Go Green. Save Green

Residential Information Guide to Solar Power

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Go Green. Save GreenNow that solar is more affordable than ever, you can save money, increase the value of your home and help the environment

The cost of solar power systems have fallen to all time lows

Avoid ever-increasing electricity rates. Averaging 3.5 % per year

(Source: Lawrence Berkley National Labratory)

Studies show that homes with solar sell quicker and for more money than non-solar homes.

The U.S. Government is offering a 30% tax credit to help offset the cost of your system

In some states you can earn money by selling yourexcess power to the utility company.

Feel good about reducing the country’s need for nonrenewable resources.

Every single year, while the cost of electricity continues to rise, something amazing is happening.Responsible Homeowners are making these price increases irrelevant, while increasing the value of their homes and receiving multiple tax bene�ts in the process. People are helping their country preserve it’s natural resources while reducing it’s reliance on other countries for fuel. And earth friendly explorers are protecting the beauty that our rivers and natural forests have to o�er.

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Utility grid

Solar production

Energy needs

Excess energy

ELECTRIC BILL

How solar works The SunProvides freeenergy every day

PanelsSolar panels convert sunshine into electricity

MountingSpecially designed aluminum racks attach the panel array to your roof

MonitorSee how much energy your system is producing with a display or web based monitor

Ground SystemSolar panels can be mounted on the ground as well as on the roof

InverterConverts the DC power from the solar panels into AC power for your home

MeterWith Net Metering, energy you don’t use goes to the grid, spinning your meter backwards

Utility Grid

How Net Metering Works

*Credit

*Not available in all areas. Contact your utility company for program availability

CostWhat’s the cost of a Solar panel system?

Solar systems sold in the U.S. are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. Additional state, local and utility incentives exist in many areas, further lowering the net cost of your investment.

Do I get paid for my extra energy production?

InstallationDoes a solar system require permits?

Can I install solar panels myself?It is not recommended. The process requiresqualified electrical and roofing expertise to ensurethe system is safe and optimally designed for25-plus years of production.

MaintenanceHow much maintenance does a solar system need?With no moving parts and at least a 25-year expected life-span, solar panels require very little maintenance. In fact, their design ensures that they remain relatively clean as long as they are exposed to rainor a quick rinse with a garden hoseevery few months.

WeatherIs solar a viable option in cold climates?Yes. If your solar panels are in contact with even smal amounts of light, they can produce electricity. In fact given equal sunlight, solar panel in a coldclimate will out-perform a solar panel in hot climate.

How do solar systems fair in extreme weather conditions?Solar panels can withstand high wind, snow loads and hail.

How does snow affect the systems performance?While snow will decrease production when on your panels, it will not damage a properly designed and installed system. Given the angle of the panels and their tendency to produce heat, the snow will slide off of your panels faster than it would slide off your roof, quickly returning your system to its fullpotential.

BlackoutsWill my system still generate power during a blackout?

For the safety of workers attempting to fix power outages.Solar systems that are connected to the electrical gridare required by utility regulations to shutt off duringblackouts.Battery back up in places where blackoutsoccur regularly is recommended. Ask your StormTeam Project Manager about this option.

Frequently Asked Questions?

The cost of the systems varies depending ondifferent variables, such as system size,your roof, amount financed, available incentives, how much electricity you use.

What are some incentives that are available?

Can I finance my solar power system?

Like buying a car, you can purchase a solar system outright with cash or with a loan. There are very attractive financing options that will help you withownership of your own solar power system. Ask aStorm Team representative about financing.

In some areas you can earn Renewable Energy Credits through Net metering, wich is basically getting paid by the utility company for your excess electricity you generate.

What is Net metering?

Net metering is the system that utilies use to creditsolar energy system owners for the excess energyproduced by their solar panels. With net metering,you only pay for the electricity that you use beyondwhat your solar panels can generate. Net metering policies vary from state to state.

Yes, solar system installations require permits.

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O -grid systems

Can I take my home o the electrical grid?

If you have an optional battery-backup system installed, you may be able to power your home entirely on energy produced by your solar system. However, in some areas, it may be illegal to truly disconnect from the grid. A SolarWorld installer can provide you with the pros and cons of choosing to go o -grid.

Selling your home

I don’t plan on being in my home for 25 years. Why would I add solar?

A solar electric system can still be financially beneficial to you and you family. A solar system will start reducing your electric bills immediately and even pay for itself in as little as five years. Even if you move before your solar investment is completely paid o , studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show the remaining value will likely be returned upon sale of your home. Plus, your home will most likely sell faster. Who doesn’t want a home with a guaranteed low electric bill? Our warranty is even transferrable one time to a new owner.

Roof integrity

How does a solar system a ect my roof integrity?

When design and installation best practices are followed, your roof will maintain its integrity. SolarWorld audits and trains all our Authorized Installers on these best practices so that you can rest easy knowing that your roof will be okay. Be sure to ask your installer about any guarantees it o ers on its installation quality.

Safety

Are there any fire, electrical or other dangers from a solar system?

Similar to any other electrical component, proper installation will greatly limit any dangers. However, you

should still take care to ensure your system is not easily accessible by children or animals who could potentially damage the system and possibly injure themselves. If your system becomes damaged in any way, immediately seek assistance from a qualified installer or electrician.

Insurance

Can a solar system be insured?

While SolarWorld does warranty solar panels for 10 years on workmanship and 25 or more years on energy production, we do not cover theft or damage from external sources. However, most homeowner insurance policies will cover your solar panels. Check with your insurance provider.

Homeowners Associations / Neighbors

Can my HOA or neighbors prevent me from installing a solar system?

Most often, no. Currently, more than 40 states have Solar Access Laws that provide varying degrees of protection against restrictions anyone - HOA, neighbors or even local government - can place on your solar system. Your local SolarWorld installer will be able to discuss the laws and policies in your area.

Pools

Can SolarWorld’s solar panels heat my pool?

If your pool is currently heated, it most likely uses natural gas, so solar electric power will not be able to assist in the heating process. However, our solar panels do o set the power used by a pool’s electric pumps, which has been shown to be the most significant impact of a pool on energy bills.

Off-grid systemsCan I take my home off of the electrical grid?

If you have an optional battery-backup system installedyou may be able to power your homeentirely on energy produced by your solar system.However, in some areas it may be illegal to truly disconnect from the grid.

Selling your homeI don’t plan on being in my home for 25 years. Why would I add solar?

A solar electric system can still be financially beneficial to you and you family. A solar system will start reducing your electric bills immediately and eve pay for itself in as little as five years. Even if you move before your solar investmentis completely paid off, studies by the NationalRenewable Energy Laboratory show the remainingvalue will likely be returned upon the sale of your home. Plus your home will most likely sell faster.Who doesn’t want a home with a guaranteed lowelectri bill?

Roof integrity

SafetyAre there any fire, electrical or other dangers from a solar system?

InsuranceCan a solar system be insured?

HOA’s / Neighbors

Well for starters, in the same way that a house is only as good as the foundation itsits on, solar panel systems are only as good as the roof they are attatched to.One of the most common complaintshomeowners have after a solar installationis a leaky roof. By working with a companythat not only has an A+ rating with the BBB,but also has installed roofs for over 10,000happy customers (both residential andcommercial), you can rest assured that Storm Team has the experience necessaryto protect your property. Ask your Storm Team Project Manager about a free roof inspection.

Similar to any other electrical component, properinstallation will greatly limit any dangers. However,you shoud still take care to ensure your system is not easily accessible by children or animals whocould potentially damage the system and possiblyinjure themselves. If your system becomes damaged in any way, immediately seek assistancefrom a qualified installer or electrician.

Most homeowners insurance policies will coveryour solar panels. Check with your insurance provider.

Can my HOA or neighbors prevent me from installing a solar power system?

Most often, no. Currently more than 40 stateshave Solar Access Laws that provide varyingdegrees of protection against restricting anyonefrom placing a solar power system. That includesprotection from HOA’s, neighbors and even local government.

First StepsWhat do I need to get started?

You need an electric utility bill to get an idea of your power needs. That’s it! Contact Storm Teamand we will take care of the rest.

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CALL OR EMAIL US:

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Solar@StormTeamUsa.com

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Find out morePlease don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We will gladly provide you with additional information and show you how Storm Team can prepare you to Go Green and Save Green with solar power.