FAQ

Why should I invest in a solar PV system now?

  • To reduce/eliminate your net electric bill and take advantage of all current incentives. Brilliant Solar Paneling’s high performance solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, combined with state rebates, federal tax credits, depreciation and certain states Net Energy Metering Program, create financial incentives for installing a solar system now.
  • Declare energy independence. Invest in a solar PV system and generate your own electricity from sunlight - a clean, silent, renewable energy with no emissions.
  • Enjoy long-term solar life expectancy. With PV panels’ 25 year warranty and 40+ year lifespan, your solar system will last for years to come, sheltering you from rising electricity rates.
  • Add value to any property. Solar systems are exempt from property taxes but the value of a solar system is added to the appraised value of a property. It’s one of the few home improvements that can be justified in terms of return on invested dollar.

How does a Solar PV System Work?

  • PV solar systems consist of modular panels made of silicon, which react directly to sunlight by generating electric current. An inverter changes the DC (direct current) generated by the panels into AC (alternating current), supplying power for lights and electrical appliances.

What Size System Do I Need?

  • Brilliant Solar Paneling tailors PV systems to the unique energy needs of each customer. A detailed Site energy analysis is necessary to determine appropriate system size. Brilliant Solar Paneling does these services at no additional cost.

Do I Need a Battery Backup?

  • No. Brilliant Solar Paneling’s solar PV systems connect to the local utility grid. No batteries are necessary. On sunny days, the solar system sends surplus energy to the grid for credit on your utility bill. The utility provides the power at night and on rainy days, and you tap into the credits your solar system earned on sunny days.

How Much Does a PV System Cost?

  • System cost depends on size, materials and labor. Most Brilliant Solar Paneling systems pay for themselves within 4 to 10 years. Keep in mind that each PV system is sized to the unique annual energy needs of each customer. Systems aren’t sized for square footage, but designed to replace the total amount of electricity you use annually. Site specific elements, differing electric rate schedules, and financial incentives that you may or may not qualify for, all affect your total system investment. Please contact a Brilliant Solar Paneling consultant for a free energy site analysis and a detailed explanation of system costs.

Are There Rebates or Financial Incentives?

  • The Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar systems is 30% of the systems net cost.
  • The Internal Revenue Code has a 5 year accelerated depreciation schedule for commercial solar systems.
  • The New Jersey BPU (Building Public Utilities) system is $611.00 per renewable energy credit starting May 1, 2008.
  • Solar systems are exempt from NJ and NY property taxes, but the value of a system adds to the appraised value of a property.

Is Financing Available?

  • Yes. Please discuss financing options with one of Brilliant’s energy consultants.

How Much Will I Save on My Electric Bill?

  • Optimally, your Brilliant Solar Paneling system will be designed to eliminate your electrical bill. Restrictions on space, budget or sunlight exposure may affect the size of the system that is able to be installed.

Does My House or Building Have To Face South?

  • No. “south–facing” systems are ideal, but East, West, southeast or southwest can be used with minimal loss of production.

Is a PV System Modular – Can I Add Onto It If I Add on to My Home or Building?

  • Yes. Additional modules can be added to your system up to the load limit of your inverter. Additional inverters can be added to expand the system.

How Do I Sell Electricity Back to the Utility Company?

  • Solar PV systems are tied to the utility grid through inverters. Inverters track Kilowatt hour (kWh) production every day. When a solar system produces more electricity than is used, the inverter sends the surplus energy to the grid. The electric meter spins backwards and the utility credits the owner for the surplus energy at the same retail rate that it charges for electricity during that period.

What Does a Solar PV System Look Like?

  • Brilliant Solar Paneling designs and mounts PV panels to minimize visual impact and maximize esthetic appeal. Flat roof-mounted systems are most common, but sometimes systems are installed on open ground away from a building. Brilliant Solar Paneling clients approve system design before installation.

What Kind of Permits Do I Need?

  • Brillaint Solar Paneling builds turn-key systems. We obtain all necessary building and electrical permits for each system.

What Is The Process?

  • First Brilliant Solar Paneling inspects your site, building or home. We evaluate a year’s worth of electric bills to create a profile of annual energy needs. Next we design a system tailored for your site and present the design in a proposal. After you approve the design, sign the contract and make a deposit, Brilliant Solar Paneling orders the materials for your system and starts the required paperwork for local building permits and state specific rebates.

How Do I Maintain My Solar PV System?

  • Solar PV systems are designed and installed to be low maintenance and repair free. They are solid state technology and have no moving parts. Panels benefit from being hosed off twice a year, especially after long periods without rain.

How Do I Know If My System Is Working?

  • Your system is working if the green inverter light is on. Brilliant Solar Paneling also asks you to send consecutive electric bills every 6 months, so that we can analyze usage and actual system production. Our dedicated customer care specialists are available to address concerns long after system installation.

What Do I Do If Something Breaks?

  • Call Brilliant Solar Paneling customer care department. Brilliant Solar Paneling warranties each system it installs for 5 years, and will perform any replacements or repairs within that time frame.