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Solar FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar For Your Farm or Business
What are the financial benefits of solar energy?
When you install a solar energy system for your farm or business, you save money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising electricity rates in the future. How much you can save depends on the utility rates and solar policies in your area, but going solar is a smart investment regardless of where you live.
What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?
Solar power, like other renewable energy resources, has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions and results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
How do I find out how much I pay for electricity?
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill. A Harvest sales representative will be happy to walk you through how to read your bill.
What is net metering?
Net metering is the system that utilities use to credit solar energy system owners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies differ from state to state.
How do solar photovoltaic (PV) panels work?
Solar panels absorb the sun's energy throughout the day and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. Most farms and businesses run on alternating current (AC) electricity, so the DC electricity is then passed through an inverter to convert it to usable AC electricity. At that point, you either use the electricity on your farm or business or send it back to the electric grid.
Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?
The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, because of high electricity costs and financial incentives, solar is a smart decision even if you live in a cloudy city.
What happens if there is snow on solar panels?
Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in snow they can’t produce electricity. However, when the sun comes out the panels will begin to heat up and shed snow quickly and start producing energy again. Snow generally isn’t heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean.
Can I go off grid with solar panels?
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need, and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage.
Will I still receive an electric bill if I have solar panels?
Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. However, you can dramatically reduce your bill, or even cut the amount you owe to $0, with a solar panel system that matches your energy use.
Do solar panels work in a blackout?
If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, certain inverters can provide backup power in a blackout when paired with a battery.
How much will solar panel maintenance cost?
Solar panel systems are made of durable tempered glass and require little to no maintenance for the 25 to 35 years that they will generate power. In most cases, you don’t even need to clean your solar panels regularly. If something does happen, most equipment manufacturers include warranties, and Harvest will service these inquiries.
What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?
Solar rebates and incentives vary depending on where you live. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities also offer cash rebates or other incentives. Additionally, businesses can depreciate the solar like a normal investment in equipment.
What are my solar financing options?
With Harvest there are two solar financing options for farms and business: you can purchase your system in cash or take out a solar loan to buy your system. There is also the opportunity to enter into a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) as a method to finance projects for non-profits. Contact Harvest Solar for specific financing options as these vary by territory and application.
How do I choose the best solar loan?
Many different institutions offer solar loans, including local and national banks, specialty financing companies, manufacturers, and credit unions. To choose the best solar loan for you, compare options from a few different financing providers. Contact a Harvest Solar representative for more information.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Many commercial and industrial properties are great candidates for solar. We evaluate factors such as available roof or ground space, sun exposure, shading, roof condition, electrical infrastructure, energy usage, and the overall site layout.

Even if your roof isn’t ideal, a ground-mounted system or another site-specific solution may be an option. Our team can evaluate your property and energy usage to determine whether solar makes financial and practical sense for your business.

What size solar energy system should I get?
The size of your solar energy system is based on your electricity usage, site conditions, and available space for solar. Harvest Solar will review your electricity usage over the past 12 months and evaluate factors such as annual energy consumption and expected solar production to design a system sized specifically for your facility.
Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?
Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance within the next 10 or so years, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation.
How long will my solar power system last?
In general, solar panels are very durable and capable of withstanding snow, wind, and hail. Your system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years with very minor (if any) maintenance issues during that period.

Are there other things you’d like to know about solar?

Contact our solar advisors today for more information.