It really depends on what your concerns are and what problems need to be addressed. We have a variety of services for homeowners that should meet address every situation.
Does it make sense to use solar energy on my home?
It does, but only after you've taken care of the less glamorous energy efficiency items. Solar water heating and photovoltaic (PV) power are wonderful things that we all should consider after we've made our homes as energy efficient as they can be. Using solar before doing the basics is sort of like going out on a winter day with a warm coat, but nothing else.
Every builder I talk to says that they build an energy efficient home. Is it true?
Unfortunately it is not. However, the good news is that there are homes and builders out there that do meet the standards of high-performance. Please visit our myths section to read more
Should I be concerned about indoor air quality?
You should be aware that indoor air quality is not a given. Indoor air quality doesn't happen by accident and it is best to be proactive about ensuring it. Builders are increasingly cognizant of the issue and are working toward providing better indoor air quality. Good indoor air quality also takes a commitment on the part of homeowners. Please click here to read more about maintaining your indoor air quality.
What type of system should I invest in?
This is dependent upon many factors: how much sun or wind you have in your area, the orientation of your building, the amount of energy you will need, and the amount of space you have available for equipment. There are also zoning laws for your area to consider.
Beginning with your needs, you should first determine whether you want to generate electricity (photovoltaics), or to heat water (solar thermal) for your building.
Why choose solar water heating?
Solar hot water heating systems are relatively easy to have installed, and despite the winter cold and summer fog, work very well year-round at preheating water before it enters your building’s water heating tank. This saves burning the fuel your system would normally use to bring the water up to temperature. Some thermal hot water systems have been in place since the 1970’s and are still functioning with very little maintenance. Solar water heating systems generally cost between $4,000 and $8,000 installed, depending on the type of system you chose and your hot water needs. There are also TAX CREDITS for solar hot water systems up to $2,000.
The other most common type of system is a drain-back system with a heat exchanger. This type has a glycol-based fluid that circulates when the sun is out (a sensor triggers the pumps to come on) and runs from the panels to the heat exchanger inside a storage tank. the heat is absorbed by the water in the tank, which is drawn upon when you turn on the tap. Generally, water from the storage tank is also routed through your existing water heater, so the temperature can be boosted if it is needed, especially early in the morning in the middle of winter.
What types of photovoltaic systems are there?
There are 2 main types: 1) a utility “grid-tied” system which connects you to the grid, but will disconnect from it when the grid goes down in a black out our seismic event; and 2) the stand-alone system that is completely independent from the electrical grid and includes all the components from 1) plus a bank of batteries that allows you to store energy either when the power goes down, or when the sun goes down. These are generally found in rural areas where power is either not reliable, or where utility power is unavailable.
What is Net Metering, exactly?
Net metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your utility and the electricity you produce using your own generating equipment. Your electric meter keeps track of this "net" difference as you generate electricity and take electricity from the electric grid.
How do I connect my system to the grid?
While your electric service provider (ESP) will handle the billing and accounting for net metering, your local distribution company (LDC) will handle how your generating system will be connected to the electrical grid. Your LDC and ESP may be the same or different companies Your LDC is typically the company that supplied you with electricity prior to 1998, when utility deregulation began. Your LDC may have a standard Interconnection Agreement for net metered customers to sign and follow. It will spell out the LDCs requirements for you to safely connect your generating system to the LDCs electric grid. LDCs are not required to have an Interconnection Agreement, but most do.
Regardless of whether or not your LDC has a written agreement, there are several things your LDC cannot require of you to be interconnected with the grid:
They cannot require that you purchase or pay for any meters beyond a simple, bi-directional meter that you probably already have;
They cannot impose any requirements, standards or tests on your system, if it meets existing national standards for grid-connected systems;
They cannot require you to purchase any additional insurance;
They cannot require you to buy your electricity from them or their affiliates.
