Q: How does solar power work?

The sun supplies 1000 watts of power per square meter during peak sunlight hours. Panels can convert approximately 20% of that to electric power. The panels convert the sunlight to DC power. This power is put through an inverter which coverts it to utility grade AC power. This power is then put into the buildings electrical system

Q: Isn’t Michigan’s climate wrong for solar?

A: Michigan has an average of 4.2 hours of peak sunlight per day on an annual bases. Florida, the sunshine state, only has about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day. Solar panels are less efficient the hotter they get. In the southwest they get more sun but the panels produce less voltage per peak sunlight hour because of the heat. Michigan’s climate requires we oversize the components by 1.20% over the STC (standard test conditions) rating of the panels to accommodate this extra voltage.

Q: Can I use wind power at my house or business?

A: Michigan has the 14th best wind resources in the country. Building and zoning codes regulate the use of wind turbines. Most municipalities require that the tower be able to drop in any direction without hitting any structure while stating back from the setback clauses of the municipalities. This normally requires property of at least 1.5 acres.

Q: Can I sell my extra power to the electric company?

A: In October of 2008, Michigan adopted true Net Metering Laws. This means that the utility company has to accept any electricity that you put onto the grid. When your system produces more power than you consume, your meter will spin backwards. When you consume more than you produce, your meter spins forward. You are only billed at your net consumption. At this point the utility company does not have to cut you a check if you produce more than you use.

Q: Isn’t solar and wind expensive?

A: Solar and wind power has come down tremendously in the past few years. Their efficiency has gone up. With skyrocketing electricity prices and increasing state and federal incentives, renewable energy has never been cheaper.

Q: How long does it take to get a payback?

A: There are many factors. See the FAQ “What is a good location”. Solar thermal has the quickest payback. If you have electric water heating the payback is quicker than if you have gas water heating. Equated into this has to be the skyrocketing cost of electricity. In June of 2008 Forbes Magazine ran an article called “Brownout”, in the beginning of the article they state, “If you think runaway oil prices are upsetting, just wait for what’s in store for electricity.” What is the cost of your energy security? Worst case scenario your payback is about ten years. With a warranty of twenty-five years and a life expectancy of forty years, it is still a bargain.

Q: How long are the warranties?

A: Panels are warranted for twenty-five years. The inverters are warranted for ten years with extended warranties available. With a life expectancy of forty years, it should be the only system you ever buy.

Q: Are there incentives for renewable energy?

A: Incentives are constantly changing. Recently the Federal Government removed the $2,000.00 limit on the 30% tax credit. The USDA Rural Development Division has 25% grants and federally backed loan guarantees. Michigan has a true Net Metering Law (check out the FAQ “Can I sell my extra power to the electric company?).
For updated incentive information, check out the following links:

http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/map2.cfm?CurrentPageID=1&State=MI&RE=1&EE=0

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/michigan/

Q: Can I generate all my own power?

A: Most properties can generate some power. Many can generate enough to supply all your needs. Some can generate far more. See the FAQ “What is a good location.”

Q: What is a good location?

A: For wind a good location is where the turbine is thirty feet higher than any obstruction within 300’.

For solar electric and solar thermal a good location is one where you have unobstructed southern exposure without any shading. The solar electric panels should be set at a 42 degree angle to the horizon. This could be accomplished with angled racking on the roof, or with a pole mounted solar tracker. The tracker mounts on a pole and follows the sun across the sky keeping the array at the perfect angle to the sun. This increases output by about 30%.