John from Edison, NJ has been a Green Sun Energy Services client since September of 2012, when we fitted a revenue-grade production meter to the solar system at his house. It is an Itron Centron digital meter on a dedicated solar breaker in the main panel, and it was working by the middle of November. Metering of this grade is what allows generation to be reported for SREC purposes rather than estimated. Edison is in Middlesex County.
Project Facts
- Location
- Edison, NJ
- Service
- Solar Upgrades
- Client since
- September 2012
Solar questions from Edison homeowners
What happens to production in winter?
Panels keep producing, but shorter days normally mean lower monthly output than spring and summer. Cold modules actually operate efficiently; what reduces winter production is day length, sun angle, cloud, snow cover and shading. A properly designed system models production across the whole year rather than a good month.
What is rapid shutdown?
A code safety requirement intended to reduce hazardous voltage in controlled areas of a rooftop array during an emergency -- so that firefighters are not working around energised conductors. Modern residential systems achieve it with compliant module-level electronics and listed inverter equipment.
What should a Edison homeowner look for in a solar company?
One that can design, permit, interconnect, install, commission, monitor and service the system, and explain the structure accurately. That means twelve months of real usage, a realistic production model, correct kW and kWh arithmetic, orientation and shading, structural capacity, the rooftop code requirements, the electrical articles for photovoltaic systems and grid interconnection, rapid shutdown, manufacturer installation instructions, utility interconnection and net metering, incentive registration, roof age and condition, penetration and waterproofing detail, the panel, inverter, mounting and workmanship warranties, monitoring, and service after the installation. The question worth asking is not who quoted least, but which company has designed the best long-term system for the house and will still be able to support it years from now.