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FAQs: Location, System Sizing & Costs

 

What do I need to have for a PV system?

You need roof or ground space that is not shaded from the south, east or west. The best roof space is unshaded, angled at a 10/12 pitch (30-40 degrees), and facing directly south. Don't worry if you don't have a roof like this. Most people don't. The only absolutely necessary qualification is having an area free of shade. We have put panels on all types of roofs at all types of orientations and angles.

How many panels do I need?

That depends on several things. It depends on how much power you use, how much money you want to spend, and how much unshaded roof area you have. A typical home will use about 700 kilowatt-hours of power per month though some homes use more and some less. In Colorado a 5 kilowatt system will provide you with that much power. That is about thirty 3'x5' panels but many homes do not have enough unshaded roof space for that many panels. Do be aware that it is not necessary to cover all your electrical costs for a PV system to make sense. Even if you only put in a one kilowatt system, you will still get the same return on your investment and still benefit the planet. You can also start small and add to your system as money becomes available. At Vibrant Solar we will be happy to talk with you about your needs and provide you with recommendations for a system to fit those needs.

Can I put panels on the ground?

Absolutely. We have ground mounting systems and pole mounting systems, which you can use to hold your panels. The only thing necessary is having the unshaded space available.

What if my neighbors have trees that grow to shade my panels?

If you install your panels in a place that is originally unshaded and a neighbor's tree grows tall enough to shade your panels or they put up a structure that shades your panels, you have the right to make them to remedy the problem.

How long does installation take?

This depends on the system size. A typical 4KW residential system takes 2-3 days to install the panels and 1-2 days to complete the wiring, so a total of 4-5 days.

How much will my system cost?

This is a hard question to answer in general. A PV system will cost, on average, $8.50 per watt. Vibrant Solar, by keeping our overhead low, is able to install at well below that average, sometimes less than $7.20 per watt. In general, the larger the system, the cheaper it will be per panel. The best way to know the cost of a system is to have Vibrant Solar provide you with a free analysis and quote.

What if I need to replace my roof after I put panels on it?

If you need to replace your shingles after placing panels on the roof, you might need to take the panels down before replacing the roof. This will not add more than a couple thousand dollars to the cost and typically much less. Of course, the panels themselves will provide a lot of protection for your roof and you may be able to get away with only replacing the shingles that are not covered by the panels. If you find yourself needing to consider a new roof after the panels are in place, don't hesitate to call Vibrant Solar. We will help you find the least expensive alternative.

Can my roof support these panels?

Typically PV panels do not put much demand on a roof. Modern roofs are engineered with a large safety factor built into them. A PV system will almost never overload a newer roof. With most systems and especially on older roofs, our structural engineer will certify that the roof can handle the PV system without trouble.

I have an HOA. Can they stop me from putting panels up?

No, not in Colorado. There is a Colorado statute that prevents neighborhood associations from stopping a homeowner from putting up PV Panels due to aesthetic considerations.

What is the difference between different brands of panels?

While all the panels we use are excellent and carry the same warranty, each brand of solar panel has some unique attributes. Some panels are more efficient than others, some use different types of solar cells, some are manufactured to tighter tolerances and each looks a little different. In our experience the one factor that is the most important to our clients is dollars/watt. At various times, various companies have specials or just lower prices in general. We always strive to give our customers the best possible price on their system. Of course, if a customer has a desire for a specific manufacturer, we are happy to oblige them.

What about PV shingles?

PV shingles are basically PV wafers packaged as a shingle. They lie flat on the roof like an ordinary shingle and provide less of a visual impact than normal panels. The current problem with these shingles is that they are nearly three times the cost of typical PV panels. They also often require special roof preparation. To get an idea of the impact of this, consider that a 4KW system might normally run about $28,000 which is $10,0000 after rebates and $8,000 after the tax credit. If this were a 4KW PV shingle system costing 50% more for the panels, it would run more than $75,000 which translates to $30,000 for the consumer. That is three times more expensive. This is fine if you have a large custom home and you are very concerned with its appearance, but most of our clients go with the standard panels. See our comments, above, about the new faux slate solar cell roofing tiles we are starting to offer.

How can I pay for one of these systems?

We wholeheartedly recommend that you pay for your system by refinancing your home or with a home equity loan. When you pay for the panels this way, you are paying with pre-tax dollars. This effectively reduces the interest rate for the money you borrow by 25% to 50%!

What is the process for buying a PV system from Vibrant Solar?

The process is lengthy but straightforward. It typically goes like this:

  1. Vibrant Solar LogoCall Vibrant Solar for a free, no obligation home analysis and quote. We will come out and analyze your home/business and lay out your options.
  2. Once you decide on a system size, we will provide you with a quote that itemizes all the expenses, rebates and expected benefits. At this point you will know what your out-of-pocket cost will be (or, your full costs should you decide to carry the rebate). This will be the price for the installed system minus the Xcel Energy incentives.
  3. When you decide to purchase the system we will require a 10% deposit based on either the total cost or, if we are carrying the rebate, on the out-of-pocket cost (minimum $1,000). This deposit is non-refundable, unless Xcel Energy declines the rebate application, something they have not yet done with us. We will then apply to Xcel Energy for the rebate and REC payment.
  4. When we get confirmation from Xcel Energy (this can take two to six weeks), then we will need a payment from you of half the total, or out-of-pocket, cost. At this point we will order the system, assign a structural engineer to analyze your roof, and pull the permits with the city where your installation will be.
  5. The system is delivered 2-4 weeks later and we will need the other half of your payment. At this point, we will schedule the installation date with you. This will typically be within a week.
  6. We install the system on the scheduled date. This will take a total of 3-4 days, but might be a bit longer depending on the installation size, weather and other mitigating circumstances.
  7. We schedule the final inspection with the city and, upon their approval, apply for the final inspection from Xcel Energy. Once the system is approved by Xcel Energy they replace your meter with one that can go backwards and you are now making energy from the sun!
  8. Six weekslater you, or we, receive two checks. One for the rebate and one for the REC payment from Xcel Energy.

In this scenario, from step 4 to step 8, we at Vibrant Solar bear much of the cost of the system. This is often as much as $30,000. To carry that money, we have to take out a loan at 14% annual interest. This carrying cost is passed on to you. If you can get a better rate and would like to bear the cost of that yourself, we will delete the carrying cost and you will pay the total cost of the system at step 4 and then pay ½ of the installation cost at step 6 and the other ½ at step 8.

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