Do you know...about solar panel efficiency?

Solar energy is the new rage! Protect the environment! Big Utility is raising your rates...AGAIN!

But...Do you know what it means when you hear that solar panels produce electricity? Where you may hear from some sales people, "Solar can ZERO out your electricity bill!" It is not an typical result and some customers may not be well informed about the way their PV systems truly work. Some owners take the liberties from having a solar system and think they can use all the electricity they want - risking increased utility bills and lower solar savings!

First, each PV (photovoltaic) module can produce only a limited amount of power, this amount is generally referred to as "Efficiency Rates". Most panels generate anywhere from 16% - 20% of energy, which is why all systems have multiple panels installed. More panels, more energy production. If you use more kilowatts than your system generates, your utility company bills you.

Second, you may receive a Net Energy Metering bill from your utility company at the end of a 12-month period where you are asked to pay for the net amount of electricity used over-and-above the amount of electricity generated by your solar system. Likewise, if you generated more energy than you used over that period, it could fall under your Net Surplus Compensation and you may be eligible to receive a payment. (Each utility company and solar plan is different)

So while you are impressed by the flashy long term savings and environmental impact of solar systems....TAKE NOTE of your monthly kilowatt usage from your PG&E bill and ask your sales consultant what your PV system's monthly average kilowatt production is estimated to be. See the savings sooner and be proactive about your energy consumption by installing the best solar system to fit your needs. 

Don't go into solar uninformed! Call us to get a free consultation and we can answer all of your questions! (510) 559-7700

Another happy Solar savings story!

This happy Bay area Solar client went from a $350 energy bill to receiving a yearly credit when he went Solar!

Jan 6, 2014

Metin,

Thank you for thinking of us... I had intended, as promised, to write you much earlier.

I do keep a daily log of the KWH created each day, as well as the weather on that day.  Interesting.  I didn't realize that (winter) temperatures effected solar so minimally!  Also interesting is the angle of the sun and how much electricity I am still creating.  Initially, I began collecting this info just to get an accurate idea, an ability to predict, the capability of Ally's solar system to collect the 72% (of our average monthly usage) which we discussed at the time of installation.  If you recall, Ally installed two additional supports, for two 'future' solar panels. As you know our panels were installed on Sept 14th, so we are about 3 1/2 months into this experiment... and I think Ally's system is doing remarkably well. As of today, your panels have generated 1,487.8KWH. Interesting just how dramatic the daily (reading) rise or fall is in response to sun, fog, or clouds.

In response to your real question, my wife and I are thrilled with our Solar panels and the work that you and your company completed for us!

The craftsmanship of the work, the personalities of your staff, and the Ally's anxiousness to complete the work on schedule and beyond code was gratifying. I thank you wholeheartedly for your workmanship as well as the 'up-front' business-like approach Ally brings to the task.  Like any job, anywhere, there will always be a few minor 'bumps' along the way, which, to your credit, did work through . I thank you for your conscientiousness, your dedication, and your work ethic.  It was our pleasure to have worked with you and Ally.  I chose wisely!

Thank you again Metin, I look forward to speaking with you again in the near future.

Incidentally, I did have one potential new customer for Ally call, and "yes" I did extend a very positive recommendation!  I believe this was for some home electrical work. Hope it helped.    

  Louis Q. | Berkeley, CA