Frequently Asked Questions
MANY SOLAR SYSTEM OWNERS HAVE IMMEDIATELY SEEN SAVINGS ON THEIR ELECTRIC BILL, AND BEGIN TO TAKE BACK CONTROL OVER THEIR HOME ENERGY NEEDS. ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YOUR HOME AND FAMILY’S UTILITY NEEDS, LOCK IN LOW ELECTRICITY RATES FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS BEFORE NET ENERGY METERING CHANGES! THERE IS NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW, NOT ONLY DO YOU SAVE MONEY, BUT GIVE BACK TO YOUR POCKET BOOK WHEN YOU RECEIVE SOLAR INCENTIVES, (THEY WONT LAST LONG ACT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE). ALSO GIVING BACK TO THE PLANET, RUNNING YOUR OWN GREEN ENERGY STATION NEVER FELT BETTER!
BELOW ARE ANSWERS TO SOME COMMON QUESTIONS BEYOND THE CLEAR BENEFITS TO SOLAR.
How do solar panels generate electricity?
Solar photovoltaic panels produce electricity when light photons – particles of sunlight – strike a semiconductor material (made of silicon) in the solar cells of the panel. The solar panel then converts these photons into electrons of direct current (DC) power. The electrons flow out of the solar panel and into an inverter where the DC electricity (commonly used in batteries) transforms into alternating current (AC) power, readily available to be used within your home.
Am I eligible to receive a tax credit for going solar?
There is currently a federal solar investment tax credit in place through December 31, 2016 which may qualify those purchasing a residential solar power system for a 30% tax credit (please note that Federal tax incentives are administered and governed solely by the federal government and Coastal Solar cannot guarantee the availability, amount, applicability or receipt of any such incentives).
What is a net meter?
A net meter is a utility meter that calculates the ‘net’ of the electricity that you use from the utility grid and the amount of electricity that you generate and feed into the utility grid. A net meter will spin forward if you are using more power than you are generating, and backward if you are generating more power than you are using. If the meter is spinning backward, you are contributing electricity generated in excess of your usage to the grid. Coastal Solar gains the necessary approvals from your participating utility in order to get your home set up for net metering.
How am I compensated for power fed back in to the electricity grid?
Under AB 920 law in California, you receive a monetary payment for electricity generated by your solar power system (in excess of utility power used) after a twelve-month period from participating utilities including SCE, SDG&E, LADWP and PG&E.
What happens if I generate more power than I use?
Currently, solar customers are connected to the electric utility grid, which is a reliable source for additional electricity required to power their homes as required. We continue to closely examine battery storage technologies to determine the costs and potential benefits for solar customers. We do have a preferred installer contract with reputable battery back up companies. Let us know at the time of estimate and we can quote with and with out back up.
Does my solar system warranty transfer when I sell my residence?
The warranty for your solar system is not transferable to a new owner if you sell or transfer your residence.