Q. How do I know what size solar installation I need?

A. This is very important because an under-sized system may not perform to your expectations or needs. An over-sized system will simply waste your money. For this reason alone, you should have your system supplied by an expert in both the solar and electrical contracting businesses.

Q. Can I start small and add on later?

A. Yes, Beaudoin Electric can design a system that will provide enough power to operate a few essential items and then add to it as your needs change.

Q. What if there is no sun for a week?

A. It is common practice to use batteries for back-up power and Beaudoin Electric will size the battery bank to your budget and power requirements. The industry standard is a battery back-up that will provide electric power for 5-7 days.

Q. Do I need to be connected to the grid?

A. If you are already connected, power from your local utility company (the grid) is a great back-up system. You may decide to use utility power sometimes and solar at other times. If you are not connected to the grid, you may wish to use a back-up generator instead. Being connected to the grid or having a generator has its advantages: you may not have to invest in an over-sized solar or battery system just for those days when there is little sun or for the few times when you may draw more power than normal.

Q. Can I have wind or hydro power with solar?

A. Yes, you may be connected to solar, wind, hydro, generator or utility power all at the same time.

Q. Do I need to change my appliances?

A. Depending on your situation, solar power may cost more than utility company power, so the more efficient your appliances, the less power you will need. If some of your appliances are powered by gas or propane, this can also cut the cost of your solar power system.

Q. Do I need to change my lifestyle?

A. That depends on your budget and what you wish to power. If you plan to supply power to the whole house, consider, if at all practical, propane or natural gas for those appliances that draw a good deal of electrical power: your furnace, stove, dryer, hot water heater, and air conditioner. You may also want to consider a more energy efficient washer, TV and refrigerator.

If you want to power just a portion of your house with solar energy - to cut your utility bills and to have clean emergency power - you may elect to power your furnace, well, some lighting, a few outlets around the house and any security system or medical equipment you might have.

Q. Does it make a difference if the solar panels are pole or roof mounted?

A. Each solar site is unique. If you have few trees on the south side of your property and a south side slope to your roof, then roof mounting might be the best way. The appeal of pole mounting is easier access and maintenance. Also, consider this additional option: track mounted panels that follow the sun and never need adjusting.

Q. What is the cost?

A. Although solar can be expensive, Beaudoin Electric can design a system for a wide range of uses and budgets. A lot will depend on how much you wish to power.

Q. Who should I buy my system from?

A. This may be the most important question of all. If you shop around long enough, you may find a really cheap system, but that’s not what it’s all about. You need the right solar panels, the right inverter, the right charge controller, the right battery bank, the right system design and the right installer.

Many people who sell solar equipment have no installation experience. Some people break the law and put you in harms way. They sell and install, but are not properly trained. As a result, they may not even be licensed electricians. Some people will sell you anything you want rather than what you need. These are true-to-life situations we have come across in the solar power business.

Beaudoin Electric is a fully insured and licensed electrical contractor. Beaudoin Electric will design, sell, install and service your solar or wind system in Connecticut, Rhode island and Massachusetts. Beaudoin Electric also designs and sells systems for installation anywhere in the world.