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How Solar Works
Photovoltaic (PV), or solar cell, systems are devices with no moving parts that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
PV cells are typically combined into modules, which are then mounted in PV arrays.
Unlike conventional energy sources, these arrays can be placed at the source of electricity consumption, and are often mounted on rooftops and sides of buildings.
To read more about photovoltaic technology, visit DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Program.
Photovoltaic solar systems can be constructed either as “stand-alone” systems, which require an energy storage component such as batteries, or as “grid-connected” systems, which are tied into the utility lines of the local power grid and can draw electricity from and feed electricity back to the grid.
Grid-connected systems don’t require batteries and other stand alone system components, and are therefore much cheaper.
Tying in directly to the meter is usually not the way it is done. The trick is to tie into the existing load center with a backfed breaker which then feeds to the grid. Most utilities will allow that, and it is industry standard.
Each state has different rules about buying and selling electricity to the grid.
State Incentives & Rebates
Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
www.dsireusa.org
Financial Benefits
Sample Customer Savings the first month after installing a 2 kW Solar in a Box system:
What's the Payback?
It depends. The break-even point for a system depends on financing and incentives, which vary from place to place.
It is also difficult to say because savings depend on how much you pay your utility for electricity, and how much your utility will pay you for any excess power that you generate with your solar system using Net Metering.
See below for helpful articles on calculating the return on a solar investment by Andy Black, a highly respected independent solar financial analyst.
He explains the benefits of solar & explores several different ways to evaluate a homeowners potential financial returns from an investment in a solar energy system:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call if I have questions?
Ready Solar customer support:
1-877-81-READY/ 1-877-817-3239
How does a solar electric system work?
Solar electric, or photovoltaic (PV), systems generate electricity silently and without any moving parts. The systems consist of solar panels, which create direct current (DC) power from the sun’s rays, and inverters, that convert direct current power to the alternating current (AC) power that matches the utility grid. A solar electric system powers your home by tying directly into its electrical system. If the solar electric system is producing more power than your house is using (on a sunny day when everyone is at work or school), the excess power is sent into the grid for a credit on your next electric bill.
Is this for hot water?
A solar electric system only produces electricity for your home. Solar thermal is used to heat water.
Do the modules need to face South?
South is best. Modules installed facing East or West will generate a high percentage of power. Assemblies are mounted to integrate with the roofline and do not attach to angled frames.
How is the solar energy generated stored?
Grid-tied systems are tied to the utility and do not utilize battery storage. Electric power is used in the home and excess is backfed through the utility meter for a credit. If storage is required, batteries and additional components are needed.
What is net-metering?
Net-metering is the regulatory ability to get credit for the solar energy generated. Excess power is fed into the utility grid during the day and the customer receives a credit. At night, the utility provides electricity.
What is a kiloWatt (kW) and what is a kiloWatt hour (kWh)?
A kiloWatt, or kW, is a power rating equal to 1000 Watts. Think of a 1000 Watt hair dryer for comparison - you could also call it a 1 kW hair dryer. A kiloWatt hour is the amount of power used when a 1 kiloWatt device is turned on for 1 hour. The 1 kW hair dryer left on for 1 hour will use 1 kWh of electricity. Your electric utility bills you in kWh.
How much solar do I need?
The size of a solar electric system is determined by balancing your budget and your amount of desired electric bill savings. Your local weather conditions will also influence the production of your system. Ready Solar provides an easy to use calculator to help determine your approximate system size.
How much will I save by installing a Ready Solar system?
The electric bill savings provided by a Ready Solar system will depend on the rate that you are currently paying for your electricity. (This is your total electric bill divided by the number of kilowatt hours, kWh, that you use in a month.) The approximate number of annual kWh that your Ready Solar system will provide multiplied by your electricity billing rate is about how much you will save in the first year. Here is an example:
Total current monthly electric bill: $100
KiloWatt hours for month: 700 kWh
Your electric billing rate: $100 ÷ 700 kWh = 14¢ per kWh
On an average month, a 2 kW system can produce: 300 kWh per month
Your electric bill savings: 300 x 14¢ = $42
How much value will a solar electric system add to a home?
According to the Home Appraisal Journal, a solar energy improvement will add 20x the first year savings due the lower operating costs of the home. The homeowner can be very exact and calculate the remaining production under warranty for his location (using PV watts) and multiply by the electric rate, with an escalation rate to be more accurate.
What will a Ready Solar System look like on my home?
Solar in a Box offers superior curb appeal with its unique low-profile. The patented frame-mounting systems blend seamlessly with the roofline.
Are there different roof jacks available for different roof types?
Our standard flashing is designed for composition shingle roofs. Additional attachment/flashing methods are available.
What if I sell my house? Can I take it with me?
The remaining warranty on your system is transferable to the new buyers. Ready Solar's unique design makes the system more portable than a traditional solar energy system, but moving the system is not recommended.
Is there a warranty on the system?
Solar in a Box systems come with a comprehensive warranty: 25 year power production on solar modules. 10 years on Ready Solar frame components. Micro-inverters include 15-Year industry-leading & 100% Uptime Guarantee.
What is the lifespan of the system?
The solar modules, which make up 60% of the system price, have a 25 year production warranty.
What is the length of payback?
The payback is typically 8-12 years with rebates and incentives. When factoring in electric rate increases, systems typically pay back 2-3 times over their lifetime.
Will Solar in a Box work if the utility grid power goes out?
If grid power goes down, the utility requires that the system shuts down. This is to protect line workers that may be attempting to repair the grid outage. The system will automatically shut down if power is lost, and it will automatically restart when grid power is restored.
Do panels work in cloudy weather?
Yes, although they produce less electricity. The utility provides the electricity at night.
What about extreme weather conditions, like wind and hail?
The utility grid will provide electricity if weather conditions reduce the system's production, or at night when the system shuts off. Ready Solar's production estimates take into account the average annual weather conditions for a given location. Solar in a Box assemblies are built and tested to UL-standards to withstand 125-mph winds and 1" diameter hail.
How long will it take to clear the panels of snow?
The glass surface of the panels is slick and dark. The panels will heat up and snow should shed off of the panels quickly. In very high snowfall conditions, it may be necessary to manually clear the snow.
Will the modules require cleaning periodically?
Panels do not require cleaning in areas with adequate rainfall. A hose stream is sufficient to clean the panels if necessary. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot and do not use metal or abrasive material. Do not walk on the panels.
What are the benefits of solar energy?
Environmental Impact
A 2 kW Ready Solar system will prevent the following noxious materials from being released into our atmosphere:
+ 89,000 lbs. of CO2, the leading global warming gas
+ One Thousand pounds of NOx and SO2 which cause smog and acid rain
+ 18 lbs. of particulates, which are linked to respiratory illness
These benefits are the equivalent of:
+ Planting .8 acres of trees
+ Offsetting 114,000 miles driven by the average car
Societal Benefits
+ Solar power creates local jobs, increases the tax base, and increases the
economic multiplier
+ Solar industries directly employ nearly 20,000 people and support over 150,000
jobs
Energy Independence:
+ U.S. electric generation capacity needs are projected to increase by 33% during
the next 20 years (Energy Information Administration). Renewable energy like
solar can help to fill this gap. It is often described as "clean" or "green" because it
produces little or no pollutants.
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