We’re here at the Seattle Home Show all week answering your questions about solar panels, battery backup, EV chargers and residential electrical services. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’re getting this week:
Does Solar Power Work In Washington State?
Actually, Washington’s climate is ideal for solar energy production! Our long spring and summer days provide hours of sunlight without excessively high temperatures which create perfect conditions for solar. Solar panels operate more efficiently in cooler weather, and produce more power here in the summer than in southern California!
What About On Cloudy Days?
During the cloudy winter months, solar modules keep working- they don’t require blue skies to create ample power. The sun’s energy is producing electricity whether we see it or not. Although we get the most sun when we need power the least — in the summer — in Washington, this works to your advantage.
What About In The Winter?
Here’s a good example of solar production on clear and cold winter days. This is from a 12 kW solar system we installed on lower Gold Beach on Vashon Island.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is an agreement with the local electrical utility that allows excess energy you produce (when your solar power system makes more than the household uses) to feed back into the grid. Excess energy is credited to your account, and you can use those credits when you’re not producing as much as you need.
What Are The Requirements For My Roof To Support Solar Power?
We can install a solar system on nearly any type of roof. The easiest roof types are flat, standing seam metal and composition roofs. More challenging roofs, such as cedar shake roofs and roof pitches greater than 30 degrees, require a little more time and cost.
How Do I Clean My Solar Panels?
Most solar power systems installed in our region are also self-cleaning. Frequent rain clears the tempered glass of dust and debris, supporting increased production over time. Smart design using quality products can capitalize on our existing advantages, further maximizing production.
Does Solar Power Add Value To My Home?
Yes! Solar power is one of the best investments you can make to add value to your home. No other home renovation or enhancement increases value this substantially. (Not to mention it produces power and income until you sell the home.) Many of our customers install solar because they want to sell their homes. Installing solar will increase the home value and asking price, while also making it stand out in a competitive housing market.
What Are The Financial Incentives For Solar Energy?
The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is currently a 30 percent federal tax credit claimed against the tax liability of residential (Section 25D) and commercial and utility (Section 48) investors in solar energy property. The Section 25D residential ITC allows the homeowner to apply the credit to his/her personal income taxes. This credit is used when homeowners purchase solar systems outright and have them installed on their homes.
Got Questions We Didn’t Cover Here?
Give us a call at (206) 557-4215, email us info@artisanelectricinc.com or visit us in Booth 1302 at the Seattle Home Show. You can also schedule a free site evaluation for your home or business.
Citations
- Solar Energy Industries Association – Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
- Artisan Electric – Does Solar Even Work in Western Washington?
Last Modified: February 27, 2019
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