How does solar work?
Sunlight falls on solar photo voltaic (PV) system during daylight hours. The solar panel converts the sun’s energy into direct current (DC) power which is sent to the inverter. The inverter converts the DC power into alternating current (AC) power which then powers the house within the capacity of the system. When the solar energy produces more electricity than is needed, usually during peak sun hours, excess electricity is automatically sent to the utility company through the grid and a credit towards your bill will be generated.
How much will my solar cost?
Solar PV systems can range greatly depending on your energy needs, but our smallest systems start out at $7,500. The price increases as the size of the system increases and also if batteries and/or generators are included. Every job has different needs when it comes to solar and solar packages. Each job is custom designed to the customer and the price will be determined by three factors. 1) The customer’s goals 2) The customer’s needs and site conditions 3) The customer’s budget
How do I know if my home is suitable for solar?
With our free solar quote! We will take a look at your roof, shading from trees, and historical power usage to make sure you get the best size and style solar PV system.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
Properly installed solar panels will not damage your roof. Solar systems apply about 2.5-3.5 pounds per square foot on your roof, where as the average worker will apply 150-200 pounds per square foot as he walks. Even roofs designed without Solar in mind are equipped to handle it, so long as they are quality built.
Will my solar system cover all my energy needs?
They certainly can! That said, with grid-tied systems you do not necessarily want 100% off-set because you will be purchasing power from the utility provider at retail but selling back to the utility at wholesale. That means it is not a dollar for dollar trade off. We recommend an annual offset with Solar energy of 50-70% to protect our customer's investment against the very possible reductions in buy-back rates that the utility providers may make in the future. As you get closer to 100% offset with Solar, the amount of energy sold is subject to negotiation and reduced rates by the way utilities charge demand fees and often pay less than market value for your excess solar generation. Off-grid systems need at least 125% off set and minimum two days battery storage to achieve max return on investment (ROI).
What is net metering?
Net metering is the practice of measuring both the electricity that you purchase and the electricity that you sell back. In Texas, Net Metering is somewhat illusive because almost no utility provider will give you dollar for dollar on your usage. You will pay a retail rate for the electricity you buy and you will get credits at a wholesale rate for the electricity that you sell. In many cases, the utility provider will charge a higher retail fee for net meter rate plans. You may achieve a net billing status through negotiations but you will always be charged the Oncor delivery charges and the utility provider’s minimum monthly fees.
WHAT KIND OF MAINTENANCE WILL BE NEEDED FOR MY PANELS?
With a proper tilt there will be nearly no maintenance needed for the panels. If you have a flat roof, then they will need to be washed off once or twice a year.
What is the warranty on solar?
There are several types of warranties to consider when purchasing solar. There is the manufacturer’s warranty on the panels, the manufacturer’s warranty on the inverters, and the installers warranty on the installation itself.
When considering the installer’s warranty, it is important to consider how long your installer has actually been in business. A warranty is only as good as the company servicing it. It is equally important to ask if your sales person is also providing the installation. It is becoming more and more popular for individuals with no solar experience or licensing to sell installations that a third-party contractor is hired to install. Wright-Way has been installing solar since 2009. Our experience has been that many of these sales companies offer exceptionally lengthy warranties only to change names or go out of business within a few years, thus voiding the warranty.
When considering the manufacturer’s warranty, it is important to research the products you are purchasing. How long have they been in business, how long has the product you are purchasing been on the market, what is their service record?
Wright-Way only uses products and equipment that have been in business for longer than their warranty period and has an excellent history of standing behind their products.
Our warranties include the following:
- 5 year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty on all power producing components
- 1 year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty on all non-power producing components
- 20/25 year warranty on panels
- 10 year warranty on flashing
- 10 year warranty on inverters (varies depending on brand)
Will solar work on cloudy days?
The sun does not have to be completely out for your panels to produce electricity. In cloudy or overcast weather your solar PV system won’t produce as much power as it would if the sun were shining, but it will still be producing some.
Will bad weather damage my panels?
Solar panels are tougher than most roofs on the market today, similar to your car’s windshield. They are made to withstand very severe weather. In most cases, panels are tested and certified to withstand hail up to 1 inch falling at 50 mph. It is not uncommon for Wright-Way to remove and reinstall an undamaged PV system in order for a homeowner to replace their storm damaged roof.
What happens when the power goes out?
A grid-tied system will automatically shut off in order to protect utility workers. With our SMA grid-tied inverters, when the power is out, you can manually turn on one emergency power outlet.
What solar services does Wright-Way offer?
Not only do we install solar, we provide many services after installation under our warranty. We also offer service for those outside of the warranty or whose equipment was installed by another provider. Wright-Way is certified to service a broad range of solar equipment even some we don’t personally install. Along with our 5-year workmanship warranty, will we service your system for as long as you require, making sure your system functions the Wright-Way at all times.
