Following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding Clean Powrer Resources, Inc and the solar industry. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please email us at info@cleanpowerusa.com

• Does a solar system work in cold weather?
  Yes, it actually will work better because the cold temperatures cause an increase in the conductivity of metals. However, with the new inverters on the market, we can design a system for hot weather efficiency as well.
  
• Should I repair my roof before installation?
  Yes, if the roof is in disrepair or you are planning an upgrade in the near future, it would be beneficial to replace or repair it before installation. We will work hand in hand with your roofing contractor to design the most esthetically pleasing and highest power producing PV system possible.
  
• Will weather affect my solar system?
  Solar panels are tested to meet certain safety requirements such as impacts of hail, wind loads, and fire standards. Clean Power Resources will install your system to meet all engineering specifications and your local permit and planning department requirements.
  
• What maintenance is required?
  These systems require little to no maintenance. Since there are no mechanical parts to break or corrode like water solar systems, your electrical solar system is virtually maintenance free. Basically, make sure the modules are clear of bird droppings and dust. Clean your solar panels as needed (approximately twice per year) with water and a soft brush. Each time it rains, your job is done. Also, make sure the system is operating properly by monitoring the metering system from time to time. Other than that... There isn’t much else to do except calculate your savings each month!
  
• How can I maximize the power my solar system produces?
  It is imperative that your solar electric system is designed correctly and installed in the proper location in order to maximize your investment. A system placed facing the wrong direction or in a position that will be shaded part of the day will not produce enough power to make your investment worthwhile. Clean Power Resources, Inc. has the technology to determine where shade will affect performance anytime throughout the year. The experts at Clean Power Resources, Inc will provide you with the very best design for maximum production.
  
• How does solar electricity work?
  Silicon wafers laminated under non-reflective glass in solar panels collect photons from the sun and turn this into DC electrical power. This power then flows to an inverter which transforms it into usable voltage as AC electrical power. That power is then fed into your metered panel to provide you with your own generated power. Proper engineering and design will provide you with the right size system for your home so as to virtually eliminate your utility bill for electricity. Clean Power Resources has a great reputation for designing systems that meet each individual homeowners needs.
  
• What is the difference between a Grid-tied and a Grid-tied system with batteries?
  A Grid-tied photovoltaic system produces solar electricity during the day which at times should actually spin your utility meter backwards. A Grid-tied PV system with batteries provides the same benefits as the system without batteries but, this system will provide limited electricity if the grid fails. Since the battery back up system cannot produce power for everything in the home or business, a “critical load” panel is set up to provide emergency power to important circuits. An emergency generator with an automatic transfer switch can also be installed instead of or in combination with the battery back-up unit. In either case, they system will respond immediately to a power failure and provide alternative emergency power. The system provides enough electrical power to provide emergency lighting and minimal comforts during prolonged electrical outages.
  
• What are the economic benefits of a Solar Electrical System?
  A solar electrical system protects you from future rate increases and allows you to “fix or freeze” your utility rates for the next 30+ years. Systems are designed to lower or in many cases eliminate--your monthly electric bill!
  
• How much do these solar power systems cost?
  It depends on your electrical usage and your service area. For example a 3kW solar system in California would remove the majority of a $100.00 per month electrical bill. Winter months are a little less and summer months a little bit more.
  
  A 3kW Grid-tied system costs approximately $12,000 to install after rebate but before any tax incentives. Rebates depend on your service area and purchasing entity. For example, if you lived in the Southern California Edison, PG&E or SDG&E service area, you would receive a $2.80 a watt rebate. If you live in the LADWP area you would receive $3.50 a watt rebate. You would also receive a 7.5% state income tax credit. If you were to purchase this solar power system as a business you would receive an additional 10% Federal tax credit and accelerated depreciation for State and Federal on the balance. Of course, this would be different for each person and tax bracket, and should be examined by your tax professional...but you get the idea. We're looking at a 3-7 year break-even and a positive cash flow for 30 years. Another benefit here is solar power systems are exempt from property taxes, a good thing to remember when the tax man cometh. For a system sizing estimate, call your utility provider and ask for your monthly kilowatt hour use for the past 12 months. Provide that figure to Clean Power Resources and we will send you a quote sheet outlining the system size, cost, estimated State tax credit and the State Rebate amount you will qualify for. We are always here to answer all of the questions in order to help you make an informed decision.
  
• How long do these systems last? What is the warranty on these systems?
  Photovoltaic systems have been around for over 50 years so far and the original systems are still working just fine. Yet the accelerated testing is giving us numbers like 40-42 years with a 2% per year decrease throughout the systems life. The limited warranty is 25 years on the solar modules, 10 years on the inverters and 5 years on the balance of system installation.
  
• What is the maintenance on these systems?
  These systems require little to no maintenance. Because there are no moving parts in a solar power system, there is nothing to go wrong. Basically, make sure the modules are clear of bird droppings and dirt and trees aren't shading the system. Also, make sure the system is putting out its proper power during the year by glancing at the metering system from time to time. Other than that... keep smiling every time you see the sun and knowing it is working for you all day long.
  
• How much roof area do these systems take?
  Approximately 100 square feet is needed for every kilowatt of PV power installed. A flat roof offers the flexibility of being able to direct the panels for optimum output or install them flat. However, if your roof line is variable as most homes are, it is important to only place your PV panels on southerly facing sections for proper power production. Solar power systems can be installed flush or tilt mounted and on ground mounted racks if you have the property. Some of the side benefits of roof mounted solar power systems are; it produces an insulation affect reducing air conditioning and heating needs which in turn lowers your utility bill.
  
• Does a solar electrical system have enough power to run all my major appliances?
  A solar electrical system is connected to your electrical main and is designed to offset all power usage within your home or building—this includes air conditioning and all major appliances!
  
• What do I do next if I want to see about getting a system on my house or business?
  Contact your utility supplier via their web site or by phone and request a twelve-month history of your kWh usage, then send it to us via e-mail or fax for a free evaluation and appointment for a site visit.