General Questions
How many solar panels will I need to power my building?
Your solar panel requirement will depend on the size and layout of your building. 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 95 kilowatt-hours per month, and about 1,100 kilowatt-hours per year.
What kind of site do I need for a PV system?
Solar panels must have unobstructed southern exposure. They must be clear of shading from trees, buildings, and other potential hindrances.
How much space does a system need?
Each 1 kilowatt of solar panels needs 60-100 square feet of space.
Where do the panels need to be mounted?
Most commercial solar power systems are mounted on the roof. The roof may be flat or tilted, and Third Sun Solar offers the best choices for quick install, non-penetrating roof mount systems for flat-roofed buildings.
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 Solar 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 Solar.
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 Solar can provide a service contract to assist with maintenance.
What happens when there is no sun?
Solar PV systems produce maximum power on sunny days, but can also produce energy from cloud-filtered sunlight. Shade is more of an issue than clouds, so we are always careful to recommend panel placement in unshaded areas.
For nighttime power, a grid-tied solar PV system uses the electrical grid. The solar system can spin the electrical meter backwards during the day, when it is producing maximum power, and give way to grid power at night. For off-grid systems, a battery bank can provide a set amount of stored power for a specified period of time.
Although a 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 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 sunlight 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?
Solar PV panels are manufacturer-warranted at 80% of power production for 25 years. Other components, such as inverters and other electronics, may vary in warranty terms. During the life of the system, there most likely will need to be an inverter replacement at least once, and if batteries are used, battery replacement every 10-12 years.
