in the future.10-11 years on commercial,
12-15 years on residential. Approx. 5% residential , 9% commercial.
Q. What system type do I need?
A. Depending on your needs you can choose a stand-alone system, grid-connected system or the grid-connected system with backup capability.
A stand-alone photovoltaic system is entirely self-contained and normally includes batteries and a generator. This system is ideal for the person who lives more than an eighth of a mile from the power pole. A grid-connected system (also know as net metering) is directly connected with the utility grid and allows the power produced by solar system to offset the amount of power purchased from the utility company. A grid-connected system with battery and /or generator backup insures uninterrupted power if the weather is not cooperating or there is a utility power outage.
Q. Is IPC a local company?
A. Our south Reno office and showroom are open every day to answer
all of your questions and get you started generating your own power.
With 12 years in the business, IPC can design a system just for you.
Renewable energy is our only business, passion and expertise.
Q. How long will a solar panel last?
A. Our manufacturers warranty their solar panels for 20-25 years.
Q. When can I expect improved technology and or lower cost of modules
and equipment?
A. There is little more progress that we can expect with PV, PV systems are still
the best value for their investment.
We are anticipating very little improvement in the current inverters. These systems
are 96% efficient as they are now.
Q. How much does a system cost?
A. There are too many variables to give a simple answer. System type, size and cost are directly related to the number of appliances used and the length of time they are used. The most cost-effective first step is to make an energy assessment of your appliances and replace them with newer energy-efficient ones. It is also recommended that you switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. The more energy you conserve, the less expensive your system will be.
Q. Can I start small and add on later?
A. Yes. If you start with a some good basic components it is easy to add to your system later. The eventual size of your system will be determined by the size and type of the inverter. With the help of a system designer you can plan your purchases to reach your ultimate goal.
Q. Can I sell power back to the utility grid?
A. No. In reality you trade Kw for Kw with the power company. NV energy has a Net Metering Program. A special meter is installed by the utility company to keep track of the power generated by the PV system as well as the power used by the home. Periodically, those amounts will be "netted" out and the homeowners will pay Sierra Pacific only for the net amount of power they used during that period. IPC customizes your system to reflect your families usage to balance the tradeoff betwen your electric bill and your PV system. This system can be set up with or without backup capabilities. With batteries and an upgraded inverter, your home can have power even when the utility is down.
Q. Do I have to have the solar panels on my roof?
A. No. Panels can be mounted on a south-facing roof, but many people choose a ground-mount or a tracker. Trackers can be adjusted manually or automatically.
Q. Can a Homeowners Association restrict my use of solar product?
A. In Nevada there is a state law prohibiting the restriction of solar energy products in any way. IPC works closely with HOA to ensure the visual esthetics of our installations.
Q. Inverters? What are they and what do they do?
A. An inverter changes DC power that is stored in your batteries into standard alternating current (AC). The true sine wave inverter produces cleaner energy than which is provided by the local utility company.
Q. Will the system work on gray, cloudy or overcast days?
A. Yes, because photovoltaic energy ( "PV" or "solar power") uses the full spectrum of light, the ultraviolet rays are still charging the system, though at a reduced rate, even when the sunlight isn't visible.
Q. How can solar power work at night?
A. At night, a PV solar system draws on the power that was generated during the day and stored in the battery bank.
Q. What does the terminology mean? Amperes measure electrical current.
Volts measure electrical pressure.
Watts measure electrical power (amperes x volts).
A kilowatt (kW) is one thousand watts.
A megawatt (MW) is one million watts or one thousand kWs.
A gigawatt (GW) is one billion watts or one thousand MWs. Your power bill is calculated in kilowatt hours. The typical solar electric system generates from 2-6 Kilowatts per hour, 5-6 hours per day.