Q: What is Solar Electricity?
A: Solar electricity, or the Photovoltaic (PV) effect, occurs when photons from the sun strike the molecules of the silica crystal. These electrons become excited by the impact and turn into free-electrons carrying a small electrical charge. The electricity then travels by a conductor wire away from the solar module to provide power to a device. The wire then returns back to the solar module again and completes the electrical circuit.
Q: How do solar modules work?
A: Electricity is created in the solar modules through the photovoltaic effect. Solar modules are designed to cooperate together as one “array” for capturing the sun’s energy. Therefore even a small amount of shading can affect the performance of the system. Wiring between the modules is connected together in series or parallel combinations to create “strings.” Each solar string is routed into the Inverter, usually located in the garage, so that the Direct Current (D/C) from the array can be converted to Alternating Current (A/C) for use in today’s homes. Any excess power is sent to the Utility Company in exchange for credits on your bill, which is known as “net metering.”
Q: What is Net Metering?
A: Solar Electricity generated by the inverter will provide power to the home first. Once the home’s energy demands are met, the inverter will send excess power to your Utility. The Utility will not pay out cash for this power, but instead it is reflected on your bill as credit Kilowatt Hours. Your utility meter will show hours consumed and hours harvested, and your bill will be the net difference between the two values (hence “Net Metering”).
Q: How long will it take for solar production to surpass the initial cost?
A: The only solar incentives currently offered for photovoltaic systems in Florida is a 30% Federal Tax credit. If electric bills were to stay at the same rates for the next few decades, then it would take approximately 20 years for the system’s production to overcome its cost. However, electricity is expensive to produce and Florida utility rates have skyrocketed by 5% annually over the past 10 years. If this trend continues, then the value of the electricity saved by solar will increase. Once this is factored into the equation, then the estimated payback becomes more reasonable at 14 years. If a Domestic hot water heating system is included as well, then the savings are multiplied even further and a 10-year return on investment can be achieved.