FAQs

Definitively yes!! The high price of electricity makes the financial side of solar work out. Snow is actually a small factor for solar power in Alaska. We get as much daylight as any other place on earth. We just get it more in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Our summer days are long and the sun is more intense, this means lots of kilowatt hours (kWh) and savings then. In the winter, the days are short and the sun intensity is low so there is little potential. So if solar panels are covered in the winter, the lost cents and kWh’s are small.

1) The production from an average week in June is equal to all of December and January combined. So summer is where the money is at.

2) Our verified calculations show losses from snow average about 4-5% of the annual total.

Typically, the solar installation process takes about two days for the roof work. We will handle the permit preparation and submission with utmost efficiency. However, please note that the review and approval process by the Municipality and utility company could take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.

With grid-tied, net-metered systems, there is no need for traditional batteries. Instead, your electrical utility acts as the battery for your system. It diligently monitors your energy production and offsets any surplus energy generated throughout the month by adjusting your monthly electrical consumption.

Alaska Solar is proud to offer top-of-the-line lithium-ion batteries for uninterrupted power supply during blackouts. Our batteries are eligible for the same tax credit as your solar system, as they are seamlessly integrated with your solar array. With a robust capacity of 10 or 20 kWh and the ability to provide up to 4.8 kW of continuous power, you can rest easy knowing that your home will be powered no matter what.

Solar panels are extremely reliable as they don't have any moving parts, making them highly resistant to breakage or malfunction. Moreover, the manufacturer's warranty for both the solar panels and microinverters ensures that you can enjoy tax-free solar savings for more than 25 years.

PV systems require minimal maintenance. While cleaning panels with water is acceptable, we have found that regular rinsing results in only a 1% increase in production. Due to the potential danger of climbing onto a roof and the small difference in production, we suggest avoiding panel rinsing. Wind, rain, and snow effectively clean the panels on their own.

Solar panels are affected by shade caused by leaves, snow, and debris. This is because the cells in each panel must be wired in series, so if one cell is blocked, it will lower the production of the others. Even a small bit of shade can decrease production by almost half. To increase solar production, it is important to remove any obstructions, such as trees or wires.

When it comes to removing snow from solar panels, you can count on a clean push broom or plastic shovel to do the job safely. However, be cautious not to step on the panels as they can become slippery when coated in snow, frost, or water. Ben our owner, was able to earn $0.15 per day in December and January by clearing snow from his panels, making the return on effort minimal before it snowed again.

In the event that solar panels are obstructed by snow, frost, or fog, they will exhibit "NC" or zero watts. Nevertheless, once they are cleared and exposed to sunlight, they will promptly return to their regular output and communication.

Your home's electricity consumption is powered by your PV system before it reaches the utility meter. As a result, the solar power usage is not included in the power section of your utility bill. It's important to note that the solar monitor and meter measure different aspects. The APSystems EMA app measures solar production from the panel's perspective, while the electric utility measures it from the meter's perspective. The meter export to the grid is the solar production minus the home consumption. The EMA app will always show more than the export to the utility through the meter. The monitoring device is crucial in determining the actual solar production since the home's consumption affects it.

In the event that you encounter "NC" displayed on the module panel, it indicates a communication issue. This can be caused by a blocked radio signal or other software problems. Typically, this resolves itself within 1-2 days unless the panels are covered in snow. However, if the problem persists, do not hesitate to contact Alaska Solar at info@aksolarpower.com. It's important to note that solar production is independent of monitoring communication, so the inverter and solar panels are likely still functioning normally.

If a panel is only receiving 0-4 watts despite being in full sunlight with no shading or obstruction, it's possible that there's a problem with the inverter or system. To ensure that your solar system is functioning efficiently, please contact Alaska Solar right away via email at info@aksolarpower.com.

If you're experiencing a lack of internet connection on your system, it could be because of a recent change in your wifi password or router. Don't worry, we've got you covered. You can find a helpful WIFI Connection Guide in our app or check out our FAQ website page for more information.