7  THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1 . Maximize Your Solar Savings
Like other electronics, PV technology has evolved over the last five years.

There are large differences today in the capabilities of many of the system components. Inverters and panels on the roof, can have a huge impact on the amount of energy your system produces.

More power = more savings on your energy bill.

The inverter, which takes DC energy from the roof panels and converts it to AC, is the brain of the PV system.

A smarter, optimized inverter can be the key to generating more energy than with other systems. How does this work? In traditional systems, installers connect solar panels in ‘strings.’ Just like with Christmas tree lights, where one failed bulb knocks out the other bulbs, one underperforming solar panel will lower the performance of an entire string. With an optimized inverter, power optimizers connect to the solar panels to enable them to perform independently. This results in more energy for your home.

Know before you buy
Ensure that the system you buy is optimized and has the ability to harvest maximum power from each panel.

Ask your installer about options like cellular connectivity, consumption metering to track energy use, and battery integration to enhance your system. Plus, using a strong brand, like SolarEdge, could help future proof your investment. SolarEdge is an award-winning supplier to the global inverter industry. You might not have heard of SolarEdge, but the odds are, your installer has! As far as inverters go, you can’t go wrong by choosing one of the industry’s leaders.

2 . Know Your Payment Options: Cash, Own, or Lease?
You have a wide selection of financing options available when choosing a Solar System.

Depending on your unique situation, you can own or lease your solar system. If you’re buying your system, you can purchase outright with cash or utilize a solar loan. Signing a lease or a PPA (power purchase agreement) means that a third party will own the system. Both options have advantages and disadvantages that impact financial return, maintenance, taxes, and upfront costs. For loans, you should consider not only the loan rate but also any closing costs associated with the loan. For leases or PPAs, check for escalators in the payment schedule, warranty coverage, and compensation if the system under-produces.

Know before you buy
Does solar make financial sense for me?

Solar can save you hundreds on your monthly bills, and a variety of financing options have made solar available to more people. Find out how much you can save! By Calling AAA Certified Solar of Las Vegas

3 . Aesthetics Matter – Protect Your Curb Appeal!
You have choices when it comes to solar panels.

Power output of a panel can range from 250W to over 350W of power. Each panel typically uses about 3 x 5 feet on your rooftop. If your usable roof space is small, a higher power panel may help to maximize savings on your electricity bill. Panels come in different colors as well: the cells that convert sunlight to energy can be blue or black. Most have visible wiring on the cells while some will offer “back contact” meaning that you won’t see the wires. Frames can be anodized aluminum or black. Some of the most aesthetic panels have a black frame, black backsheet, and black cells.

Know before you buy
Remember to discuss power and aesthetics with the installer.

Here are two important tips to keep in mind:

The shade from chimneys and vents can cause installers to leave gaps between the panels. The design flexibility offered by an optimized system can help to improve the appearance of the panels on the roof, making the system look more balanced and complete. The system will also produce more energy and help to lower your bills further.

Many people forget to ask about paint-matching the conduit color to the roof and wall colors. It has a big aesthetic impact and any quality installer should offer this. Be sure to ask!

4 . Be Ready When the  Power Goes Out
Batteries can keep you running during a blackout.

It may surprise you to know that solar systems shut down during a blackout. This is a necessary precaution to protect electrical workers who are repairing the electrical grid. However, if you have batteries installed, you may be able to keep the lights on during a blackout. Some inverters, like SolarEdge, now work with batteries to keep your home powered up, but not all inverters can run in backup mode.

Know before you buy
If you want backup power, make sure to specify a storage system that works during a blackout.

The SolarEdge StorEdge inverter is compatible with the latest battery technology from LG Chem and automatically disconnects from the grid whenever the grid is disconnected (for example during a blackout) and runs off of the battery or the panels’ energy. Check out the video above to see it in action.

5 . Track System Performance On the Go with Your Smartphone
Monitoring can be included with the system and is often provided based on your inverter selection.

You can compare today’s system production to yesterday’s, and understand the impact of weather on production by viewing real-time and forecasted weather data. SolarEdge smartphone applications help you to track your system performance from anywhere. You can also share your system performance on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as well as through email and messaging.

Know before you buy
A solar system without monitoring would be like a car without a dashboard.

How fast are you driving? Do you have enough gas? When should you change the oil? SolarEdge provides intuitive mobile apps that you can use to track your PV performance on the go. It also provides support for all of your social sharing needs!

6 . Get the Latest in Safety Technology
The National Electrical Code (NEC), which is published every three years by the National Fire Protection Association,

is a standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. As solar power systems have become more popular, the NEC has incorporated more guidance for solar installations — an important part in protecting the system, installers, and emergency response personnel.

The latest code, NEC 2017, specifies that when a system is turned “off”, voltage is shut down at the solar panel level — it’s like providing an ‘off’ switch for the panels. While this may seem obvious, it has taken the industry a long time to offer technology that achieves this functionality.

Know before you buy
While your installer will be responsible for all code compliance,

you should understand that more advanced systems like SolarEdge already comply with the latest safety standards like NEC 2017.

7 . One Last Bonus for You
Your referral could earn you cash.

Ask if the installer offers a referral program. Solar companies spend thousands of dollars in sales and marketing expenses to gain customers.

Know before you buy
If you like your installer, a referral could help grow their business and also your bank account.

The process is simple. Go solar. Tell your friends. When your friends go solar, you can earn cash rewards! Contact your installer to learn more about any programs that they may offer.