FAQ

Photovoltaic panels are comprised of many silicon semiconductor cells. Phosphorous and boron are added to the silicon; these elements create conductivity within the cell and activate the movement of electrons. When activated with energy from sunlight, electrons move across the cell into the electrical circuit connected to the solar panel. One cell produces very little power on its own, but when strung together in a series, the cells work together to create substantially more power.

Solar electric systems are generally useful for 30 years or more. SunPeak's panels come with a 25-year production warranty, ensuring that the system is running at maximum efficiency throughout its useful life.

Businesses looking to invest in solar can be assured that the technology is sound, reliable, and presents very little additional risk to building or personnel safety. While it’s important to work with a reputable solar provider to ensure the system is properly engineered and installed, all solar providers are required to comply with stringent federal code requirements for components and system integration, designed to protect property owners and occupants from danger. For more information, visit the blog post Are there Fire Risks Associated with Rooftop Solar PV?

The short answer is no. Because your PV system is connected to the grid, it is required to automatically shut down in the event of a utility power outage per the National Electric Code. Battery storage is an option, however the technology is still cost prohibitive for most businesses. Investing in a back-up generator for such occasions would be a more economical decision for businesses requiring uninterrupted power.

In most cases, battery storage is not necessary and will lengthen the return on investment of the system. This is particularly true in instances where the utility provides a favorable Net Metering arrangement, where excess power that is generated by your solar PV system is “stored” for you in the grid in the form of utility credits. SunPeak can help you determine if including battery storage with the solar PV system is a good fit for your operations.

Solar provides a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate and communicate your company’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost controls. These two powerful marketing messages resonate not only with customers, but with other important business stakeholders, including employees. As worldwide concerns continue to grow regarding climate change, industrial pollution and the depletion of fossil fuels, companies have a unique opportunity to stand out against competitors by taking a proactive approach. SunPeak includes SolarLog monitoring software on every installation, showing both historical and real-time energy production. This can be showcased on a website, or even displayed on a physical monitor in the entrance lobby as many of our clients choose to do.

A building permit is normally required, but requirements may vary depending on your local jurisdictional rules. SunPeak takes care of all permitting, paperwork and inspections on behalf of the customer.

Yes. Most commercial and industrial facilities with flat or low-pitch roofs are very conducive to a solar PV installation*. This type of roof is ideal for a ballasted (weighted) system, whereby panels can be mounted to the roof using concrete blocks. This type of application is advantageous as it requires no penetration of the roof membrane, therefore the possibility of roof leakage from the addition of solar is virtually eliminated. For flat-roof installations, SunPeak often uses an East-West (dual-tilt) design, which offers a low profile and maximizes the energy production capabilities of the available roof space.
*As with all installations, a site assessment is required to confirm the roof structure and roofing material has the structural integrity to withstand the weight of the system.

Standard business insurance policies typically cover the system with no additional premium costs, but it is still prudent to talk with your insurance provider. SunPeak has extensive experience working with commercial insurers, such as FM Global. FM Global requires PV systems to meet a thorough set of system safety and quality metrics that exceed industry standards, and we are proud to say that to date all of our FM Global-insured customers have received approval.

Solar photovoltaic systems use photovoltaic panels to produce electricity. Solar hot water, or thermal, systems capture sunlight to heat water. SunPeak exclusively provides solar photovoltaic systems.

The payback period for solar panels varies based on several factors. These considerations include the facility’s current electrical usage, the rate (cost) of utility power per kilowatt hour (kWh), the size of the solar PV system and the percentage of utility power it will offset, the cost of the solar PV system, and the availability of tax credits or other financial incentives. A reputable solar provider can help you figure out when your business will break even on the investment.

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is still available to businesses investing in solar. Currently, the ITC grants businesses a 26% dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their solar investment. There is a scheduled reduction in benefits over the next few years that is important to understand. Depending on the location of your facility(s), additional state or local incentives may be available. More specific information about the ITC and the accelerated depreciation benefits of solar can be found here.

It’s also important to note that many states and local entities offer financial incentives to businesses adopting solar. As an included service, SunPeak project developers research and apply for local incentives on behalf of every customer. They can provide more information on specific incentives available in your area.

Between state and local incentives, it is possible to offset the cost of the system significantly, sometimes upwards of 40 – 50% of the initial project cost.

SunPeak’s solar systems have no moving parts, so unlike other equipment that wears out with use, very little maintenance is required. In most instances, occasional rain is sufficient to keep the panels clean and functioning optimally. With SunPeak’s cloud-based monitoring platform, energy production and system data is communicated 24/7 to both the customer and the operations and maintenance team at SunPeak. If a panel or component needs attention, SunPeak can assist with diagnosis and repair. All of the components are warrantied, and SunPeak manages all warranty claims on behalf of its customers.