Six things you don't know about going solar

  • Posted on 27 May 2014
  • By From Sierra Club reports

Summer is here!

With more daylight to burn, rooftop solar panels around the country are generating lots of clean energy and powering thousands of homes.
 When you go solar with the Sierra Club and Sungevity by June 30, you will receive a special $1,000 discount and the Angeles Chapter will receive $750 to continue to protect our local communities and environment.


Getting started with solar is quick and easy. It takes less than 3 minutes. Click to request an iQuote from Sungevity or call (415) 977-5668 to speak with the Sierra Club Solar Homes Coordinator.


Take advantage of these sun-filled hours by finding out if solar energy is right for your home. Go solar today!


1. Is solar right for my home?

You need to get a quote based on your energy needs. Analysts look at how your usage fluctuates from month to month. Because solar production and utility rates fluctuate as well, knowing all 12 months of your prior energy usage makes quotes as accurate and personalized as possible.

2. How big a roof do I need?

This depends on how much energy you would like to offset. When you request an iQuote, Sungevity will use their proprietary design tool to look at your roof and determine how many panels it can accommodate. Limited roof size is rarely an issue.

3. Should I re-roof my house before going solar?

Solar panels last a long time, so it makes sense to avoid having to remove and reinstall them. If your roof is in poor condition it is advisable to re-roof before installing your solar system. Once the panels are installed, they may extend the life of your roof by shielding it from the elements. So if your roof is relatively new and structurally sound, get an iQuote and learn if solar is right for you.

4. What if my roof is shaded?

Shade reduces the amount of electricity your system can produce. Sungevity’s remote solar design team will work to position your panels where they will get maximum sun exposure. Occasionally, Sungevity finds that a roof is too shady to make solar feasible.

5. Do solar systems require maintenance?

Home solar systems generally require very little maintenance. If you lease a system, Sungevity guarantees your system's energy production. All you need to do is maintain a 24/7 internet connection so Sungevity can proactively monitor its production.

6. Does solar work in foggy neighborhoods?

Solar systems continue to produce even when it's cloudy, although they produce more when the sun is shining.

Blog Category: 
News

Comments

Paul Witter (not verified)

June 1, 2014 - 9:21am

Do you know of any robust solar kits for apartment renters?

jerry collamer (not verified)

June 1, 2014 - 1:00pm

My annual electric bill (12-months) totals out to about $1170.00. Summer, my monthly bill is in the $60 dollar range. Winter months can go as high as $175 (extreme high). We have a small house, at the beach (SoCal) no AC. I'm constantly barraged by Solar-sales calls, encouraging me to go solar, which we would love to do - but being Seniors on Fixed Incomes it's not affordable. I can't afford to go in debt for Solar. Is there an affordable way? In other words, for less than $1200 a year?

doug baker (not verified)

June 1, 2014 - 5:11pm

This is an interesting article, but it is an advertisement (paid or unpaid). It would be better if, as done with the old print newspaper ads, a disclaimer was included at the top indicating that it is an advertisement.

Sheila (not verified)

June 1, 2014 - 8:46pm

Is there a monitoring possible. They were put on in April - May this year.

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