What will our payback be? What assumptions do you use in that payback analysis?
 The payback analysis is specific to each job. There are complexities with the roof, with structural details, with site analysis, with electrical interface, with permitting jurisdictions and so forth. We must look at all those in order to come to a final proposal. However, we can often demonstrate a payback of 5 to 7 years, equivalent to an internal rate of return of 15 to 20 percent. Given the interest rate climate and the other benefits of the system, its long life, its public relations value and its environmental benefit, this is an excellent investment!

We need to analyze your rate structure to be able to be intelligent about the payback analysis. We also look at the peak demands that we will be reducing. We factor in the effect of the CPUC rebates, state tax credits, federal tax credits, the 5year accelerated depreciation allowance and the cost of financing.

Our business has critical computer and other systems that must remain running 24/7. Is solar power reliable?
Solar can be combined with large Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) systems, capable of providing emergency power when you need it. The solar energy produced is first used to keep the batteries topped off. Excess power is put back on the grid, as a credit to your usage. Because we only add a solar capability, we subtract nothing from your existing connection to the grid. Backup systems can also have auto-start generators, so that they will come on automatically if the batteries are nearing a state of discharge.

How long does a project take? And will business be disrupted during this time?
The time a project will take is directly proportional to its size and complexity. The building permitting and CPUC approval process can take several months before any work is physically done. Then, depending on the size of the project, it may take from several weeks to a month or more. Operations should not be unduly disrupted. For the most part we will be working away from the primary activities of the company, on the roof or in a remote area of the property. There may be minimal disruption when we finally have to interface the solar system to the main power, but this is usually done at night.

Will the system make noise?
Different technologies make different amounts of noise. The larger the system the better chance of noise or hum from the inverter or transformer and cooling fan noise.

What kind of construction work can I expect?
A simple grid-tie installation will involve nothing more than bringing conduit from where the PV panels are mounted to the area near your existing power meter (typically), where the inverter, an AC and a DC disconnect are placed

Other construction considerations might include questions about where and how the panels are to be mounted. If on the roof, you might look hard at the integrity of the roof. The PV system lasts a long time. Maybe now would be a good time to replace that roof, even if it still has a bit of life left in it. It's always best to do a PV system in conjunction with a re-roof.

Proper stand-offs can be mounted to the roof deck when the old roof is off. The roofer can then place flashing around those standoffs as he completes the re-roof. Later we can come along and bolt the racks that hold the PV panels right to those jacks and then the rest of the PV panels to that.

We also offer ballasted non piercing roof mount systems and Thin film integrated solar systems which combine a roof and a solar array.

Can we sell my excess power back to the utility company?
Many people think you will get a check from the power company for any excess power you produce. It's not quite that easy. You will get a credit for power you generate at wholesale rates in excess of your usage. Over a period of time, generally once a year, your utility will apply credits against usage and arrive at a net usage. The utility will send you statements every month, letting you know whether you are piling up credits or using power. However, they "true up" the account on the anniversary of the day the system was placed in operation. At that time, you'll get a bill for your net usage over the year. If you have generated excess power, you'll lose the credit and start all over again at zero. We like to size systems so they produce a little less than your anticipated usage. That's why we ask you to call the power company to find out what your kilowatt-hour usage was for the past 12 months.

Will the meter really turn backwards?
Yes. Most meters are built to be bi-directional. However, upon inspecting your system for parallel operation to theirs, the utility company will change out your existing meter with a new one.

What kind of maintenance is required?
Periodic cleaning of the system and routine maintenance inspections. PPA financiers require a maintenance and operations contract when the system is installed to maintain and optimize the output and protect their investment.

What other paperwork is there, and do you handle that too?
If you are in California, we will apply for a Buy-down reservation in your behalf from the California Energy Commission or the utility company, which administers funds made available from the Public Utilities Commission. We will also handle the paperwork necessary to connect you to the utility. They have paperwork, and lots of it!