Q. Why should I Go Solar?
A. For many reasons:
• Solar finance experts suggest that every $1,800 of annual energy savings from a solar electic system adds $36,000 to the resale value of your home.
• Solar systems are extremely reliable, able to produce clean energy from the sun for more than 25 years.
• By using solar to power your home or business, you dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
• Incentives are now at their highest, and will decline as more systems are installed.

Q. How much money will I save on my electric bill?
A. The potential savings from a solar system will depend on several factors, including your current utility rate structure, the size of the solar system you install and the amount of sunshine your system will receive. Your SolRey technical consultant will with a detailed estimate based on those and other factors.

Q. Are Solar systems reliable?
A. Yes. Stationary Solar systems have no moving parts; there is nothing mechanical that can wear out. They operate silently, and require no fuel, filters or other costly parts or maintenance. Solar modules are essentially silicon cells (similar to a computer chip) embedded inside a protective layer, usually a sturdy tempered glass panel. They are made to withstand hot, direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions; they will continue to work as long as sunlight falls on the surface. They do need to be cleaned periodically to ensure maximum performance—dust and dirt can reduce a system’s performance. Solar systems usually have an expected life of up to 25 years. Plus, systems receiving incentives under the California Solar Initiative are required to have at least a 10-year equipment warranty.

Q. When I get my solar system installed, will I be “off-grid”?
A. No. When a system produces more power than the customer is using, the excess flows into the grid; at night or whenever site load is greater than the system’s generation, the customer draws power from the grid. Thus, consumers that install solar systems remain connected to the utility grid.

Q. Do I need a battery backup for my solar electric generating system?
A. A battery backup for your solar system is normally unnecessary when your system is connected to your utility’s electric grid. The grid serves as a backup during times when your system is not producing electricity, for example, at night and on very cloudy days.

Q. What happens during a power outage?
A. Your solar electric system is designed to shutdown immediately for safety reasons, unless it includes the optional battery storage system.

Q. Can my city, homeowners association or neighbors prohibit me from installing solar on my roof?
A. No. For example, in California, The California Solar Rights Act, enacted in 1978, limits the ability of codes, covenants and restrictions to restrict solar installations.

Q. Is the power produced by the solar system any different from the utility power? Will it hurt my home appliances or business equipment?
A. No. The electricity generated by your solar system is no different from electricity delivered by your local utility. The solar system connects directly to your utility panel or circuit breaker box, so it interfaces seamlessly with your utility power.

Q. Does a solar system have to meet local building codes?
A. Yes. SolRey and TrueCompass will obtain all the permits from the city or county building department, and may be required to purchase a building permit and/or electrical permit to legally begin installation.

Q. Does a solar system have to meet local building codes?
A. Yes. SolRey and TrueCompass will obtain all the permits from the city or county building department, and may be required to purchase a building permit and/or electrical permit to legally begin installation.

Q. How do I get started or find out more?
A. See the 7 simple steps to acquiring your own clean power source on the Solar Process page.