You have a question and we have the answers!
1. How do I know what size system I'll need?
The optimal grid-connected system size takes into account your current and expected electricity consumption. The best place to start is with your past 12 months' consumption, in kilowatt-hours. This can be found on your utility bills or by calling your utility's customer service line (also on your utility bill).
The other variables that will influence the size of your system are:
- the directional orientation of your home
- shading
- available roof space.
Call SUNation. We can help make sense of it all.
2. Can I sell power back to my utility?
Yes. This is one key factor that makes SUNation Solar Systems so attractive. Once connected, the entire process is automatic. When your SUNation system is generating more power than you're consuming, your meter spins backwards as it tracks the amount of power your utility company is buying from you - at full retail price. You can't go into business as a power company but you can almost always sell back enough power to cover your system costs.
3. What does a system cost?
The smallest systems can cost as little as $6,000, net of the LIPA Buy down cash rebates and tax credits. Larger systems cost more. In general, costs for smaller systems range from $7.50 to $8.00 per watt installed, while larger systems range from $6.50 to $7.00 per watt installed.
4. Does a solar system generate electricity when it's cloudy?
Yes. Photovoltaic solar modules are less efficient in low sun and cloudy conditions, but the output of any industrial PV module is reduced by only 5-20% of its full sun output when under cloudy conditions. Many successful installations are in areas with occasional daytime cloudiness. SUNation typically factors coastal cloudiness and its impact into your system sizing requirements.
5. Do I need southern exposure?
No. While a southern exposure is ideal, shallow pitched roofs facing east and west may be OK. SUNation takes this into account when designing a system to maximize output for your conditions.
6. How much roof space will this occupy?
The size of the system will determine how much space. As a rule of thumb, each AC kilowatt of power production (DC power produced by the panels then converted to AC by the inverter) requires about 100 square feet of space.
7. What about batteries so I can have power during blackouts?
Batteries are an easy option to add. This requires the batteries themselves and the use of a special inverter and power controller to handle the near-instantaneous switchover to battery power should it be required, and the charging and conditioning of the batteries.
Unfortunately, battery technology hasn't improved much and there are a few resulting penalties of choosing this option. First, is a small degradation in efficiency of the system (to charge and maintain the batteries). Second, is the limited battery life - they typically last only ten years before needing to be replaced. Finally, the cost of the batteries themselves is not covered under the LIPA Buy down rebate program. But if you have a critical need or want to ensure power in the case of a blackout, let us know and we can design an efficient solution to meet your needs.
8. What is the lifespan of the equipment?
Most major solar panels sold today carry a 5-year warranty for workmanship and defects and a 25-year warranty on output. The manufacturers expect their products to have a lifespan of 30+ years. DC/AC inverters typically carry a 10-year warranty and are expected to have at least a 20-year life.