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What is photovoltaic (PV)?

Photovoltaic is an energy producing technology that uses solar cells or solar arrays to convert sunlight into electricity.

How do PV systems work?

Solar PV systems are comprised of cells made from specially treated semiconductor materials. The sun’s energy liberates electrons from materials in the solar panel to create DC electricity, just like a battery. This DC electricity is collected and transformed by an inverter into AC energy that can be used in your home.

What happens when the sun doesn’t shine?

A PV system works in parallel with your electric utility. If the sun does not shine, the utility will provide your electricity.

What happens during a utility power outage?

Most PV systems Suntech Hawaii installs are systems without batteries. These systems do not generate power when the utility is out, even if it is sunny. If backup power is desired, a battery system can be added. This is not technologically challenging but it increases the system’s cost.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is an agreement between a power producer and the public utility that credits power users for electricity they send back into the grid. Under net metering, the user is paid the full retail rate for this power. For solar PV systems, this is important because extra power that is produced during the day can essentially be stored in the grid and used at night.

How long will a photovoltaic system last?

Suntech Hawaii uses the most durable and efficient products in the industry. The products we rely on have all been extensively tested. Our photovoltaic modules are guaranteed by their manufacturers to collect energy for 25 years without substantial efficiency losses, and will often last as long as 50 years. These panels also protect your roofing materials from harmful UV rays, often dramatically extending the life of your roof and cooling your home.

Are there tax incentives or rebates for a PV system?

Both the State of Hawaii and the Federal government offer substantial tax incentives for residential homeowners installing solar electricity systems. Federal tax credits equal 30% of the total project cost up to $2,000 per year. Hawaii offers a 35% tax credit up to $5,000 per year. Suntech Hawaii works with you to design systems that maximize your access to these and other tax incentives for renewable energy.

Does adding a PV system increase the value of my home?

In today’s market, energy efficiency measures and renewable electricity generation adds value to a home. Recent surveys show that every $1,000 saved per year on electricity costs adds $20,000 to a home’s value. Solar energy is therefore one of the best home improvement investments you make.

How long does it take to install a PV system?

Typical residential systems take 2 or 3 days to install. Systems mounted on the ground and systems with batteries are more complex, and may take longer. Most of this time is spent outside your house, so there is little disturbance to you.

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How do solar hot water systems work?

Solar hot water systems pump water into solar thermal collectors located on your roof. Heated water returns from the roof and is stored in a hot water storage tank until needed.

How does solar pool heating work?

Solar pool heating systems circulate pool water through thermal collectors where the water is heated and then rerouted back to the pool. In hot climates, the collectors can also be used to cool the pool by circulating the water through the collectors at night. Solar pool heating systems typically warm a pool about 5 to 10 degrees.

What are the benefits of a solar hot water system?

Solar hot water systems can lower your electric bill up to 40%. They also add equity to your home and decrease your carbon footprint. These systems can be sized to provide enough water for as little as 2 and as many as 20 people in your home.

How long do solar hot water systems last?

Suntech Hawaii’s systems are covered by a 5-year warranty for complete installations, plus a 10-year warranty for the solar collectors. Suntech uses only the highest grade of components which gives our solar hot water systems a useful life of 20 to 30 years.

Are there any tax incentives or rebates for solar hot water systems?

Solar hot water systems can pay for themselves in 2 to 3 years. These systems are eligible for 30% Federal and 35% State tax credits, and a $1,000 HECO rebate. Solar pool heating systems are eligible for a 35% State tax credit only.

How much money can I save with a solar hot water system?

Savings vary depending on family size and amount of hot water use. Savings range from about $10 to $15 per person per month. A family of 4 can save more than $700 a year.

How long does it take to install a system?

The typical installation only takes one day.

What happens when it’s not sunny?

The water will not get as hot and may require boosting with the electric back-up. All HECO approved systems come with timers which are set to prevent the water from being heated during the solar day (9am – 3pm).It will automatically check the tank temperature at the end of the solar day and to heat the water if necessary.

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Do I need a solar attic fan?

Place your hand on your ceiling in the middle of the afternoon. If it’s hot, that means the heat from your attic is transferring into your home. In Hawaii, most attics do not have adequate ventilation or insulation. High humidity and poor ventilation can cause attic temperatures to soar above 150 degrees, turning your home into an oven.

What are the benefits of a solar attic fan?

Solar attic fans can reduce the temperature in your attic by more than 50 degrees and lower the temperature in your home by 10 degrees. Cooling your attic also extends the life of your roofing materials and saves you money by reducing your air conditioning load.

How do solar attic fans work?

Solar attic fans are installed on your roof and activated by the sun. They cool your attic by drawing out the hot air inside. A single solar attic fan can circulate up to 1,000 cubic feet of air per minute, providing enough ventilation for a 1,200 square-foot attic. Properly installed, solar fans provide years of carefree, no-cost cooling while reducing energy consumption in your home. Solar fans are low-voltage, so there is no risk of fire.

How long do solar attic fans last?

We warranty each solar fan installation for 5 years. The manufacturer warranties the motor for 5 years, the housing for 10 years, and the solar panel for 20 years. These fans will give you over 20+ years of trouble free service but will require replacing the motor every 5 to 7 years which is a minor cost.

Are these solar attic fans very loud?

Solar attic fans are quiet. In fact, they make so little noise they can barely be heard - even when you are standing right next to one. The fan blades used in our solar attic vents are specially designed for whisper quiet operation.

What are the cost savings of installing a solar attic fan?

How much money you save depends on the price of electricity, the amount of attic space in your home, the efficiency of your attic insulation, and the amount of ventilation your solar attic vent is able to provide. In our experience, a typical installation will usually pay for itself in savings within a single year.

Are there any tax incentives or rebates for solar attic fans?

Solar attic fans can pay for themselves in less than a year with 30% Federal and 35% State tax credits leaving you with a net out of pocket cost of around $300 to $400.

Are there different types of solar attic fans?

Yes, Suntech Hawaii uses fans from three different manufacturers. Each fan has different characteristics ranging from color and size to housing material type. The cost is roughly comparable but different models have different durability and aesthetic trade-offs.