FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SOLAR POWER is SMART and AFFORDABLE. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions. Our sales team would welcome the opportunity to show you the money saving benefits. Call for an appointment or by clicking the “contact” button at the top.
Wilhite Solar Solutions is Louisiana’s Largest Solar Company with over 250 systems installed. All of Wilhite’s solar power installers are Louisiana Board Certified Electricians. Wilhite Electric performs the complete installation. There is no need to call anyone else. WILHITE DOES IT ALL!
SWEPCO and the other companies are working with Wilhite Solar to promote the benefits of Solar Energy.
Electricity generated by solar panels is referred to as PHOTOVOLTAIC energy. This tongue twisting word is often shortened to "PV," and thus we refer to a solar system that generates electricity as a PV system. See our simple diagram of a PV solar electric system
Q. Who is Wilhite Solar Solutions, L.L.C.?
A. Wilhite Solar Solutions is a Louisiana limited liability company owned by Wilhite Electric Co. and a group of business people from Northwest Louisiana. Wilhite Electric Company is one of the largest electrical contractors in the state of Louisiana and has been in business since 1975. Wilhite Electric has been the electrical contractor on several multiple million dollar projects throughout Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The other partners of Wilhite Solar consist of businessmen with several years of sales and management experience, bankers, attorneys and government administrators.
Q. How much does a PV system cost?
A. The cost of systems varies depending on how many kilowatts the customer wants the system to produce. Wilhite Solar installs a standard roof mounted system costs $25,000 plus sales tax and permits. A pole mount system has an additional charge. Best of all, government tax credits and rebates will reimburse you for up to 80% of the cost.
Q. What are the Tax and Rebate Incentives and Benefits?
A. Louisiana leads the nation in solar incentives. Louisiana provides a 50% RefundableTax Credit for the cost of a PV system (up to cost of $25,000.00) to a Louisiana residence or apartment project. The Federal Tax Credit is 30% of the TOTAL cost of a residential or commercial solar system. The State of Louisiana’s Refundable Credit means that you will be refunded that amount less state income taxes you owe to the State.
Q. Where can I get more information about state and federal rebates and tax incentives?
A. For a comprehensive list of incentives, rules and regulations affecting solar energy go to www.dsireusa.org
Q. Is financing available?
A. INTEREST and NO PAYMENT for up to 18 months which makes it easy and affordable. You can start enjoying the savings and benefits immediately.
Q. What is a PV system?
A. “PV” stands for PHOTOVOLTAIC energy. PV technology produces electricity directly from electrons freed by the interaction of sunlight with a solar panel made of semiconductor material. The power provided is direct current (DC) electricity. The basic building block is known as a cell. Many cells put together are known as a module, and many modules assembled together form an array. A PV system will consist of an array of modules generating DC electricity, an inverter, and sometimes battery storage back up with charge controller.
Q. What is an inverter?
A. There are two kinds of electricity, DC and AC. Homes that are connected to utility power use AC electricity. Flashlights, small radios and automobiles use DC electricity. In order for you to be able to use solar to operate the appliances in your home, an inverter will convert PV power from DC to AC. Inverters can be further classified as units that use batteries (UPS) and those that use the utility grid as power storage (Grid-tied). Inverters are now required to possess meters that will indicate their performance and some manufacturers supply remote display units that can be mounted inside the home. It is important to check on your inverter regularly to become acquainted with its operation and performance.
Q. What is a "grid-tie" PV system?
A. A “grid-tie” system is a PV solar system that is connected to the home or business and remains connected to the local utility company. The building uses the electricity being produced by the PV solar system first and if additional electricity is needed it is pulled from the local power company’s grid.
Wilhite Solar Solutions may connect your solar system directly into the wires of your utility. Since the "Net Metering Law" allows you to do this, you will actually be spinning your meter backwards when your system is generating more power than you are consuming. When you generate excess electricity (more power than you are using) it will enter the grid and be used by your neighbors. Your meter will tally the excess and give credit your account. After a year the excess credits are eliminated and you balance is adjusted back to zero again. In effect, if there are any unused energy credits at the end of the year, the utility received this solar power for free.
Q. What is Net Metering?
A. Louisiana enacted the Net Energy Metering (NEM) law, which allows Louisiana residents to "sell" clean solar generated electricity, produced by their PV solar system, to their local utility company. When your PV solar system generates more electricity than the home is using the excess electricity is routed through your meter back to the utility company creating a credit to you.
Q. Will my property taxes go up if I install a solar energy system?
A. A Wilhite Solar Power System will add to the value of your home and is exempt from property taxes.
Q. How long will the system last and does it come with a guarantee?
A. Solar PV panels have a 25 Year Warranty and a 50-year life expectancy. Most inverters have a 10-year warranty. Wilhite Solar guarantees to the installation for 5 years.
Q. How sturdy will the system be and what maintenance if any is required?
A. Solar panels are very durable. They are made from the same materials that the windshield of your car is made of. Solar panels require very little maintenance, which consists of keeping the panels clean. This can be done as needed and easily using a window washing solution attached to a power sprayer or simply rinsing the panels with a water hose.
Q. What about in the case of severe weather?
A. Our systems are designed to withstand 120 mph winds. Solar PV Systems are covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy for damage due to natural causes.
Q. How involved is the installation?
A. Wilhite’s certified solar installers sill usually have your system installed in less than a day for standard roof mounted systems. Pole mounted systems will require an extra day to install the pole. Generally, there is no requirement for special wiring or re-wiring.
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