Frequently Asked Questions

What is a photovoltaic solar electric system? Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. This electricity can be stored in batteries or fed through an inverter into the grid.

Why should I buy a photovoltaic system? The electricity produced from a PV system is clean, quiet, renewable and reliable. You pay a fixed rate for your electricity. You rates won't go up and installing a photovoltaic system will add equity to your property.

Do I have a good site? The best way to determine this is to have a professional site survey done by SolarWinds NorthernLights.

What size should my system be? The size of your system is determined by the amount of electricity that is consumed. This is calculated by adding up all the loads that are required. This determines the size of the system. It is best to have a professional site survey done by SolarWinds NorthernLights to save time and money.

How much roof area is needed for my PV system? A system needed to provide power for a typical household would require between 300-600 sq. feet. As a general rule, 100sq. feet of PV area produces 1KW of electricity.

What kind of system is best for me? There are two types of systems. Utility intertie or battery backup. A utility intertie reduces or eliminates the amount of electricity you buy from the utility. This type of system has no batteries for emergency backup. It requires very little maintenance and is less expensive than a stand alone battery backup system. A battery backup also reduces or eliminates the electricity purchased from your utility, but the system has batteries for backup emergency power, the batteries require periodic maintenance and add to the overall system cost. SolarWinds NorthernLights offers our clients service agreements for periodic system maintenance. This ensures your system functions efficiently and reliably for many years.

How much does a PV system cost? The average PV system costs approximately between $8 and $10 (US) per watt, including installation. Costs are affected by site specific conditions.