Maximus Solar. PA retail sales and wholesale distributor.

Sacramento, PA Office (570) 682-2040
Fax (570) 682-2040

Solar Electric and Water Heating for Your Home or Business                                                      
                              Hillsgrove, PA Office (570)924-4074  

Harrisburg, PA Area / Carlisle, PA  (717) 961-5009

Frequently Asked Questions

General Solar Questions:
Q:  Is there enough sun in PA for solar energy?
A:  The answer is yes, yes, yes!  PA gets 80% to 85% of the annual sunshine of Florida, so we need slightly larger systems to make the same amount of solar hot water and solar electric.

Q: What is the difference between solar panels that produce electricity and those that produce hot water?
A: There are two types of "solar panels", electrical and thermal. The electrical type is general referred to as a "photovoltaic module" or a "solar module." It is a solid state device or assembly of solid state devices and produces electricity only.  The thermal type of panel generally consists of water piping, glass and insulation and is generally much larger in size (often 4' x 10').

Q: Do the solar panels need to be mounted on my roof?
A:  Panels are often mounted on the roof, but can also be mounted on the ground. Ground locations are great if the house is shaded, or if dormers or other obstructions limit available space on the roof.

Q: Do the panels need to face south?
A: South is best, but panels installed facing east or west still heat a high percentage of usable solar energy. It is usually more effective (and more attractive) to install the panels in the same plane as the roof direction, rather than build an awkward mount to angle them.  Maximus Solar uses PolySun software to engineer and predict the efficiency of your installation.

Q: What angle should the panels be tilted?
A: Because of unfavorable seasonal weather patterns during the winter in eastern PA, the panels should favor a tilt that is weighted toward the summer months.  Modules are optimally mounted at a 30 degree tilt to take advantage of the sun angle in the summer months when it is high in the sky and the days are longer.

Q:  Are the panels fragile?
A:  No. While the panels are made of special tempered glass and aluminum, they are quite strong. They pass hail tests, and are regularly installed in Arctic and Antarctic conditions.

Q:  How long will the solar collectors last?
A:  Hot water solar panels have a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. Most predictions of actual useful life is over 25-years.  Photovoltaic panels have a 25 year warranty and may last 40 years.

Q:  Do I need to install a new roof before the solar panels are installed?
A:  Solar panels will last many years (over 25). Because of this, it is better for the roof to be in decent condition.  However it does make sense to install the panels so that they can be removed and reinstalled for new roofing. Also, after the panels are in place, they will reduce the wear on the roof by blocking ultraviolet rays, keeping snow and ice off the roof, and keeping objects from hitting the roof.  

Q:  What happens if the panels are shaded?
A:  Solar panels should be installed in areas where they get significant shade-free sun every day. Even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce the output. Our designs and installations seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through selection of the proper location and good engineering.

Q:  Does solar electric and hot water work for commercial buildings?
A:  Yes! Solar is great on office buildings, retail buildings, schools, and government facilities. Anywhere electric and hot water is needed, solar can be used.

Q:  Are there financial incentives for buying solar?
A:  At this time there is a 30% federal tax rebate.  PA Sunshine Program also provides grants to residential and business projects.  See the Rebates tab above. 

Q:  What is the payback/ROI of the system?
A:  Depending on factors including geographic location of the system, amount of solar radiation in that area and annual usage of the system, an average household of 4 can expect to recover the cost of a solar system within 6 to 8 years for hot water and as soon as 6.5 years for solar electric.  Federal tax credits and state grants offer a quick payback.

Photovoltaic (PV) Questions:

Q: What are the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system?
A: A PV system is made up of different components. These include PV modules (groups of PV cells), which are commonly called PV panels; one or more batteries: a charge regulator or controller for a stand-alone system; an inverter for a utility-grid-connected system and when alternating current (ac) rather than direct current (dc) is required; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework. 

Q: What is "PV"?
A: PV is short for photovoltaic (photo=light, voltaic=electricity). PV is a semiconductor-based technology used to convert light energy into direct current (dc) electricity, using no moving parts, consuming no conventional fuels, and creating no pollution.

Q: Will my meter go backwards?
A: If the solar system is producing more electricity then your home is using at a given moment, your existing meter will spin backwards and you will receive full credit from your utility company.  However, if you generate more power than you use annually, you will receive a credit from the utility at a lower price.  The credit will be similar to the price to compare rate on your utility bill.  This is called net metering.

Q: Will the utility pay me for the Kilowatt-hours I give them?
A: Most utility departments will not pay you, but rather offer you credit for the Kilowatt-hours you generate.  However, if you generate more power than you use annually, you will receive a credit from the utility at a lower price.  The credit will be similar to the price to compare rate on your utility bill.  This is called net metering.

Q: What is a battery-backed system and would I want one?
A: A battery-backed system allows for off-grid operation. A battery-backed system is necessary to operate during a black-out, or if you are installing a system not connected to a utility.

Q: What is the weight and size of PV panels?
A: A typical size panel is 39" x 65" and weighs about 45 tp 50 lbs.  The panels will add appoximately 3 pounds per square foot load to your roof.

Q: What is an SREC
A: Solar Renewable Energy Credits are clean energy credits issued in the form of a trade-able certificate. Whenever a solar power system generates 1,000kWh of power, the system owner earns one SREC. Utilities need to acquire the SREC's to comply with the PA Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard or they face penalties.  SREC prices are market driven and cannot be guarenteed.

Q: What size system should I install?
A:  Three things should be considered when designing a system:
    1) What percent of your electric bill would you like to cover, 50%, 100%?
    2) What type and size of mounting area do you have, roof or ground.
    3) What is your budget?  What can you reasonably afford?

Q: What are the maintenance costs for a PV system?
A:  There are no expected, regular maintenance costs for a PV system.  Dust can degrade the system performance because it reflects sunlight from the panels.  A simple rinse from a hose will eliminate dust.

Hot Water Questions:

Q:  Can I use a solar collector with my existing hot water system?
A:  Most often times solar collectors can be used with an existing system by installing our Solvelox on your existing hot water tank.

Q:  Do SolarHot solar heating systems require any maintenance?
A:  Maintenance of the system is negligible; however, an annual assessment of the solar system is recommended to help to maintain efficiency levels and to help avoid potential long term problems with the system.

Q:  Will water be heated on a cloudy day?
A:  Yes. Although the heat output of the solar collector is reduced on overcast days it will still be able to provide heating. If it is a heavily clouded day or raining, then more gas, oil or electric boosting may be required to maintain water at the required temperature. This system will be automated so you don't have to worry about running out of hot water on a rainy day.

Q:  How do I protect my solar system during subzero temperatures?
A:  Maximus Solar sells both drainback and glycol solar hot water systems. Both systems will work in extremely cold areas.  A glycol system uses a closed loop with a glycol/water mix.  A drainback system drains water from the collectors and outside areas when the collectors are not generating heat.

Q:  Can the SolarHot solar collectors heat water to a high enough temperature?
A:  Yes, in good weather the SolarHot solar collector can bring water close to the boiling point. Generally this is not necessary or desired and so the system should be designed to provide a daily storage tank temperature of 140 to 160 degrees in the summer.