Your Questions Answered
Here we answer the main questions that we’ve gotten from our customers in western New York about solar over the years. If you have other questions that we don’t cover below, please contact us by filling out our quick and easy contact form or calling us at (716) 834-0384.
What is solar energy?
Solar energy takes advantage of the sun’s rays to generate heat or electricity. It is an infinitely renewable resource able to generate the energy in a quiet, clean, and consistent way.
How do I know if solar panels will work for my home?
Take a look at the position of your home on your lot & look at your roof. Then ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a good southern exposure?
- Is the exposure free of trees or other buildings that could shade the panels or drop debris on them?
- What is the pitch of the roof? (In case you decide on a roof application.)
Do I need to have a south-facing exposure to have a solar energy system?
Although a southern exposure increases the effectiveness of a solar system, your home may still work for solar power without having a south-facing exposure. Call Freedom Solar to discuss your possible options for solar panel installation.
How much maintenance do solar energy panels require?
Solar panels require very little maintenance. It’s important to place the panels where they will remain clear of shade and debris. Occasionally, you may have to wipe off your solar panels if too much snow or leaves fall onto them.
Will solar panels work if my roof isn’t new?
Normally, it is suggested that the roof be less than 15 years old if you decide to put solar panels on your roof. The reason for this is that home solar system will last for 20 years or more, so you should have that length of time left on your roof. If your roof needs to be replaced or repaired we can do that as part of the project. It’s suggested that you have that done prior to the solar system installation.
It is possible to do a roof replacement or repairs once you have installed solar but it can be quite time consuming. In most cases, the panels would need to be moved or removed causing a partial re-installation of the panels and a loss of energy generation during that time. For those reasons, those in need of a new roof are recommended to get it done before or as part of the solar install.
If the power goes out will I make power?
The most efficient and least costly systems, since they no longer use batteries as storage, do not produce power if the utility is down. If backup power is of interest to you we can design and install a system that, along with some specialized equipment, can provide automatic power to your home or business even when the grid is down.
Are solar panels always installed on the roof?
Panels can be installed on the roof or on a ground-mounted rack or pole. We are in Buffalo, after all, so if your panels are mounted at ground level we raise them up above the expected snow line.
What if we have a week without sun?
Solar panels make some power even on cloudy days. But whatever power you need above and beyond what your panels are producing will be pulled from the grid.
Is solar power less powerful than that from the utility company?
Solar power is not less powerful than that from the utility company. The power is the same in strength but it’s much cleaner.
How do solar panels help the environment?
Renewable energy sources like solar reduce the need for polluting methods of electricity production. Over a 30-year span, the environmental equivalent benefits for an average solar photovoltaic system are:
- The offset of 100,000 lbs. of CO2 that would otherwise be produced by coal
- CO2 produced by driving your car 100,000 miles
- 1.6 tanker trucks of gasoline not burned
- 3,030 trees planted
- 22 cars taken off the road for a year
- 0.6 railcars of coal not burned