Solar FAQs

Solar energy systems work when sunlight hits a solar photovoltaic module (solar panel or PV panel) and causes an electric current to flow. The current produced from the PV panels is controlled and regulated by an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), needed for use by household appliances. The electrical panel is where the power gets distributed throughout your house; any excess electricity may be sent from the panel back to your cooperative’s power grid.

That depends on several factors. 1) The size of your system. You can determine how much electricity you want to produce; then size your system accordingly. Most systems are sized to generate only a portion of your home’s needs. 2) Your site. If you have a shade-free area from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you’ll be able to collect more sun and produce more energy than if your site is shaded. 3) Your region. The more sunny days in your area, the more electricity you’ll be able to generate. For example, systems in the Southwest produce more electricity per year than in the northeast. You can find online calculators to help answer this question in more detail, and installers can provide details about your situation, too. Check out our online PV tool SSVEC - Solar Assessment

Battery-backed or grid-independent systems use on-site energy storage to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or when the sun is not producing enough power. Choosing this option will add significant cost and maintenance to your system. Most people opt for grid-connected systems for reduced cost, maintenance, and high reliability. With this type of system, your cooperative continues to provide energy to you when you need it 24-7. Your PV system will produce energy, and even excess energy, on sunny days. Your system will not collect sunlight at night and on cloudy days. That means you will continue to draw electricity from your cooperative during these times.

Most grid-connected PV systems shut down to prevent backfeeding electricity into de-energized power lines that may have fallen or that line crew members may be working on. It’s important to have this shut-down feature to prevent injuries—and even death— to those working on the line.

Grid-connected PV systems are connected to the cooperative’s power lines. That means electricity can flow both ways (to your home from SSVEC, and from your PV system back to the electrical grid). Particularly on sunny days when your energy use may be low, your system may produce excess energy that can flow back to the grid and may be purchased back by SSVEC. Check with SSVEC to get specific details for the buy-back rate, interconnection requirements, safety, metering, and rates.

The price of PV components varies depending on the size of the system (generating capacity), type and quality of the components purchased, and complexity of the system selected. The good news for consumers is that the cost of PV has declined dramatically, while the technology has improved. Installation costs depend on the size and complexity of the system, but also on the home layout and construction. To determine your costs, look for online calculators to help you estimate your pricing, and also get bids from reputable installers. Check out the SSVEC - Solar Assessment to get national average costs.

The payback period can range from fewer than 10 years to more than 20 years, depending on the system cost, available incentives, the amount of electricity produced, and the retail price of electricity you purchase from your cooperative. Check with your cooperative for more information.

Certified PV products and systems generally are reliable, with a life expectancy of about 30 years. Manufacturers test PV panels for hail impact, high wind, and freeze-thaw cycles to represent real-life situations. Most manufacturers offer 20- to 25-year warranties for panels; extended warranties may be available at an extra cost. Other components like inverters may have a shorter life. PV panels may outlast the roof they are attached to. Make sure your roof is in good shape or budget for replacement during the life of the system.

To begin, you can look at factors such as which direction your home faces, the condition of your roof, and obstructions such as trees and other buildings that may block the sun during the peak generation period of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Solar contractors can provide a more detailed analysis on what to expect, and your cooperative can offer advice, too.

This up to you. Batteries can provide power at night or when the grid is down. Depending on the cost of batteries, they can also save some members money by storing extra solar energy and using it when utility rates are highest and at night. Make sure you include the cost of batteries when evaluating your solar proposal. Batteries can also be installed to existing PV systems if battery storage is needed.

Cash/Purchase outright

Leases (Through Solar Company)

• Can be attractive for folks that cannot use tax credits*
• Typically no ownership, but some may include purchase option
• A monthly fee that includes all the energy produced

Home equity line of credit or mortgage refinancing

• Lower rates and tax deductible
• Not everyone qualifies
• Requires a lien on your home

Always check and follow your solar panel manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning guidelines. Using improper tools or techniques can void warranties or damage panels.