Who can benefit from a photovoltaic system?
In our experience, current conditions yield the best returns to large commercial
customers. [ top ]
Will it increase the value of my building?
A PV system immediately increases the value of the host building by more
than it costs to install. [ top ]
How do you determine what size to install?
We conduct an onsite audit free of charge, with no obligation of any kind.[ top ]
What if I don't have a flat roof?
We have engineered designs to meet your needs. Since we design and manufacture
our mounting brackets, we can adapt them for most roofs. [ top ]
What if my roof isn't large enough?
We can install our systems on carport structures or on the ground. [ top ]
How about a warranty?
The PV modules are guaranteed by the manufacturer to produce at least 90%
of their original output for 25 years. [ top ]
Is the output monitored?
Pacific Power Management monitors all systems we install for five years
with proprietary web-based monitoring hardware and software. [ top ]
What is the added weight to my roof?
Approximately 3 lbs. per square foot (deadload). Most roofs can take this
additional weight without any structural changes. [ top ]
What do you mean by Power Management?
Pacific Power Management looks into all aspects of your power consumption
and counsels you on how to “reduce, then produce.” That is,
reduce your consumption first, then produce your own electricity. [ top ]
What type of conservation features are recommended?
The first thing we do is paint your roof white. This lowers air conditioning
costs and lengthens the life span of your roof. We make sure you have
a programmable thermostat configured to your needs. Then we asses your
lighting, making sure you have energy-efficient fluorescent lights wherever
possible. [ top ]
How long will it take to install my system?
The average installation time for a large building with a flat roof is
four to six weeks. [ top ]
Will my business be interrupted?
No. The interference is minor because the system is installed on the roof
and the power feeds to the electrical supply room. But you may feel the
need to interrupt your business after we've finished in order to show
off your system to your customers/employees/investors! [ top ]
How much power can I produce?
You are only limited by your roof space and, for a solar carport, your
parking lot size. [ top ]
What if I have tenants in my building?
You can generate electricity and sell it to them, just as the electric
company does now. [ top ]
Can I take the system with me if I move?
Yes. The system can be dismantled and moved, but only after it has been
on the original site for five years.
[ top ]
Can the system be enlarged?
Yes. Additional panels and inverters can be installed quite easily. This
would have to occur in increments of at least 30kW in order to qualify
for the SGIP rebate. [ top ]
Can I get solar modules in different colors?
Yes. The standard blue color is a coating on the otherwise gray silicon
that helps it absorb more frequencies of sunlight. Other colors are less
efficient and more expensive, but sometimes specified by architects. [ top ]
What is PV?
PV is the acronym for photovoltaic, which literally means electricity from
light. PV modules produce electricity when energy from the sun, in the
form of photons, strikes them. [ top ]
How does PV work?
PV cells, the basic components of the modules, are flat, square slices
of silicon crystal. The sun's rays excite electrons in one layer of the
silicon and these are collected in conducting grids. Each cell generates
about 1.2 volts. The cells are wired in series strings to create about
24 volts per module. The modules are connected in series strings to create
about 350 volts that is sent to the inverter. [ top ]
What is the environmental impact of PV systems?
PV modules are made from silicon (sand), glass, aluminum and wiring. Over
its life span, each module will offset the tons of carbon dioxide, sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other harmful byproducts that would be released
into the atmosphere if the same amount of electricity were produced using
fossil fuel-based electricity generation. [ top ]
What type of electricity do PV modules produce?
The modules generate direct current (DC), which is changed by the inverter
to alternating current (AC), the type we use in our businesses and homes. [ top ]
What maintenance is required?
Photovoltaic modules have no moving parts. They are therefore extraordinarily
reliable and easy to maintain. During the long, dry summer an occasional
washing keeps them working at their highest efficiency. [ top ]
Why is this considered energy conservation?
The biggest benefit of solar electric production is that its maximum generation
occurs in the sunniest, hottest part of the day, when the electricity
grid is most heavily burdened. [ top ]
Will I have power when the grid goes down?
No. The typical commercial-scale PV system is grid-connected, with no battery
backup, and is required for reasons of safety to shut down when the grid
fails. [ top ]
Do I have to be connected to the grid to take advantage of the benefits of a PV system?
The current rebates and tax incentives are designed to increase grid-connected
generation. Therefore, only grid-connected systems qualify for these
incentives. [ top ]
What is the cost for the energy audit and initial proposal?
There is no charge for our initial consultation. [ top ]
What do I say to my accountant?
We provide all necessary information and documentation to your accountant.
We have printed timetables indicating exactly how much tax credit to
take and when. [ top ]
How long does it take to get a complete return on my investment?
Typically four to five years. However, since your system is worth more
than you pay for it the day it is installed, it really returns immediately. [ top ]
How much money does it take to get started?
We have financing available that requires no money out of your cash flow.
The payments are made with money otherwise spent on your previous electric
bill and with your tax credits. These financing packages are tied to
the equipment only, with a UCC1 filing, and do not attach to the real
estate. [ top ]
How much will I save on my electric bill?
We can install enough generating capacity to eliminate your bill entirely. [ top ]
Will my electric company buy the excess electricity I generate?
Not exactly, but your meter really will run backwards whenever your PV
system is producing more electricity than you're using. This usually
happens on hot summer afternoons, which also happens to be when electric
rates are at their highest. That means you are not only avoiding paying
for the most expensive electricity, but you're also getting credited
at the same high rate for your excess production. Then, in the off-peak
periods, when the rates drop by two thirds, you slowly draw down that
hefty meter credit you banked earlier in the day. This arrangement is
called "net metering." We design your system to match your
energy needs as closely as possible, so that the "net" is zero
at the end of each year. On the anniversary of your system's installation,
any balance favoring your electric company is negated and you start again
with no credit. [ top ]
What is the approximate return on my investment?
A 20%-35% annual ROI is possible. [ top ]
Why isn't everyone doing this?
Good question, as going solar offers so many business and ecological benefits.
However, not every business is in a position to take advantage of the
rebates and tax credits. Give us a call at 530-887-1984 to find out if
you qualify. [ top ]