Show All Answers

1. Does it make sense to have PV panels on my roof?

Solar installers will work with you, and apply some on-the-spot computer modeling, to give you an answer. It will depend on the slope of the roof, and in which direction it faces, the size of the roof area which would have the panels, and the extent of the tree canopy. For the Town of Chevy Chase, it’s been estimated that approximately 20% of the homes are clearly suitable for large systems, and 50% may be suitable for smaller systems.

2. What’s an average size of a system, and how much electricity might it produce?

An average size is between 3 and 5 kWs. Systems in this size range should produce between 12 and 25 kWhs per day on a bright summer day, , and about half that amount in the winter. By way of comparison, a typical home in Chevy Chase uses between 20 and 30 kwh/day. Over the course of a year, a PV system should be able to provide 20 to 60% of the home’s requirements.

3. How difficult was the installation process?

All three panelists described the process as thorough, highly professional and careful, with the installer taking care of design documents, permits, and inspections. Where necessary, supports were added to the rafters to make sure the panels are properly supported. Also, you are advised to make sure that your shingles are in good shape before installation. The companies do prefer shingles over slate. The full process, from meeting with an installer though to metered generation, can take several months. However, up to a couple of months of that time is taken up with contract review and signing and permitting. The physical installation work can be done in less than a week, but there could then be a subsequent several week gap before PEPCO provides the necessary new meter and hook up.

4. Are there any maintenance issues?

Generally, no. There are no moving parts, so nothing wears out. If the roof is not steep, snow could build up, stopping energy production until the snow melts or is removed. Rain is generally enough to keep the panels clean

5. Will solar help me maintain power during an outage?

Unfortunately, no. If there is a power outage, your home will still be dark, even on a sunny day. This is because your home is still connected to the grid, and PEPCO doesn’t want any electricity potentially getting into a wire which workmen would otherwise assume is not carrying power. A battery storage system could allow you to generate and use power during an outage, but battery systems are still fairly expensive.

6. Sometimes a system will produce more power than a home needs; other times, less. How does PEPCO manage this, and how will I be billed?

The current tariff rate is what is called “net metering.” This means that when a system produces more power than a home needs, the excess is fed into the grid and the meter, in effect, runs backwards – thereby giving you credit for the excess. When your system doesn’t produce an amount equal to your needs (or at night, when it will not produce any), your home is run with grid provided electricity. The net result is that PEPCO pays you the full retail rate – approximately 15 cents/kwh – for every kWh that your system generates.

7. How much does a system cost, and how do I pay for it?

An average system costs about $20,000. Several companies offer a lease with no money down. You might pay $50/month, which is less than you would pay Pepco for the same amount of energy. Your net benefit might be probably be approximately $20/month. Alternatively, you can buy the system. If so, you will be eligible for the 30% Investment Tax Credit, which will offset $6,000 of the price, and further “Renewable Energy Credits” and other incentives might, over time, net you an additional $4,000. The net outlay of $10,000 would be recouped from the monthly savings in the energy bill. It would take 10 years or more to get your money back. Comparing these two options, most homeowners opt for the lease, or a hybrid lease where some of the cost is prepaid.

8. What could change over time regarding these options?

Plenty. The Investment Tax Credit is currently set to decline from 30% to 10% at the end of 2016. The reduction of this ITC would affect the lease option as well as the purchase option. It is also possible that PEPCO will request a change in the rates, with the effect that you will not receive the full 15 cents/kWh for your PV generation. Many utilities are now pointing out that the current plans mean that the homeowner with a PV system is not paying his or her “fair share” of the cost of the distribution wires which still serve the home. Public Utility Commissions are considering this argument, and may reduce the credit to to what the utility pays for generation – perhaps 7 to 10 cents/kWh.

9. So if I’m interested in getting a PV system, when should I get going on it?

Soon, and in any event, you should make sure that your system is installed before the end of 2016, when it is likely that the ITC will be sharply reduced.

10. What companies do you recommend for solar installations?

There are a number of different companies that install solar systems in our area, including Solar City, Kenergy, Solar E World, and others. All three panelists happened to use Solar City, and reported very positive experiences with them. Solar City guarantees system performance, and monitors the system to make sure everything is working well. As you research different companies, make sure you choose one that has a good track record and has the financial resources to be around for the long haul, because your solar system could last 30 years or more.

11. Are there any community discount programs that I could participate in?

Common Cents Solar is negotiating a discount program with Solar City that will reduce system cost for people in our neighborhood. It can also represent a large group of solar system owners who will be able to negotiate as a block should services be needed in the future. For example, CCS could offer a system tune up maintenance program at group discount prices. It can also research low cost battery storage systems and software upgrade options. CCS is a volunteer run nonprofit and there is no cost for membership. If you would like to join, just contact Ketch Ryan at ketchryan@gmail.com, or Kirk Renaud at Kirkrenaud@aol.com. When you contact Solar City, ask for Tim Grahl at Tgrahl@solarcity.com, and tell him that you are a member of CCS. You may also be able to find solar discount programs through your church or synagogue.

12. Where can I get more information about solar energy?

There are a number of websites that offer more information about solar energy, the Department of Energy (Energy.gov), National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL.gov), American Solar Energy Society (ASES.org), Maryland Energy Administration (energy.maryland.gov), and the Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE.org).