Frequently Asked Questions

What is "PV"?

PV stands for Photovoltaic; one of the main methods for capturing the sun's energy is through the use of photovoltaic. Photovoltaic (PV) utilize the sun's photons or light to create electricity.

The photoelectric effect occurs when a beam of UV light, composed of photons (quantized packets of energy), strike one part of a pair of negatively charged metal plates. This causes electrons to be "liberated" from the negatively charged plate. These free electrons are then attracted to the other plate by electrostatic forces. This flowing of electrons is an electrical current. This electron flow can be gathered in the form of direct current (DC). This DC can then be inverted into alternating current (AC), which is the electrical power that is most commonly used in buildings.

2. How long does my PV module last?

PV modules last a long, long time. In decades-long tests, the fully developed technology of single- and polycrystalline modules has shown to degrade at fairly steady rates of 0.25%-0.5% per year.
Our solar panels come with a 20 year power output warranty (reflecting their manufacturers' faith in the durability of these products) and are expected to last at least twice that long. The power output warranty on the solar panels is provided by the manufacturer of the panels and states that at the end of the 20th year, the solar panel will still produce a minimum of 80% of their original power output. However, keep in mind that PV modules are seeing only six to eight hours of active use per day, so we may find that life spans of 60-80 years are normal.

3. What about warranty information on the system?

The solar panels have a 20-year manufacturer's warranty. The performance efficiency for panels, after 20-years, is warranted to be at least 80% of the initial output. Batteries generally last 5-10 years if properly maintained. BMM Technologies provides a 1-year guarantee on all installations. This includes annual inspections of your system(s) at no additional cost to you.

4. How strong are my panels?

The panels UL certified and tested to withstand 1/2-inch hail at 50 mph speed. Now this being pretty substantial force makes sure that regular stone, tree or hail cannot damage the panels in most cases.

5. What is the maintenance on my PV panels?

PV panels are almost maintenance free. Just you have to keep them clean.

6. If I move, can I take my solar electric system?

Although you can take your solar electric system with you if you move, it usually is better to leave it on the original house because it increases the resale value of a home.

7. What is net-metering?

Net-metering measures the difference between the electricity you buy from your utility and the electricity you produce with your solar energy system. Under net-metering any excess electricity produced by your solar energy system spins your existing meter backwards, effectively storing the electricity until it is needed. Your meter than spins forward when your solar energy system is not producing all the electricity you are currently using. Your electric meter keeps track of this "net" difference as you generate electricity and take electricity from the utility grid.

8. Why is net-metering important?

Because solar energy is an intermittent resource you may not be using the power when it is generated, and net-metering allows you to receive full value for the electricity you produce without installing and investing in a battery storage system.

9. How will the weather affect my solar electric system?

Solar electric systems are designed to withstand all weather conditions. Lightning, wind up to 80 miles per hour, and extreme temperatures are all things your solar system can handle. However, these conditions will temporarily reduce its energy production.

10. What's the effect of rain and fog?

In fog or unclear weather your system will still produce about 25-30% of normal. A steady rain cuts production but is great for cleaning your panels.

11. Is snow covering the panels going to reduce production?

You are absolutely right that during the time immediately following a snowstorm when the panels are covered the system production will be minimal. However, we place solar systems in the exact spot where sunshine is greatest. The first area to melt will be where the solar panels are located. Plus, the panels are tilted with a surface made of tempered glass allowing snow to easily slide off.

12. How long has PV been around?

The photovoltaic effect was first recognized by Edmund Becquerel, in France, in 1839. Scientists made solar cells of selenium in the 1880s. And, modern PV technologies were developed in the mid 1950s.

13. How does it store electricity so I can use it after the sun goes down?

The solar system has batteries. Electricity produced by the solar panels is stored in the battery bank and the battery bank generally has a back up of 2 to 3 days however the battery bank can also be increased if there are some particular requirements.

14. If I install a grid-tied system now, can I put battery-backed system onto it later?

Yes, battery-backed and grid-tied only systems use the same solar panels; The difference being the inverter and the addition of batteries.

15. How do I determine what size of system I need?

For starters, any size solar system will make in impact on your yearly power consumption. The bigger the system, the bigger the impact. To figure out how much of an impact, find the total number of Kilowatt-hours you used in the last 12 months. If an entire year's worth of bills is not available, annualize your average daily consumption. We have found the average home in this Area to use about 8,000 KW hours a year. A 1 KW solar system, will generate an average of 2000 KW hours in a year. Therefore, 1 KW will provide about 25% of an average household's yearly power consumption.

16. What are the markets for PV?

The largest market for PV today is in developing countries, in village power and remote communications systems (estimates indicate that more than 2 billion people world wide have no access to conventional electric power; if they have electricity, they use batteries or diesel generators). There are projections of large markets for utility grid support and for building-integrated PV systems in developed countries.

17. Does my solar system produce electricity on a cloudy day?

Yes, a solar panel does produce electricity even when it is not placed in bright sunlight. On a normal cloudy day there is always enough so-called diffuse light, by which the panel will produce electricity. However, the production of electricity is not as high as when the panels are placed in bright sunlight. So even on a cloudy day your panel will produce electricity.

18. Why BMM Technologies?

BMM Technologies is building its installation, integration and services business. We help residential and commercial customers understand solar, apply for incentives, obtain permits, and get net-metering for their systems. Our service crews are licensed and highly experienced in their respective trades.