Frequently Asked Questions

At Solar Advocates, we want to ensure you have a clear understanding of energy and power concepts. Let’s dive into the difference between kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) to help you make informed decisions about solar energy:

Energy and power might seem similar in everyday language, but they hold vital distinctions in physics.

Energy: Energy is a measure of the work accomplished by a force. Think of it as the total effort needed to do something, like lifting a heavy rock or running a marathon.

Power: Power, on the other hand, is a measure of how quickly energy is utilized or the rate of energy consumption.

For instance, imagine you are lifting a rock as heavy as the energy required for running a marathon. Although the energy expended is the same, lifting the rock exhibits greater power because all the energy is compressed into a shorter time.

Kilowatts (kW): Kilowatts gauge power and indicate the amount of energy used at a specific moment. For instance, running ten 100 W lightbulbs simultaneously would use one kilowatt of power.

Kilowatt-hours (kWh): Kilowatt-hours measure energy and represent the total electricity consumed over time. If you run your ten 100 W lightbulbs for one hour, you consume one kilowatt-hour of electricity.

1,000 W x 1 hour = 1,000 Wh or 1 kWh

Similarly, running five 100 W bulbs for two hours would also use one kilowatt-hour of electricity.

500 W x 2 hours = 1,000 Wh or 1 kWh

Energy companies charge for electricity based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed. Your electric meter tracks your energy usage each month, and you’re billed according to the number of kWh used.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electric energy in the US was 13.72 cents/kWh in 2021. With our DIY solar installations, the cost per kWh produced can be as low as 4 cents, providing significant savings over time.

Why kW for Solar Systems: Solar panels are sized based on their power output, measured in kilowatts (kW). A 100 W solar panel generates approximately 100 W of power when exposed to direct sunlight.

DC System Size: Solar systems are rated for their Direct Current (DC) energy production in full sunlight, referred to as the “DC system size.” Our microinverters efficiently convert this DC energy into usable Alternating Current (AC) energy for your home.

The actual energy production of a solar system depends on factors such as location, angle, orientation towards the sun, and shading around the panels.

At Solar Advocates, we’re dedicated to empowering you with solar knowledge and guiding you towards a greener future. Feel free to explore our FAQs or contact our expert team for personalized assistance.

Solar energy works through a process called photovoltaic conversion, where sunlight is converted into usable electricity. Here’s how solar energy works in a nutshell:

1. Solar Panels: Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, usually made of silicon. When sunlight (photons) strikes these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current.
2. Direct Current (DC) Electricity: The electricity generated by solar panels is in the form of Direct Current (DC). However, most homes and appliances use Alternating Current (AC) electricity.
3. Inverter: The DC electricity from the solar panels is sent to an inverter, which converts it into AC electricity. This allows it to be used to power household devices and appliances.
4. Electricity Consumption: The AC electricity is then routed to your home’s electrical panel, where it is distributed to power lights, electronics, and other devices.
5. Net Metering (Optional): If your solar system is connected to the grid and supports net metering, excess electricity generated during sunny periods can be sent back to the grid. In return, you may receive credits or payment from your utility company.
6. Monitoring and Efficiency: Solar systems often come with monitoring tools that allow you to track the energy production and efficiency of your panels. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

By harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy provides a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of electricity, reducing your reliance on traditional fossil fuels and lowering your carbon footprint.

Net metering is a billing arrangement for solar energy systems that allows homeowners and businesses to receive credit for the excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. It is an incentive offered by many utility companies to encourage the adoption of solar power and promote renewable energy.

Here’s how net metering works:

1. Solar Energy Generation: When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home or business consumes at a given time (e.g., during sunny days), the excess electricity is sent back to the electrical grid.
2. Electricity Metering: A special bi-directional meter is installed to measure both the electricity your solar system generates and the electricity you consume from the grid.
3. Credit Accumulation: The excess electricity you feed back to the grid is credited to your account. This credit is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is accumulated over time.
4. Offsetting Electricity Bills: During periods when your solar system isn’t producing enough electricity (e.g., at night or on cloudy days), you draw electricity from the grid as usual. The credits accumulated during times of excess generation are used to offset the electricity you consume from the grid.
5. Billing and Settlement: At the end of a billing period (e.g., monthly or annually), your utility company calculates the net difference between the electricity you consumed from the grid and the excess electricity you sent back. If you generated more than you used, you may receive a credit or payment from the utility. If you used more than you generated, you’ll be billed for the net consumption.

Net metering benefits solar panel owners by providing a cost-effective way to offset their electricity bills and make the most of their solar investment. It also promotes the integration of renewable energy into the grid, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy landscape. However, it’s important to note that net metering policies and incentives vary by location and utility company, so it’s essential to check with your local utility to understand the specific net metering rules and regulations in your area.

Deciding whether to replace your roof before going solar depends on a few key factors:

1. Roof Age and Condition: If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or has significant damage, replacing it before installing solar panels is generally advisable. Solar panels have a long lifespan (25-30 years or more), and removing them for roof repairs can be costly.
2. Cost Efficiency: Combining a roof replacement with solar installation can be cost-effective, as you’ll avoid the expense of removing and reinstalling solar panels in the future.
3. Structural Compatibility: Solar panels add weight to your roof. A replacement might be necessary if your current roof structure isn’t robust enough to support the panels.
4. Long-Term Planning: If your roof has many years left, consider installing solar panels first and planning a roof replacement closer to the end of their lifespan.
5. Aesthetics: Solar panels typically last longer than roofing materials. If you install new panels on an older roof, you may need to remove and reinstall them during a future roof replacement, impacting aesthetics.
6. Financial Considerations: Evaluate the potential savings from solar energy against the roof replacement cost. Some incentives and tax credits may be available for solar and roofing projects.
7. Consult Professionals: It’s advisable to consult both roofing and solar professionals to assess the condition of your roof and the feasibility of solar panel installation.
   In summary, if your roof is in good condition and has many years of life left, consider installing solar panels first. However, if your roof is older or needs repairs, replacing it before going solar could save you time and money in the long run.