Frequently Asked Questions

« Rebates & Tax Credits Getting Started »
 

Commercial Solar Systems

»  Are the government rebates and incentives substantial? How long will they last?
»  Is my business a good candidate for solar electric? Do I get enough sunlight?
»  Is it difficult to switch over to solar power?
»  Does the cost vs benefit improve if my business waits longer to install solar?
»  Will I need to adapt my business to run on solar power?
»  What size solar system do I need?
»  What kind of permits are needed to meet local building codes?
»  What if my roof needs to be repaired after I've installed solar panels?
»  How reliable is solar power
»  Can our roof support solar panels?
»  What maintenance is required?
»  Do I need a battery back-up system?
»  What happens at night, or when it's cloudy outside?
»  How long will your solar system last?
»  What is NABCEP?

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    • Are the government incentives substantial? How long will they last?

    A combination of incentives and tax credits can cover 50% or more of the total cost! The most important thing to keep in mind about these governmental programs is that they won't last forever. Now is the time to take advantage of the federal and state mandate to switch to renewable sources of energy; once the adoption rate reaches a certain level, the incentives will disappear.

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    • Is my business a good candidate for solar electric? Do I get enough sunlight?

    The two biggest factors are the amount sunlight you get throughout the day and the amount of open roof space. Climate is not really a concern because PV systems are relatively unaffected by severe weather. In fact, some PV modules actually work better in colder weather. There is enough sunlight to make solar energy systems useful and effective almost anywhere in the world.

    When you call, we will schedule a free on-site solar consultation where one of our experts will survey your site to evaluate the cost vs. benefit for your business. Our solar expert will provide you with a detailed proposal for your optimal solar system.

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    • Is it difficult to switch over to solar power?

    Balanced Energy makes it easy to switch to solar. We will get your solar system up and running as quickly and smoothly as possible so that you can start saving money and using clean energy.

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    • Does the cost vs benefit improve if my business waits longer to install solar?

    Now is really the best time to invest in a solar system with the combination of technology and cost. Governments, municipalities and utilities are currently offering generous rebates and incentives to go solar; however, these programs are part designed to stimulate the economy and reward early adopters, so the incentives will drop as the allotted funds are consumed.

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    • Will I need to adapt my business to run on solar power?

    Solar electric systems fit seamlessly onto your facility or parking structure. You won't have to buy new equipment or change your electrical outlets; everything will work just the same as it did before. You should experience no practical changes except for one: you will be generating free power ever month!

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    • What size solar system do I need?

    Every business is different, so the size of your system will depend on your energy needs, roof space and solar goals. Commercial systems range from 50-500 kW for a medium sized business. Balanced Energy will design the optimal system to meet your specific needs.

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    • What kind of permits are needed to meet local building codes?

    Balanced Energy will obtain all building permits and design your system to meet your local building codes. We'll arrange the electrical, building and utility inspections and be on-site to make sure that everything is up to code. Balanced Energy takes care of your project every step of the way.

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    • What if my roof needs to be repaired after I've installed solar panels?

    Ideally, you should install solar panels on a roof that is in good condition. When a Balanced Energy site auditor comes out to inspect your building prior to installation, he or she will check to make sure that your roof is suitable for a solar installation. Once the solar panels are installed, they actually help to protect your roof from the elements. If you should ever need to make repairs on the roof, the solar panels will need to be removed and re-installed. Balanced Energy offers this service for a reasonable fee.

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    • How reliable is solar power

    Solar systems built today are very reliable. They have proven to be dependable sources of energy for office buildings, mass retailers and governmental agencies, supplying megawatts of energy. Some of the largest companies in the world have buildings powered by solar energy, including eBay, FedEx, WalMart, Whole Foods, and the US Air Force. Balanced Energy has incredibly high quality standards and only use best of breed equipment. We build our systems to last.

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    • Can our roof support solar panels?

    Balanced Energy can do an installation on any type of roofing. If you do not want the solar installed on the roof, you can also utilize a ground mount. Some businesses that have a lot of available unshaded acreage choose this type of installation. Besides the roof and ground, you can also install the modules on parking structures, garages, awnings, or on poles.

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    • What maintenance is required?

    Since there are no moving parts, the system is basically maintenance free. Balanced Energy provides monitoring devices and service contracts to keep the system clean and running optimally.

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    • Do I need a battery back-up system?

    Battery systems are expensive and are not recommended. All Balanced Energy solar systems are connected to the utility grid so you always have access to a power source. You never have to worry about running out of power.

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    • What happens at night, or when it's cloudy outside?

    Since the amount of power your solar system generates is a direct result of sunlight, it will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy. Your system will not produce any energy at night. Your Balanced Energy power system will be interconnected to your locally utility grid, so that you can automatically begin to draw power from the grid whenever you need it. You won't experience any power interruptions. The switch between solar system power and the utility grid happens seamlessly, with no effort on your part.

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    • How long will your solar system last?

    Most of the parts on your solar system, such as solar panels, carry manufacturer's warranties of 25 years; other parts, such as inverters, carry 10-year warranties. The system will have an expected life span of approximately 30 years.

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    • What is NABCEP?

    The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, NABCEP is the national certification organization for professional installers in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP issues voluntary certification credentials to those qualified professionals who satisfy eligibility requirements established by the Board of Directors.

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    For a free consultation, call Balanced Energy at 1-877-897-SOLAR
    or click here for the online request form.

    Balanced Energy will…
  • Evaluate whether your building is right for solar
  • Determine which rebate program is best for you
  • Help you with the application paperwork

    • Start Saving Today!
    We are happy to provide you with a free solar assessment for facility. For more information, simply contact us below.

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