FAQ

Q: What exactly does CT Solar Services provide?
CT Solar specializes in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that generate electricity from sunlight. CT Solar is backed up by the expertise and resources of our parent company, CT Electrical Services, a full-service electrical contractor that has provided responsible, skilled and courteous service since 1994. CT Solar is an approved contractor through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which enables us to obtain the most up-to-date rebates for our solar customers.  Our solar solutions are “turn-key” which means we will take care of everything for you from the initial site survey and design, to state, town and utility applications and complete system installation.

Q: How does the state lease program work and why is this beneficial to homeowners?
This state incentive program, administered through DPUC, CT Innovations, and Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), works to address the upfront cost barriers many people encounter when considering the installation of a solar PV system for their home or business. The Solar lease program requires no money out of pocket and has a fixed monthly payment for a 15-year term (www.ctsolarlease.com) with a buyout option after 15 years at fair market value, or (alternatively) a lease for another five years for one third of the price. The lease program is time and income sensitive and CT Solar will help guide you through this challenging program.

Q: What about incentives for people who wish to buy solar PV system?
There is also a cash rebate available through the state for those who want to purchase the system themselves.  These solar customers are also eligible for a 30% federal tax credit on the out-of-pocket installation cost; this is a refundable tax credit (www.ctcleanenergy.com). The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund estimates 38% to 48% of the Solar PV system cost is paid for through Federal and State programs.

Q: I’ve heard of some solar systems that heat water. Is that different than solar PV?
A solar PV system produces electricity from sunlight. A “solar thermal” system uses the sun’s heat to produce warm water. Solar thermal systems tend to be more complicated to install because plumbing lines must be installed between the house water heater and the solar collector. But solar thermal systems are also popular because they utilize solar energy –the ultimate renewable energy source.

Q: How much money per year can a homeowner save with a solar PV system?
Your savings will depend on the size of your PV system, the going utility rate and your electricity usage habits. In addition to installing turnkey solar PV systems, CT Solar can also show customers how to utilize proven strategies to cut electric use for maximum energy savings. Regardless of size, all solar PV systems work with equal efficiency.

Q:  How long does it take to install solar panels?
The physical installation of a solar PV system for a typical house can be completed within a week.  The paperwork to secure rebates, permits and interconnection takes longer than the actual installation.

Q: About how much does it cost?
Cost will depend on how many PV panels are installed, and on the difficulty of the installation  process. As an example, let’s consider A 5KW system for a typical 2500sq.ft. home. We’d recommend a system of this size to offset a majority of the household’s annual electric needs. Barring unforeseen difficulties, we could install this system for a total cost of around $30,000. The homeowners will be eligible for a rebate of around $7,000-$7,500 if they buy the system themselves.  They then are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit on this “out of pocket” cost of approximately $22,500.  This is again a refundable tax credit that the customer must file for with their taxes. If the client wants to lease the same size system, their monthly payments will be in the range of $110-$120 per month, fixed for 15 years, with no rate increases.

Q: Will installing solar panels on my roof detract from my home’s appearance?
Absolutely not!  Solar PV panels have a very sleek, low profile look when installed on a roof.  There are various types of modules available on the market today that can satisfy every client’s desired aesthetic appearance. Click here to check out the appearance of different systems CT Solar has installed.

Q: How safe are solar panels?
Solar PV is very safe. There are no moving parts, and the system is maintenance free.  All equipment is UL tested and listed and must adhere to strict quality guidelines.  Solar modules are guaranteed to produce power for 25 years and are built to meet or exceed that mark.  Additionally, electricians must follow all of the established codes in the NEC when installing a solar PV system.

Q: What happens if more energy is produced than is used by the household?
According to “net metering” regulations, you turn the electric grid into your battery.  This means that during any given day if the system produces more than the building uses, the additional energy is recorded by the utility company as it flows back into the grid.  You are then able to draw from this bank of stored energy that the electric company has recorded on a 1:1 ratio. The utility company will install a net meter when the system is interconnected that will measure electricity that is delivered, and received from the host building.  You will still receive a monthly bill from your utility company but it will reflect the net usage. If you do gain credits with a system you purchased outright the utility will reconcile with you once a year and pay you for your saved credits.

Q: Will a solar PV system increase my home’s resale value?
A survey by the National Association of Homebuilders identified “green” home features as the most desired features in today’s real estate market. There’s nothing greener on a home than a solar PV system.

Q: What makes CT Solar Services the best choice for Connecticut residents interested in solar PV?
Our E-1 License is for the State of Connecticut; therefore, we only work in this state. We purchase most of our material from companies that are based in the Connecticut. Most of the money stays in the state. We have serviced our clients since 1994 and most of our customers are customers for life. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

How a typical solar PV system works

Most solar PV systems are “grid-connected,” which means that homeowners use electricity supplied from solar panels as well as electricity supplied by the electric utility company. A solar PV system is easy to retrofit because the solar electricity feeds into the home’s main service panel after passing through an inverter that turns direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). On a sunny day when home electrical demands are low, the solar electricity you generate can actually feed into the electrical grid, and the electric company will credit you for the excess power your solar system generates. Drawing courtesy of U.S. Dept. of Energy.