Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Solar Power do I Need to Power my Home?
Each home is different, and the amont of electricity you use is dependent upon your lifestyle, how your home was built and your appliances. Our professional consultants will help you determine the most appropriate system based on your family's needs.

Does the Power Get Stored?
In a grid-tie system, no power gets stored. Power is either used immediately in the house, or sent backwards through the meter creating a credit. If storage is needed, our consultants can discuss batteries or other storage equipment with you.

What Happens if the Panels are in the Shade?
Photovoltaic (PV) panels should be installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce the output. Our designers and installers will minimize the impact of any shade issues through the selection of the proper equipment and good engineering.

What Happens at Night?
PV systems do not generate power at night. Electricity to power your home at night is provided by your local utility. Net Metering is the ability to get credit for electricity your solar system generates during the day. Excess energy generated actually turns your electric meter backwards! Exact details vary by state, but the effect is that you can generate excess power with your solar system during the day and use it at nigh--without needing batteries.

Do the Panels Need to Face South?
South facing panels are preferred, but east- or west-facing panels can still generate a very high percentage of possible power. It is usually more effective and attractive to install the panels in the same plane as the roof direction. Our designers always try to make the panel installation as aesthetically pleasing as possible - avoiding awkward angles.

How Long Will Our System Last?
The solar panels have a 25 year power-warranty from the manufacturer. This is longer than almost anything else you can buy. Inverters have a 10 year warranty. The rest of the system has a five year warranty in most areas.

What Happens in the Event of a Power Failure?
Our systems are "grid-tie" systems and do not have batteries. These systems do not generate power when the utility is out, even if it is sunny. If back up power is desired, there are options for battery systems available. Most of our customers are not bothered by an occasional lack of power and do not choose a battery system.

How Much Space Do I Need?
Each kilowatt of solar photovoltaic power requires about 100-200 square feet of surface area of panel - depending on the panel's efficiency. There are many solar power systems to choose from. Our installers and designers can create a system that fits your home, your needs and your budget.

What Financing is Available for my System?
In addition to the California Solar Incentive (CSI) and other energy efficiency rebate programs, SolaraloS is certified to offer Electric and Gas Industries Association (EGIA) and GeoSmart financing. Both revolving and unsecured credit plans up to $25,000 are available through SolaraloS.

How Much Will a PV System Pay Back?
The amount of "payback" and the length of time it will take to "repay" you for the installation costs for your system will depend on technology, system size and configuration. "Breaking even" occurs when the total utility savings equal the value of the installed solar system. In addition, a PV system will add value to your home when you sell it. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000 in energy costs saved per year, $20,000 is added to the home's value. Solar energy can be one of the most effective home improvements you can make.

How Much will a PV System Cost?
The cost for every system will vary with the technology, system size and configuration. But you can estimate that the system will cost approximately $8 to $10 per watt generated. Please give us a call at (805) 226-2060 to get a free estimate on the perfect solar power system for you.