Tech Ed & FAQs

  1. How do you determine what size system to install
    To properly size a system, we will evaluate the number of watt/hours your home or office uses. This is typically done by looking at past electric utility bills.  In cases where this information is not available (i.e. new construction) we would supply the customer with a Load Worksheet to estimate the anticipated watt/hours to be used.

     

     

    Helpful Documents:  System Sizing 101, Average Appliance Wattages, Solar Investment Tax Credit FAQs

  2. Are there any limitations that I should be aware of?
    With enough solar panels and/or wind generators you can produce as much power as you need. However, there are several things that can limit your system. This includes budget, available square footage for panels, zoning restrictions, and site conditions (i.e. too much shade).
     
  3. What direction will the solar panels need to face?To be most effective, solar panels need a South, West or Southwest facing orientation. We can use an East facing orientation; however an arrays output will be reduced by about 15%.
     
  4. Are there any permits required and will there be any zoning issues?
    Permit and zoning laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In most cases, both a photovoltaic and/or wind generator installation will require an electrical permit. In addition, wind generators are sometimes subject to review/limitations by your local zoning board. Our company permits the installation through the city and also walks the rebate application through your utility company. Every installation TXSPC does is done above and beyond code requirements.
     
  5. What incentives or rebates are offered in my area?
    We recommend that you search the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency www.dsireusa.org to see what available in your area. We also recommend checking with your electric utility company to see what incentives they may offer as well.
     
  6. Do you offer financing?
    TXSPC does not offer financing options. Banks, Credit Unions, and financial services companies are beginning to see the value in solar on homes and businesses.  Most are willing to loan amounts for solar installations and give you a payment less than or equal to your electric bill savings.
     
  7. What is the payback period?
    Payback is direclty related to your system size and configuration.  We assume that energy costs remain the same over time (a conservative assumption).  Most grid-tie systems with a rebate will break even after 4-9 years depending on usage and peak power consumption.  Non-rebate systems can take anywhere from 9-16 years to fully repay.
     
  8. How long have you been in business?
    Texas Solar Power Company (TXSPC) has been installing renewable energy systems since 1995.  Although our owner has been doing installations since 1993.
     
  9. What certifications do you have?
    The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certifies installers on a national level. It is specific to a person, not a company, and is a required certification for solar installers. TXSPC's owner has his professional NABCEP certification along with our lead installer and engineers.   Our installers have their basic NABCEP certification.
     
  10. What services do you offer?
    TXSPC specializes in the design, installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems. Our services focus on photovoltaics, wind generation and battery backup systems.
     
  11. What if I need to replace my roof?
    If panels are mounted on a roof that needs to be replaced, the panels will need to be removed and reset once the new roof is installed. TXSPC will do this work for a straight labor fee.
     
  12. How a photovoltaic/wind generation system work and what equipment is required?
    Solar panel systems (or solar energy systems) use Photovoltaic (PVl) cells to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. Solar panel cells are made from silicon and were originally developed to power spacecraft and space stations. The cells are wired together in panels that typically measure about 4 feet by 1 foot by 1.5 inches deep. A group of solar panels mounted on a frame is called a solar panel solar panel array. To provide electricity reliably and safely, solar panel system components typically include an inverter, wiring and optional battery storage and charge controller. Most solar panel systems convert the DC electricity that is produced by the solar panels into the common household form of electricity—alternating current (AC)—by using an inverter. AC electricity can then be used to power your appliances directly, or feed back to an electric utility's grid. The DC electricity can also be stored directly in batteries for later use. In this case, to prevent overcharging or discharging of the batteries, a charge controller is used. Please visit our How it works page.
     
  13. What about hail?
    Solar panel durability performance tests are performed as follows:  An inch and 1/4 granite slug is fired from a shotgun at 100 ft.  If the panel shatters then it does not pass and must be redesigned.   If softball size hail does damage a panel, it falls under your homeowners insurance to replace the panel.
     
  14. Where can I get more information?
    For more information please Contact Us or visit our Links page.