Isn’t solar really expensive?
Not anymore—we’ve worked hard to make it affordable for any homebuyer. Through incentives and tax credits, Legend Homes is able to significantly offset the cost of a solar system for home buyers. Based on the costs Legend Homes is passing through, the additional cost on your monthly mortgage is almost entirely offset by average monthly energy savings. It’s like getting the solar system for free!
Your actual cost on the system will add less than $30 per month on your mortgage, and the first year energy savings will almost equal that amount—it’s like locking your energy rates into your 30 year, fixed mortgage. If you’re good at saving energy, your return will be even better.
Also, the home buyer is able to take advantage of an “anytime homebuyer” tax credit from the Federal Government. This tax credit is 30% of the cost a home buyer pays for the system—and can total up to $2,000!
How quickly will the system pay for itself?
System payback should take into account two things—energy inflation, and the value increase of your home through energy savings. LiveLight Energy’s Value Appreciation Payback™ model focuses on these key energy factors:
Historically, energy rates have almost doubled every ten years—almost 8% annually according to Department of Energy Data.*
A study conducted by the Appraisal Journal showed that for every $1 in annual energy savings you create, it adds $20 of additional value for your home.*
System paybacks can be achieved in under 10 years.
*Actual system payback is subject to market conditions and may vary. Sources: Department of Energy Electrical Rates Data, and the Appraisal Journal
Does solar really work in Oregon?
Yes, we actually have an excellent solar resource in Oregon. The Willamette Valley gets as much sun on an annual basis as the U.S. average. We also get more solar resource than both Germany and Japan—the two leading countries in adopting solar energy.
How much maintenance does a Photovoltaic (PV) system require?
Very little. Dust may build up on the solar panels over time, but we get enough rain in this area to wash the dust off. The systems have no moving parts and are basically maintenance free.
Don’t the solar panels detract from the look of the home?
You may be thinking of how solar systems looked in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Modern technology can be mounted flush with the roof pitch and will look like a large skylight on the roof. When we install the system, we pay attention to the layout to ensure that it is pleasing to the eye.
Also, a recent study conducted with solar homeowners in California found that 82% of respondents believe that the solar system does not detract from the look of the home and 84% believe that the solar system will be a strong selling feature when they resell their home. We believe that solar will become the new American status symbol on your home.
How do I know how much energy my system is generating?
The inverter will track the kilowatt hours (kWh) produced by the system. The power meter located next to the inverter in your garage will tell you how much has been produced. Each inverter also comes pre-installed with online monitoring so that you can track daily, weekly, monthly and yearly production via the internet. Also, as a free standard feature with your home, we’ll be installing an energy meter that will show you, in real time, your energy usage and costs. It will help you conserve more energy, and save even more money.
Will the solar system generate all of my electricity?
These systems will not generate all of the electricity you use, but the solar system will offset a significant portion of what you do use. Actual energy savings depends on a number of factors—but the primary factor is how you live in the home. The less electricity you use in the house, the greater percentage of electricity your solar system can offset. The electricity usage meter that comes with the home will help you further cut down on your energy costs.
How much money will I save on my electricity bill?
Actual savings depends on the size and total anticipated electricity yield of your system. A typical 3,000 watt (DC) photovoltaic array will save over $300 in its first year, at an electric rate of 10.5 cents per kWh. Data shows that energy rates are inflating drastically. With a solar system, as electricity rates increase, your savings will increase at the same pace. Your annual savings also depends on how efficient you are with your energy use. How much you actually save is up to you.
Does my solar system work when the power goes out?
Unfortunately it won’t. When the power goes out, the system is designed to automatically shut down. A solar electric system cannot “back-feed” power onto the electric grid in the event of a power outage. If it did, it could injure utility line workers who are repairing a power line somewhere in the field.
How long do these systems last?
Photovoltaic systems can have a life-span of 30 years or more. SolarWorld warranties its modules for 25 years, and PV Powered warranties its inverters for 10 years, with a 20 year anticipated life before replacement is needed. Long after the payback point is reached, your solar system will be producing FREE electricity from the sun. Statistics show that a solar system can return two to three times its original cost in free electricity.
What do I do if I need to re-roof my home?
The panels are clamped to the mounting rails on the roof, which allows them to be removed when a new roof is needed. The panels should be moved to the ground for safe-keeping, then re-installed after roofing. This should only be handled by a qualified service technician.
What about rough weather like wind and hail—what will happen to the panels?
The solar panels have been designed to handle extremely rough weather conditions. For example, solar panels are used on weather buoys at sea, so they can handle hurricane force winds.
For additional information visit www.LiveLightEnergy.com.