FAQ solar
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Its a possibility. It depends on the electric utility provider you have. Some insurance companies will surcharge for solar, and if the electric utility wants to be listed as additional insured, there could be a charge. We recommend that you talk to your insurance provider before hand.
Absolutely! Ohio weather can be quite cloudy, but solar energy can still be used here. The advanced technology used in the L-G 8.2 photovoltaic panels provide optimal yields whatever the weather is with low light and temperature behavior.
There are major benefits in installing solar energy. With rising utility costs, solar energy can save you money by producing your own electricity. Solar is also renewable and clean energy. During power outages, your batteries will provide your home with power. This means you will have to rely less on utility providers that are expected to become increasingly less reliable. The value of your home will increase from installing solar energy as well. Right now is the best time to install solar with tax credits of 26% for systems placed in service by 12/31/2022. And 22% tax credit for systems placed in service by 12/31/2023.
QCELL PV panels are tier one panels; this means they are at the top of the market. Tier one panels are reputable and have been on the market for a while. The model we use is called the PEAK DUO L-G8.2 model with an high efficiency rate of 20.3%, and are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. The QCELL panel also comes with a 12 year product warranty and a 25 year performance warranty.
Monocrystalline panels are made from a single source of silicon and then sliced into wafers. Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple sources of silicon. Monocrystalline panels offer higher efficiency rates because they are from a single source. The Qcell panels we use are monocrystalline panels.
During power outages, solar systems stop working unless you have backup batteries. We install a Fortress 18.5 kW backup battery. You will be able to draw power from the batteries when the power is out. We install a critical load panel to power the essential appliances to ensure you receive a longer battery power time.
More information about net metering can be found here: https://puco.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/puco/utilities/electricity/resources/net-metering
Applications for Interconnection are filed directly through your utility provider.
The tax form 5695 can be found here: irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5695.pdf
On average a ground mount system can take one to two days for installation. A roof mount can take three days or more to install depending on the size of your system.
Fortress batteries use the latest and most environmentally safe lithium iron phosphate technology. Fortress and sol-ark products work highly efficiently together. Fortress offers a 10-year product warranty with up to 6,000 life cycles.
Sol Ark inverters are top-of-the-line and cost-effective inverters. Sol ark technology is able to extend the life of your batter and can increase battery efficiency by 10-15%. Sol ark inverters have a touch screen display that easily allows you to know how your system is performing. Sol Ark has a 10-year standard warranty.
String inverters, like the Sol-Ark 12k, are used when a backup battery is present. In the case of string inverters, power optimizers are used to ensure the highest performance. Microinverters are used when there is not battery backup in the system. Microinverters differ from string inverters because they are located on the back of the solar panels, and convert the power from DC to AC directly on the roof.
Bidirectional meters allow for Net Metering to be possible. These meters are able to read both the energy you are pulling from the grid and the extra energy you are producing and sending back to the grid. Bidirectional meters flash different display screens. The meter will flash 401 and display the kW you are pulling, and then flash 402 to display the kW you are "selling." If you contract Geothermal Professionals to install solar, we will take care of the necessary permitting to have a bidirectional meter installed.
In Geauga County, a general electrical permit must be filed. If the system is a roof mount a letter from a certified engineer or architect stating your roof can withstand 30-pounds psf is needed. Depending on the township, a general zoning application may also be required. Permitting for First Energy consists of three permits. A general permit and a Net Metering Rider application must be filed. We must receive approval from First Energy before the installation can take place. Once the install is complete, a third application is sent in with proof of electrical inspection.