.Advanced Solar Electric :: Facts About Solar


	HOW SOLAR WORKS Advanced Solar Electric is proud to be a SunPower Premier Dealer. We are happy to present their slide show that clearly illustrates the basics concepts of how a solar electric system works. Just click on the image above or CLICK HERE to watch the slide show.

	THE BASICS Solar electric technology uses the sun’s energy to make electricity. A complete solar electric system consists of modules connected to an inverter that changes the systems DC electricity to AC electricity to power your appliances. The best orientation for a solar electric system is on a south facing roof; however, roofs that face east or west may be acceptable. Flat roofs work well because the panels can be mounted facing the sky or on frames tilted toward the south. If a roof cannot be used, the panels can also be placed on the ground. Another option would be mounting the panels on a patio structure. The cost of a solar electric system will depend on many factors such as the systems configuration, equipment options, age of the home, and how much you want to offset your electricity bill.

	SHADING To make the best use of your PV system, you need most or all of the sun’s path to be clear and not shaded by trees, roof gables, chimneys, buildings, or other features of your home and the surrounding landscape. Shading will substantially reduce the amount of electricity that your system can produce. Should you be in a situation where neighboring trees are shading your roof, keep in mind that existing California law establishes your rights to receive sunlight on your property (California Civil Code Section 801.5 and California Public Resources Code sections 25980, et. seq.).

	MYTHBUSTING Myth: Solar power is too expensive to be practical. Fact: • Manufacturing costs for solar panels are declining each year through new research and economies of scale. • Once the parts are purchased and installed, solar power costs nothing. Myth: PV systems are ugly and unreliable. Fact: • Solar panels on homes are typically installed using low-profile mounting brackets. The sleek panels are placed almost flush against the roof. • PV systems are known for their dependability; warranties are typically 25 years. Myth: It takes more energy to produce a solar panel than that panel will generate in its lifetime. Fact: • A solar panel will generate a minimum of four times the amount of energy used in its production. Soon, panels will be generating 20 times the energy required for their production. • No pollution (air or sound) is created during the use of solar panels. Myth: PV power is a nice idea, but it will never compete with conventional fuels. Fact: • The solar energy industry is currently growing at a rate of 25 percent each year. • Fossil fuels may be depleted within 40 years. • Because the fossil fuel industry receives an estimated $15 billion each year in federal government subsidies, the solar industry currently has a tough time competing.