will never increase, while the cost of electricity from the utility has increased at an average rate of 6% per year over the last 30 years. Solar is a great investment for the long term.
Q. Do I need to buy a system that will eliminate my electric bill?
A. No. Many people buy systems that only eliminate part of their electric bill. The utilities have adopted a rate structure that increases the cost of electricity as you use more of it. Many people choose a system that will only eliminate the most expensive electricity. This increases the return on your investment.
Q. What size system do I need?
A. A properly designed solar electric system can easily produce all the electricity you need for your home. Systems are available in many different sizes to meet individual needs, and are sized primar- ily based on your old electric bills, which show how many kilowatt- hours per month you typically use.
Q. Will solar work on any house?
A. No, but it works in many locations. You need an unobstructed south, east or west facing roof top, with limited shade on the area where the solar panels will be installed. Alternatively, you can mount the system on the ground.
Q. How much space does it take on my roof?
A. Solar electric power systems take approximately 100 sq ft of surface area (collector area) per 1 kilowatt of generating capacity. Therefore the average 4-kilowatt system would require about 400 sq ft of area of good southern exposure.
Q. Does it have to go on my roof?
A. No. While roofs are usually good locations because they are high enough to be above any shading from trees, and many times they are facing south, there are many different mounting options for these
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