Frequently Asked Questions

 Solar power systems, also known as photovoltaic or PV systems, use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. The solar panels are typically installed on the roof of a building, and they are made up of many small photovoltaic cells. When sunlight hits the cells, it causes a flow of electrons, which generates an electric current. This current is then sent to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which can be used to power household appliances and electrical devices. The AC electricity is then sent to the main electrical panel, where it can be used by the building, or it can be sent back to the grid for others to use. 

The Federal Solar Tax Credit is a great way to save money on your solar installation. For every dollar you spend, you'll get back 30 cents in federal tax credits. And if it exceeds your total tax bill, your taxes are completely eliminated, and the remaining credit can be applied to future tax bills. It's one of the best incentives available today. To claim the Federal Solar Tax Credit, simply submit this short form with your federal tax return.

Today, the cost of solar energy is typically less expensive than traditional electricity. Many customers are able to reduce and even eliminate their monthly electrical bill through solar panels even after the price of financing.  The greatest savings occur from an upfront purchase, but actual savings will depend on several factors including utility rates, electrical usage, and available sunlight. These factors are all identified in our consultations with you.   In addition, there are many incentives and rebates available that can help offset the cost of installing a solar panel system, making it more affordable for homeowners and businesses. If you would like to book a free consultation with Solux Consulting click here. 

Net metering is a billing system that allows individuals who generate their own electricity from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to sell any excess electricity they do not use back to the grid. This allows individuals who have installed renewable energy systems to offset the cost of their electricity consumption, while also providing a source of clean, renewable energy to the grid. Net metering is often used in conjunction with net billing, which allows individuals to receive credit for the excess electricity they generate at the same rate that they would pay for electricity from the grid.

 On average, solar panel systems are designed to last for 25-35 years. However, the actual lifespan of a solar panel system can vary depending on a number of factors, including the quality of the panels and the level of maintenance they receive. Most reputable solar panel manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years for their products, which can give you an idea of how long you can expect your system to last. In general, solar panel systems are very durable and require very little maintenance, so you can expect your system to continue generating clean, renewable energy for many years to come. 

During a power outage, your solar panels will continue to generate electricity, but since the grid is not available to transfer the electricity to your home, it will be lost. In most cases, the electricity generated by your solar panels will be sent back to the grid, which can cause damage to your system and potentially be dangerous for utility workers who are trying to restore power to the grid. For this reason, it is important to have a backup power source, such as a battery system, to ensure that you can continue to use the electricity generated by your solar panels during a power outage. Some solar panel systems are equipped with a feature called "island mode" that allows them to operate independently of the grid in the event of a power outage, but this is not standard on all systems. 

There are many environmental benefits to using solar energy, including the following:

• Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of electricity. It does not produce air or water pollution, and the sun is an infinite source of energy, so it will never run out.
• Solar panels do not emit greenhouse gases, which are the main cause of climate change. This means that using solar energy can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions that are released into the atmosphere.
• Solar energy can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, which are finite resources that can be expensive and polluting to extract and transport.
• Solar energy can help to conserve water, as traditional power plants often use large amounts of water for cooling.
• Using solar energy can help to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, which can improve our energy security and reduce the need for expensive and environmentally damaging practices such as fracking.

It is possible to sell excess energy from your solar panels back to your electrical company in the DMV area, but the specific details will depend on your location and the policies of your local utility company. In some cases, electrical companies will allow customers who generate their own solar power to sell excess electricity back to the grid through a process called net metering. Net metering allows individuals to receive credits on their electric bills for the excess electricity they generate, which can offset the cost of their electricity consumption. However, not all electrical companies offer net metering, and the policies and rates for net metering can vary. It is best to contact your local electrical company to find out more about their policies and rates for selling excess solar power. 

The DMV area, which includes Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, can be a good environment for solar panel systems. The region receives a good amount of sunlight throughout the year, which is necessary for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. In addition, there are many incentives and rebates available in the DMV area to help offset the cost of installing a solar panel system, making it more affordable for homeowners and businesses. However, it is important to consider the specific location and orientation of your building when determining whether a solar panel system is right for you, as this can affect the amount of sunlight that the panels will receive. It is best to book a free consultation with us here or below to determine whether a solar panel system is a good fit for your home or business.