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npc Solar - Frequently-asked questions Sustainable living through energy efficiency and renewable energy |
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| Frequently-asked questions: | |
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How much will a solar electric system cost?
Well it depends... typically between $10-20,000 net after rebates and tax credits. Financing can be arranged, so that payments can work out cheaper than PG&E and be fixed over the period of the loan. How long will a system last? There is a 5-year warranty on the whole system and typically a 25-year warranty on the PV panels themselves. How big is the system? About 10' x 10' per kilowatt (kW) and residential systems are typically 2-3kW. Do I need to re-roof? It's a good idea, if your roof is nearing the end of its life, to re-roof before installing solar, although we know of systems that have been removed at a later date in order to re-roof. How many kilowatt-hours will the system generate? About 4.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) on average per day for each 1kW installed in the Santa Rosa area. So around 130-140 kWh per month. Are there rebates available? Yes, California state rebates and tax credits, plus federal tax credits. Is there any maintenance? The panels should be kept clean by washing them down once or twice a year, at a time when they are cool. How about installing a system on a business? This is the best option, as there are extra incentives to install PV on a business. | |