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Frequently Asked Questions
Why install a PV (photovoltaic) system?PV systems can be a great investment, generally yielding 15-25% per year Return on Investment (ROI) on a taxable equivalent basis. Modern PV systems are safe, silent and reliable, and are close to maintenance-free. They provide a measure of energy independence, and they help the environment. Besides, they are cool! And the sight of your utility meter running backwards is bliss! Back to TopCan a PV system actually pay for itself?Yes, a PV system can not only pay for itself through the energy cost savings, but if you finance the system with a home equity line, in many cases it can generate immediate positive cash flow. That is, your monthly energy cost savings can be greater than your monthly loan amount from day one. Current government-sponsored rebates and tax credits can pay for 25-35% of your total installed residential system cost, or up to 50% of your installed business system cost. When this is combined with Time of Use (TOU) metering, PV systems are extremely attractive from a financial standpoint. Back to TopIs this the right time to install a PV system?Electricity rates have gone up an average of 6.7% per year for the last 30 years, and this trend is likely to continue. The cost of PV components have come down more than 20X during that period. Excellent rebates are currently available, but these are declining over time. Yes, this is a great time to install a PV system. Back to TopWhere does the money come from for the government rebates?It actually comes from electricity ratepayers like you and me. It is a line item on your utility bill. Back to TopWhy would I not want to install a PV system?If your electric bill is less than $50 per month, or if you plan to move in the near future, it may not make sense for you. Back to TopWhat will a PV system do to the value of my home?I’m glad you asked.
According to a recent study by The Appraisal Journal, for every $1 that you
reduce your annual utility bills by improving your energy efficiency, it adds
$20 to the value of your home. In most cases, a PV system will add more
value to your home than the total net cost, so you are ahead from day one, even
before you add in your utility bill savings. Back to TopWill my utility meter actually run backwards?Yes, if the energy you use is less than the energy your PV system produces, your meter will actually run backwards. Even more exciting, if you sign up for TOU (Time of Use) metering, the utility must pay you approximately three times as much per kWh (kiloWatt-hour) for the electricity you produce during the day, as you pay for the electricity you buy during the night. Back to TopDo I need a permit?Yes, most cities require a building permit before work can be started. Cobalt Power Systems will take care of the permit for you. Back to TopWill my property taxes go up if I install a PV system?No, by California law, the installation of a PV system cannot cause a property tax increase. Back to TopWhat is the expected life of a PV system?Photovoltaic systems these days are extremely reliable. The solar panels, the heart of the system, are warranted by the manufacturer for 20 or 25 years (depending upon the manufacturer). Back to TopDo I need to be technical to own and operate a PV system on my home or business?Not at all. We take care of the details for you. Once installed, the system runs itself, and ordinarily requires no maintenance other than washing off the solar panels with a garden hose every 6 months to prevent dust buildup. The electrical components are rugged, silent and reliable, and cleanly tie into your existing building wiring. All components and installation will meet or exceed national (UL and NEC) standards. Back to TopWhat will you have to do to my roof to install a PV system?PV systems can be installed on any type of roof – composition shingle, wood shake, tar and gravel, ceramic tile, and slate. The solar panels are mounted to the roof rafters, and in the case of wood shake or tile roofs, the shake or tile must be removed in patches in order to mount the solar panels. Cobalt Power uses a professional roofing company to restore the roof to perfect, weather-tight condition, and we guarantee this on every job. Back to TopDoes weather affect my PV system’s performance?Yes, the system will produce the most power on a bright, cool day. This is because the PV panels produce electricity from sunlight, not from heat. But the system will produce significant power throughout the year, even on cloudy or overcast days. Back to TopHow can I know how much energy my PV system is producing?Cobalt Power Systems installs a calibrated kWh meter in every PV system we install. This easy-to-read meter will tell you at a glance how much energy your PV system has produced. Back to TopAre there any safety issues associated with PV systems?None whatsoever, as long as a professional PV installer installs your system. PV panels are passive devices that produce electricity directly from sunlight, and do not have harmful radiation. Back to TopHow can I tell how much I will save on my electric bill if I install a PV system?Your Cobalt Power representative will analyze your electricity usage patterns by reviewing your last year’s utility bills, and will propose a system design that optimizes your financial return. The data will be presented in a detailed spreadsheet that predicts how much you will save on your monthly electric bill once your PV system is installed. Actual savings may vary from predicted, depending on your energy usage patterns. Back to TopHow long does it take to install a PV system?The physical installation generally takes about a week, but it can take several more weeks for all the paperwork associated with the California Solar Initiative (for your rebate) and with the utility (for your Interconnection Agreement) to go through. Cobalt Power will take care of all the paperwork for you, and will guide you step by step through the process. Back to Top
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