Is my roof right for solar?
Any south facing roof is suitable for a solar power system installation. Solar panels last 25 years or longer so the roof should be fairly new so replacement isn't in the near future. The roof material and pitch are inconsequential to the installation of a solar power system.

Is financing available for installing a solar power system?
Financing is available through local lending institutions. A home equity loan may be the one method of financing for a residential installation. Commercial installations can be financed through property secured loans, capital equipment loans or equipment secured loans.

Are solar power systems cost effective?
Yes they can be very cost effective. Some states offer net metering which allows the end user to sell back excess or all the energy that is produced by the solar power system. Depending on the size of the system largely influences the cost effectiveness and payback. Convergence Energy can look at each potential installation and provide options that maximize the cost effectiveness!

What is the future of utility provided power?
Utilities have been increasing rates at 5% to 7% for the last 20 years with no end in site. With solar power systems lasting 25 to 30 years not only are they a tangible asset for the owner, they also reduce the owner's utilities monthly bill.

How long until my system realizes savings?
Immediately, as soon as the solar power system is connected and exposed to the sun energy is being produced. The payback for a solar power system will be influenced by many factors, such as, amount of sun, electrical consumption of the installation, financing, and various incentives that are available from federal an local governments.

How is the environment effected by solar power systems?
By using the sun and your solar power system to provide energy you are replacing some fossil fuels that would have been consumed. This in turn reduces CO2 emissions and our dependence on foreign fossil fuel sources.

Do solar power systems effect property value?
Solar power systems can be one of the best investments you make on your home. There is legislation that prevents your property taxes from increasing with the installation of solar power systems even though these systems add value to your home. Recent surveys have shown that for every $1000.00 reduction in energy consumption per year results in appreciation of $20,000.00 as a consequence.

What kind of changes can I expect to see on my utility bill?
The simple answer is you'll see a reduced utility bill. There are however many factors that come into play with the savings one would realize from they're solar power system. The best way to figure out potential savings is by scheduling a solar power assessment from Convergence Energy.

Are the rebates for real?
Yes! The rebates pay for 30-35% of the installed cost.  

Are there any tax incentives?
Yes. Homeowners and businesses may claim a 30% federal investment tax credit. Commercial investments are also eligible for accelerated depreciation. There are a variety of local, state & utility incentives that may further enhance your savings.

What is solar thermal?
Solar Thermal systems (also called solar hot water) heat hot water for a pool or domestic hot water use. Solar thermal installations involve the placement of solar collectors to the roof top. These collectors include an insulated copper piping system. As the water runs through the pipes it is heated by the sun.

How do I find out more about pricing?
See our solar calculator for more information about pricing.

When you install a solar power system an agreement is made between you an the local utility company. This agreement provides you with the terms that the utility will buy back the energy that is produced by your solar power system. This agreement varies from state to state, so the best advice is to have Convergence Energy analyze your unique situation. Any kWh that are produced by your solar power system will be credited or purchased back by your local utility.

What happens to the solar electricity that I do not use?
Any excess solar electricity produced will go back into the grid through your meter, running it backwards. You are credited for each kWh produced at a rate determined by your local utility.

What happens when the sun isn't shining?
Your solar electric system will not produce electricity without direct or diffused sunlight. On cloudy days and at nighttime, you will draw electricity from the grid. You build up credits on sunny days and draw from these credits on cloudy days and at night.

How does solar electricity work?
The sun's energy in the form of photons release electrons from their bonds in the silicon semiconductors that make up the solar cells. The flow of these electrons makes up the current that will ultimately be utilized in your home or building.

What are the major components of a solar electric system?
A grid-tied solar electric system requires solar modules and one or more inverters which converts the energy produced from your solar power system to AC which is consistent with the power supplied by your utility.

What if there is a black out?
If there is a black out or brown out you will lose power from your solar system.

Do I need batteries?
You do not need batteries if you are tied into the public utility grid. Essentially your utility company stores your solar electricity for free. Batteries would only be necessary if you need power during blackouts or if you are not connected to the grid.

Do I need a generator?
You do not need a generator if you are installing a solar electric system. A generator can be integrated to work with solar to power your house for a certain number of hours in case of a black out.

Which appliances can I power with my solar electric system?
You do not designate electricity to any specific appliance. The electricity produced by your solar system functions in the exact same way as the electricity from the grid. Your solar electricity will provide power for all of your uses.

Is it true that solar modules are still not very efficient?
Silicon solar cells have conversion efficiencies of 10 to 14%. Your car, at best, converts gas at a 20% efficiency rate. The difference is that gas costs more than sunshine. The cost per kWh of energy produced is a more relevant factor. Other considerations are the space required and the total cost.

How much power do I use?
You can find out how much electricity you use by looking on your utility bill or calling your electric utility. It is very helpful to get the last 12 months of electric usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). Your electric utility can provide you with this information over the phone.


SOLAR HOT WATER FAQ

Is Solar Hot Water a good investment?
The potential savings on water heating bills are affected the most by the type of fuel you are using to heat that water and the number of people in the home. If you are heating hot water for two or more people and you heat water with electricity or with bottled or natural gas, then you owe it to yourself to look at solar water heating, it could be a great investment for you.

What is the "payback" on a solar hot water system?
The term "payback" is a misconception that shows a false value towards an income generating device. Electric and gas water heaters do not have a payback! When you purchase a more efficient refrigerator, the decision to buy comes not from how long the savings generated will pay you back for your initial investment, but it comes from getting better service for a lower operating cost with a better rate of return . Solar water heating systems do just that. They provide quality hot water at a lower cost than heating with electricity or LP gas with more equity value in your home.

Solar collectors are typically designed to last as long as your home with little or no maintenance. These systems often give a 14% to 20% per year non-taxable rate of return on your money - even for a two person household. It is important to remember that hot water is a constant daily expense; other large household appliances, like air conditioners and heaters, are seasonal expenses.

Hot water is typically 20% to 30% of the annual utility bill. Hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry costs about $110 a year per person (when LP gas costs $1.15/gallon or electricity costs 7 cents/kilowatt hour). When electricity is 10 cents/kWh or LP gas is $1.60 a gallon, it will cost about $646 a year to heat water for a four person household. A properly sized solar water heating system can be expected to save this household $450 to $600.

What about adding the Solar Hot Water Heater into the mortgage? 
This is a great time to install a solar hot water system. The monthly savings are far greater than the small increase in mortgage payments. And, the tax savings from the home mortgage or home improvement loan -- typically 25% or more -- count as an itemized deduction on your income tax. Typically, the after-tax rate of return on investment will be over 18% per year, even for two people. You also increase the property value of your home and its visual perception as an energy efficient, environmentally responsible home.

What about the appearance of a Solar Collector on our roof?
Today solar collectors are typically integrated into the slope of the roof. This method of installation gives the solar collector the appearance of a quality, opaque, glass skylight. In most cases, since the piping is not seen, it actually improves the appearance of the home because it looks like an elegant, expensive skylight. Convergence Energy, LLC offers a free solar site survey to determine the location of the solar collector, and to verify that you will not have any collector shading problems.

What about the environmental benefits of going solar?
Any time you use solar energy to offset the amount of fossil fuels that are burned, you contribute to everyone's health and welfare. Operating one solar water heater instead of an electric or gas water heater saves the equivalent of nine barrels of oil every year and reduces carbon dioxide emissions (a greenhouse gas) by 1600 pounds and sulfur dioxide (contributes to acid rain) emissions by 12 pounds. Multiply those emissions per household by all the homes in your neighborhood, town, county, or state, and the benefits -- and the air and water -- become even more clear.