Why should I consider buying a solar system?

A solar system reduces or eliminates the amount of electricity you purchase from your electric utility. Solar technology can save you money on your electricity bill and act as a hedge against future price increases. The electricity generated by a solar system is clean (no noise or air pollution), renewable and reliable. You help your community by reducing the load on the utility grid and you can provide additional electricity for the grid when you generate more than you use during the day, when electricity demand is highest.

Do I have a good site for a solar system?

Your site must have clear, unobstructed access to the sun. Buildings, other houses, trees or other type of obstruction should not shade your site. In the Northern Hemisphere, a South-facing roof exposure is best, but roofs facing east and west may be OK. If a rooftop is not available, a solar system can also be mounted on the ground.

How can I calculate the approximate size of a solar system for my site?

You can match the size of your system to your electricity needs and budget. The average household in California uses about 6,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. If your usage is typical of the average household, a system in the 3 to 4 kilowatt (kW) range would be adequate to meet most of your electricity needs.

To estimate the best system size for your home or business, divide your annual electricity usage (in kWh per year) by 1,825 kWh (average annual output of a 1 kW system) to get the system size (capacity in kilowatts) that would meet most of your electricity needs. Because of budget or space limitations, a smaller system could be taken under consideration to meet a determined percentage of the total electricity usage.

How much mounting space is required for a solar system?

The space is based on the type and brand of the solar modules used for the solar system. As a rule of thumb, a 115 square feet area of solar modules produces about one kilowatt of electricity.

What is an inverter?

An inverter is needed to change the direct current (DC) power from the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity to power your electrical devices and to be compatible with the electric grid.

Why should I consider batteries?

Batteries can provide back-up power for your home or business in case of grid outages, but they also increase your costs.

How much does a solar system cost?

Although many factors affect the cost, an average solar system costs from $9 to $11 dollars a watt, including installation, or $18,000 to $22,000 for a 2 kW system. These costs are not considering incentives like rebates or tax benefits.

Will a solar system increase my property taxes?

No. All PV systems installed from 1999 to 2006 will not be subject to property taxes. (Revenue and Taxation Code, section 73.)