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Q: Do we get enough sun in my area?
A: With more than 4 hours of average daily sunshine in Western PA and the surrounding region, we definitely DO get enough sun to make solar power a viable option, despite common misconceptions to the contrary. In fact, in 2007 Pittsburgh was named one of the Solar America Initiative Cities. Your global location (longitude and latitude), elevation and other factors determine the amount of sun in a given area and the production capacity, and our region’s average 4.5 daily hours of sunshine can power an individual’s needs. For more information about the Solar America Cities, visit the U.S. Department of Energy at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/about.html.
Q: Which structures are suitable?
A: While many structures are suitable for solar power, Underwood Solar Future focuses on flat rooftop installations for small commercial buildings and multi-unit residential dwellings.
Q: Where does the system mount?
A: Your solar panel system can be mounted almost anywhere that permits access to sunlight. The main concern is that it has to be facing south or even southwest. However, your physical location in close proximity to shade, trees, taller buildings, or in a valley can impact the amount of sunlight that your solar panel system will receive each day. In addition, a weight calculation is required by a registered architect or professional engineer to ensure that a rooftop can support the equipment safely. While this typically does not present a problem, it is a critical step.
Q: How much space will I need and how big will my system be?
A: The size of a solar panel system will vary depending upon the amount of electricity needed for an individual’s needs. The amount of space needed correlates directly to how much electricity you want to produce e.g. if you want to produce 100%, 80%, or 50% of your electrical power needs. Refer to your current electric bill to determine your current demand.
Q: Will I have to do maintenance to my system?
A: Other than needing to occasionally wash the panels, the solar panel system is virtually maintenance free. The panels have a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer, and the other components have a minimum warranty of 5 years, which can be extended to 20 years.
Q: Does the system include batteries?
A: It’s your choice. See the information on the web site under Our Services.
Q: How much will my system cost?
A: Cost varies depending on the size of your system (number of panels and batteries) and the required installation to achieve optimal placement for your building and site characteristics, whether it's a rooftop (most common), wall, pole-mounted or on the ground.
Q: Can I make money off building a system?
A: Every situation is different, but if you have a large enough area to place your solar panel system, you can usually generate enough power to exceed your own demand, and thus make money.
Q: How long will it take to produce electricity?
A: After the system is installed (usually in a few days) it will be producing electricity as soon as it is inspected.
Q: How long has solar power been around?
A: Native people everywhere have used the sun’s energy since the beginning of time for warmth textile production and other tasks. Photovoltaics, as we use them today, were first discovered in the US in 1873. Usage in space technology and other commercial applications has led to significant increases in efficiency.  |
