Frequently Asked Questions
Mount Vernon, Marysville, WA and the Surrounding Areas
Have you ever considered going solar but don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Below are a variety of frequently asked solar questions to help you get started. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact us today!
How Can We Help?
Can your house run on solar power only?
Yes! Solar panels can actually power your entire house. How it does this is dependent on certain factors, and every home is different, but a Barron Home Performance Expert can help ensure this is possible.
How do I use electricity from solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels produce DC (Direct Current) electricity but our houses all use AC (Alternating Current) power! In order to use electricity from solar panels, we need a device called an inverter. An inverter converts DC to AC power and then feeds it right into your home’s electrical panel for you to use. A solar array may have one or many inverters depending on which system style you choose. When the sun is shining, your solar panels are producing power and when you turn on an electrical device it’s likely being powered by your solar panels! If you decide to store solar power in a battery system, you can use the stored solar power at night, too!
How long do Solar panels last?
Solar panels, also referred to as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are designed to last over 25 years. In fact, there are many solar panels that were installed in the 80s that are still working at their expected capacity! It’s feasible that you might not ever need to replace yours during the length of your homeownership if you have them installed today.
How many solar panels do I need?
It depends! The average American home typically needs around 19 to 23 panels installed. This is based on the average electricity use of 877 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.
Does solar really work in the rainy PNW?
Yes! Our long summer days make up for the rainy winter days, so a net-zero system is often attainable.
What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
Maximize these benefits by converting your property to an energy-efficient system including a heat pump water heater, and a heat pump to heat & cool your space. Talk to a Barron Home Performance Expert about sizing your correctly today.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, your only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering allows us to generate extra energy during the summer and bank it for use during the winter.
How much does solar cost?
This answer depends on many factors, including your annual electricity consumption and what type of fuel you choose for your HVAC (space heating) and water heating equipment. Many people prefer to look at their solar investment in terms of monthly production and offset versus their current utility bills. Some find that by doing the math, an investment in solar with a flexible payment plan can actually pay for itself. Contact us to see if this might be the case for you!
Are there loans for solar installations?
Yes! Depending on your situation there can be many options for flexible payment plans for energy-efficient equipment including Solar and other solar-powered equipment (i.e. heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, EV chargers). A lesser-known benefit to these kinds of loans can be the ability to roll in your tax credit into a lower monthly payment.
Do I need batteries with solar?
Batteries are not required to go solar and offset your electricity bill, but some customers choose to install battery backup systems or WholeHome™ generators to assure power during a grid outage.
