Most systems are “”grid-tied”, and therefore do not use batteries. However, an off-grid application, or a grid-tied with battery backup system, will use batteries. Battery systems are continuously improving and makes sense for certain installations.

We typically don’t use batteries. However, when we do, we use a deep-cycle battery, like a golf-cart or marine battery. We recommend AGM type, so they do not require regular maintenance of fluids. New battery systems use various other types of batteries, i.e. lithium ion.

There is no average home. We have installed as little as 6 and as many as 72 modules for a home. A large farm may use 288 modules, and a commercial installation can be unlimited.

We look at a recent electric bill and 12-month history to determine the recommended solar size. We typically design the solar system to produce 60% to 80% of the annual electricity usage.

There are pros and cons to both; site evaluation and personal preference help determine which is best.

Typically 30 to 40 years.

Modules have a 25-year warranty on output plus ten-year product warranty, some inverters have a I 0-year warranty with options for extended warranty, others have up to 25-year warranty, and Superior Energy Solutions provides a I -year installation warranty.

Inverters track their output, and the inverter manufacturers each have a website to track it, if there is internet access available at the solar site. Normally we also install a “utility grade” meter to record the total output of the solar.

Residential is typically about 10-12 years and commercial/agricultural can be as short as 6-8 years. This is the equivalent to 6% to 12% return on your investment.

A single panel will not function without the various other equipment needed to make it work as a system. Each solar system is priced according to the parameters at the location. The largest parameter is the amount of electricity requested to be generated. Our design target is around 80% of the annual usage. Every building is different, so there is no average cost per panel.

In a grid-tied system, your solar will also shut down and be restored when the power comes back on. This is to protect power-line workers. Battery backup, or off-grid systems will feed power to the Critical Needs Panel, while the solar will continue to charge the batteries.

You can install a battery backup system to utilize the solar for emergency circuits or install a whole house generator for all circuits in the house.

There are manufacturers in the USA for all the equipment used in solar installations, but some of the components are made and/or assembled in other countries.

Yes, there is plenty of sun in Ohio, not as much as Arizona or California, but much more than Germany, which is one of the highest solar power producing countries in the world

How close to the house does the solar system need to be? It can be on the roof or up to 500 or more feet away.

The federal government offers a tax credit to help off-set the cost of going solar. The tax credit is set at 22% in 2021, then 0% for residential, but remains at 10% for commercial solar installations. The USDA offers a 25% competitive grant called the REAP Grant for agriculture producers and commercial applications.

The Ohio State Treasurer offers a 3% reduction in the interest rate on a loan for solar panels called Eco-link for residential, and Re-Energize Ohio for commercial installations. Leasing arrangements are available on large solar installations.

When a property with solar is sold, the value of the property should be higher than other similar prope11ies without solar, since the electric bill will be considerably lower.