FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S) FOR RESIDENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY

Q. Why should I Go Solar in Orange County?

A. For many reasons:

  • Solar finance experts suggest that every $1,000 of annual energy savings from a PV system adds $20,000 to the resale value of your Orange County home.
  • Solar systems are extremely reliable, able to produce clean energy from the sun for up to 25 years.
  • By using solar to power your Orange County home or business, you dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Incentives are now at their highest in California, and will decline as more systems are installed. Get the best incentive you can —Go Solar now!

Q. How much money will I save on my electric bill?

A. The potential savings from a solar system will depend on several factors, including your current utility rate structure, the size of the Orange County solar system you install and the amount of sunshine your system will receive. Your solar contractor should be able to provide you with an estimate based on those and other factors.

Q. What size solar system do I need in Orange County?

A. Several factors will influence the size of the solar system you need. Determining your present electricity needs is a first step in sizing your solar system. You should conduct an energy efficiency survey of your Orange County home or business before you determine the size of the system—by installing energy efficiency measures, you’ll require less energy and could save thousands of dollars on panels.

Q. Are PV systems reliable in Orange County?

A. Yes. Stationary PV systems have no moving parts; there is nothing mechanical that can wear out. They operate silently, and require no fuel, filters or other costly parts or maintenance in Orange County. Solar modules are essentially silicon cells (similar to a computer chip) embedded inside a protective layer, usually a sturdy tempered glass panel. They are made to withstand hot, direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions; they will continue to work as long as sunlight falls on the surface. They do need to be cleaned periodically to ensure maximum performance—dust and dirt can reduce a system’s performance in Orange County. Solar systems usually have an expected life of up to 25 years. Plus, systems receiving incentives under the California Solar Initiative are required to have at least a 10-year equipment warranty.

Q. Which Orange County solar technologies are covered under the California Solar Initiative?

A. Incentives are available for solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies (roofmounted, ground-mounted and building-integrated PV), non-PV electric displacing systems, and non-PV solar electric generating systems. In addition, Orange County customers of SDG&E may be eligible for incentives under the Solar Water Heating Pilot Program.

Q. How much are application fees?

A. There is no application fee for Orange County residential projects and other projects up to 10 kW.

Q. How can I check on the status of my application?

A. Your Orange County solar contractor can provide you with regular updates regarding the status of your application.

Q. How long will the application process take?

A. The California Solar Initiative Program Administrators target less than 30 days to confirm both Orange County residential and non-residential reservation requests. To help ensure your application is processed quickly, please take a minute to review your documents and avoid the most frequent issues encountered with applications: listed equipment does not match the Expected Performance-Based Buydown printout; missing signature(s); and incomplete or missing documentation.

Q. Must I go on a time-of-use (TOU) rate as a condition of California Solar Initiative? Will this cost me more in Orange County?

A. California Solar Initiative applicants are not currently required to take service on TOU rates unless otherwise required by other terms of their service. However, many Orange County customers benefit from TOU rates because solar production in the middle of the day generates electricity during peak periods, and customers receive a Net Energy Metering bill credit at the higher peak price. Customers should work with their solar contractor and utility to determine what rate is optimal for their unique situation after the installation of solar.

Q. When I get my California Solar Initiative-funded solar system installed, will I be “off-grid” in Orange County?

A. No. The California Solar Initiative Program only provides incentives for grid-tied solar systems in Orange County. When a system produces more power than the customer is using, the excess flows into the grid; at night or whenever site load is greater than the system’s generation, the customer draws power from the grid. Thus, consumers who install solar systems under the California Solar Initiative Program remain connected to the utility grid.

Q. Do I need a battery backup for my solar electric generating system in Orange County?

A. A battery backup for your Orange County solar system is unnecessary when your system is connected to your utility’s electric grid. The grid serves as a backup during times when your system is not producing electricity, for example, at night and on very cloudy days.

Q. What happens during a power outage in Orange County?

A. Your Orange County solar electric system is designed to shutdown immediately for safety reasons, unless it includes a battery storage system.

Q. Can my Orange County city, homeowners’ association or neighbor prohibit me from installing solar on my roof?

A. No. The California Solar Rights Act, enacted in 1978, limits the ability of codes, covenants and restrictions to restrict solar installations in Orange County.

Q. Is the power produced by the Orange County solar system any different from the utility power? Will it hurt my home appliances or business equipment?

A. No. The electricity generated by your solar system is no different from electricity delivered by your local utility in Orange County . The solar system connects directly to your utility panel or circuit breaker box, so it interfaces seamlessly with your utility power.

Q. Does a solar PV system have to meet local building codes in Orange County?

A. Yes. You will probably need to obtain a permit from the city or Orange County building department, and may be required to purchase a building permit and/or electrical permit to legally begin installation. A solar contractor should be able to assist you with local permitting issues.

Q. Can I install a solar PV system myself in Orange County?

A. While uncommon, self-installations are allowed so long as proper building permits are obtained and local codes are followed in Orange County.

Q. Where can I get more information in Orange County?

A. For additional information on Going Solar in Orange County California, fill out the form located towards the top of this web page and a Certified Orange County Solar Panel Installation Representative will contact you to answer any questions you may have.