"I have believed in global warming since I was a child “Weekly Reader” 45 years ago. I always wanted to do something and I have – recycling everything I can, buying a hybrid car and finally the solar panels."
-V. L. Homeowner, Florence, Kentucky

FAQs :: Residential

Solar

General

How does solar power work?
Solar Energy
Photovoltaic (PV) panels, also called solar panels or modules, use technology to convert solar radiation or light energy into electricity to power an electrical load. These panels are manufactured in standard voltages and wattages, and are combined to make up a solar array. PV arrays produce direct current, DC, that is transformed into alternating current, or AC. PV is a clean, non-polluting way to power your home.

Grid Connection and Off-Grid
PV arrays can be both on- and off-grid. Systems that are “on-grid” are tied to the local electric utility. This is the easiest, most efficient and most common way to add solar to your home. When a system is on-grid, it produces power during sun hours and uses grid power during non-sun hours. Additionally, excess energy can be exported to the utility. This is also often referred to as “Net metering”. Net metered systems are solar systems that feed power to the building and to the utility. The building remains tied to the utility grid, eliminating the need for a bank of batteries. Essentially, the grid acts as your battery. Energy can exchanged with the grid – power can be used from the grid during periods without sun, or power can be used directly in the building during times of sunlight, offsetting grid power use.

Off-grid systems are those that are not connected, or distant from an electric utility. These systems are stand-alone and do not use any outside power. They have the capability of powering an entire home, and require the addition of a large bank of batteries for power storage. These systems require more maintenance than on-grid systems.

System Design

How many solar panels will I need to power my home?
Your solar panel requirement will depend on the size and layout of your home.  Your current utility bill can estimate your requirement, based on your kilowatt-hour usage.  On average, in Ohio, each 1 kilowatt of solar produces around 100 kilowatt-hours per month.

What kind of site do I need for a PV system?
Solar panels must have unobstructed southern exposure.  They must be clear of trees,  buildings, or other potential hindrances. 

How much space does a system need?
Each 1 kilowatt of solar panels needs 80-100 feet of space. 

Where do the panels need to be mounted?
Panels can be mounted on your roof or on the ground. If the roof is shaded, obstructed, or is not facing south, ground mounting will most likely be recommended.

What is net metering?
Net metered systems are solar systems that feed power to the building and to the utility. The building remains tied to the utility grid, eliminating the need for a bank of batteries. Essentially, the grid acts as your battery.  Energy can exchanged with the grid - power can be used from the grid during periods without sun, or power can be used directly in the building during times of sunlight, offsetting grid power use. 

System Installation

What permits are needed for a solar system?
Permit requirements vary by region and municipality, however possibilities include zoning, electrical and building permits.  Third Sun can help you navigate this paperwork and will often take care of permit applications when required. Grid connected system require an interconnection agreement with your utility company. This agreement can be facilitated by Third Sun.

What can be powered by solar panels?
Solar panels can power a multitude of products that require electricity, but the system size limits the amount of power that can be produced at a specified time.

System Management

Is there maintenance involved?
Grid connected systems without batteries require very little maintenance beyond reading the power meter to ensure the array is producing as expected.  Off-grid systems require consistent monitoring and regular battery maintenance.  Both types of systems sometime require solar panel cleaning, such as spraying off dust and debris, or scraping off snow.  Third Sun can provide a service contract to assist with maintenance.  .

What happens when there is no sun?
Lack of sunlight could pose to be a potential problem in producing solar power when the system is off-grid, but this can issue can be resolved with a battery bank.  The battery bank will provide a set amount of stored power for a specified period of time.

For on-grid systems, the lack of sunlight does not require a battery bank.  The grid-power will serve as a back up source of power during times when sunlight is restricted.  Although the grid connected system does not require a battery bank, one can be installed to provide emergency back-up power.

How will a utility power outage affect me?
Utility power outages result in no solar for on-grid systems..  This is because an on-grid system is required to shut down when there is a power outage, eliminating safety concerns for utility workers.  It is possible for a battery bank to be added in order to produce back up power in times when there is a utility power outage.

What happens if the panels get covered with snow?
Solar panels need sun to generate power.  In most cases, snow will melt and slough off, but the owner can also wipe snow from the panels to ensure power production.

How long does the system last?
The usual life of a system is between 30 and 50 year.  PV panels are manufacturer warranted at 80% of power production for 25 years.  Batteries are warranted between 5 and 10 years. Additional parts, such as inverters and other electronics, may vary.  During the life of the system, there most likely will need to be an inverter replacement at least once, and battery replacement every 10-12 years.