Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is that source of energy that can be replaced, created, or generated within a demonstrable amount of time. It is energy produced from wind, sunlight or water. The time frame of such energy creation is generally defined as with 1-2 years from generation to consumption to re-generation.
2. What are the known types of renewable energy that is available to the average person?
• Water (Hydroelectric)
• Sun (Solar)
• Wind
• Geothermal
• Biomass (which includes)
o Wood and wood waste products
o Municipal Solid waste
o Landfills and biogas
o Ethanol
o Biodiesel
3. What is PV or Photovoltaic energy?
It is that field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sun energy (sunlight or sun ultra violet radiation) directly into electricity.
4. How new is Photovoltaic energy?
The solar phenomenon was first described in 1839 by Edmond Becquerel who discovered that certain substances when exposed to light generated electricity. It was not until the 1950’s and the space program that useful purposes for this phenomena were conceived. At that time, it had a cost of about $2,000 (1955 dollars) per watt; in 2009 that cost is less than $5.00 per watt.
5. How does PV or solar cells generate energy or electricity?
In general light photons of sufficient energy strike a solar cell and produce free electrons that circulate throughout the solar substrate passing through a circuit and being converted from DC power to AC power that we can use in our everyday life. The circuit is completed by it return to the opposite side of the solar cell and the process is then repeated. As long as sufficient sun is striking the solar cell, usable electricity will be generated.
6. Will solar work in my location?
Solar is universal and will work virtually anywhere, however, some locations are better than others. Contact you SandEnergy experts to have a solar irradiance analysis on your property.
7. How much will solar cost for my home?
As cost of energy is based on the number of people that live in a house and consume energy, and as the climate varies by geographical region, there are no standard guidelines based on the size of a home. Your SandEnergy representative will consult and assist you to design a solar solution that will positively impact your utility expense and lower your energy bill.
8. How would the solar panels be mounted on my property?
There are numerous ways to mount solar panels
a. Directly on your roof
b. On a pole away from you property
c. On the ground
9. Is it necessary that my property must face south to get solar installed?
It is important that you get a SandEnergy representative to fully assess the environmental characteristics of your property. While it is not necessary that the property fully face south, it is necessary that the actual site have good solar access during the prime times of the day. A full analytical study of your property will disclose the hours per day available throughout the entire year and from this data, a consultative decision can be made as to exactly how you will benefit from a solar installation.
10. Are there financial incentives or programs that assist with a solar installation in my area?
There are numerous programs and they are different for each and every state and locale. Please refer to http://www.dsireusa.org to see what is exactly available. Currently, the stimulus act of 2009 will allow you a 30% Investment Tax Credit or grant with no cap or ceiling. Your SandEnergy representative can assist you with the exact opportunities that exist in you region.
11. Are there benefits with solar energy?
Many benefits accrue to people who utilize solar power.
a. Reduces the amount of electricity that one purchases from the utility
b. This in turn reduces the number of transmission lines built
c. Utility bills are not decreasing; so future increases are eliminated
d. Reduces the possibility of blackouts or brownouts
e. Affordable and readily available supply of “free” energy from the sun
f. Decreases dependence on foreign sources of energy
g. Availability of incentives from governmental sources
h. Generation of energy at peak cost time during day
i. Helps conserve valuable natural resources
j. Reduce fossil fuel consumption
k. Reduction of pollution-solar produces no pollution
l. Reduction of carbon footprint – Carbon Dioxide
m. Solar systems are generally maintenance free for the 25 year warranty period
n. Solar product options abound and can be custom designed for most environments and conditions
o. Most states now allow for any excess solar power generated to be fed back to the utility with the net effect of you reducing you utility bill and turning the utility meter backwards.
12. Who is certified or authorized to provide renewable information and installation services?
In the mid Atlantic state there are many professional organizations and companies that provide renewable energy services. Additionally, there are professional organizations such as SEIA (Solar Energy Industry Association); as AEE (Association of Energy Engineers); as USGBC (US Green Building Council); and other organizations. SandEnergy is a member of these and numerous other recognized organizations for renewable energy. Please refer to our services section for additional documentation and links for more detailed information.
