No, net-metering laws in California do not require the utilities to pay you for your excess energy production, but they will credit your account on a monthly basis within your yearly net-metered billing cycle. You will be able to “bank” your unused energy generated by your solar electric system on a month to month basis. At the end of the year your account will be set back to zero, and you cannot carry over any excess energy generated to the next year, nor will the utility pay you for the excess energy you contributed to the grid. If you used more energy in the year than you generated you will pay for the net energy purchased from the utility at the end of the year. For this reason, all grid-tie solar electric systems installed by IES are typically sized to generate annual energy production equal to or less than your yearly usage. For more information on this subject, see the Net-Metering link in the Solar Basics navigation button above.

Extremely user friendly! On a day-to-day basis the solar electric system requires no maintenance. A few times a year it is wise to clean off the solar modules since dust and dirt can accumulate, limiting the effectiveness of the solar modules.

Grid-tied without battery back-up solar electric systems must be connected to the utility to function; therefore they do not operate when the power goes out. However, solar electric systems with battery back-up will continue to operate.

Yes. The solar modules are warranteed for 25 years by the manufacturer. Grid-tied inverters are guaranteed for ten years by the manufacturer and all of our labor is warranteed for ten years.

Yes. The value of your home is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual operating costs resulting from installed energy efficiency measures or energy generation systems, according to the Appraisal Journal. When you sell your home you will get your full initial investment back, plus you will have the benefit of a greatly reduced or zero electricity bill for a couple of years.

Solar electric modules have a lifespan of between 30 and 50 years. Solar modules have proven long-term reliability. Solar modules built and installed in the ‘60s are still working today.

Yes. The solar electric system will continue to operate under fog or cloud cover. The solar electric system’s power output is relative to the “depth” of the cloud cover and how much light gets in, but typical coastal fog only reduces power output by 50%. Winter storm clouds will cause substantially greater reduction but the system will still produce energy.

Yes. Most commercial solar electric systems are installed on flat roofs on “tilt-racks” which put the panels at the optimum angle and face them in the right direction. It’s not a problem.

No, the solar modules are very lightweight. The combined weight of the rails and solar modules is only 3 lbs per square foot.

23 pounds.

Solar modules are very durable, and constructed with strong aluminum frames and high strength tempered glass designed to withstand moderate hailstorms.

NO. When installed by properly trained and certified installers, solar electric systems are completely safe. Our systems have the proper safeguards to protect you, your family and your home.

Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, San Benito, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Solar electric systems take about two to five days to install, depending on the size and complexity of your solar electric system.

The average home utilizes 24, 125-watt solar modules and one 2500-watt solar inverter. This requires a roof space of 240 square feet.

IES has five NABCEP TM (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) Certified Solar PV Installers, and we have designed and installed over 300 solar electric systems in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay area counties, making us one of the most experienced solar contractors in the area.