Georgia Solar Power Company

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to our most frequently asked question. If you have other questions please feel free to Contact Us and we will be happy to assist you.
We may even add your question to our website.

How do you determine what size system to install?

A common misconception is that a system can be sized based on square footage. While the industry has tried to adopt some “rules-of-thumb” (i.e. 2 watt/hours/day per square foot of conditioned space) to size systems based on square footage, the practice is not completely accurate. To properly size a system, GASPC will evaluate the number of watt/hours your home or office uses. This is typically done by looking at past electric utility bills. In cases where this information is not available (i.e. new construction) we would supply the customer with a Load Worksheet to estimate the anticipated watt/hours to be used.
Helpful Documents: System Sizing 101


Are there any limitations that I should be aware of?
	Essentially the amount of power that can be generated by photovoltaic’s and/or wind generators is limitless. With enough solar panels and/or wind generators you can produce as much power as you need. However, there are several things that can produce limitations. This includes budget, available square footage for panels, zoning restriction and site conditions (i.e. too much shade).


What direction will the solar panels need to face?
	To be most effective, solar panels need a South, West or Southwest facing orientation. We can use an East facing orientation; however an arrays output will be reduced by about 15%.


Are there any permits required and will there be any zoning issues?
	Permit and zoning laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In most cases, both a photovoltaic and/or wind generator installation will require an electrical permit. In addition, wind generators are sometimes subject to review/limitations by your local zoning board. GASPC will work with you and your local zoning board and permit office to ensure the installation is done according to their requirements.


How much will it cost?
	The national average for a photovoltaic system installation is approximately $8.00 a watt. In most cases GASPC is able to provide turn-key system installations for < $7.00 a watt. Things that can affect cost are site conditions, installation requirements, permit and zoning requirements and electric company requirements.


What incentives or rebates are offered in my area?
	We recommend that you search the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency www.dsireusa.org to see what available in your area. We also recommend checking with your electric utility company to see what incentives they may offer as well.


Do you offer financing?
	GASPC does not offer financing options. However we will be happy to provide you with whatever information you need to secure financing with your financial institution. We can also provide you with the names of mortgage lenders that allow system costs to be included with your mortgage. In some cases you may even get a better rate.


What is the payback period?
	The payback period is different for every installation. Things that must be taken into account are what you are being charged per kw/hr, system size/cost, incentives offered, property value increase and what buyback options your electric utility company offers.


How long have you been in business?
	Our parent company Texas Solar Power Company (TXSPC) has been in the renewable energy industry since 1994. The GASPC office was opened in the summer of 2007 to handle on going east coast and international operations.


What certifications do you have?
	The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certifies installers on a national level. It is specific to a person, not a company, and is a voluntary certification. GASPC has NABCEP certified installers on staff.


What warranties are offered?
	Solar panels are warranted for 25 years and inverters usually carry a 10 year warranty. Solar panels are designed to last 50+ years; however, after 25 years they are expected to lose about 20% of their output capability. Our installation is warranted for 5 years. We do not warrant equipment or installation work against “acts of God”.


What services do you offer?
	GASPC specializes in the design, sales, installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems and equipment. Our services focus on photovoltaics, wind generation, solar thermal and rainwater collection for domestic water.


What if I need to replace my roof?
	If panels are mounted on a roof that needs to be replaced, the panels will need to be removed and reset once the new roof is installed. GASPC will do this work for a straight labor fee.


Will my electric company buy my excess electricity and what is net metering?
	In short, yes! Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Sec. 1251), all public electric utilities are now required to offer net metering to their customers. Under net metering, consumers who generate and export electricity to their electric utility’s grid are entitled to receive financial credit for at least a portion of that electricity.


How a photovoltaic/wind generation system work and what equipment is required?
	Please visit our How it works page.


Where can I get more information?
	For more information please Contact Us or visit our Links & Docs page.