FAQS
How will my solar electric system be viewed by my neighbors? Simply stated, it shows everyone in Winona, and in the Midwest, that you are forward thinking and responsible. It demonstrates that you not only care about the environment and the ill effects of nonrenewable resources on the environment now, but that you have a vested interest in the future, and wish to do your part to help protect the environment for future generations. In short, it shows that you are someone that cares.
How will adding solar affect my property value? Adding a solar PV system will definitely increase the value of your property. How much depends on which sources you go to, but we have seen in print through real estate appraisers that it can be as much as twenty dollars for every one dollar invested in solar. Although that is probably not the case for everyone, it will increase the value of your property and that makes purchasing a solar PV system an even greater investment for the long term.
Does a solar module system take up much space? How much space your solar modules take up on your roof depends on the size of your system. A single 60 cell module can have a foot print of about 5.4’ long and 3.3' wide while a 72 cell module can be about 6.5' long and 3.3' wide. Not to worry, in most cases your roof will accommodate the right size system for you, and our knowledgeable staff will walk you through this process during the consultation phase. A good rule of thumb is that you need around 100 square feet of roof space for every 1 kW of conventional solar modules. Additional details can be found HERE
How do I know what size system my home will need? That all depends on what type of energy impact you would like to make for your home. The answers to this question ranges from making a significant social impact, simply offsetting energy costs, or generating enough power to be independent from your electrical utility. The size of your home will also be carefully considered when sizing your system. Winona Renewable Energy will thoroughly evaluate your location and provide a comprehensive evaluation based on not only your needs, but your wants as well. Additional details can be found HERE
What type of roof do I need? That’s a great question, and in truth, it really doesn’t matter all that much. Ideally, a new roof would be best, so if you are thinking of replacing your roof, factoring in the addition of a solar PV system would be the most cost effective. The same would apply if you are thinking of building a new home, in that we could help accommodate new solar modules. If your roof is flat, old, presently leaks, or you are just not sure your roof will hold up to the solar, our team of experts will come up with a solution that fits your scenario.
Does it matter which direction my roof faces? Not as much as many sources would have you believe. Although due South is the most ideal, in the Winona area on the typical 4/12 roof, energy production can be reduced by as little as 5% or less for the SE or SW arc. The percentage loss increases up to 16% when the orientation is due East or West, but in the big scheme of things even this can be made to work simply by enlarging your solar system by a few modules.
And when referring to roof pitch, 35 to 45 degrees is ideal, however, you will experience only a 6% to 9% drop if your pitch is as little as 15 to 10 degrees. We do not recommend anything lower than 10 degrees, however, because debris can accumulate on your solar modules and degrade your system performance. But even this scenario can be worked out to give you maximum efficiency with the use of tilted racking systems for your solar modules.
How will my system be affected by trees and other shading? Ideally, you need an area unobstructed by shade, especially between the solar hours of 9 am and 3 pm; however, we will research your proposed site during this initial evaluation period. If it is discovered that there is too much shading for your roof, there are potential alternatives that can be explored, such as ground mount systems. In any event, this is one of the first things we look at and consider as we evaluate the potential of a system for you.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar system? Currently there are solar systems with modules that are still functioning well after 25 years and more. With both controlled testing in a lab setting and observation in the field, 25+ years is a consistent mark. So much so, in fact, that most reputable solar module manufacturer's warranty their modules for 25 years. Winona Renewable Energy only purchases products made by reputable manufacturers and we offer a full 5-year workmanship warranty on all our systems. Additional details can be found HERE
Will the power company buy electricity from me? Yes, they will. In Winona, and throughout the Midwest, you only buy from your utility the difference between what your solar electric system produces and the amount of electricity you are using. This process is known as “net metering”. If the amount of electricity you are generating exceeds the amount you are using, your electric meter will actually spin backwards! This results in additional savings, which is another factor in your decision to invest in a solar electric system.
What is the typical payback period? Each system will have a different payback period. Typically, smaller systems will have a longer payback period and larger systems will have a shorter payback period, with some being under 5 years. Besides the economic payback, the system will also have an environmental payback. Along with each economic proposal, we will send you an environmental impact summary that shows you how your system is helping to save the environment. Additional details can be found HERE and HERE
I’ve heard there are rebates, what’s that all about? There are Federal, State, Utility, and other incentives specific to your area. Your Winona Renewable Energy consultant will work with you to maximize your total economic return. Additional details can be found at http://www.dsireusa.org/
How do I maintain my system? That’s a great question. Your system has no moving parts to maintain. This makes for a highly reliable system.
Who installs and inspects my system in MN? Your system is installed by a Professional MN Licensed Electrical Contractor and is then inspected by a MN Electrical Inspector. Depending on your location, the system might also be inspected by your Local Building Inspector. This process ensures a safe and compliant installation.
How will adding solar affect my property value? Adding a solar PV system will definitely increase the value of your property. How much depends on which sources you go to, but we have seen in print through real estate appraisers that it can be as much as twenty dollars for every one dollar invested in solar. Although that is probably not the case for everyone, it will increase the value of your property and that makes purchasing a solar PV system an even greater investment for the long term.
Does a solar module system take up much space? How much space your solar modules take up on your roof depends on the size of your system. A single 60 cell module can have a foot print of about 5.4’ long and 3.3' wide while a 72 cell module can be about 6.5' long and 3.3' wide. Not to worry, in most cases your roof will accommodate the right size system for you, and our knowledgeable staff will walk you through this process during the consultation phase. A good rule of thumb is that you need around 100 square feet of roof space for every 1 kW of conventional solar modules. Additional details can be found HERE
How do I know what size system my home will need? That all depends on what type of energy impact you would like to make for your home. The answers to this question ranges from making a significant social impact, simply offsetting energy costs, or generating enough power to be independent from your electrical utility. The size of your home will also be carefully considered when sizing your system. Winona Renewable Energy will thoroughly evaluate your location and provide a comprehensive evaluation based on not only your needs, but your wants as well. Additional details can be found HERE
What type of roof do I need? That’s a great question, and in truth, it really doesn’t matter all that much. Ideally, a new roof would be best, so if you are thinking of replacing your roof, factoring in the addition of a solar PV system would be the most cost effective. The same would apply if you are thinking of building a new home, in that we could help accommodate new solar modules. If your roof is flat, old, presently leaks, or you are just not sure your roof will hold up to the solar, our team of experts will come up with a solution that fits your scenario.
Does it matter which direction my roof faces? Not as much as many sources would have you believe. Although due South is the most ideal, in the Winona area on the typical 4/12 roof, energy production can be reduced by as little as 5% or less for the SE or SW arc. The percentage loss increases up to 16% when the orientation is due East or West, but in the big scheme of things even this can be made to work simply by enlarging your solar system by a few modules.
And when referring to roof pitch, 35 to 45 degrees is ideal, however, you will experience only a 6% to 9% drop if your pitch is as little as 15 to 10 degrees. We do not recommend anything lower than 10 degrees, however, because debris can accumulate on your solar modules and degrade your system performance. But even this scenario can be worked out to give you maximum efficiency with the use of tilted racking systems for your solar modules.
How will my system be affected by trees and other shading? Ideally, you need an area unobstructed by shade, especially between the solar hours of 9 am and 3 pm; however, we will research your proposed site during this initial evaluation period. If it is discovered that there is too much shading for your roof, there are potential alternatives that can be explored, such as ground mount systems. In any event, this is one of the first things we look at and consider as we evaluate the potential of a system for you.
What is the typical lifespan of a solar system? Currently there are solar systems with modules that are still functioning well after 25 years and more. With both controlled testing in a lab setting and observation in the field, 25+ years is a consistent mark. So much so, in fact, that most reputable solar module manufacturer's warranty their modules for 25 years. Winona Renewable Energy only purchases products made by reputable manufacturers and we offer a full 5-year workmanship warranty on all our systems. Additional details can be found HERE
Will the power company buy electricity from me? Yes, they will. In Winona, and throughout the Midwest, you only buy from your utility the difference between what your solar electric system produces and the amount of electricity you are using. This process is known as “net metering”. If the amount of electricity you are generating exceeds the amount you are using, your electric meter will actually spin backwards! This results in additional savings, which is another factor in your decision to invest in a solar electric system.
What is the typical payback period? Each system will have a different payback period. Typically, smaller systems will have a longer payback period and larger systems will have a shorter payback period, with some being under 5 years. Besides the economic payback, the system will also have an environmental payback. Along with each economic proposal, we will send you an environmental impact summary that shows you how your system is helping to save the environment. Additional details can be found HERE and HERE
I’ve heard there are rebates, what’s that all about? There are Federal, State, Utility, and other incentives specific to your area. Your Winona Renewable Energy consultant will work with you to maximize your total economic return. Additional details can be found at http://www.dsireusa.org/
How do I maintain my system? That’s a great question. Your system has no moving parts to maintain. This makes for a highly reliable system.
Who installs and inspects my system in MN? Your system is installed by a Professional MN Licensed Electrical Contractor and is then inspected by a MN Electrical Inspector. Depending on your location, the system might also be inspected by your Local Building Inspector. This process ensures a safe and compliant installation.
