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Frequently Ask Questions about Solar


How do I know what solar technology is best for my facility?

Syndicated Solar evaluates the options of various technologies, configurations and selected sites to bring the best returns and savings to the project. As your trusted partner, we will listen to your needs and concerns, and identify the best solution for your facilities. A program manager will guide you through our decision process, ensuring that your needs are fully met.

What if I want just the solar equipment, not the services?

We offer the option to purchase solar equipment outright. However we think that once you evaluate the advantages of having an expert manage the complexities of Solar (site design, construction, certification, operations, monitoring and maintenance), you'll find that the simplest and most affordable way to implement Solar is through a Syndicated Solar System, commissioned and delivered with minimal stress to you, or with a Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Syndicated Solar.

Who does Syndicated Solar partner with?

We work with partners in the financial, solar technology and solar equipment supplier communities. Across this spectrum of industry participants, we help drive industry standards to make solar a meaningful resource for energy supply.

How much does it cost to implement Syndicated Solar's solutions? 

Sometimes nothing at all. Because there is no capital outlay with many of our options, your costs to initiate a solar project can be nonexistent. One part of our business is structuring Syndicated Solar Systems to where your solar system will generate enough incentives, rebates, and electricity to serve as your collateral, down payment, debt service and cash flow. Another business model offers solar energy services, and you pay only for the electricity we generate. Since we only make money on the kilowatt hours used, we have a strong incentive to install highly efficient and reliable systems. And you receive fixed energy rates for the entirety of the agreement.

How are Syndicated Solar's solar energy services different from other solar offers?

We can offer solar energy services, where we do not sell equipment. Because we finance, develop, install, own, operate and maintain the solar power plants as a single provider for multiple sites, you benefit from predictable energy prices without paying high initial capital outlays.

How do I know if my location receives enough solar energy to make electricity? 

We conduct a complete site examination, including shade analysis, to determine whether solar is a viable solution for your location(s).

What types of solar panel configurations does Syndicated Solar offer?

Syndicated Solar offers roof-mounted solar panel systems, solar panel parking canopy systems and fixed or tracking ground-mount solar panel systems.

How do I know if my facilities are appropriate for a Syndicated Solar installation? 

Most solar deployments fall into two categories, requiring either a large, flat structure such as a rooftop or available ground space. Syndicated consulting and project management teams are able to conduct site evaluations free of charge to determine the feasibility of any project.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for Syndicated Solar's PPA solar energy lease services? 

If you are a corporation or Real Estate Investment Trust with multiple sites, a utility looking to implement a renewable program for your ratepayers, or a government institution located in North America, you may be a good candidate. If you are experiencing high or volatile energy costs, are using a lot of high-peak energy, are faced with clean energy mandates, and want to reduce your dependence on fossil fuels, you are probably a great candidate for our solar energy services.

Why go solar?

As you may already know since you’ve made it this far, there are many great reasons to go solar:

  • Solar reduces your electricity bills and pays for itself.  
  • Going solar means you are hedging against the rising cost of electricity. On average, electricity prices have been going up 5% every year.
  • Going solar means you are producing your own electricity. It’s like having a clean power plant on your roof.
  • Solar is good for the planet because it helps curb the effects of global warming. Solar helps reduce green house gases by offsetting fossil fuel-based electricity production such as coal and natural gas power plants.  

How much electricity do I use?

You can figure out your electricity consumption by looking at your previous monthly electricity bills. Look for the amount of kilowatt hours consumed.  According to the Energy Information Administration, the average electric consumption of a residence in Texas is 1,136 kWh pe

How much solar energy will I produce?

There are many variables to consider for accurate estimation. These include the pitch and orientation of the roof, as well as the total system size of the solar array. A south-facing roof is the ideal location to put a solar system but you can also have a system on a east and west-facing roof. As a rule of thumb, a 1000-watt system will produce about 110 kWh a month. The employees at Syndicated Solar are experienced at producing very accurate solar energy harvest estimations. r month.  

What happens if I produce more electricity than I consume?

Typically, that surplus energy is fed into the electricity grid.  Depending on your electric utility, your meter may run backwards, crediting you with the electricity produced.  This is called net metering. 

Do I need to get a battery backup for my solar system?

If the solar system is grid-tied, then you do not need battery back up. When no electricity is being produced from the solar system, electricity will be drawn from the grid. A battery backup is only necessary if you want to have power during a black out or brown out or if you are not connected to an electricity grid.  

Will my solar system run if there is a black out or brown out?

Unfortunately, your solar system will not provide electricity to your house during a black out or brown out if it is grid-tied with no battery back up. The inverters are designed to shutoff during black outs and brown outs for safety reasons.  

How efficient are photovoltaic solar panels?

Currently, the efficiency of a solar panel can range between 12-18%.  The greater the efficiency, the less space it needs to produce the same amount of electricity compared to the electric production of a panel with a lower efficiency. But at the end of the day, a watt is still a watt, regardless of the solar panel’s efficiency.

Will the solar system be damaged by bad weather?

The racking system and solar panels are designed to withstand up to 100 mph winds. Solar panels are also designed to withstand 1-inch hail. In over a decade of installations, we’ve seen minimal damage due to bad weather.

How often does a solar system need to be serviced?

Once a solar system is installed, there is minimal maintenance. A solar system can run for 30 years without any major servicing, so operating costs are very minimal.  

What kind of warranty does a solar system have? Most solar modules are covered by a 25-year power warranty. The racking system and inverters are typically covered under a 10-year warranty. Syndicated Solar also has a 5-year installation warranty. Overall, you are well-covered.  

Why should I buy a system now rather than later?

The current photovoltaic market is quite volatile due to varying supply and increasing demand. This means prices may increase or decrease in the near future in varying degrees. It is true that the cost of solar technology has been trending down, and will probably decrease in the long run. But there are many financial incentives available now and there is no guarantee they will still be available in the future.

Is solar cost effective?  

Very much so! If you look at solar as an investment, a solar system has low risk with a high return over the 30-year lifetime.

Will my home insurance rate go up?  

Typically, rates do not go up but it depends on your insurance company. You will need to consult your home insurance agent to ensure that the value of the array is included into the cost of your home.

 
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