Photo means light and voltaic (volt) means electricity.

 How do you connect solar panels to my home?     

PV systems produce Direct Current.  That electricity is converted to household Alternating Current with an inverter.

Do I need batteries?     

Batteries are most commonly used in remote locations without any utility power.  Batteries are also be used as back up for a home in the event of a power outage.  But they are not absolutely necessary.  Without batteries any excess electricity that you produce can be “sold” back to your electricity provider and then you will use that power after the sun goes down.

How long will my system last?   

Many solar panels have 20 year warranties.  The expected life of PV panels is 20-30 years.  The inverters generally carry a 5-10 year warranty.  Inverters can be expected to last between 10-15 years.

What incentives are available?      

My region is prone to high winds, such as hurricanes.  Is PV safe for my area? 

Yes.  Advanced Green Technologies received the first Notice of Acceptance for a PV panel from Miami-Dade County.  Their testing is considered to be the strictest for wind-load requirements.  To receive this, the product must be able to withstand winds in excess of 146 mph.

How do building integrated PV systems work?

Building Integrated PV (BIPV) is an application where the solar panel is adhered directly to the roofing material and becomes a part of the roofing system.

What types of roofing materials can the Flexlight (PVL) PV Laminates be adhered to?       

They are sized to fit in the pans between the seams of a standing seam metal roof.  But they can also be applied to a roof that has been covered with a single ply membrane such as TPO and EPDM.  There are a few other situations such as a concrete roof where PVL’s can be applied.  Please contact us to discuss your situation.

Can I install the system myself?    

No, this is not a do it yourself project.  In Florida (and most other states) you will need to have a licensed Solar Contractor or Electrical Contractor install the system to receive your rebate. 

Will my homeowners association allow me to install solar panels on my roof?      

Yes, they have to allow it.  It is a state law in Florida (163.04).  But you should inform the board of what you are doing.  Florida law forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements from prohibiting solar equipment use. Under this law, a homeowner may not be denied by "any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property..." permission to install a solar collector, clothesline, or other energy device using renewable resources.

What is a solar tracker?       

What is Net Metering?    

This means that you utility company will give you the same retail rate for electricity that you “sell back”.  Every utility will have different rules for this, but the basic premise is that they will buy electricity from you at the same that you buy electricity from them.

Will PV add value to my home?         

Solar electric systems increase property value by decreasing utility operating costs.  According to the Appraisal Journal (Nevin, Rick et al, “Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency,” Oct 1998, a home’s value is increased by $20,000 for every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from energy efficiency.

How old should my roof be to install PV?