FAQ
Q: What is the “PACE” program?
A: “PACE” stands for “Property Assessed Clean Energy”. PACE may be used to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation upgrades to buildings. PACE pays for 100% of a project’s costs and is repaid for up to 20 years with an assessment added to the property’s tax bill. PACE financing stays with the building upon sale. For more information on PACE Financing, visit our Payment Options page.
Q: What is the optimal direction for roof-mounted solar panels to face?
A: Due south is the optimal direction for solar panels to face for maximum daily energy generation. East and west-facing solar panels produce up to 30% less energy than south-facing panels. Facing to the north severely limits their energy production, rendering them of little value to the homeowner or the utility company. To estimate the performance of your PV system when facing different directions (azimuths), use the PV Watts calculator developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Q: What lifespan can I expect out of my solar panels?
A: Almost all panels are guaranteed to last between 25 and 30 years; and some are able to produce electricity for much longer! Properly installed solar panels should require little maintenance, making for an excellent return on investment. Inverters (converting DC current to AC current) are now estimated to last 20 years or longer. Even then, they typically do not just quit; they gradually become less efficient.
Q: What municipalities currently have solar installations?
A: As of now, no comprehensive list of municipalities with solar is available. However, to view solar data for cities that are pursuing SolSmart designation, click here.
Q: What ordinance can I or can't I pass regarding solar access rights?
A: Informaton on solar access rights in ordinances can be found in our Model Ordinance Guidelines for Municipalities. Additional resources on solar in the zoning code and solar ordinances can be found on this page.
Q: What other hazards exist for firefighters when a fire is at a house equipped with solar panels ?
A: Shock, slip, trip, broken glass, hindered access for ventilating, sharp edges from aluminum frames, “chimney effect”, and the added weight on the roof.
Q: What toxins are released when solar panels burn?
A: Fumes from ethylene vinyl acetate, Kevlar®, Tedlar®, polyethylene, rubber, the polymer junction box, and - if hot enough - heavy metals such as cadmium, tellurium, copper, indium, selenium, gallium, arsenic, lead, silver, zinc, and aluminum. Effects are: Cadmium Telluride - a known carcinogen. Gallium Arsenide - highly toxic and carcinogenic. Phosphorus - highly toxic.
Q: What training resources are available to municipal employees?
A: Solar 101 for Local Governments is a ready-to-use presentation is intended to assist meeting facilitators in providing an introduction to solar energy systems (SES) and technology for local government staff and decision-makers considering SES installation, management, and regulation within the jurisdiction and/or on municipal properties. Additional resources can be found on our Local Governments page.
Q: Where can I find the expedited permit checklist?
A: The expedited permit checklist can be found on this page - Develop Criteria for Expedited Processes.
Q: Will hail damage my solar panels?
A: Solar panels are tough. Most solar panels use low-iron tempered glass and are designed to withstand hail that is 25 mm (1 inch) at 80 km/h (50 mph). If you live in a hail-prone area, you should ask your contractor or the solar panel manufacturer for their hail impact test data.