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Solar Electric FAQs
How do we decide what size system is needed?
How does Solar Photovoltaic (PV) work?
What are the advantages of a solar PV system installed by Sun Pacific Solar Electric?
What type of rebates and tax incentives are available?
Do I need batteries for my Sun Pacific Solar Electric system?
Is there special financing available?
Is there a certain direction that my roof or property must face?
Do I need a new roof?
How do I get the permits I need?
How do I apply for my rebates?
How long will my system last?
Are there website with more solar information?
How do we decide what size system is needed?
A friendly Sun Pacific Solar Electric representative will evaluate your solar potential and needs with a free evaluation visit to your property. Every system is custom tailored to the site specific data compiled by the Sun Pacific Solar Electric design team.
How does Solar Photovoltaic (PV) work?
Individual modules are combined into a solar array, which converts the sun's energy to direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity is channeled from the PV array to an inverter that converts the DC current to useable ACpower. The AC electricity is used by the home or business and any excess power is fed back into the utility grid.
What are the advantages of a solar PV system installed by Sun Pacific Solar Electric?
You can become energy independent and help the environment. Solar PV installations make financial sense; they are exempt from property taxes and increase property values.
A Sun Pacific Solar Electric system can be very attractive financially after state and federal incentives are recouped. Business depreciation tax incentives make solar PV a smart investment.
What type of rebates and tax incentives are available?
The California Solar Initiative (CSI) has implemented a tiered rebate program. This program pays up front incentives based upon a solar PV system size and performance. The rebates vary depending on if you are a business or a residence; who is your electrical provider and your location.
The federal Investment Tax Credit for solar PV systems is 30% of the system's net cost.
The Internal revenue Code has a 5-Year Accelerated Depreciation Schedule for commercial solar systems.
Do I need batteries for my Sun Pacific Solar Electric system?
Most customers choose to remain tied into the electric grid utility and use the grid as their back up. With this configuration you will have a net metering plan provided by your local utility. Net metering is like having an electric banking account. A debit or excess is carried over from one month to another with a year's production and usage balanced out at the end of the year.
Battery back up is available. Sun Pacific Solar Electric will integrate battery back up into your solar PV system or allow you to grid independent with a battery storage system that powers your property independent of the grid.
Is there special financing available?
Sun Pacific Solar Electric offers financial advise and referrals to local and national lenders with whom we have secured the best home equity loans and credit lines for our customers.
Is there a certain direction that my roof or property must face?
South or southwest facing alignment of a solar PV array is ideal. Not all homes, businesses, or properties are situated for maximum production. Our no cost site visit and evaluation will clearly analyze and assess your solar potential.
Do I need a new roof?
A roof should be in good shape with at least 20 years of life left. Your Sun Pacific Solar Electric site evaluation includes a roofing assessment.
How do I get the permits I need?
Sun Pacific Solar Electric takes care of all the building permits. We provide turnkey systems and take care of everything from start to finish. As a licensed contractor we adhere to all of the local and national codes.
How do I apply for my rebates?
The CSI rebate process is all taken care of by the Sun Pacific Solar Electric staff. Our customers do not need short-term financing to cover the rebate - we discount the rebate amount from your total payment.
How long will my system last?
Sun Pacific Solar Electric sells only the top quality equipment in the solar industry. A high percentage of our installations are SunPower Systems - an industry leader. Today's high quality modules are expected to be performing at a high rate of efficiency for at least 30 years and are manufacturer warranted for 25 years.
Are there websites with more solar information?
Yes, the following websites may be helpful:
Built Green Santa Barbara - Detailed information, materials, and a checklist rating system.
Go Solar California - Solar information for the State of California.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
California Solar Energy Industries Association - The latest news in California Solar Energy.
Solarbuzz - Weekly solar newsletter.
US Green Building Council - Learn about certification information.
SUNPOWER - Our suppliers of the worlds best photovoltaic panels.
SMA America - learn about battery based Inverters.
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